Reborn as a Noble’s Son
Chapter 1140 - Chapter 1140 Chapter 1096 Planning and Operation

Chapter 1140: Chapter 1096: Planning and Operation Chapter 1140: Chapter 1096: Planning and Operation In Liangxi City, Nie Zhenbang did not linger for long. The main reason lay in the need to avoid suspicion. Despite the fact that Jiangbei Province Disciplinary Committee had submitted a request to the central government for Nie Zhenbang’s visit to Jiangbei, and it had been approved by both the central government and Jiangbei, Nie Zhenbang could still be considered a leader who had worked in Jiangbei and half a Jiangbei native. However, no matter what, Nie Zhenbang was now the top official of Hongjiang Province.

Spending too much time in Jiangbei Province could inevitably lead to some unfavorable rumors. For instance, Nie Zhenbang had his share of connections in Jiangbei, having a number of people who had worked under him. When an old leader visits Jiangbei Province, it is customary for everyone to pay a visit, much like Ning Zhiyuan did.

However, regardless of whether these visits were private or otherwise, they were bound to make Wang Chenglong from Jiangbei Province have some thoughts.

Out of the need to steer clear of suspicion, Nie Zhenbang would not stay in Jiangbei for too long. After spending one night in Liangxi City, he flew directly back to Hongjiang from there.

It was past four in the afternoon when Nie Zhenbang finally arrived at Hongcheng International Airport. Naturally, Hong Feng and Dai Fei had rushed to the airport to greet him.

“Secretary, regarding Ning Zhiyuan, what are you planning to do?” Chen Le asked from the car.

Before this, Chen Le had been holding back, not asking. During the time in Jiangbei, on one hand, there was a rush in scheduling, on the other, he considered the implications.

A top official from the Hongjiang Provincial Committee meddling in the promotion and appointment of a department-level cadre in Jiangbei Province, how would that be perceived? In terms of party hierarchy, Wang Chenglong, also a member of the Central Committee, wasn’t much lower ranked than Nie Zhenbang. Even in terms of economic status, Wang Chenglong was slightly ahead.

Now that he was back in Hongjiang, Chen Le no longer had such reservations.

Nie Zhenbang was also deep in thought. The matter concerning Ning Zhiyuan was not easy to resolve but it was of great importance and could not be ignored. By now, it had become an unavoidable hurdle.

“We still need to address it, just as I told Ning Zhiyuan in Liangxi City. I can only support this matter,” Nie Zhenbang answered in a very calm voice and tone.

Chen Le nodded in agreement and said with a smile, “Ning Zhiyuan has indeed posed a difficult challenge for you this time.”

Ning Zhiyuan’s timing was well-calculated. Just as Yi Jun’s issue was unfolding, he proposed such a notion, and given his own rank had reached a certain level, this inherently placed Nie Zhenbang in a difficult situation.

If Nie Zhenbang decided to remain indifferent and leave Ning Zhiyuan out, one could imagine what the officials from Nie’s faction in the Jiangbei officialdom would think. The case of Yi Jun served as a clear warning. Without support from Nie’s side, people would naturally think that following Nie’s faction offered neither protection nor assurance of promotion and benefits. Why then should anyone align with Nie’s faction?

For Nie Zhenbang, Jiangbei and the Ning family had been part of Nie’s faction starting from Ning Zhiyuan’s father. If Nie Zhenbang turned a blind eye to Ning Zhiyuan’s situation, the entire faction would take notice. This was something that could not be disregarded.

“Let’s set aside Zhiyuan’s situation for now. Old Chen, you keep a close eye on Yi Jun’s case. You have extensive connections within the political and legal systems, so in this matter, give it your special attention. Without violating the law or discipline, help out where possible. When the time is right, I will personally report to Comrade Zhen Jun,” Nie Zhenbang stated somberly.

Although, in front of Yi Jun, Nie Zhenbang had displayed fairness and magnanimity, and expressed profound regret.

Yet, out of sight and behind Yi Jun’s back, Nie Zhenbang still found it hard to completely let go.

Even so, Nie Zhenbang would not defy the law for Yi Jun. In fact, Yi Jun’s case had already been reported to the higher authorities, and since Comrade Zhen Jun was now aware of it, it meant there was no room for maneuvering; the case had to be handled according to the law.

Moreover, even if it had not been reported, Nie Zhenbang would not act differently. Those who deserved to be strictly punished by law would still face their consequences. It was just that Nie Zhenbang, like he did now, would only discuss it privately.

Within the bounds of the law and being as reasonable and lawful as possible, to ensure Yi Jun could receive a lighter sentence was the greatest extent to which Nie Zhenbang could go.

After dropping Chen Le off at his home, Nie Zhenbang turned to Dai Fei and said, “Xiao Dai, drive me back. I’m a bit tired.”

This statement surprised Dai Fei. Over the past few years, just like Hong Feng, Dai Fei could be considered one of the closest people to Secretary Nie. Dai Fei could not recall a time when Secretary Nie had claimed to be tired.

Glancing over at Hong Feng and seeing him nodding slightly, he watched Nie Zhenbang enter the Emerald Elegance Pavilion. With a sigh, Hong Feng said, “Old Dai, let’s go back. Secretary Nie is mentally exhausted. Comrade Yi Jun was the first secretary of Secretary Nie since his entry into politics, and his fall is the last thing Secretary Nie wanted to see.”

…

Upon returning home, just as he came out of the elevator, the door opened. This side of the building was equipped with a device. As soon as the elevator door opened on his home floor, a pre-warning was triggered, much like a doorbell.

At the door, An Na looked at Nie Zhenbang and approached to greet him, taking his briefcase. She said softly, “Husband, this is not your fault.”

The issue with Yi Jun certainly couldn’t be hidden from them. Nie Zhenbang waved his hand and smiled, “I’m alright, don’t worry. Everyone walks their own path, and as an adult of sound mind, as someone who is rational, if you make a mistake, you must bear the responsibility and consequences for your actions.”

“Husband, it takes all sorts to make a world. It’s normal for a large ship to have a few rusty nails from time to time,” Dong Wan walked out from the room, her tone and demeanor as calm as ever.

Li Lixue also emerged from the kitchen and said, “Husband, don’t worry about it, go take a shower. The matters in Hongjiang are still waiting for you.”

Seeing the attitudes of the three women, Nie Zhenbang couldn’t help but smile wryly. He sat down on the sofa and naturally wrapped his arms around Dong Wan and An Na, chuckling, “You don’t really think I’m burdened, do you? Rest assured. What I’m contemplating is not this issue.”

After taking a bath, the family had dinner together, and then Nie Zhenbang stood up, picked up his teacup, and walked into the study.

He took out his cell phone, scrolled through his contacts, and dialed Wang Suzhou’s number. No matter what, Ning Zhiyuan’s matter had to be dealt with. And even more, it needed to be done well. Done successfully. Otherwise, it would indeed have a huge impact on his own faction.

The phone was quickly answered, and Wang Suzhou’s hearty voice came through, “Haha, Zhenbang, calling so late, is there something the matter?”

Nie Zhenbang, in turn, also spoke with a smile, “Minister Suzhou, I hope I’m not disturbing your rest.”

“Haha, brother Zhenbang, why so formal? I’ve just finished dinner and was resting. Is there something you need?” Wang Suzhou laughed.

The relationship with Nie Zhenbang was something Wang Suzhou had always managed with utmost care and caution. Given Nie Zhenbang’s age and connections, it could be virtually assured that, barring any major errors, Nie Zhenbang was destined to have a seat among the core of the leadership in the future.

At this moment, Wang Suzhou’s approach was an investment, a strategic connection like the precious goods of Lu Buwei who ultimately built a vast Qin Empire. Wang Suzhou admitted he didn’t possess Lu Buwei’s abilities. But still, a measured investment was within his power.

Maintaining this relationship with Nie Zhenbang meant that once Zhenbang rose to power in the future, it would be a vast network of connections for him.

After exchanging pleasantries, Nie Zhenbang got straight to the point, “Minister Suzhou, I’m calling this time mainly to inquire about the personnel issues in Jiangbei Province.”

At the mention of the topic, Wang Suzhou’s interest was piqued and he said with a smile, “Brother Zhenbang, you have plans for Jiangbei Province, don’t you?”

They were both astute enough to understand each other’s intentions without much need for words.

Nie Zhenbang, the man in charge of Hongjiang, concerned about the personnel affairs in Jiangbei–his motives were self-evident, especially considering that he had just visited Jiangbei.

After a moment of thought, Wang Suzhou also seriously said, “The personnel issues in Jiangbei have largely been settled, and a consensus has been reached among the leaders above. The position of the Executive Vice Governor is quite complex at the moment. Ning Zhiyuan is indeed qualified and experienced, but I fear this matter won’t be easy.”

Nie Zhenbang didn’t take Wang Suzhou’s words to heart. So-called difficulties were often just formalities. If it were presented as easy, the favor would seem small. That was normal–in some cases, even if it were just a matter of speaking a word, it would still be portrayed as being difficult.

Based on his understanding of Wang Suzhou, although Wang wouldn’t necessarily do so, there was still room to maneuver regarding Ning Zhiyuan’s issue.

Immediately, Nie Zhenbang responded with a smile, “Minister Suzhou, success depends on one’s efforts, right? Opportunities are always there for those who strive for them. Having an ambitious mindset is essential for progress. I’m actually quite curious now. Just how complex is the situation in Jiangbei? I’d appreciate it if you could enlighten me, Minister Suzhou.”

As he finished speaking, Wang Suzhou pondered for a moment then replied with a smile, “Currently, based on Wang Chenglong’s view in Jiangbei Province, there are roughly three qualified candidates: one is the Standing Committee Vice Governor Li Honghua, one is Ning Zhiyuan, and another is the Provincial Committee Secretary-General Wen Yuhe. At the moment, Li Honghua has the greatest chance, since he already serves on the Standing Committee and his seniority is evident. More importantly, he comes from the Li family.” (To be continued. If you like this work, welcome to Qidian (NovelFire.net) to cast your recommendation votes and monthly votes, your support is my greatest motivation.)