Reborn as a Noble’s Son
Chapter 983 - Chapter 983 Chapter 939 Both Kindness and Authority

Chapter 983: Chapter 939: Both Kindness and Authority Chapter 983: Chapter 939: Both Kindness and Authority At his desk, Hong Feng had been feeling rather dispirited. On the surface, he held a pen and appeared to be engrossed in the documents before him, but his mind was elsewhere, focused on the inner office. The occasional burst of hearty laughter that drifted out suggested that the conversation between Gong Zheng and the boss was amiable and harmonious.

Indeed, in the present era that advocates for a harmonious society, Hong Feng believed such scenes of free and joyful conversation represented harmony. It signified that the boss’s strategy in Hongjiang was gradually unfolding and his relationship with the various Standing Committee members was also opening up. This was harmony.

However, at this moment, upon hearing Nie Zhenbang’s words, Hong Feng suddenly stood up and nodded, “Yes, Secretary.”

Without delay, Hong Feng picked up the phone and dialed the General Secretary’s mobile number. Observing the boss turning away, Xu Hongzhuan’s voice came through the phone, “Director Hong, hello.”

Though the two were related by blood, the connection was rather distant and did not imply closeness. Furthermore, their respective statuses–one as General Secretary and one as a high-ranking provincial committee aide–meant that Xu Hongzhuan understood the implications well and knew how to keep a respectful distance. Under most circumstances, he addressed Hong Feng by his official title, or simply as Secretary Hong. His manner was entirely in line with official protocols.

Speaking in a lower voice, Hong Feng said, “General Secretary, the Secretary has asked you to come over now, immediately!”

The word held significance; bureaucratic language was intriguing. As the saying goes, one must speak according to the listener. In the bureaucracy, word choice was an art that had been refined to the pinnacle, just like in this instance.

Hearing the immediacy conveyed by the word “immediately,” Xu Hongzhuan was keenly aware that something was out of the ordinary. The term indicated that the boss’s mood was urgent, demanding that no matter what you were involved in or handling at the moment, all current tasks must be set aside to come at once.

Besides, it also suggested that there must be something extremely urgent afoot, or else the provincial party chief would not issue such a command.

Straightaway, Xu Hongzhuan cautiously replied, “Director Hong…”

He didn’t finish his sentence, but Hong Feng knew what Xu Hongzhuan meant. Essentially, he was seeking to know some information in advance, so that he wouldn’t be completely clueless when meeting the boss and could be somewhat prepared.

The high esteem in which the chief provincial committee aide was held, with constant invitations to socialize, was most directly reflected here. Maintaining a good relationship with the chief aide could mean an advantage in circumstances like this, allowing for an early strategy.

Glancing around the room, Hong Feng spoke softly, “General Secretary, the Secretary wants to inquire about your work in Wenchun City. He is quite impatient, so I think it would be best for you to come quickly.”

There was no need for further explanation. Some things could be left unsaid, and as people within the system, they could discern the unsaid words.

Not wanting to seem negligent, Xu Hongzhuan hung up and stood up, leaving his office and locking the door behind him. He headed toward the seventh floor, walking thoughtfully from the third floor. Hong Feng’s tone made it clear it was not good news.

Furthermore, considering past affairs, it seemed likely someone had spoken to Secretary Nie about his tenure in Wenchun City, and with this thought, Xu Hongzhuan felt a bit more prepared.

The walk from the third to the seventh floor took only a few minutes. Arriving at Secretary Nie’s office door, Xu Hongzhuan took a deep breath, composing himself before entering.

Hong Feng also stood up to greet Xu Hongzhuan with a nod, then knocked and entered the inner office, announcing, “Secretary, General Secretary Xu is here.”

Inside, Nie Zhenbang’s steady voice replied, “Let him come in.”

As Xu Hongzhuan entered the office, Nie Zhenbang’s gaze was on the financial documents on his desk–Hongjiang Province’s fiscal report for the year. Until now, in November, the province had realized a fiscal revenue of 75.48 billion, with local fiscal revenue accounting for 47.23 billion, showing a slight increase compared to the same period last year. Despite the substantial figure, it included the amount remitted to the central government’s finance, and Hongjiang’s total fiscal expenditure to date was 91.47 billion. This comparison made it clear that the province’s finances were inadequate; for instance, Minan Province had remitted 124.39 billion to the central government’s finance this year alone. This figure starkly showed that Hongjiang’s fiscal situation was indeed tight and somewhat distressing.

Glancing at Xu Hongzhuan, who now stood solemnly to the side, Nie Zhenbang nodded, “Comrade Hongzhuan is here, please take a seat. I’ll finish reviewing these materials first.”

This way of hanging people out to dry is a manifestation of dissatisfaction, giving you the cold shoulder is exactly what it means.

Nie Zhenbang’s brows furrowed. Last year, Hongjiang’s fiscal revenue reached over 80 billion, and today it’s estimated at most 82 billion. It seems like a lot, but the year-on-year growth is insufficient. This point alone indicates that Hongjiang’s economic growth this year is sluggish, definitely below the average.

Compared to surrounding provinces, Minan Province 260 billion, Chubei 150 billion, Chunan 130 billion, Yu Province 120 billion… Hongjiang is unapologetically the lowest. There’s a long and arduous journey ahead. Nie Zhenbang took a deep breath, feeling moved.

About half an hour later, Xu Hongzhuan became increasingly restless. The longer a leader makes you wait, the greater their anger is.

Finally, Nie Zhenbang put down his work and looked up at Xu Hongzhuan. Leaning back in his chair, he said, “Comrade Hongzhuan, the main reason I’ve called you here is about a matter. These are letters delivered today from the petition office and the provincial discipline inspection commission. Take a look.”

Xu Hongzhuan was surprised, stood up respectfully, and took the two letters. After reading them, Xu Hongzhuan’s face immediately tensed up. At this moment, Xu Hongzhuan could basically guess who it was. Huang Zhengxin, the former mayor of Wenchun City.

During his time working in Wenchun City, he had disagreed with Huang Zhengxin. They had multiple conflicts and disputes. Subsequently, he was transferred to become the provincial party committee’s secretary-general, while Huang Zhengxin reached retirement age and stepped down completely, failing to secure even a provincial deputy position. Resentment and hatred were inevitable, and now that Huang Zhengxin was a plucked chicken, he was reckless, and his actions were becoming increasingly lawless.

Among these accusations, some are entirely fictitious and speculative. But as an old rival, some things reported by Huang Zhengxin carry elements of truth while some are wild guesses. This is what Xu Hongzhuan was cautious and wary of.

Without fish, the water is too clear. Xu Hongzhuan admitted to himself that he had not reached such a fishless state.

After a pause, Xu Hongzhuan looked up and said, “Secretary Nie, this is slander against me, provoked by some people with ulterior motives who are stirring trouble. During my tenure in Wenchun City, I was not careful with my methods, which offended many people. This is a retaliatory attack on me. I request the organization to investigate me; if the investigation proves to be true, I personally am willing to accept any punishment from the organization.”

Nie Zhenbang sneered. Xu Hongzhuan was indeed astute. He was convinced that he would not be treated so lightly, for if there were a real desire to investigate him, it would just be handed over to the provincial discipline inspection commission. Why else would he be called in?

However, Nie Zhenbang was not going to let Xu Hongzhuan off so easily. His expression darkened, and he said in a stern voice, “Comrade Hongzhuan, do you really think the organization is oblivious to your matters, or do you believe that you, Xu Hongzhuan, have already reached such a noble level? There’s a saying you should remember, ‘There’s no smoke without fire.'”

Nie Zhenbang’s words carried a hint of warning, causing Xu Hongzhuan to tense up instantly. His previous demeanor had been too self-righteous, a display that leaders do not appreciate.

Without delay, Xu Hongzhuan said earnestly, “You are correct in your criticism, Secretary. I will be cautious and reflect deeply.”

“You must indeed reflect seriously, but also be careful not to overcompensate. As a leader, not offending anyone means you’re just a Mr. Nice Guy. As the saying goes, mediocrity is not envied. You need to maintain a balance on matters of party discipline and principles, and strengthen learning in your personal moral cultivation. Keep these with you as a warning. In future work, you should be even more humble and careful.”

These words had a soothing effect. It was a typical approach of combining the carrot with the stick, imposing both kindness and authority. From now on, Xu Hongzhuan could only follow Nie Zhenbang wholeheartedly. This was a display of shrewd tactics.

After a pause, Nie Zhenbang looked at Xu Hongzhuan and said, “Comrade Hongzhuan, seeing as these letters all come from Wenchun City, I believe you should have a sense of them. On some issues, you should try to resolve them as much as possible. This is the first time, but if it happens again… it will certainly have a major impact on you. You must pay attention to that.”

Having said all that, Nie Zhenbang then changed the subject, “You know what to do about these matters, that’s good. Also, help me arrange my schedule these few days. For this week, I’ll just stay in Hongcheng City, visiting various departments and bureaus. The same principle as always, keep it simple and pragmatic.”

Regarding this last arrangement, Nie Zhenbang had already made a firm decision. A good start upon taking office was undoubtedly excellent. At least, he had already secured a certain level of authority and weight within the provincial standing committee. The next step was to gradually expand and cover the entire province.

At this moment, Xu Hongzhuan nodded and said, “Secretary, regarding the schedule, there is another matter to report to you. This time, a party group inspection team from the Ministry of Civil Affairs is coming to Hongjiang. Should you personally receive them?”(To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to go to Qidian (NovelFire.net) to cast your vote of recommendation or monthly ticket, your support is my greatest motivation.)

Search the lightnovelworld.cc website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.