Reborn as a Noble’s Son
Chapter 995 - Chapter 995 Chapter 951 Strategizing Behind the Scenes

Chapter 995: Chapter 951: Strategizing Behind the Scenes Chapter 995: Chapter 951: Strategizing Behind the Scenes Liu Yong’s words were very direct, and the expression was exceedingly clear. What’s more, worthy of deeper contemplation, there were words within words. It implied that after Nie Zhenbang took office, he did not discuss economic construction but only sought personal gain, acting recklessly within the province, excluding those who were different from him.

Not only Nie Zhenbang could understand these words, so could everyone else, and all eyes were on Nie Zhenbang, including Wen Baogui and Yao Dingguo. Everybody was eager to see how Secretary Nie would respond because at this moment, Liu Yong had completely dropped all pretenses. His words had already become a kind of public stance, a face-off at close quarters.

Nie Zhenbang fell silent for a moment, his face showing no sign of panic. Liu Yong’s backlash was expected, and opting to take down Liu Yong rather than Wen Baogui was a considered decision.

Wen Baogui was the deputy secretary, the third in command within the province. This man had been able to fight on equal terms with Liu Yong and He Yusheng’s factions before, which fully demonstrated his extraordinary abilities. That was one point. Secondly, since his appointment in Hongjiang, Wen Baogui had sized up the situation and, even after a mere slight brandishing of his sword on Jianshe Road, he quickly adjusted his strategy, leaned towards Nie Zhenbang, and stepped back, leaving the front line to Nie Zhenbang and Liu Yong. Undoubtedly, Nie Zhenbang was outmaneuvered by Wen Baogui, but this also demonstrated Wen Baogui’s resoluteness.

Furthermore, Wen Baogui had also figured out Nie Zhenbang’s approach. Coming to Hongjiang, finding harmony with Liu Yong was as difficult as ascending to the heavens.

Therefore, the move Wen Baogui played was something that Nie Zhenbang was willing to accept. If it were not played, Nie Zhenbang would still have charged forward, unable to shrink back.

Additionally, for Wen Baogui to rise to a higher position, he absolutely needed Nie Zhenbang’s support. This was the most critical point. Choosing Wen Baogui was more beneficial than detrimental for Nie Zhenbang, as Wen Baogui would rely heavily on him in many areas. Hence, inevitably, Wen Baogui would coordinate and concede on many fronts, which was the most important point.

In contrast, looking at Liu Yong’s side, if Nie Zhenbang cooperated with Liu Yong, with the secretary and the governor both supporting He Yusheng, He Yusheng’s promotion would be a foregone conclusion. Moreover, in such a trend, whether He Yusheng and Liu Yong would concede other interests was questionable. More crucially, in less than a month after taking office, the Shengding Group and He Yusheng’s names had been linked numerous times. Apparently, there were many issues involved, which was the fundamental reason why Nie Zhenbang did not consider He Yusheng.

Following that line of reasoning, a conflict with Liu Yong was inevitable, with no room or potential for reconciliation. On this issue, there was only one path to take, and the outcome was the most extreme. There would be no happy medium–either Nie Zhenbang would triumph, taking control of the situation in Hongjiang, or Liu Yong would win, after which Nie Zhenbang would have little say in the cities below the province level. It was equivalent to being sidelined, if not outright sidelined.

“Comrade Liu Yong’s words seem to have struck a rather broad target. However, this also illustrates a point, doesn’t it? It demonstrates that the democratic atmosphere within the party is robust. There are debates, there are dissenting voices, and that’s what democracy is all about. This way, the risk of autocratic decision-making is also avoided. I think it’s very good,” said Nie Zhenbang, his expression very calm, as he began with these words.

However, between the lines, there was clear dissatisfaction from Nie Zhenbang. First off, the subtle change in address had already become “Comrade Liu Yong,” which, at that level, most likely meant there would be no foot-stomping or public scolding. Even under normal relations, one would smile and call someone governor or secretary. More intimately, some would just use “comrade” and omit the surname. But it was rare for someone to be addressed by their full title. This was a clear sign of dissatisfaction.

Besides, Nie Zhenbang’s praises for the good democratic atmosphere, though seemingly commendatory, were actually understood by everyone as anything but praise. It was a kind of sarcasm.

“But!”

Indeed, as everyone was pondering and predicting whether Nie Zhenbang had a follow-up move, Nie Zhenbang decisively changed the subject.

There’s a strange phenomenon within the system that leaders’ speeches should never be taken at face value. Sometimes, harsh or critical words may not necessarily be bad, and they could be protecting you. On the other hand, compliments and praise might not necessarily be good, as they could be setting you up for a harder fall.

The main indicator is a “but,” a pivot word. Every leader within the system understands the essence of this and can use it with utmost proficiency.

“But what I want to say is that economic construction and social development must not come at the expense of social security, nor should they trample on the law. Just now, Comrade Liu Yong said that the rectification of party discipline is a political movement, that strengthening ideological study among the provincial party and government leaders is a form of formalism. I think Comrade Liu Yong’s thinking has some serious problems,” Nie Zhenbang continued.

At this moment, Nie Zhenbang showed no intention of going easy. His approach had always been the same: you respect me, and naturally, I will respect you. But since you’ve openly challenged me, there’s no need for me to be courteous.

His words dissolved Liu Yong’s high-sounding criticism into insignificance and, more importantly, Nie Zhenbang even outmaneuvered him.

Liu Yong’s expression at this moment was quite unsightly. Nie Zhenbang’s sharp style, a stark departure from his previous low-key and modest demeanour since taking office, caught Liu Yong off guard. Initially, Liu Yong had thought of Nie Zhenbang as a courteous gentleman with astute methods. Now, it seemed that Nie Zhenbang was tough and uncompromising.

After a pause, Nie Zhenbang continued, “Truth becomes clearer upon debate. I’ve always believed in this saying, this principle. I see that today’s meeting is neither a formal standing committee meeting nor any symposium. Everyone should feel free to speak their minds and share their views. If you have any opinions regarding the enhancement of party and government leaders’ work style and ideological education across the province, please voice them.”

As his voice fell, it was Li Wei who preempted others by saying, “Since Secretary Nie has put it that way, I’ll say a few words. My expertise is limited; please correct me if I’m wrong, Secretary Nie.”

Li Wei’s words were an unabashed display of loyalty, which somewhat surprised Nie Zhenbang. Although Li Wei had shown intentions of aligning with him from the start, aside from performing his duties, Li Wei hadn’t made many moves recently. This time, Li Wei’s stance completely exceeded Nie Zhenbang’s expectations. By speaking up in such a setting, Li Wei would have no way back; he had to follow through to the end.

However, Nie Zhenbang still had a good impression of Li Wei. Li Wei’s capabilities in all aspects were commendable. Moreover, the publicity department had been functioning according to his wishes, which fully demonstrated Li Wei’s perceptiveness.

“As the head of publicity, I will discuss my views from the perspective of propaganda,” said Li Wei with a smile, getting straight to the point.

After pausing for a moment, Li Wei continued, “I think it is very necessary to strengthen the advanced education of party and government leading cadres throughout the province. With the victorious convening of the Twenty-First Congress, General Secretary Qiao Yiren of the Central Committee has reiterated multiple times that cadres must be close to the masses, improve the increasingly distant relations between officials and the people, and ultimately, the relations between the party and the masses. The essence lies in advanced education. Hongjiang Province’s participation in this initiative is also a response to the Central Committee. Through our propaganda efforts, the general public can truly see the changes. I believe this will significantly improve the governing image of Hongjiang Provincial Committee and government as well as the investment environment. I fully support it.”

Following Li Wei, Xu Hongzhuan and Chen Le also expressed their clear-cut opinions. Although the content varied and their starting points and angles were different, the conclusion was the same: they all agreed and supported the initiative.

On the side, Wen Baogui and Yao Dingguo exchanged glances, revealing slight smiles on their faces. The situation had become clear; Secretary Nie’s side now evidently had four votes. Together with the two of them, that made six votes, securing an advantage in the standing committee.

Consequently, this would inevitably worsen the relationship between Secretary Nie and Liu Yong. In the end, the greatest beneficiary would be themselves.

Immediately, Wen Baogui nodded and said, “I agree with Secretary Nie’s views, as well as the opinions of my colleagues just now. I think this matter should be addressed sooner rather than later and should be implemented promptly.”

With six votes now secured, at this very moment, Liu Yong’s face took on an unpleasant look. Even more unexpectedly, Liu Yong suddenly stood up and said in a deep voice, “Regarding this matter, my stance is very clear. I oppose the exaggeration and escalation of individual cases and the province-wide launch of this meaningless work. I reserve my opinion. When necessary, I will report my thoughts to my superiors.”

As his voice fell, a buzz ran through the audience, and the room fell silent. Everyone was taken aback and watched Liu Yong in astonishment. What was going on with Liu Yong today? Such remarks were not befitting of a deputy secretary of the Provincial Committee and a governor. It was a direct challenge to authority.

Nie Zhenbang’s face also turned grave as he suppressed the anger in his heart and said in an extremely serious tone, “Comrade Liu Yong, please be mindful of your identity. Is this how a Communist Party member, a leader, should speak? The minority should comply with the majority, and local interests should conform to the overall situation. This is a long-standing principle of our Party. This is a democratic meeting, not a place for complaints, outbursts, or flaunting seniority. You are entitled to your opinion, but what is this attitude? Are you questioning the collective decision? Do you think your viewpoint is correct and represents the Hongjiang Provincial Committee? Today, here, I can clearly say that you are free to express your opinions or report to higher authorities. I, Nie Zhenbang, will not obstruct it.” (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to vote for it on Qidian (NovelFire.net). Your support is my greatest motivation.)