Reborn as a Noble’s Son
Chapter 1172 - Chapter 1172 Chapter 1128 Li Hongyings Banquet

Chapter 1172: Chapter 1128: Li Hongying’s Banquet Chapter 1172: Chapter 1128: Li Hongying’s Banquet Speaking of the report and serious matters, Li Hongying didn’t dare to be neglectful in the slightest. This time, the report was not only about the real issues that needed to be reported. More importantly, it was Li Hongying’s attempt to probe. Since Nie Zhenbang took office, Li Hongying’s situation and status had been quite awkward.

As a member of the provincial committee and head of the Propaganda Department, it sounded and looked pretty good. She was in charge of propaganda work for the entire province, responsible for broadcasting, journalism, media, and publishing. But only she knew the reality of her situation. The rank of the head of the Propaganda Department, although not low within the province, was hardly better than that of Liu Xiaomin, the secretary-general of the provincial committee.

Previously, the standing committee of Longxi Province operated independently, each with their own agenda. This was a situation where heroes were shaped by circumstances. Special environments and factors created this state. Hu Shangzhi was seriously ill, and Liu Zhentao was exceptionally powerful, leading to a standoff between the party secretary and the governor, to which the other standing committee members with ulterior motives also contributed. Naturally, this led to a stalemate.

Now, with Nie Zhenbang’s appointment, the power balance in Longxi Province had been disrupted. The inevitable trend was a reshuffle. In the forthcoming clash, how she could maintain a dominant advantage was the critical issue facing Li Hongying.

And now, coming to report on the work was Li Hongying’s attempt, a way of testing the waters and gauging Nie Zhenbang’s attitude.

After pondering for a moment, Li Hongying’s expression was very respectful, and she nodded slightly, “Secretary Nie, the situation is like this, recently, the Central Propaganda Department has emphasized the need to increase the transparency of information from leadership. Nowadays, many leaders from various provinces and cities across the country have opened their own Weibo accounts. They communicate directly with the masses, which is considered a broadening of discourse and has enhanced the government’s credibility.”

At this point, Li Hongying glanced over her notebook, which was one of the biggest benefits of having a notebook on the table during a report. Without a notebook, giving a report entirely from memory could impress the leader. But if there were any omissions or forgotten points, it could give the leader a feeling of instability in handling affairs. It was better to have the notebook on the table.

“Secretary Nie, currently, leaders from Xibei, the grasslands, Jiangbei, Yuedong, and Hucheng City, among other provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities, have all opened Weibo accounts. Our department plans to establish a special Weibo office for the secretary. The office team, led by the director of the provincial committee office and assisted by Secretary Xia, will be formed by selectively transferring three to five staff members from the propaganda department. They will be responsible for managing your Weibo account, posting daily work information, and specifically dealing with replies to messages left on Weibo.”

At this moment, Li Hongying paused briefly, looked at Nie Zhenbang, and continued, “The idea of the Propaganda Department is for the newly established office to organize and plan Weibo’s daily maintenance and take on general replies to questions. We would then select some important and critical questions to be forwarded to you. This way, it could also lessen the burden on your work.”

Nie Zhenbang’s expression darkened. After Li Hongying finished speaking, Nie Zhenbang also began to contemplate. Weibo was a new thing–a new way of communication and interaction arising in the era of the burgeoning network media.

A secretary opening a Weibo account was no longer a novelty in the country. Initially, the top officials of Xibei and Yuedong were the first to launch Weibo accounts, which was even reported in some news at the time.

Admittedly, it was indeed a method of direct communication with the masses, and in local construction and economic development, and in maintaining party discipline, it could indeed play a certain supervisory and promoting role. Li Hongying’s approach was quite standard as well. As a leading official of a province, if not managing a myriad of affairs daily, was still extremely busy. It was impossible to spare time to manage a Weibo account personally. Li Hongying’s plan was excellent–designated personnel were responsible for routine maintenance, with important issues brought to attention.

However, there was a problem inherent in this. Whether such a Weibo, once opened, could truly foster open discourse was hard to say.

With this in mind, Nie Zhenbang looked at Li Hongying and said, “Minister Li Hongying, opening a Weibo account is a very good suggestion. It responds to the central government’s call and also opens up a channel for discourse. However, I think there should be some rules regarding the maintenance of the Weibo account.”

Speaking slowly, Nie Zhenbang continued, “Given my schedule, it is certainly not realistic to check Weibo every day. I think like this, every weekend, for two days, I will try to find time to comprehensively answer the questions of the people. For the rest of the time, the Weibo account can be managed by the office. But the overarching principle is that none of the posts on Weibo should be deleted. Every weekend after replying to questions, a summary and compilation should be made. To the greatest extent, we should ensure the direct expression of the people’s will–that’s my view.”

As Nie Zhenbang finished speaking, it brought a look of shock and admiration to Li Hongying’s face. She felt some emotions stirring within her.

It was said that Nie Zhenbang was truly capable and proficient in driving economic development. To the outside world, Nie Zhenbang seemed to have great fortune; whatever industry he chose, the local people would support wholeheartedly. However, from this moment, such support didn’t seem to be without reason. A person who carried the ordinary people in their heart deserved such support.

Amidst the extensive and intricate work of the provincial committee, such an attitude toward something like a Weibo account from Secretary Nie was indeed admirable. Without saying it aloud, how would others know if Nie personally responded to the Weibo? Perhaps even the ordinary citizens posing questions, suggestions, or grievances might not have such expectations.

Thereupon, Li Hongying also nodded and said, “Secretary, I will follow your instructions and arrangements.”

After finishing the formal matters, Li Hongying also smiled and said, “Secretary Nie, now that we’ve finished discussing official business, actually, there’s a personal matter I’d like to talk to you about.”

Nie Zhenbang raised an eyebrow but responded with a smile, “Ha ha, Minister Li, this isn’t like you at all. Inside the province, everyone says that Minister Li is decisive and valiant in action. So why are you hesitating now? If there’s anything within my power, just say it.”

Li Hongying smiled and said, “Secretary, if you don’t have any plans tomorrow evening, my spouse and I would like to invite you to our home for a visit.”

Upon hearing this, Nie Zhenbang was startled for a moment. Li Hongying’s action was undoubtedly an expression of a certain attitude. He then quickly replied, “Good. I’ll make sure to come tomorrow evening.”

After seeing off Li Hongying, and not five minutes later, led by Xia Gang, the Director of the Finance Department, Wang Zhaohai, had also walked in.

Wang Zhaohai, at about fifty-one years of age, was of average height and slightly overweight. He gave off an impression of being very astute.

As for this, Nie Zhenbang didn’t pay too much mind. At this point in his career, Nie Zhenbang had long since moved past the stage of judging people by their appearance. It takes all sorts to make a world, and in the vastness of life, there are all kinds of people. Appearances are just one aspect. As a leader, it’s not good to handle affairs based on personal preferences alone.

Moreover, looking at it from another angle, as the Director of the Finance Department, it’s better to be somewhat sharp and meticulous in financial matters.

Wang Zhaohai was very restrained, standing at the doorway without making much movement, almost like a grade-school student waiting for the teacher’s call.

When he saw Nie Zhenbang’s direct gaze, Wang Zhaohai showed a trace of a smile on his face and respectfully nodded, “Hello, Secretary Nie.”

At this moment, Wang Zhaohai was somewhat nervous inside. Secretary Nie had called him for a talk. After hearing the news, Wang Zhaohai had begun to prepare.

He was very aware that his position was crucial, holding the province’s financial authority, which was extremely key. Just imagine, if the Secretary issues an order but the funds can’t be obtained on his end, wouldn’t that be embarrassing for Secretary Nie? Both sensibly and morally, Secretary Nie would inevitably keep a close eye on the Finance Department, and controlling or admonishing him was almost certain. And now, being called in for a talk was undoubtedly a form of warning.

While Wang Zhaohai was deep in thought, Nie Zhenbang also stood up, motioning, “Director Wang, please have a seat.”

Upon hearing this, Wang Zhaohai conscientiously sat down in the chair opposite Nie Zhenbang, placing his briefcase to the side and pulling out a notebook from it onto the table.

Meanwhile, Xia Gang came over with a glass of iced water and placed it on the table, “Director Wang, please have some tea.”

After speaking, Xia Gang prudently left the room, gently closing the door behind him.

Nie Zhenbang looked at Wang Zhaohai and pondered for a moment before he began, “Director Wang, you are the ‘God of Wealth’ of our province. Fiscal work is a major affair that affects national welfare and the people’s livelihood. The salary distribution for party and government leaders, institutions, and enterprise staff across the province is all closely related to finance. Provincial infrastructure construction and major project initiatives are also significantly linked with finance. It can be said that all trades and professions are intricately connected with the financial sector. If this big chess game of finance is played well, it provides a good start and foundation for the general situation of the province. This time, I specifically asked Xia Gang to call you over to listen to the overall situation of provincial finances.”

As Nie Zhenbang’s words came to an end, Wang Zhaohai also organized his thoughts, nodded, and began his report, “Secretary, if we combine the financial situation of last year with the first and second quarters of this year, the finances of Longxi Province, on the whole, are in a favorable situation, with both fiscal revenue and expenditures growing in a balanced manner…”

Wang Zhaohai basically reported in his usual manner, but before he could finish, Nie Zhenbang interrupted him directly, “Director Wang, give the detailed figures. That way, it’s more vivid and intuitive.” (To be continued. If you like this work, welcome to Qidian (NovelFire.net) to cast your recommendation votes and monthly tickets, your support is my greatest motivation.)