Reborn as a Noble's Son

Chapter 770: Chapter 726: There Must be Demons When Things are Abnormal_1
 

At this moment, Nie Zhenbang was staring straight ahead at the notebook on the table in front of him, the pen in his hand was continually jotting down notes.

This time, Nie Zhenbang was having some difficulty reading the situation in the standing committee of Bashu Province. If he recalled correctly, Fang Yuan had once mentioned. Long Genghua, although not a native, had always worked in Bashu Province. Even though he was not a born local, he could be considered a locally grown cadre, and he had long earned the nickname of ‘Godfather of Bashu Officialdom’.

Zhang Zhongxiong is a local cadre through and through, which in this respect does bear some resemblance to Long Genghua. It would not be surprising that Zhang Zhongxiong is Long’s man.

However, Fang Yuan had said that Long Genghua and Ning Bojun were quite close. However, as it appeared today, Lu Yong mainly recommended Zhang Zhongxiong, while Ning Bojun vehemently opposes. This relationship seems to have become quite chaotic. I believe that Fang Yuan was not speaking thoughtlessly, if so, why did Ning Bojun and Long Genghua have a fallout? This point is worth careful consideration. I fear that the ultimate beneficiary of this staff reshuffle in Yangde City will be the person we need to pay close attention to.

Zeng Taiping also looked a little serious at this moment. Now that there is clear evidence, as the secretary of the provincial party committee, Zeng Taiping naturally needs to express his stance.

After a moment of contemplation, Zeng Taiping said, “Everyone, quiet down. On the matter of Comrade Zhang Zhongxiong. I believe, we cannot be so rash. After all, it involves a department-level cadre. In the interest of protecting our grassroots comrades, we must be discreet about the handling of Comrade Zhang Zhongxiong’s case. I suggest that the Organization Department, the Disciplinary Inspection Commission, and the Supervision Department Anti-Corruption Bureau form a combined working group. They will privately enter Yangde City to initiate the investigation. We will decide on the next steps based on the investigation results.”

At this point, Zeng Taiping added with a smile, “Comrade Bojun, what do you think about the choice for the role of Yangde City Party Committee Secretary?”

Zeng Taiping’s statement effectively ended the discussion. Initiating a disciplinary inspection requires careful deliberation. If such inspections could be initiated at will, it would create a sense of panic among various levels of government nationwide. Although the Disciplinary Inspection Commission has great power, there must be checks and balances, otherwise, there would be chaos.

However, Zeng Taiping’s latter statement essentially eliminated the possibility of Zhang Zhongxiong taking up the role of the City Committee Secretary. Now that this issue has cropped up, whether wrongful or not, Zhang Zhongxiong has no chance at the position.

The matter will undoubtedly be investigated further. If proven to be true, regular procedures will be followed. If the facts were fabricated, then Ning Bojun’s position would be at stake as well.

Since Zeng Taiping has spoken as such, Ning Bojun decided to let it go. As long as he dared to bring it up, Ning Bojun wasn’t worried about Zhang Zhongxiong destroying evidence. If he weren’t capable of handling that, Ning Bojun wouldn’t have spoken up. Now, under all circumstances, face must be given to Zeng Taiping, otherwise, it would be bad if he, the chairperson, got offended. If he formed another opinion about Ning, it wouldn’t end well.

Immediately, Ning nodded and said, “Secretary Zeng, I think that Fan Youcai, the current secretary of the Ningxi City Committee, is a very good candidate.”

After a pause, Ning Bojun continued, “Since Comrade Fan Youcai was transferred to Ningxi City to assume the role of City Committee Secretary from his position as Director of the Civil Affairs Department, the economic development and various other aspects of Ningxi city have achieved excellent results. He is a good comrade who works for the people. His capabilities and experience are first-rate, and I nominate Comrade Fan Youcai.”

This statement left Nie Zhenbang somewhat baffled. Why did Ning Bojun recommend Fan Youcai, a minor character? Could it be that Fan Youcai is a close subordinate of Ning Bojun, and thus a divergence of opinions on this issue arose?

As soon as this thought came to mind, Nie Zhenbang swiftly dismissed it. If that were the case, Ning Bojun would not have bothered to create such an immense uproar. The position of Yangde City Party Committee Secretary, while slightly superior to the same position in Ningxi City, is technically of the same rank. If it were a promotion by half a level, there might be some significance in fighting for it. However, this would just be considered a lateral transfer. There’s no need for Ning Bojun to offend Long Genghua for such a matter.

As he was thinking, the Secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Committee, Hou Wenkui, chimed in, “I concur with Comrade Bojun’s opinion. I also think that Comrade Fan Youcai is a suitable candidate.”

Hou Wenkui’s statement was evidently a clear signal of agreement. When he said this, everyone could tell that Hou Wenkui’s stance was strictly supportive, with no ulterior motives.

After a brief pause, Sun Jialuo, in the next seat, also nodded, “I also support Comrade Fan Youcai.”

This scene left Nie Zhenbang even more surprised. The standing committee meeting today was really strange. It differed greatly from the situation of the provincial standing committee described by Fang Yuan.

First, it was a fallout between Ning Bojun and Long Genghua. Soon after, Hou Wenkui, who had always been in conflict with Long Genghua, expressed his support. Now, it was Sun Jialuo. After he took office, Sun Jialuo and Zeng Taiping had become quite close.

Having thought of this, Nie Zhenbang’s gaze shifted to a calm Zeng Taiping. Could it be that Fan Youcai was a supporter of Zeng Taiping?

The more he thought about it, the more plausible it seemed. Firstly, it was established that Fan Youcai was not an ally of Ning Bojun. Subsequently, the behaviors of Hou Wenkui and Sun Jialuo did not suggest an alliance either. Moreover, these two could not possibly control Ning Bojun. Among the standing committee members present, it seemed that only Zeng Taiping possessed this ability.

Looking at Fan Youcai’s career history, he was only forty-three years old, even younger than Zhang Zhongxiong – a truly young official. His potential for promotion was enormous. His transfer from Ningxi City to Yangde City, from a late-developing city to an economically advanced one, would not have meant much for an official in their fifties. But for a man like Fan Youcai, it was an excellent stepping stone.

At that moment, Zeng Taiping, appearing extremely satisfied, nodded as if he had thought of something, and turned to Nie Zhenbang and asked, “Governor Zhenbang, do you have any thoughts on this matter?”

In response to Zeng Taiping’s question, Nie Zhenbang chuckled lightly. This matter, for him who had just arrived in Bashu, would be the easiest to resolve. Smiling, he said, “Comrade Zeng, I will refrain from expressing my opinion on the matter of the Secretary of Yangde City’s Selection. After all, I have just arrived. All the comrades, in my opinion, are outstanding leaders. But then again, I am not overly familiar with them. It would be presumptuous of me to express opinions hastily. I respect and adhere to the decision of the Standing Committee.”

After a brief pause, Nie Zhenbang continued, “However, considering the continuation of future work in Yangde City, I think we might also consider Comrade Bu Dehui. After all, Comrade Bu Dehui is the full-time deputy secretary of the Yangde City Party Committee. If he were to succeed as the Secretary, he would undoubtedly contribute significantly to the work in Yangde City. Of course, this is a suggestion from a work perspective. I have no other implications.”

Once he finished speaking, the whole Standing Committee was taken aback. Nie Zhenbang’s initial words were standard, but the latter part confused many. What was Nie Zhenbang implying? Many couldn’t figure it out.

Nie Zhenbang observed everyone’s reactions. To him, their reactions were expected. Everyone presumed that he would follow the principle of listening more, observing more and speaking less during such matters, not stating his opinion at all. However, he chose to deviate from the norm. What he wanted was this unexpected effect.

Out of the three candidates, it was clear that Long Genghua’s candidate had been eliminated. So, the remaining choice was between Bu Dehui and Fan Youcai. If he really didn’t speak up, it was certain that Zeng Taiping would suggest a vote. By then, Bu Dehui would have been forgotten. Fan Youcai, with his extensive support, would confidently be elected.

However, such a situation was clearly disadvantageous to him. As for this, Nie Zhenbang was well aware that people have an inherent way of thinking.

It seemed that new leaders often refrain from voicing their opinions, but that depended on the situation. Moreover, refraining from expressing an opinion does not mean that one does not have an opinion. If it really was that way, it would inevitably give other members of the Standing Committee an impression of a lack of courage and ambition. Once the first impression was established, it would be challenging to change the situation.

Nie Zhenbang had a clear understanding of this. His words now, had unexpectedly disrupted the situation, creating a new impression. All the Standing Committee members would feel that he wasn’t an easy pushover, which would help establish his authority within the committee.

Furthermore, Nie Zhenbang asserted that Bu Dehui, being the first candidate proposed, must have had support within the Standing Committee. However, this person was merely hiding their cards at the moment.

As expected, Nie Zhenbang’s remarks made Zeng Taiping suddenly halt his prepared speech. He hadn’t expected Nie Zhenbang to speak in such a way.

On the other hand, the previously ashen-faced Long Genghua looked pleased and calmly remarked, “Governor Zhenbang’s opinion holds great importance. It’s very objective. The significance of Yangde City goes without saying. We cannot ignore the issue of ensuring a smooth transition for the ongoing work in Yangde City. From this perspective, Comrade Bu Dehui is indeed more suitable than Comrade Fan Youcai.”

Long Genghua’s demeanor was well within Nie Zhenbang’s expectations. Given the current situation, Long Genghua was without any hope, but he would not let Ning Bojun have it easy either. Regardless of who the person was affiliated with, Long Genghua was bound to oppose. He merely lacked a path for his opposition. Now, Nie Zhenbang had provided him with one.

Meanwhile, Xie Aibiao, Minister of the United Front Work Department, voiced his opinion, “I also think that Comrade Bu Dehui is better suited.”

For a moment, the situation was at a stalemate. At that point, Zeng Taiping pondered for a moment, glanced at Nie Zhenbang seemingly unintentionally, and then remarked, “In that case, let’s delay this matter for now and discuss it in the next Standing Committee meeting.” (.)