Reborn as a Noble’s Son
Chapter 979 - Chapter 979 Chapter 935 The Power of the Secretary

Chapter 979: Chapter 935: The Power of the Secretary Chapter 979: Chapter 935: The Power of the Secretary “Deputy Secretary Wen, if you have opinions, it is natural to raise them. After all, this is what meetings are for. Our Party has always valued democracy. Different opinions should be brought to the table, discussed openly and seriously, so that we can select the most suitable leadership for the people,” Nie Zhenbang said with a smile, gesturing with a wave of his hand.

Wen Baogui nodded. At this moment, most people in the Standing Committee had not realized that the meeting had, imperceptibly, entered into Nie Zhenbang’s sphere of influence. Moreover, his credibility within the committee was gradually increasing.

In the entire meeting room, only Liu Yong had noticed this. However, Liu Yong would not speak of it. Although he was not too fond of Nie Zhenbang, he certainly wasn’t foolish enough to expose this matter. The main reason others couldn’t see what he saw, but he could, was because he was about to retire and had let go of his desires. From the perspective of a bystander, naturally, he saw things more clearly.

Liu Yong was very clear that if he was in the same situation as He Yusheng or Wen Baogui, he would probably have been swept up in the proceedings without realizing it. Such is the power of the secretary, the advantages that come with the position.

Not pointing it out had its reasons. After all, he was retiring. Although his relationship with Nie Zhenbang was indifferent, he saw no need to offend Nie Zhenbang, a rising star. He might be retiring, but his descendants still had to struggle in this society.

At that moment, Wen Baogui gathered his thoughts and, after a cough, said, “Secretary Nie, I feel that Comrade Guanghan’s inspection of the three personnel issues is somewhat lacking. To my knowledge, the current Deputy Secretary of Yuanzhou City, Fan Guocheng, is quite excellent…”

Following that, Wen Baogui expressed his views on the three personnel issues, one by one, and his analysis was well-reasoned. In terms of capability, seniority, rank, and personal moral standards, among other aspects, he gave a detailed explanation, implying that the organization department had been somewhat negligent in not recognizing such suitable candidates.

Indeed, everyone could tell that among the three candidates Wen Baogui mentioned, aside from the first, who seemed somewhat credible, the latter two were clearly being opposed for the sake of opposition. They had been hastily put forward, which is a common occurrence within the system. Some people with significant disagreements have always behaved so: whatever you oppose, I support, and whatever you support, I will oppose.

After Wen Baogui finished speaking, Nie Zhenbang looked up and surveyed everyone, asking, “What does everyone think about Deputy Secretary Wen and Minister Qin’s proposals?”

“As I said, it’s a democratic meeting. Everyone should speak freely without any concerns or burdens. Whether it’s debate or insistence, it’s all about being responsible for the country, the locality, and the vast number of people,” he added.

As his voice fell, He Yusheng picked up the topic, saying, “Secretary Nie, let me share a few thoughts.”

Pausing for a moment, He Yusheng’s gaze swept around the room and finally settled on Wen Baogui, as he slowly said, “Just now, after listening to Deputy Secretary Wen’s and Minister Qin’s words, I was deeply touched. Overall, they are very good comrades and align with the principles of organizational appointments. However, what I want to say is that the central leadership has always advocated for the youthfulness of the leadership cadre, which I think is very correct. We can’t always rank things based on seniority. If so, does it mean that a pig, having worked within the system for thirty to fifty years, can also be promoted?”

This crude comparison immediately caused Wen Baogui’s face to change. He Yusheng was targeting him with a veiled ridicule, insinuating that the candidates he recommended were pigs.

Nevertheless, He Yusheng continued, “I believe that seniority can only be one aspect of the criteria. The most important is capability. The able should be promoted, while the incompetent should step down. Survival of the fittest applies everywhere. In our system too, capable comrades should be given major responsibilities. While combating corruption, I think it’s essential to fight against incompetence. In reality, mediocre or inept officials are often more frightening and detestable than the corrupt ones.”

After he finished speaking, next to him, the Secretary of the Hongcheng City Municipal Committee, Yao Dingguo, also raised his hand, saying, “Secretary Nie, I’d like to say a few words as well.”

Despite being just a municipal committee secretary of a provincial capital and holding a Standing Committee member position, Yao Dingguo was not low in the provincial committee’s pecking order. Seeing Nie Zhenbang nod, Yao Dingguo promptly said, “Vice Governor He’s opinions are very pertinent, which I personally agree with. On this matter, we must act prudently, and the organization department should be vigilant not to let mediocre or foolish officials infiltrate the revolutionary ranks.”

At this level, speaking and acting are completely different. If we were at a lower level, after He Yusheng had finished speaking, someone might have directly stood up to question, “What do you mean by that?”

In doing so, one would appear to have lost the argument. The impression given would be that the person one had endorsed seemed indeed to be an incompetent and inept official. However, by saying it this way, the message was essentially the same, but it subtly targeted the opponent and turned the tables on them.

By this point, the conversation had essentially reached what Nie Zhenbang had anticipated. At this moment, the corners of Nie Zhenbang’s mouth curled up slightly, revealing a faint smile. He cleared his throat, drawing everyone’s attention to himself, then said, “Let me say a few words.”

This statement immediately stunned everyone, the only exceptions being Chen Le and Liu Yong, who appeared to enjoy the situation as spectators. Liu Yong had the clarity of an observer, while Chen Le was well aware of the skills and abilities of the senior leader.

Upon hearing this, Wen Baogui and He Yusheng’s brows furrowed suddenly, a foreboding feeling overcame them, as if they had truly underestimated Secretary Nie today.

Nie Zhenbang continued with a smile, speaking gently, “Just now, I listened to many comrades’ arguments, and there were not small disagreements. Everyone has their own point of view. This is good, and it also sufficiently demonstrates that the Hongjiang Provincial Committee has a strong democratic atmosphere. Regarding the comrades under discussion, I don’t know much about them. This is understandable, as I have only just taken office and I am somewhat unfamiliar with the situation in Hongjiang. I think we should put the personnel issues aside for now and postpone them until the next executive committee meeting for further discussion.”

As he spoke, Nie Zhenbang did not pay any more attention to Wen Baogui and He Yusheng and continued, “Next, we move on to the following agenda item, regarding the relocation of the provincial committee and provincial government offices. I have some thoughts on this matter.”

At this point, the expressions on Wen Baogui and He Yusheng’s faces became somewhat unsightly, as if they had forgotten that there was still a top leader above them.

They also forgot that as a top leader, when they cannot fully control the situation, they have the power to temporarily shelve the issue and discuss it later.

Of course, the premise for shelving is when there are significant disagreements within the standing committee, such as on personnel issues. As the secretary, as the top leader, one has the right to temporarily shelve the discussion. However, if there is a general consensus, this approach cannot be taken. To veto in that case, one must exercise the veto power.

Such power is like a nuclear weapon; it can only serve as a deterrent and should not be used lightly. Overusing it will erode the secretary’s authority. A leader who always relies on this power to control the standing committee meetings is demonstrating a lack of ability.

Now, at the very moment when Wen Baogui and He Yusheng were eagerly contesting each other, they inadvertently gave Nie Zhenbang such an opportunity. At this moment, both were as disgusted as if they had swallowed a fly. It was akin to someone wanting to hit you, and you not only presenting your cheek willingly but also politely asking for the blow.

Wen Baogui and He Yusheng now looked somewhat dejected. They had intended to intimidate Nie Zhenbang, but instead, they provided him with an opportunity to counterattack. Ultimately, this was an issue of mindset. During Zhang Tianyue’s time, their ambitions soared, and in that instant, their desires were amplified. Now, with Nie Zhenbang in office, they both deliberately ignored it for a while. Caught up in their own success, they brought trouble upon themselves.

Nie Zhenbang didn’t concern himself with their state of mind. Turning to look at everyone, he became very serious and said, “Regarding the relocation of the provincial committee and government offices, I believe that it is inappropriate to bring this up at this time. In the past few days, I have also looked at various indicators of Hongjiang, and the situation isn’t good. Our economic output ranks among the lowest in the country, just slightly better than provinces like Snow area, Ganzhou, and Qing Lake. Given Hongjiang’s location, bordering South of the Yangtze River to the north, Min Province to the east, and Yuedong to the south, this doesn’t add up. Such a prime geographical position and superior natural environment, evidently, this is a failing report card. As the saying goes, ‘Prosperity is born in adversity, and decline in ease.’ I think that currently, the amenities in Hongjiang are not so much bad, as they are too good. So much so that all of us here are able to remain calm and composed. In my opinion, the main task at present is not to indulge in superficialities, not about relocating the provincial committee and government offices, but how to promote the economic development of Hongjiang. When the time comes, and the people are living in wealth, and the economy of the province is setting new records, we will not need discussions, as I will personally report to the central government, to the superiors, and make sure we build a new provincial committee and government building that the public welcomes and the whole province looks forward to. As for now, in my opinion, we will not discuss the matter of relocation for the time being.”

Nie Zhenbang’s words were sharp and unequivocal, leaving no room for the leaders of Hongjiang Province to save face.

There was a pause, and then Liu Yong suddenly spoke up, “I agree with Secretary Nie’s opinion. The times have changed, and social progress has been made. Such good buildings are now deemed unsuitable; I echo Secretary Nie’s words, we should first focus on improving Hongjiang before considering relocation. Otherwise, we are neither qualified nor do we have the face to do so.”(To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to go to Qidian (NovelFire.net) to vote for recommendation tickets and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)

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