Reborn as a Noble’s Son
Chapter 1148 - Chapter 1148 Chapter 1104 In-depth Conversation

Chapter 1148: Chapter 1104: In-depth Conversation Chapter 1148: Chapter 1104: In-depth Conversation In the special ward for high-ranking officials at the military hospital, at this moment, inside the suite, Hu Shangzhi lay in bed. By Hu’s side were his family members and his secretary stood outside, while a few cadre-like individuals whispered in the hallway.

As Nie Zhenbang and Wang Suzhou stepped into the hospital room, a woman, around the age of fifty and exuding an air of graceful nobility, stood up from beside Hu Shangzhi.

Wang Suzhou began, “Comrade Xiangyu, allow me to introduce Nie Zhenbang from Hongjiang Province. Upon hearing about Old Hu’s situation, Comrade Zhenbang specially came to visit.”

The news of Nie Zhenbang’s transfer to Longxi was, at present, only known to a small circle. Within that core group, it would not be easily divulged. At a lower level, among the national provincial leadership, only Hu Shangzhi and Wang Suzhou were aware of it.

In the current gathering, with a mix of visitors surrounding Hu Shangzhi, Wang Suzhou naturally would not reveal it casually. Therefore, in his introduction, he still began with Hongjiang Province.

By Hu Shangzhi’s side, his children and secretary, upon hearing Wang Suzhou’s introduction, were taken aback for a moment, casting sidelong glances at Nie Zhenbang.

This was a legendary figure in the country’s officialdom. The youngest city mayor, the youngest deputy provincial cadre, the youngest provincial-level official. Nie Zhenbang had set many records, and at the same time, his reputation for economic development was widely known.

Hu Shangzhi’s wife, surnamed Zhou and named Zhou Xiangyu, also froze for a second upon hearing Wang Suzhou’s introduction. On her haggard face, a flicker of gratitude appeared. The world’s coldness and the warmth of human relations–Zhou Xiangyu had experienced far too much during her husband’s critical illness.

Glancing around the hospital room, at those standing inside and outside, aside from their children, who among them didn’t have their own hidden agendas? These were all Old Hu’s close associates, and now, they were all worrying about one question: if Old Hu were to pass away, what would become of their futures?

As for the provincial leaders, apart from the first day’s visit, there had been no further news. Regarding leaders from other provinces and cities, Nie Zhenbang was the first.

Zhou Xiangyu extended her hand and shook hands with Nie Zhenbang, saying, “Secretary Zhenbang, thank you for visiting Old Hu, you truly are thoughtful.”

As she spoke, Zhou Xiangyu already moved to the bedside, softly calling, “Old Hu, Old Hu, Secretary Nie Zhenbang from Hongjiang Province has come to see you.”

For a cancer patient enduring tremendous pain, unless in a coma, the sleep is very light.

At the sound of his wife’s call, Hu Shangzhi opened his eyes and immediately fixed his gaze on Nie Zhenbang, observing both him and the nearby Wang Suzhou. A faint smile formed on Hu Shangzhi’s face.

“Secretary Nie, thank you for your concern,” Hu Shangzhi struggled to sit up, propping himself halfway on the bed.

By now, Hu Shangzhi’s figure was emaciated, his cheekbones protruding, his eye sockets deeply sunken. The cancer cells were gradually devouring his body and nutrients.

Glancing over at those present, Hu Shangzhi’s voice sounded hoarse, “Minister Suzhou, Xiangyu, could you step out for a moment? I have something I would like to discuss with Secretary Nie.”

“Hehe, of course, Old Hu, you should focus on your recuperation. Don’t worry about work matters,” Wang Suzhou said with a smile.

Zhou Xiangyu hesitated but nodded, ushering her children and the secretary out. She also helped close the door behind them.

Now, in the hospital room, only Nie Zhenbang and Hu Shangzhi remained. After a moment of silence, Hu Shangzhi spoke slowly, “Younger brother Zhenbang, this time, I’ve dragged you down, hurt you. In hindsight, I shouldn’t have recommended you to take over my position.”

He was speaking in veiled terms, but Nie Zhenbang naturally understood. According to the usual practice and career trajectory, Nie Zhenbang had already accumulated a wealth of experience at the provincial level. First working in Bashu, he had made significant achievements in various fields during his two years as the governor of Bashu Province. Then, during his time at a state-owned enterprise, he had firmly established the foundation of Huaxia Group. Taking charge in Hongjiang, he had been exceedingly successful.

Following such a trajectory, the most appropriate next step would be for Nie Zhenbang to be transferred to a directly-administered city, taking on a term there, and smoothly entering the core circle, until later advancing to the central stage.

Now, after his own recommendation, the fact that Nie Zhenbang had come to visit indicated that the higher-ups had accepted his suggestion, otherwise, Nie Zhenbang would not have come. This meant he had disrupted Nie Zhenbang’s career arrangement.

Hearing this, Nie Zhenbang smiled calmly, looking at Hu Shangzhi, “Old Hu, don’t think too much about it. Your main priority now is to recuperate. The medical techniques these days are very advanced. I believe you will gradually recover.”

Old Hu gave a wry smile and gestured with his hand, “Younger brother Zhenbang, I am well aware of my own health, so there’s no need for you to console me anymore. My entire life has been rooted in Longxi Province, the simplicity of the men from Xibei, the forthrightness of the women, I deeply love this land. However, my own abilities are limited. I have not worked exceptionally well in Longxi Province, and that is what I feel most guilty about.’To be an official for one term and bring benefits to one region,’ in this regard, I am unqualified.”

As he spoke, Hu Shangzhi paused and gestured for Nie Zhenbang to not interrupt, then continued, “After discovering this illness, I was transferred to Jingcheng for treatment. President Qiao, President Mu, and other leaders visited me. Regarding the issue of my successor in Longxi Province, I ultimately still recommended you. I hope that you do not hold any grudges.”

Hearing this, Nie Zhenbang smiled and said, “How could I? Old Hu, you’re overthinking it.”

Hu Shangzhi waved his hand, “Younger brother Zhenbang, don’t comfort me. I am clear about the situation in Longxi Province, and the political landscape there is quite complex too. There’s disunity within the provincial committee, it’s just a pity that my own abilities weren’t enough. I wasn’t able to do some work well. But I believe that you can. I told the leaders, looking across the country, the only one who can do well in Longxi’s work is Nie Zhenbang. This isn’t flattery, it comes from my heart.”

While speaking, Hu Shangzhi unexpectedly took out a black-covered notebook from underneath his pillow and handed it to Nie Zhenbang, “I’ve had this notebook under my pillow for quite a while. Since my transfer here, it’s always been right here. Inside are my summaries of the work in Longxi Province and some generalizations during the development process of Longxi. It’s just a pity that I can no longer continue to work for the country and the people. But handing it over to you, I feel at ease.”

Opening the notebook, neatly recorded were various items.

“Old City District renovation plan in Ancient City, funding gap of 6.3 billion. Comrade Liu Zhen Tao has a different opinion. Further coordination is needed.”

“Development zone upgrading plan in Yongzhou City, scheduled to visit the National Development and Reform Commission Director Hou Yunsheng in Jingcheng in August.”

“There are quite a few complaints from below regarding the situation in Jinan City, the petition departments have also reported back several times, the affairs of the Zhao Clan Group in Jinan City have a very bad influence. I have tasked the Provincial Discipline Inspection Commission with the investigation. There are quite a bit of opinions within the province.”

“Ancient High-Speed Rail is fully connected, about to open to traffic.”

“Severe soil erosion along the Yellow River. Groundwater resources in Inland are exhausted, and the problem of drought is imminent.”

And so on, numerous records, from small issues like welfare concerns of retired officials in the provincial government to comprehensive management of the Yellow River, to environmental protection issues across the province. Nothing was too trivial to be included in this notebook. There weren’t many factional records–just a leadership official’s life of hard work and dedication. Seeing this, the whole person of Nie Zhenbang was stunned.

Looking at Hu Shangzhi, Nie Zhenbang’s expression was firmer than ever before, his demeanor, more upright and serious than ever. He spoke in a deep voice, “Secretary Hu, rest assured. Your wishes, I will certainly help you fulfill them.”

Upon hearing Nie Zhenbang’s promise, Hu Shangzhi smiled, clearly delighted. It was the happiness of fulfilled wishes. He nodded, “Good, younger brother Zhenbang, I have faith in your abilities. You will definitely do better than I have. My life is pretty much over. In terms of work, I have let down the organization’s cultivation, betrayed the trust of my superiors. I am inadequate. At this moment, seeing that you have agreed, I am content. I firmly believe that my choice will bring a correct leader to Longxi Province.”

Seeing Hu Shangzhi becoming somewhat emotional, Nie Zhenbang also stepped forward and shook his hand. At this moment, Hu Shangzhi’s hand was very warm. Nie Zhenbang also spoke, “Old Hu, don’t talk like this, your work abilities are seen by the organization and are worthy of recognition. Right now, you don’t need to think about these things, focus on recuperating, stay positive, and optimistic, that’s what you need to do now.”

Leaving Hu Shangzhi’s room and coming out, Zhou Xiangyu and Hu Shangzhi’s children also came to greet him. Nie Zhenbang slowly said, “Sister-in-law, Old Hu is somewhat emotional, you should go in and persuade him. Minister Wang Suzhou and I will take our leave first, I will come to visit him again when I have time.”

Exiting the ward, several waiting leaders approached in the hallway, “Secretary Nie, hello. I am the Deputy Secretary-General of the Provincial Committee, Wang Daojing.”

“Secretary Nie, hello, I am the Secretary of the Liangzhou Municipal Committee, Yang Yicheng.”

“Secretary Nie, hello, I am the Secretary of the Yizhou City Committee, Zhou Chaoguo.”

Hearing these two men’s remarks, Nie Zhenbang’s face remained very calm, but inside he was churning with thoughts. Local cadres are not to be underestimated. From such simple messages, these two had surmised and speculated so much.

Their words were clearly that of subordinates to a superior, which implied they had almost figured it out. Of course, it also could not be excluded that the two men were closely connected to Hu Shangzhi’s faction.

Acknowledging them with a nod, Nie Zhenbang smiled and said, “Hello.”

After speaking, Nie Zhenbang no longer paid attention to the three and left the military hospital with Wang Suzhou. (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to vote on NovelFire.net. Your support is my greatest motivation.)