Reborn as a Noble’s Son
Chapter 1198 - Chapter 1198 Chapter 1154 Honor and Prosper Together

Chapter 1198: Chapter 1154: Honor and Prosper Together Chapter 1198: Chapter 1154: Honor and Prosper Together Liu Zhentao’s words made Nie Zhenbang break into a smile; this was the fundamental reason why Nie Zhenbang had called Liu Zhentao.

After receiving firsthand information from Fang Li and others, Nie Zhenbang had already been considering this matter. Nowadays, in Jingcheng, every family saw Longxi as a target to block, directing their spears against him. Despite being quite confident and deeply trusted by President Qiao, President Mu, and others, Nie Zhenbang also understood that unity and balance were required at the higher levels. If there was unanimous opposition, even President Qiao would find it difficult to proceed.

Given his family background, facing such a situation was indeed very troubling; no matter how strong, one could not antagonize the whole world.

Therefore, choosing allies had become exceedingly important. Naturally, the interests of the people of Longxi Province were aligned; the three major projects were not just Nie Zhenbang’s affairs alone. Accomplishments were not to be enjoyed by one person alone. Thus, involving Liu Zhentao, involving Wei Haoyang, and even having the entire leadership of the Longxi Provincial Committee participate, was the capital for resistance.

“Haha, Governor Zhentao, my main purpose for calling you this time is to discuss this matter. This time, there will probably be quite some difficulty,” Nie Zhenbang said without concealment, smiling as he cut straight to the point.

After that, he recounted the situation he had mastered in detail, then sighed, “Governor Zhentao, the current situation is pretty obvious. People are jealous, which is normal. At this point, we can only grit our teeth and move forward.”

After hanging up the phone, Liu Zhentao’s expression turned grave. Nie Zhenbang’s words had put Liu Zhentao deep in thought. The situation had developed far beyond Liu Zhentao’s expectations.

But at this time, Liu Zhentao had realized a fact. The three major projects were imperative for Longxi Province. This was not just about Nie Zhenbang’s interests and political achievements; it also concerned his own interests and political achievements.

The path had been paved by Nie Zhenbang, and with his involvement, the status of Longxi Province had risen stealthily to a higher level.

With this, once Nie Zhenbang left, the ultimate beneficiary would inevitably be him. In this situation, Liu Zhentao felt like he was riding a tiger and found it hard to dismount. Knowing Nie Zhenbang’s intentions, yet he had no choice but to follow through. It was a classic case of being held hostage. Since Nie Zhenbang confirmed the three major projects, the entire Longxi Province had been hijacked onto Nie Zhenbang’s chariot.

Outside the door, the sound of a door opening was heard. Liu Zhentao’s wife walked in, a well-preserved middle-aged woman of about 47 or 48, looking just about 40, and also came from a family in Jingcheng.

This type of arranged marriage wasn’t just about politics. In Liu Zhentao’s era, these people had fully experienced a great turmoil.

For ten years, during the initial five or six years, they might have been bystanders watching the play, but in the following years, they were absolutely the main characters.

The culture of the large courtyards in Jingcheng essentially started then. The progeny of the large courtyards, politically astute and with a sense of superiority, were all derivatives of that period.

Back then, the progeny of the large courtyards and the ordinary children of old Jingcheng formed two distinct groups. The fights and disputes between the progeny and the tough ones were all imprints of the era.

Love was naturally a part of this. Liu Zhentao’s wife was also a phenomenon of that time.

The family backgrounds of both individuals were similar at that time. A budding affection emerged, leading them together, with little interference from their parents. Unlike now, where descendants of noble families still cared about matching family statuses, such concerns did not exist back then.

Naturally, their affection for each other was very strong. Seeing his wife carrying a teacup into the study, a faint smile appeared on Liu Zhentao’s face.

“Zhentao, from your expression, it seems you have something on your mind,” Mrs. Liu said gracefully and quietly, exuding a unique charm and the allure of an Eastern woman.

Liu Zhentao was stunned for a moment before nodding and slowly explained the situation, looking at his wife, “Hehe, Nie Zhenbang’s intentions are not hard to guess. He wants to hijack me and the entire Longxi Provincial Committee to take a gamble with him.”

To Liu Zhentao’s surprise, at this moment, Mrs. Liu gave a slight smile and said to him, “Zhentao, I think you are too fixated on the word ‘hijack.’

“Zhentao, think about it. Who ultimately benefits from what Nie Zhenbang is doing? Now, with the blockades in Jingcheng, one can imagine how intense they are. From the current perspective, it’s likely that leaders from other provinces and cities, including many from the top, are unwilling to see the rise of Longxi Province. On one hand, the better Longxi Province develops, the better it is for Nie Zhenbang. It fully showcases Nie Zhenbang’s capabilities, bringing him one step closer to that position. But this has nothing to do with us, no conflict at all.”

His wife’s words suddenly struck Liu Zhentao dumb, and it was as if a flash of insight had exploded in his mind, clearing the layers of fog like a thunderbolt.

Indeed, what did Nie Zhenbang’s advancement have to do with him? With his family background and current position, wasn’t he hoping for Nie Zhenbang to move further ahead? Only if Nie Zhenbang made a move, if Nie Zhenbang moved his butt and revealed the seat below, would there be a chance for him, right?

Liu Zhentao nodded in agreement, looking very happy, and said with a smile, “A single conversation with you can be more insightful than ten years of reading, Xiaoya. Truly a modern-day Zhuge Liang.”

Madame Liu blushed at Liu Zhentao’s suggestive words and rolled her eyes at him, scolding with a laugh, “You’re already fifty and still so glib.”

Such matters weren’t only unfolding in Liu Zhentao’s household. In Shian City, within Courtyard Number One of the municipal committee’s residential area, Wei Haoyang was also faced with similar considerations and choices.

However, unlike Liu Zhentao’s indecisiveness, Wei Haoyang’s decisions were much simpler and relaxed. Occupying a different position, Wei Haoyang didn’t have as much to consider. Besides, the Oil City project was meant to be established in Shian City, so naturally, Wei Haoyang was in full support without any reservations.

After receiving a call from Nie Zhenbang, Wei Haoyang called home. Wei Haoyang knew that at this time, he had to work alongside Nie Zhenbang in unity to have a chance.

…

As for the Standing Committee members at home in Longxi, Nie Zhenbang no longer needed to worry about their thoughts. He had made the calls. Their decisions and choices were now their own affair. Opportunities and destiny were for them to seize. Nie Zhenbang hadn’t thought about the final outcome for now. However, one thing was certain, whether they were united or had ulterior motives, it would determine their individual futures and destinies.

He stood up, and though there was immense pressure at the moment, Nie Zhenbang still had confidence. The self-assurance he had shown in front of Fang Li and others was by no means forced.

Inherently, he had a solid foundation, and with backing from the Tenglong Consortium and Wal-Mart Group, even if he couldn’t win the project, it was no big deal–Longxi Province would just go ahead on their own. That was where Nie Zhenbang’s confidence came from.

He stood up and instructed Xia Gang who was standing by, “Xiaoxia, tell the secretary-general later that I won’t be coming over tonight. I’m going to make a trip back.”

Xia Gang nodded. Nie Zhenbang’s home was in Jingcheng, a fact Xia Gang knew, having worked with Nie Zhenbang for nearly two months.

Stepping out of the Longxi Building, he hailed a taxi on the roadside and headed straight home.

“How come you’re back?” As he entered, his mother Ye Shuxian just happened to walk out from the side chamber, and she stopped, smiling as she asked.

After calling out “Mom,” Nie Zhenbang replied, “There happened to be a few project applications in the province, so I came over.”

At this moment, Yang Anna and the others also emerged from inside the house. Not having seen them for two months, there was suppressed excitement on the faces of the three women.

By the side, Nie Panpan and Nie Wenwen also came to greet him, affectionately wrapping their arms around Nie Zhenbang’s neck.

Seeing his two daughters and wife, Nie Zhenbang smiled and said, “Yah, Panpan, you’re both so big now, still so unrestrained. That’s not good, girls.”

“Not at all, I’m just excited to see you, Dad,” Nie Wenwen said, her cheeks tinged with red, defiantly retorting, but her hands did let go.

Behind them, Nie Guowei and Nie Guodong came forward to greet him too. By now, Nie Zhenbang’s status had reached the level they had once occupied. The only difference was a slight gap in experience. However, it was clear that Nie Zhenbang’s youth was his greatest advantage. In the future, his achievements were bound to surpass those of the older generation.

Nie Guodong also showed a hint of a smile, looking at Nie Zhenbang he said, “Zhenbang is back. I was wondering why all the Jingcheng families have been restless lately. Looks like it’s something you stirred up.”

Hearing his uncle’s teasing, Nie Zhenbang also laughed. Although his uncle and father were retired, they certainly hadn’t become deaf and blind overnight. On the contrary, they were still very well-informed, and changes in Jingcheng could never escape their notice.

He nodded and responded, “It’s all about interests.”

The three of them walked into the study together, and Nie Zhenbang gave a detailed account of the situation. At this point, Nie Guodong raised an eyebrow and looked at Nie Zhenbang asking, “Youngest, what are you thinking?”

Before his family, Nie Zhenbang didn’t hold back. After considering for a moment, he stated, “Nothing much, just clowns trying to jump on the bandwagon.”(To be continued. If you enjoy this novel, feel free to recommend, vote for it monthly or leave your support on Qidian. Your support is my greatest motivation.)