Reborn as a Noble’s Son
Chapter 989 - Chapter 989 Chapter 945 Liu Yong Visits

Chapter 989: Chapter 945: Liu Yong Visits Chapter 989: Chapter 945: Liu Yong Visits He Yusheng was well aware of the current situation in Hongjiang Province. As the Executive Deputy, He Yusheng had his own advantages. On the one hand, he was the second in command of the government, the Deputy Secretary of the Party Group within the government. It was only natural and the logical next step for him to succeed the leading position. Additionally, the support from Governor Liu Yong was another significant advantage.

However, He Yusheng also had several disadvantages. Compared with Wen Baogui, their official levels seemed to be the same, but there were subtle differences in the details. It was common for the provincial committee’s full-time deputy secretary to take over as governor, and then for the executive deputy to be adjusted to full-time deputy secretary. Such a move often resulted in a win-win situation, pleasing everyone in the system and allowing most people to advance in their careers.

Moreover, Wen Baogui’s recent behavior had been ambiguous and overly ingratiating. Initially, when Comrade Zhenbang first assumed his position in Hongjiang, Wen Baogui had shown some distinctive flavors of dissent, occasionally voicing different opinions. But ever since the incident on Jianshe Road, Wen Baogui had suddenly become silent. In the Standing Committee meeting, Wen Baogui openly supported Secretary Nie, making He Yusheng feel nervous. This was not good, as having no other voices within the Standing Committee was a negative development. Previously, He Yusheng was glad to see Wen Baogui being assertive, but what about now? He was somewhat worried, not just for the present but also for the future.

Without a doubt, one thing was certain: the position of governor was not of particular preference to Secretary Nie Zhenbang, he was quite indifferent about it. This meant that Secretary Nie Zhenbang did not care whether it was Wen Baogui or He Yusheng who took up the role; he was currently considering who would better serve his interests. These were all disadvantages for He Yusheng.

Pausing for a moment, He Yusheng said with a smile, “Governor, you don’t need to worry. I believe Secretary Nie still holds you in high regard. Also, the planning for the Lushan Sanatorium has been finalized. Perhaps you’d like to look it over.”

He Yusheng had a deeper implication in saying this. Lushan was a famous tourist attraction in Hongjiang and one of the top three summer retreats in the country, but over the years, there had been no leaders residing in Hongjiang apart from some retired officials who occasionally stayed for a few days in old villas within the scenic area.

The proposal to establish the Lushan Sanatorium was brought up last year by Liu Yong, and his main target was Old Fang.

If the sanatorium were to operate and Old Fang were persuaded to reside there long-term, given the relationship between Liu Yong and Old Fang, it would be akin to placing a tight magical spell on the head of the Hongjiang leadership team. Even if Liu Yong were to step down, he could still maintain a significant influence.

Now, by bringing up the sanatorium, He Yusheng surprised Liu Yong. He understood He Yusheng’s intention: He Yusheng was in a hurry, concerned about his uncertain future, so he mentioned this to remind Liu Yong to expedite the sanatorium project and to invite Old Fang to come down.

Liu Yong’s brows furrowed. At this moment, he was unsure whether choosing He Yusheng was right or wrong. He Yusheng was competent, but his personal morals had flaws. Previously, there were rumors within the province about He Yusheng’s tenure as the Party Secretary of Lushan City. At that time, there had been controversies surrounding the Lujiang dykes and several large infrastructure projects in Lushan City. Liu Yong’s opinion had been that, in the process of economic development, it was inevitable to incur envy from some and to upset the interests of others. However, He Yusheng’s overpowering desire for personal gain was troubling. Just like now, his main concern regarding the sanatorium seemed to be his own position rather than operational details or whether the senior leader would actually come.

Pausing again, Liu Yong waved his hand and said, “Yusheng, don’t worry about matters concerning Old Fang. I have a plan, and his office has already called. After the New Year, Old Fang is expected to come here for a short stay. As for whether he will stay long-term, that remains to be seen.”

Upon hearing this, He Yusheng’s heart stirred. When the news came from Old Fang’s office, it was almost certainly true. Taking into account the timing, it coincided with the provincial legislature meetings in Hongjiang Province, suggesting deeper implications.

Then, He Yusheng stood up and said with a smile, “I’ll leave you to your work, old leader. With the unusual climate this winter, please take extra care to keep warm and look after your health.”

Liu Yong acknowledged this with a nod, and after He Yusheng left, he also took a coat from the wardrobe and put it on. After much deliberation, Liu Yong decided to go and gauge Nie Zhenbang’s opinion.

Stepping out of the room, Liu Yong said to his secretary, Song Xiaoze, “Xiaoze, arrange the car, we’re going to the provincial committee.”

When Liu Yong arrived, Nie Zhenbang was listening to the work report from Xiong Zheng, the Party Secretary of Yuanzhou City, and Zhang Zhiqiang, the Mayor of Yuanzhou City.

The two reported on Yuanzhou City’s work achievements over the past year. Afterward, Xiong Zheng steered the topic mostly towards the personnel adjustments in Yuanzhou City.

Nie Zhenbang did not shy away from this topic; he was quite interested in Xiong Zheng’s detailed report and also inquired about the attitude of Yuanzhou City.

According to Xiong Zheng, he still hoped that Zhang Zhiqiang could succeed as the party secretary, a point that Nie Zhenbang did not find surprising. Given that Zhang Tianyue’s son was going down to gain experience, Zhang Tianyue would naturally not pose any difficult challenges for him, and it was hard to find many elders with the same style as Elder Nie across Huaxia.

Since it was a matter of gilding the lily, it obviously had to be a place close to one’s heart, and coincidentally, Xiong Zheng was about to retire. If Zhang Tianyue hadn’t fallen ill, the timing would have been just right to take over. As he himself stepped down, he could give one last push to help his son ascend to the position of Yuanzhou City’s party secretary.

Unfortunately, the best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry. Zhang Tianyue’s sudden illness completely disrupted this plan, and now, Zhang Zhiqiang’s situation also seemed very awkward.

Before, he was the crown prince of Hongjiang Province, but now? There probably weren’t many who could truly share their hearts with him. This time, the main purpose of their visit was likely to express loyalty to Nie Zhenbang, to come over and pledge allegiance.

As for Zhang Zhiqiang, Nie Zhenbang had given it quite some thought, and now Zhang Zhiqiang’s attitude satisfied Nie Zhenbang very much. Having Zhang Zhiqiang serve as the party secretary of Yuanzhou City was feasible. Moreover, promoting Zhang Zhiqiang had its advantages. On one hand, it displayed his own boldness and magnanimity, and on the other, it could convey a friendly signal to the old comrade, Yan Cangsheng. Offending such old comrades was something Nie Zhenbang couldn’t afford, for their current status was very special. It wasn’t that they held any official position, their identity was merely that of retired officials, but without official positions, they still possessed considerable influence. They might not necessarily be able to help you, but if they wanted to cause trouble, they were certainly skillful at it.

Nie Zhenbang pondered for a moment and then, standing at a high vantage point, gave a fully affirmative response to the report from the two men. However, Nie Zhenbang did not give a definitive answer. As the head of the provincial party committee, he still understood the importance of discretion.

Just then, there was a knock on the door from outside and Hong Feng walked in, whispering, “Secretary, Governor Liu has arrived.”

Governor Liu Yong’s visit? This was the first time since he had been in charge of Hongjiang for almost a month and a half. Nie Zhenbang was somewhat amused; it seemed that the fire started with the Ministry of Civil Affairs was indeed blazing, and what was more, blazing brightly. Not only had it stirred the hearts of local comrades, but even Governor Liu had been drawn over by the flames.

Immediately thereafter, Nie Zhenbang said with a smile, “Hong, please add some hot water for Comrade Xiong Zheng and Comrade Zhiqiang.”

Xiong Zheng and Zhang Zhiqiang, being savvy, instantly understood what this meant. With Hong Feng’s serious demeanor as he entered and then hearing Secretary Nie’s words, it was clear that it was time for them to take their leave.

After exchanging glances, both men stood up. Xiong Zheng said with a smile, “Secretary Nie, please go ahead with your work. We won’t disturb you any longer.”

Nie Zhenbang nodded without saying much and instructed Hong Feng to personally see the two out. Nie Zhenbang also came out from behind his desk, and at that moment, in the outer office, Hong Feng was sitting on the sofa. Seeing Nie Zhenbang, Hong stood up and said with a smile, “Secretary Zhenbang, I hope I haven’t disturbed your work.”

Nie Zhenbang also smiled and replied, “Governor Liu, you’re too polite. There’s no disturbance; you know it’s just some minor matters. Please come in, Governor Liu.”

Entering the reception area, the two sat down on the sofa, guests and host respectively, and Hong Feng brought in the freshly brewed tea.

Nie Zhenbang said with a smile, “Governor Liu, some of my old subordinates sent over some Tieguanyin tea. Please try it and see how you find the flavor.”

After some small talk, Liu Yong, seeing that Nie Zhenbang was not in a mood for formal conversation, understood that Nie Zhenbang was holding the reins. Such firm control was to be expected. After mulling it over, Liu Yong also said with a smile, “Secretary Zhenbang, the main reason for my visit is to report something to you and to discuss it.”

Without waiting for Nie Zhenbang to respond, Liu Yong went on to introduce, “The Lushan Sanatorium, I don’t know if you are aware of it, Secretary Zhenbang. As the most famous tourist destination in Hongjiang and an important place for central leaders to convalesce, the construction work at the Lushan Sanatorium has been stagnant for years. Many leaders stay only during the summer for a few days. Previously, when Secretary Zhenbang mentioned the Resident Office in Beijing, I had a thought about reinvesting to build a brand new sanatorium.” (To be continued. If you like this work, please vote for it on NovelFire.net. Your support is my greatest motivation.)

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