Reborn as a Noble's Son

Chapter 424: Chapter 404 Striking Down Fan Changsheng_1
Shen Yanshuo said these words with a smile, but Nie Zhenbang knew full well the authority of the Provincial Party Committee Secretary was not something he could challenge lightly. If his response was improper, Shen Yanshuo could genuinely switch locations. Any talk about Jiangzhou City not being suitable was just a facade. It would just require a little more effort on Shen Yanshuo’s part. As long as Nie Zhenbang did not present a compelling argument, moving to Jiangzhou for the sake of saving face would not be a big deal.

After pondering for a moment, Nie Zhenbang started to put together his arguments and lobbed for funds for the renovation of the old city in Liangxi City.

“Secretary Shen, if the Eastern Development Forum does push through, it will be a big deal and a great benefit for our Jiangbei Province. As the host city, we definitely need to upgrade and promote our charm and image. I believe that whether it’s Liangxi or any other city, there are many old districts that need quality improvement. Comparatively speaking, Liangxi City already has a solid foundation, and most of its districts are newly built in the past one or two years. The area needing renovation in the old city is not large. The majority of the funds required can be covered by the city’s fiscal budget. This should help alleviate the fiscal burden of the province. Secretary Shen, I can assure you I am not asking for an exorbitant amount.” Nie Zhenbang concluded his statement with a slightly humorous remark.

Even though Nie Zhenbang did not like to flatter, it did not mean he was incapable of reading the room. He knew full well it was essential in politics. At this moment, both Shen Yanshuo and Ning Shouchang appeared to be in good moods. Nie Zhenbang seized the opportunity to press his point. If these two leaders agreed, the matter would be settled.

As Nie Zhenbang expected, after he had finished speaking, Shen Yanshuo fell silent for a moment before agreeing that the old city’s renovation was necessary, no matter where. Compared to Jiangzhou City, the burden carried by Liangxi City was indeed lighter.

Soon after, Shen Yanshuo nodded and said, “Your argument is well-founded. Since you proposed this, you need to draft a comprehensive plan when you are back. You will be involved in the planning committee.”

Shen Yanshuo was rather shrewd about this matter. It was the first forum of its kind, and since Nie Zhenbang was the initiator, he would have more experience to contribute to the planning committee.

After the discussion ended, Nie Zhenbang stood up to leave with Ning Shouchang. Once they left the Provincial Party Committee Secretary’s office, Nie Zhenbang said with a smile, “Governor, I won’t go to the government office. There are many issues to address in the city, so I’ll go back first.”

Upon hearing Nie Zhenbang’s words, Ning Shouchang nodded, “All right then, you should commence work in Liangxi City as soon as possible. Currently, the entire province is looking at you. You’ve made quite a name for yourself, turning Xinli City into a national model. Now you understand the pressure, don’t you? Off you go.”

Watching Ning Shouchang board his car, Nie Zhenbang exchanged a knowing glance with Su Jinguo. Both understood that they would meet for a gathering that evening.

At seven in the evening, Nie Zhenbang’s phone rang. On answering, he heard Su Jinguo’s enthusiastic voice from the other end, “Brother Zhenbang, where are you? I’ll pick you up.”

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Su Jinguo, on a personal level, was truly quite capable. It’s no wonder he’s achieved so much. What’s more, Su Jinguo was not a petty man, making him a worthwhile friend. In response, Nie Zhenbang laughed, “Brother Su, there’s no need for the trouble. I have my car. You just tell me where to go, and I’ll come.”

On the other end of the call, Su Jinguo didn’t refuse. Laughing, he said, “All right then. Go via Jiangzhou Avenue. Take Yulan Road, then cross Qinggang Overpass and go straight onto the second ring road. There’s a fish restaurant near the Provincial Administration for Industry and Commerce. It’s called ‘Fish World.’ I’ll wait for you at the entrance.”

While Nie Zhenbang happily set off to meet Su Jinguo, an uninvited guest arrived at the entrance of Shen Yanshuo’s residence in the compound of the Provincial Party Committee.

At this moment, Fan Changsheng instructed his secretary to unload a woven bag from the trunk and then walked in. The secretary seemed quite familiar with the place and walked towards a side door where there was a small, unlocked room used as a gift storage.

Shen Yanshuo stood at the entrance, acting with dignity that made Fan Changsheng feel appreciated. As he entered, he was somewhat taken aback and said, “Leader, I’m flattered. How could I deserve such a reception? Where’s your wife? Is she cooking? It’s really a lot of trouble. Leader, I already had my dinner. I wouldn’t want to trouble you.”

Shen Yanshuo patted Fan Changsheng’s shoulder and joked, “It’s good that you didn’t bring any cigarettes or alcohol. If you did, I would’ve thrown them out. Next time, don’t bring any rural speciality items either. You’re not a countryman, are you? Whatever ‘specialities’ you could bring would just be purchased goods. Take a seat. Dinner will be ready soon. You must eat when you’re here.”

These words made Fan Changsheng elated. After all, who could expect such treatment in the house of the Provincial Party Committee Secretary in Jiangbei Province? Probably only him.

As Shen Yanshuo’s old subordinate, Fan Changsheng naturally understood some of Shen Yanshuo’s characteristics – the kind of words he liked to hear, and those he disliked. During the meal, with Fan Changsheng’s careful caterings to his tastes, both the guest and the host enjoyed themselves a lot.

After dinner, Shen Yanshuo led Fan Changsheng to the study. Shen Yanshuo’s wife, a gentle woman in her fifties, brought in two cups of tea. After she placed the tea on the table, she tactfully closed the door to the study room for them.

Looking at Fan Changsheng who seemed somewhat restless by his side, Shen Yanshuo picked up his teacup, blew on it gently, then casually said, “Changsheng, this afternoon, Nie Zhenbang came to report to me.”

These words prompted Fan Changsheng to stand up. Then he realized that he was in Shen Yanshuo’s house, with the province’s top administrator seated next to him. Immediately, he sat down, feeling slightly embarrassed, and looked at Shen Yanshuo and said, “Old Secretary, Nie Zhenbang came to see you?”

Shen Yanshuo nodded. He had intentionally said this. He attached great importance to the issues of development forum. After Nie Zhenbang had left, he gave it some serious thought. This indeed was an opportunity for him. Now, it was 1998. President Yuan formally took office in 1991, one term for four years, two at most, meaning, a new leadership core would formally step onto the stage next year. Whether he could climb another step higher through this opportunity, this development forum was the key.

Shen Yanshuo fully understood what Fan Changsheng was implying. If it had been before, Shen Yanshuo would certainly come forward to support him. But now? In consideration of maintaining the balance and stability of Liangxi City, Shen Yanshuo didn’t see it that way.

“Old leader, you agree then.” said Fan Changsheng, full of anticipation, looking at Shen Yanshuo.

At this moment, Shen Yanshuo remained expressionless and continued with Fan Changsheng’s words, “Mm, I agreed.”

Upon hearing these words, Fan Changsheng turned pale and sat down. It took him a long while to come back to his senses. He really could not understand why the old leader could be so readily tricked by Nie Zhenbang’s words and even give his consent.

At this moment, Shen Yanshuo did not want his old subordinate to feel so down. He gently said, “Changsheng, some things, do not take too seriously. Great people have said, it’s good to broaden your horizons. Do not be sectarian, unity within the team is important. You are the Party Secretary, don’t show off everywhere. For some things, have a calm attitude, maintain a detached perspective. Achievements will always be attributed to you.”

After a pause, Shen Yanshuo continued, “This time, in your city, on the matter of the candidate for the position of Minister of Organization of the Municipal Party Committee, Nie Zhenbang also reported to me. The comrade Li Xiaoqin, taking the work of the Minister of Organization, I think, Nie Zhenbang made sense. Li Xiaoqin lacks experience in the organization department, hastily assuming the position may lack consideration.”

At this moment, Shen Yanshuo was lying convincingly. If Nie Zhenbang were here, he would definitely be stunned. The Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee actually resorted to lying.

In fact, Shen Yanshuo had his considerations in doing this. If clarified directly, Fan Changsheng would certainly accept it. However, he might inevitably have some thoughts. Now, since the location of the development forum had been set to Liangxi City, given Shen Yanshuo’s character, everything had to be perfect. It was about his future spell and all other things had to give way. What was a little lie? Fan Changsheng was unlikely to go and ask Nie Zhenbang.

Facing the candid words of Secretary Shen, Fan Changsheng felt a bit dejected. The harsh truth was that Li Xiaoqin did have seniority, but she lacked working experience in the organization department, which was her biggest weakness. To his dismay, the weakness had been spotted by Nie Zhenbang.

From Fan Changsheng’s reaction, Shen Yanshuo knew that he had believed him. Subsequently, Shen Yanshuo continued, “But, Changsheng, you do not need to worry. Regarding Nie Zhenbang’s suggestion, I didn’t give it any consideration, and I rejected it outright. This matter, whether it’s you, Nie Zhenbang, or even Zhu Zhuozhen, none of you have a say. The provincial administration, on this matter, will make a comprehensive consideration.”

After a pause, Shen Yanshuo added, “Changsheng, finally, I would like to advise you, know when enough is enough. For some things, taking a step back can be a good thing. Nie Zhenbang is very ambitious and has people watching out for him above. You might as well mind less instead of more. In the future, there will still be a broader stage waiting for you.”

Watching Fan Changsheng nodding in joy, Shen Yanshuo felt a bit feeble. He knew best his old subordinate who was too power-driven. It was unpredictable how much of his advice would be taken in. If these words could at least give him a wakeup call, then his own purpose would be achieved. (