Reborn as a Noble's Son

Chapter 786: Chapter 742: Team Division Meeting_1

At the level of Nie Zhenbang and Zeng Taiping, a lot could be communicated without the need for explicit words. Concerning these matters, Zeng Taiping’s words had made his opinion quite clear. The truth was, if Fan Youcai had the ability to serve as the head of the Finance Department, there wouldn’t be any question about his competence with such matters, whether or not he was capable of serving in a higher position.

Yet Zeng Taiping suggested that Fan Youcai needs to learn more from Nie Zhenbang. This meant that Nie Zhenbang’s words were still influential in the matters of the Finance Department. With Zeng Taiping’s approval, there shouldn’t be any issues from Fan Youcai’s side.

At this moment, Nie Zhenbang also stood up and modestly said, “Secretary Zeng, that’s too serious; I’m far from being an expert, I’m still learning. As for the finance work, it’s mainly led by Comrade Fan Youcai.”

By saying this, he returned the compliment. Hearing this, Zeng Taiping laughed heartily, “Oh, Zhenbang, you are too humble.”

After returning from Secretary Zeng Taiping’s office in the afternoon, as soon as he started work, Nie Zhenbang instructed Li Jupeng, “Jupeng, arrange a meeting with Governor Sun and Governor Pan.”

It had been close to two months since he was transferred to Bashu until his official election. Now, it was time to confirm the division of work in the government team. The reason for asking Li Jupeng to notify Sun Jialuo and Pan Jianzhang was for the same purpose.

In the provincial government team, if the division of work issue could have the approval of the two standing committee members of the provincial party committee, the next steps would be easier.

It took less than five minutes for the door to open from the outside. Led by Li Jupeng, Sun Jialuo and Pan Jianzhang stepped in. By this time, Nie Zhenbang had already stood up, walked away from his desk, personally pouring each of them a cup of hot tea. Then, he also sat on the sofa next to them.

Sun Jialuo appeared a bit tense, somewhat reserved. Nie Zhenbang was understanding about it. Their relationship had been decent while they were studying at the central level together. However, after Nie Zhenbang was transferred to Bashu Province, Sun Jialuo followed in Zeng Taiping’s footsteps. Although it was never explicitly stated, everyone knew that Sun Jialuo’s actions were somewhat unethical.

Even if Sun Jialuo didn’t do anything, didn’t take sides, and just watched the drama, no one would say anything. But now…

Nie Zhenbang had his own plans regarding this matter, but for the time being, it was not the right time.

After organizing his thoughts and language, Nie Zhenbang started, “Old Sun, Old Pan, this time I have specifically invited you two here for one main issue.”

After a pause, Nie Zhenbang observed their reactions. Sun Jialuo appeared as composed as ever. Pan Jianzhang, who had a different relationship with him, appeared more relaxed. As soon as he heard these words, his eyebrows visibly raised.

“Ever since my appointment in Bashu Province, several months have passed, and the main issue this time is to readjust the division of work within the provincial government team,” said Nie Zhenbang casually.

At this point, Sun Jialuo and Pan Jianzhang had adjusted their emotional states and appeared more normal.

After a pause, Sun Jialuo looked up at Nie Zhenbang and said, “I agree with the Governor’s proposal. Ever since the Governor took office, due to some issues and perhaps considering that he was not yet formally elected, the division of work in the team has not been settled. Now, I am very supportive of making it official.”

Then, Sun Jialuo took the initiative to say, “Governor, ever since Deputy Premier Nie left Bashu, I have been in charge of development and reform. But I’m limited in my capabilities. I want to hand over this part of the work.”

Hearing Sun Jialuo’s words, Nie Zhenbang, who had anticipated this, exchanged glances with Pan Jianzhang. Then he said, “Old Sun, if you say so, you’re just being overly modest. If I remember correctly, your role in the government includes presiding over the routine work, responsible for development, key projects, personnel, labor, etc. You’re in charge of the Development and Reform Commission and the Personnel Bureau. It would be unfair to you, and it would hinder the key projects throughout Bashu, most of which need the approval of the Development and Reform Commission. I cannot agree to your request.”

Nie Zhenbang decisively rejected Sun Jialuo’s suggestion. He knew very well Sun Jialuo’s thoughts at this moment. In many provincial and municipal governments across the country, it is quite common for the head of government to control finance and development and reform.

For example, when his father was in Bashu, he was in charge of the Development and Reform Commission. However, for the sake of Bashu’s economic development, Sun Jialuo took over after his father left. Sun Jialuo’s current move is, in fact, an acknowledgment of his weakness.

Imagine this, the work of the Reform and Development Commission. It’s in the hands of the top brass, any project will inevitably require the signature of the top brass in order to proceed. In this way, no one can bypass the authority of the government’s top man.

Nie Zhenbang paused for a moment, then chuckled, “Old Sun, we are classmates, you know my character well. Be it in matters or in person, I am straight-talking. I never resort to deceit or false pretense. This time, the adjustment of duty assignment within our team is just routine. Most of the assignments, I don’t plan to change. As for my workload, my primary responsibilities will be to preside over the comprehensive work of the provincial government. I’ll manage finance, supervision, auditing, and planning, overseeing the departments of finance, supervision, auditing, and the Provincial Planning Commission. I’ll also be in charge of coordinating with the Ministry of Finance, Supervision, and Auditing in their Bashu offices.”

As his words fell, admiration was evident on the faces of Sun Jialuo and Pan Jianzhang. Sun Jialuo sighed at this moment, realizing he had underestimated his classmate. Despite being the youngest among them, his execution was mature and his considerations scrupulous.

By holding control over finance, it’s as if he’s gripping the financial lifeline of the province; controlling supervision is akin to holding a trump card that can suppress anything at any time; with auditing in hand, that’s essentially mastering the performance evaluation of other cadres; finally, by grasping the job planning, the staffing in the province would be under his control. He may not hold many portfolios, but each of them is vital. Moreover, he has Huang Jin, who can be said to be in the same boat with him. In this way, Nie Zhenbang’s position in the provincial government is as sturdy as Taishan.

Reflecting on this, Sun Jialuo nodded, “The governor’s arrangements are excellent. I have no personal objections.”

On the side, Pan Jianzhang also smiled and said, “Governor, I have no objections.”

Hearing the two of them, Nie Zhenbang nodded, “Since you both agree, we should strike while the iron is hot, gathering other members of the team to convene a meeting. We’ll rally all the government team members at home. At the meeting, we’ll officially confirm it.”

With the approval of these two, the two most important people in the government team had expressed their agreement. Basically, the entire meeting should proceed without any issues.

Very quickly, in less than half an hour, all the at-home leaders of the provincial government team were seated in the meeting room, and Nie Zhenbang promptly entered the room.

Glancing at everyone, Sun Jialuo and Pan Jianzhang were on his left and right, followed by Zhou Yining, Huang Jin, Li Xiaoyang, Li Wei, Li Guangqiang, and Ma Yuequn. Lastly, Secretary General Fang Yuan sat last. His secretary, Li Jupeng, who was also the Chief of the Office of the Government Secretariat, was seated on the side, serving as the meeting recorder. Among the team members, Assistant Governor Chen Feng, had gone to Chunan Province to participate in the Western Region Tourism Expo.

Setting down his teacup, Nie Zhenbang laughed, “Let’s get started, comrades. The main purpose of this meeting is to decide on the division of labor.”

He paused, glancing at everyone’s expressions. Apart from Sun Jialuo and Pan Jianzhang, the calmest individuals were Huang Jin, Li Guangqiang, and Ma Yuequn. Huang Jin, despite having the title of Vice Governor, was only in charge of the Public Security Department. Moreover, he established a good relationship with Governor Nie through the incident at Yangde City. He was not worried about his work being affected.

Additionally, the situations of Li Guangqiang and Ma Yuequn were similar. One was a non-partisan, the other was from the Democratic Factions. One was responsible for agriculture, forestry, fishing, animal husbandry, and water affairs, the other for science, education, culture, health, and sports. They were working in peaceful departments and didn’t care whether there were adjustments or not.

Moreover, both were not members of the Party Leadership Group of the Provincial Government. They had a clear self-awareness.

The ones who were anxious were Zhou Yining and Li Wei. Nie Zhenbang chuckled at this moment, “In terms of key work areas, there won’t be many changes. As for Comrade Li Wei, there will be a slight adjustment. From now on, I will supervise the work of the Labour Department and the Personnel Department. Also, since the departure of Vice Premier Nie, the work of the Department of Finance, Supervision Bureau, and Provincial Planning Commission hasn’t been clearly assigned. From now on, I will take charge of these.”

With Nie Zhenbang’s words, Sun Jialuo, Pan Jianzhang, Huang Jin, and Fang Yuan all expressed their approval one after another.

Next, naturally, nobody was foolish enough to oppose such a matter. The meeting unanimously passed the issue of team duty assignment.

…

As Nie Zhenbang declared the meeting adjourned, everyone stood up. Nie Zhenbang also stood up and whispered to Sun Jialuo next to him: “Old Sun, tomorrow is the weekend. How about getting together?” (.)