Reborn as a Noble’s Son
Chapter 1147 - Chapter 1147 Chapter 1103 High Hopes

Chapter 1147: Chapter 1103: High Hopes Chapter 1147: Chapter 1103: High Hopes Qiao Yiren’s attitude puzzled Nie Zhenbang, leaving him somewhat bewildered. Logically, with Jinan City’s problems, as the direct superior of Jinan City, the Longxi Provincial Committee should bear certain leadership responsibilities, and Hu Shangzhi, as the top official, should be at the center of the storm. By common reasoning, the person the leader should have summoned today ought to have been Hu Shangzhi. How could it have become his turn to speak?

Nonetheless, Nie Zhenbang still nodded and said, “Leader, judging from the content of the letter, many issues were only touched on superficially, such as the matter of forcing people into prostitution, which was glossed over. The issues regarding the criminal underworld were also only briefly mentioned. I believe that some parts of the letter are true. As for this Teacher Ma Fuquan, I trust that the leader has also verified the authenticity of his identity through relevant departments. There should indeed be such a person. But, in my view, it’s impossible for a teacher to know so much. Most of it would likely be hearsay. A part of it is truthful, I think.”

After Nie Zhenbang finished speaking, Qiao Yiren also nodded in satisfaction and said with a smile, “Zhenbang, what I have always admired about you is your keen insight and observational skills.”

Continuing, Qiao Yiren spoke, “Your conjecture is not wrong. Based on the whistleblowing content from Ma Fuquan, quite a few things in there are probably untrue, but the issues involving Qinxixian First Middle School do exist for real. Additionally, I believe that the matters of violent threats and forced evictions during relocation are experiences Ma Fuquan may have also gone through. As for the specifics not being written, I’m afraid the person’s main reason is a form of self-protection. As for other aspects, although they seem to be rumors and hearsay, I feel that there’s no smoke without fire. This Zhao Clan Group indeed is extremely arrogant and rampant.”

At this point, Qiao Yiren paused and looked at Nie Zhenbang, “Zhenbang, regarding this matter, I have specially discussed it with Comrades Ding Jian, Ji Lin, Zhen Jun, and others. Our view is that the issues in Longxi Province are far from being as simple as Ma Fuquan has described. It’s very likely that the Zhao Clan Group has already spread a network throughout Longxi Province, and this network acts as a protective umbrella for the group. We hope you would take on this responsibility.”

“Me?” Nie Zhenbang was stunned, having considered many possibilities, but he had never thought that he would be tasked with governing Longxi.

During this summons by the leader, Nie Zhenbang pondered many possibilities, considering Yuzhou City previously and then Jiangnan Province, both of which were on the table, especially Jiangnan Province as early as March of this year. At the time, it had almost been decided to send him there directly. Originally, Nie Zhenbang thought that this summons was about appointing him to a position in Jiangnan Province. Unexpectedly, it was neither Yuzhou nor Jiangnan, but surprisingly Longxi Province.

Qiao Yiren smiled faintly, “Zhenbang, don’t be surprised. The affairs of Yuzhou and Jiangnan are indeed important. However, after a comprehensive consideration and weighing, we believe that Longxi is more important. This time, the decision to appoint you to a position in Longxi was unanimously agreed upon at the Standing Committee meeting. We have great expectations for you.”

Continuing, Qiao Yiren paused and then looked at Nie Zhenbang, “Furthermore, after careful deliberation and consideration, the Central Committee has decided, following prudent investigation, to add you to the Politburo at the party congress. This is an affirmation of you, and considering your work in Longxi, having such a status will make things easier. It reflects the organization’s trust and support in you. At the same time, the burden on your shoulders has grown heavier.”

As they spoke, knocking was heard from outside the door, and Liang Yuan entered, “Leader, Comrade Suzhou is here.”

“Oh, is it already twelve o’clock?” Qiao Yiren looked up and said, then added, “Alright, let Comrade Suzhou wait a moment; I’ll be right there. Tell the kitchen to prepare a few more dishes today, I’ll be treating both Suzhou and Zhenbang to lunch.”

At this moment, Nie Zhenbang was still immersed in shock, having been unexpectedly added to the Politburo.

At the core Nine Tripod meeting, a unanimous agreement typically indicated that there was no suspense left. His inclusion in the Politburo was now a foregone conclusion. He had thought it over and considered many possibilities, but such a sudden appointment to the Politburo, especially in such an emergency situation, genuinely surprised Nie Zhenbang.

The whole thing also felt strange. Right now, this opportunity to join the Politburo seemed in every way like some kind of compensation–getting handed the messy situation in Longxi Province, and in exchange, receiving the status of a Politburo member.

Shaking his head to dispel these negative thoughts, Nie Zhenbang stood up. There was no turning back at this point, he no longer had the luxury of choice.

Of course, he could choose not to go, but that would inevitably leave a bad impression with the core Nine Tripod, with President Qiao. Such a move was something Nie Zhenbang would never make. So, he had to steel himself and face the challenge head-on.

Leaving the study, Suzhou Wang stood up in the living room, “Leader, Comrade Zhenbang is also here.”

“Haha, Suzhou, I asked you to come have a meal–to talk organizational matters with Comrade Zhenbang later, that’s still something you’ll need to do,” President Qiao said with a smile.

Suzhou Wang paused for a moment, seemingly already aware of the situation, and smiled, “Comrade Zhenbang, congratulations.”

Hearing Suzhou Wang’s words, Nie Zhenbang also smiled faintly. At this moment, Nie Zhenbang’s smile appeared forced no matter how one saw it. It was clear from Suzhou Wang’s tone that he knew what was happening. Congratulations, congratulations on what? Moving from Hongjiang Province to Longxi Province was just a lateral shift, with both economies being roughly the same. Just from the standpoint of position, this was merely a lateral move.

Quite obviously, what Wang Suzhou was congratulating was my entry into the fray. Being a mere central committee member is a completely different concept from having a seat at the table; the latter’s position and seniority within the party and rank are distinctly higher than the former’s.

With the status of having a seat at the table, Nie Zhenbang would then have even more possibilities. Not easy at all, a forty-one-year-old, nominally forty-two, committee member. It’s a record, a precedent, across the nation, out of twenty-one committee members. Nie Zhenbang is undoubtedly the one with the most promising future.

The lunch at President Qiao’s was very plain and simple, a dish of chili fried meat, a dish of stir-fried green beans, a soup with water spinach and minced meat, and a portion of braised pork ribs. There was also Kung Pao chicken and braised winter melon. Five dishes and one soup in total. Three meat dishes, two vegetarian, plus one soup.

Together with Liang Yuan, four people were dining, six dishes in total, and moreover, it was President Qiao’s family banquet; it couldn’t be called anything but simple. In this era, even among ordinary people, it would be considered austere.

No alcohol was drunk; at President Qiao’s, it was midday, and there were work arrangements in the afternoon, naturally nobody would bring this up.

After lunch, President Qiao stood up; it had become his routine to take a half-hour nap every midday.

Nie Zhenbang and Wang Suzhou didn’t dare disturb him; both stood up, said their goodbyes, and left as Liang Yuan escorted them out of the Forbidden Sea.

At this moment, Wang Suzhou chuckled bitterly, “Zhenbang, my younger brother, it seems you hold some reservations against me.”

Seeing how Wang Suzhou was, Nie Zhenbang also smiled and said, “Minister Suzhou, that’s not very kind, such a big matter and not even a phone call to give me some mental preparation.”

Hearing this, Wang Suzhou chuckled bitterly. Wasn’t this matter decided by Jiuding’s core? At the meeting, a consensus had already been formed. Could he have said anything?

“My brother, you have to understand my difficulties in Jingcheng, it’s not like being in the provinces, far from the emperor. Your network and foundation are solid. I am treading on thin ice, every step taken with extreme caution.”

At this point, Wang Suzhou shifted the conversation, “My brother, you must still be puzzled, wondering why the higher-ups are considering sending you to Longxi. I can tell you about this; Hu Shangzhi of Longxi is fully recommending you. Hu Shangzhi was diagnosed with lung cancer, already in the late stages. Until three days ago, after fainting in the office, it was discovered. He’s now in the Central Military Hospital receiving treatment.”

“When the leaders went to visit, Hu Shangzhi reported his work to the organization. In his work in Longxi Province, Hu Shangzhi felt somewhat powerless. When his opinion was sought, he strongly recommended you to succeed him in his position. Shall we go over and take a look?” Wang Suzhou shared some details with Nie Zhenbang.

Hearing this, Nie Zhenbang was also stunned for a moment. No wonder President Qiao avoided discussing Hu Shangzhi’s matter. So there was such a thing.

Nie Zhenbang had had interactions with Hu Shangzhi, back when he was stationed in Bashu. At that time, during the ancient sky-high speed rail project, Longxi and Bashu had an intimate cooperation plan. Hu Shangzhi gave the impression of being strong, of having a strong grip on things. Unexpectedly, in just over three years without seeing him, he was already on his deathbed.

Life’s encounters are truly unpredictable. Who would have thought that after the appointment of a new governor in Longxi Province, Hu Shangzhi’s authority would be challenged, and under the pressure, he eventually contracted such an illness.

With a sigh, “Ah, Old Hu, you really think too highly of me. I, Nie Zhenbang, am no god; I am utterly ignorant about the affairs of Longxi Province, and I may not handle them well either.”

This statement made Wang Suzhou laugh, “My brother, your abilities are well known. Hu Shangzhi’s recommendation is one aspect, but more importantly, it’s perhaps the attitude and opinions of the leaders. Your abilities have been recognized; that’s why they have high hopes for you. Old Hu’s opinion is not the main factor.”

A bit emotional and filled with sentiment, he pondered for a moment and nodded, “Alright, alright. Minister Suzhou, stop explaining. With Old Hu in that condition, what is there for me to haggle over?”

Speaking, Nie Zhenbang nodded, “Well then, since we’re in Jingcheng, let’s go and have a look together.” (To be continued. If you like this work, welcome to Qidian (NovelFire.net) to vote for recommendation tickets and monthly tickets, your support is my greatest motivation.)