Reborn as a Noble’s Son
Chapter 1168 - Chapter 1168 Chapter 1124 Luo Qiuliangs Decision

Chapter 1168: Chapter 1124: Luo Qiuliang’s Decision Chapter 1168: Chapter 1124: Luo Qiuliang’s Decision At six in the evening

At this time, it was, in fact, just a short while after getting off work. In the Family Quarter No. 1 of the Ancient City Committee, Luo Chuncui, the Secretary of the Ancient City Committee, was unfailingly seated in front of the television.

This was a habit of Luo Qiuliang. As long as there were no social engagements or other matters, and he wasn’t working overtime, he would watch the Longxi News Broadcast and the national “Daily at Seven” at home every day. As a mid-senior level official, there were many ways to stay informed about current political news. Internal briefings, personal networks–these were all sources of information. But news broadcasts were also an important channel for understanding the situation.

This was similar to the situation in the eighties when debates about reform were rampant, and newspapers were the most significant reference source of information at the time.

From news media, from those commentaries and on television, you could spot certain indications.

Today, Luo Qiuliang had turned down all social invitations, he had even delegated his attendance at a business cocktail party scheduled for that evening to other leaders. The main reason he returned home was that today during the day, Nie Zhenbang had inspected Jinan City, and it was certain that the visit would be featured on the evening news.

At this moment, the news had just begun. The screen showed the two newscasters, and the first piece of news was about the activities of the provincial committee’s leadership.

“Today, the Provincial Party Secretary Nie Zhenbang inspected Jinan City.”

“This morning, the Provincial Governor Liu Zhentao received the visiting Deputy Chairman Fujita Koji of the Dongying Automobile Industry Association at the Provincial Party Committee Meeting Center.”

Luo Qiuliang didn’t care much for these brief updates. The detailed reports that followed were what he was focused on.

As he watched Nie Zhenbang’s speech during his inspection in Jinan City, and especially during his visit to the Zhao Clan Group–with a stoic expression on his face–Luo Qiuliang felt a jolt in his heart. Secretary Nie certainly lived up to his reputation.

As a standing committee member of the province and the Secretary of the Ancient City Committee, Luo Qiuliang’s capabilities were indeed commendable. In Longxi, the two brothers had successively served as the Secretaries of the Ancient City Committee, which for a time, was a celebrated matter in the halls of Longxi politics.

After watching the entire news broadcast, Luo Qiuliang pondered for a moment, then picked up the phone on the desk and dialed a number. The phone rang, and a hearty laugh came from the other end: “Qiuliang, it’s about today’s news broadcast, isn’t it?”

At these words, Luo Qiuliang showed no surprise. Others might not understand his elder brother Luo Chuncui’s capabilities, but Luo Qiuliang was well aware. Describing his brother with the phrase ‘born at the wrong time’ was apt. Back then, he was also a key official primed for development. Unfortunately, at that time in Longxi Province, the strong presence of Hu Shangzhi and Liu Qiuhe stifled Luo Chuncui’s progress. Later on, as he grew older and sought advancement, the upper echelons took a keen interest in Longxi, and the various powerful families set their sights accordingly, leaving no opportunities for him.

However, in terms of capabilities, Luo Chuncui was undoubtedly competent, which Luo Qiuliang knew very well.

After a moment’s thought, Luo Qiuliang nodded and said, “Elder brother, looking at this, it seems that Secretary Nie is preparing to make his move. His tactics may not be dazzling, but elder brother, what do you think? Is Secretary Nie taking a risk here, or does he have a grand strategy in mind?”

As the question ended, Luo Chuncui’s voice came through again: “Qiuliang, what do you think?”

“Elder brother, to be frank, I always feel that Secretary Nie is taking a gamble. It also seems like a probe. The whole affair appears too hasty. The internal structure of the provincial authorities hasn’t been sorted out yet. The situations in various aspects are not fully understood, and the state of the party committee’s team hasn’t been clearly discerned. To make a move against the Zhao Clan Group so abruptly seems somewhat premature and rash. If it were me, I would certainly wait a while. At this time, I feel that Secretary Nie is taking a risk,” Luo Qiuliang laid out his analysis.

“Hehe, Qiuliang, you are underestimating Nie Zhenbang,” Luo Chuncui’s voice conveyed.

After a moment of silence, Luo Chuncui continued, “The capabilities of this old classmate of mine are not as simple as you think. I know him well; he was the youngest ministerial-level official in our class. I have carefully studied his political career. To describe him in four words: he strives for victory amidst danger. However, from this perspective, the danger is not the main thing–the victory is the key.”

These words startled Luo Qiuliang. He knew his elder brother’s character well; he never spoke without reason. Hearing his elder brother’s evaluation of Nie Zhenbang, Luo Qiuliang spoke up, “Elder brother, do you mean to say that Nie Zhenbang has calculated that there will be actions taken against the Zhao family?”

Luo Chuncui nodded. Now that he had truly stepped back, the things Luo Chuncui saw and heard were actually far broader than before.

It might really be a case of ‘the onlooker sees most of the game.’ In many matters and events, Luo Chuncui, because he no longer involved himself personally, saw things even more clearly.

He also nodded and said, “Indeed, before this, the reason why no one dared to touch the Zhao family was certainly due to several comrades from the provincial government running around. But the main reason was the mutual restraint. No one dared to make a move rashly. Even Liu Zhentao had the same thought. He feared that once he took action, others would join forces to stop him. His prestige would suffer, and it would benefit others. But now, with Nie Zhenbang’s appointment, this balance has been disrupted. Now that Nie Zhenbang has sent out such a signal, I am sure someone in the provincial committee can’t sit still anymore. As for the Zhao Clan Group’s mess, it has probably been thoroughly investigated by now. Now is the time to show our hand.”

Having said this, Luo Chuncui also sighed, “My old classmate has become even more shrewd and perceptive. Qiuliang, how about this: whenever you’re free, I’ll make arrangements to have dinner with Nie Zhenbang together.”

At this moment, Luo Chuncui was showing care and support to Luo Qiuliang. Two ‘Luo’ characters cannot come from one pen, and they are cousins after all. He himself had no chance left, as his age showed. Now that his old classmate was in charge of Longxi, Luo Chuncui naturally wanted to step up and help.

Hearing his elder brother’s words, Luo Qiuliang also nodded and said, “Alright, big brother, just call me when you’ve arranged it. I can make time anytime.”

After hanging up the phone, Luo Qiuliang also fell into contemplation, even forgetting to join his family for dinner.

At this moment, Luo Qiuliang’s spouse had also come up to him, chiding, “Old Luo, what’s up with you today? Why do you seem so absentminded? Is there a problem at work? You changed just after making a phone call.”

Hearing his spouse’s words, Luo Qiuliang stood up and said, “It’s nothing, I just had a call with big brother. Later on, I won’t join you for a walk. I have things to do at the provincial committee.”

At that moment, Luo Qiuliang had made up his mind. He knew his brother’s character very well; he would never deceive him. From the current situation, it was only a matter of time before Secretary Nie reorganized Longxi, with strong support from above coupled with his own ability. It was by no means a fantasy.

Regarding matters within the system, Luo Qiuliang was very clear that so-called factions and disagreements ultimately boiled down to interests.

Developments caused contradictions. You want to promote this approach, while I want to push for that, all of it is essentially a struggle over interests concerning political achievements.

In personnel matters, it’s an even bigger competition of interests. Even in disciplinary work, it’s the same. As an example, if a subordinate of yours commits a disciplinary infraction, as a leader, you usually cover for them. This is necessary. Otherwise, who would want to follow you in the future? And what about your own face?

All of these are a matter of interest, and now the situation in Longxi Province is just as awkward for Luo Qiuliang, following the old path of his brother. If he didn’t seize this opportunity and lean towards Nie Zhenbang at this juncture, his brother’s present would be his own future. In this moment, Luo Qiuliang had made his decision.

…

In the private room of Nie Zhenbang at the provincial committee, it was just past eight o’clock, and Nie Zhenbang himself had returned not more than half an hour ago.

After freshening up, he made a phone call to the canteen, instructing them to prepare a dinner for him. Having just sat down, there came a ring at the door.

Opening it, Nie Zhenbang was somewhat surprised, but quickly adjusted, smiling and saying, “Comrade Qiuliang, please come in.”

Entering the room, Nie Zhenbang gestured to the sofa, “Comrade Qiuliang, please take a seat.”

As he spoke, he personally poured a glass of iced water for Luo Qiuliang, setting it on the coffee table, and then took a seat himself, looking at Luo Qiuliang and pondering.

Since he had just returned and Luo Qiuliang had already come to visit, it indicated that Luo Qiuliang must have prepared thoroughly; otherwise, the timing couldn’t possibly be so perfect. Just a half-hour spared perfectly for his showering and changing clothes.

Looking at Luo Qiuliang’s respectful demeanor, Nie Zhenbang smiled inwardly, thinking that his decision to go to Jinan City was a good one. At least, Luo Qiuliang was a sensible person. From his expression and demeanor, it was clear that Luo Qiuliang had already made up his mind to align with him.

Nie Zhenbang wasn’t surprised by this. Luo Qiuliang’s background was, after all, connected to him — his cousin Luo Chuncui was an old classmate of his. This fact alone established a foundation of trust. Plus, Luo Chuncui’s understanding of him, now that Luo Qiuliang was visiting, seemed quite normal.

With a smile still on his face, looking at Luo Qiuliang, Nie Zhenbang slowly began to speak, “Comrade Qiuliang, coming so late, is there something you need?”

Luo Qiuliang took a moment to gather his thoughts and organize his words before he nodded and said, “Secretary, my visit this time is mainly to report in detail some work-related issues to the secretary.” (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to vote for it on NovelFire.net. Your support is my greatest motivation.)

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