Reborn as a Noble's Son-Chapter 840 - 796 Third Brother Plays a Dirty Trick
Chapter 840: Chapter 796: Third Brother Plays a Dirty Trick
Chapter 840 -796: Third Brother Plays a Dirty Trick
Upon hearing Xie Aibiao’s words, Nie Zhenbang’s mouth revealed a hint of curvature; by this point, matters had essentially settled into place.
At this moment, Xie Aibiao’s slickness was fully exposed. Not everyone has the skill to adopt his approach of offending neither side.
Speaking plainly, playing both sides is like stepping on two boats. From a purely physical standpoint, if you are stepping on two boats moving parallel, this is without a doubt more comfortable and stable than standing on a single boat. However, once the boats go their separate ways, or even head in opposite directions, the person standing between them may be torn in half by the force. Similarly, there is also the possibility of falling into the water and drowning.
Therefore, whether from the perspective of physics or political science, this method is a high-level technique not easily managed by just anyone. This proved the extent of Xie Aibiao’s slickness.
Xie Aibiao saw this very clearly. In such matters, it was impossible for either side to offend him, and there would be no consequences like settling scores after the autumn harvest. Why? Because under the current situation, Zeng Taiping couldn’t afford to offend him. Otherwise, his future in the Provincial Committee would be considerably more difficult.
By the same token, Nie Zhenbang couldn’t afford to offend him either. Although the Nie family had deep roots in Bashu Province, Nie Zhenbang was still relatively young, and his qualifications slightly lighter. His current position was a perfect testament to his extraordinary capabilities. If Zhenbang were to push him towards Zeng Taiping, wouldn’t he just be asking for trouble?
Moreover, the situation was clear: there were thirteen members of the Bashu Provincial Committee, and by now, Nie Zhenbang clearly had the upper hand, holding six secure votes. Add to that, Shi Dongmao always abstained from expressing any opinion, yielding a guaranteed tie. Whether one favored or abstained, Nie Zhenbang could still win, and this would not offend Zeng Taiping to death. That was strategy.
Zeng Taiping was also deep in thought. The current situation clearly indicated the eventual result: two abstentions, five votes against six. No matter the decision, the final victor would undoubtedly be Nie Zhenbang. Initially, if they could get the support of Xie Aibiao, then in a tied six-to-six situation, as the Provincial Party Secretary, Zeng could either delay or directly make a decision.
Yet, casting a vote would inevitably impact his authority, and abstaining was equally difficult.
After a moment’s silence, Zeng Taiping spoke gravely, “In that case, I think we should do this: the Organization Department should first issue a document, after deliberation by the Provincial Committee, to relieve Comrades Li Yunhe and Hu Baoguang of their duties…”
Before he could finish speaking, Nie Zhenbang interrupted Zeng Taiping. Now, in the Committee, only Zhenbang had the credentials to do so, being the second in command.
Observing Zeng Taiping’s somewhat discontented expression, Nie Zhenbang appeared utterly indifferent. He spoke softly, “Secretary Zeng, I think it is best to finalize the matter. Xingzhou City is currently in a state of panic, an extremely unstable time, and this issue should not be delayed. If Comrades Li Yunhe and Hu Baoguang leave their posts simultaneously and Xingzhou City’s personnel issues remain unresolved, it will undoubtedly add to the panic. In my opinion, it is best to settle the appointments at the same time.”
As the words fell, Zeng Taiping’s brows furrowed slightly, expressing his dissatisfaction, “Comrade Zhenbang, let’s not be hasty. I haven’t finished speaking.”
In the face of Zeng Taiping’s veiled criticism and dissatisfaction, Nie Zhenbang responded with a smile, appearing very humble, “Yes, Secretary Zeng is right. I was too anxious.”
While saying this, Zhenbang maintained a composed attitude, having already reached his goal. After being pressed by Zhenbang, it was hardly appropriate for Zeng to speak of any further delays. Zhenbang had secured tangible benefits, and it was natural for Zeng to harbor some resentment.
Now, the situation was similar to the past when the Jiesheng Group had betrayed him, and afterward, Zeng had betrayed him too. Now, he had fully retaliated.
Zeng Taiping found himself in a difficult position, unable to easily backtrack his words at this stage. Feeling as if he had swallowed a worm, uncomfortable in every way, Zeng paused then finally continued, “Well, if that’s the case, we should determine the candidates first.”
The subsequent proceedings unfolded just like a pre-shot movie, with all positions falling under Nie Zhenbang’s control. With the affirmation of each personnel, Zeng Taiping’s expression grew increasingly dark. Once everything was settled, Zeng Taiping spoke somberly, “Minister Lu, since the decisions have been made, the Organization Department should release the pre-appointment announcement now. Comrade Fang Yuan is nominated as the Secretary of the Xingzhou City Municipal Committee, Comrade Li Yunhe as the Secretary-General of the Provincial Government. Comrade Liu Qingyuan is nominated as the Deputy Secretary of the Xingzhou City Municipal Committee and Acting Mayor. Comrade Hu Baoguang is nominated as the Party Secretary and Head of the Construction Department; Comrade Wu Xiong, as the Executive Deputy Mayor of Xingzhou City. If there are no other matters, let’s adjourn the meeting.”
After speaking, Zeng Taiping stood up and walked out with his hands behind his back.
At this moment, Nie Zhenbang walked out unhurriedly. In the corridor outside the meeting room, Long Genghua stood aside, waiting for Nie Zhenbang to approach. Now, Long Genghua’s face bore a smile, a rare moment of exhilaration in the past half a year.
“Governor, Old Sun, would you like to sit in my office?” At this point in time, the gloves had come off between him and Zeng Taiping. The usual concerns were needless now, and at this moment, Long Genghua royally extended the invitation.
Nie Zhenbang looked at Sun Jialuo next to him. Now that other personnel matters had been settled, the cooperation on Sun Jialuo’s matter still needed to continue. He nodded and said, “Old Sun, shall we sit for a while?”
“Hehe, since Secretary Long has invited me and the Governor has said so, it would seem unsociable of me not to sit, wouldn’t it?” At this moment, Sun Jialuo also made a joke.
The décor of Long Genghua’s office was generally similar to that of the provincial government. After all, they followed a unified decoration style, with only minor differences in the details.
The three of them sat on the sofa, and at this moment, Long Genghua’s secretary also brought each of them a cup of hot tea. Picking up the teacup, Nie Zhenbang took a sip and then said, “Old Long, although we have won a round, we mustn’t be careless. You should pay more attention to the nomination publicity—don’t let there be any mishaps.”
Appointing Long Genghua had profound implications. As the full-time deputy secretary in charge of Party-mass ideological consciousness and personnel organization work, Long Genghua had the authority to intervene and participate in organization department affairs. In some places, many of the organization department’s duties were also undertaken by the full-time deputy secretary.
Personnel matters were something that could not be taken lightly or acted upon rashly. Simply issuing a document wasn’t enough; everything had to wait until the nomination publicity was completed and the official appointment and dismissal documents were released before it could count.
And it was most fitting for Long Genghua to keep an eye on this matter.
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…
As soon as he finished work in the afternoon and entered the door, Nie Zhenbang exaggeratedly sniffed. He set down his briefcase beside the entryway table and exclaimed with a loud laugh, “Is that the aroma of sweet and sour pork ribs? An Na, what brought you to cook personally today?”
With Nie Zhenbang’s words, An Na also came out of the kitchen. Today, she wore a white long-sleeved blouse with a ruffled collar and an apron across her chest, presenting a unique charm of a woman working in the kitchen.
Seeing Nie Zhenbang, An Na’s face naturally revealed a smile, “You’re back; go wash your hands—dinner is about to be ready.”
Yang Zhi, that kid, was now arranged to study at Tianfu City First Middle School. With Nie Zhenbang’s status, arranging for a nephew to attend school did not require his intervention.
Since starting school here, Yang Zhi had been much more obedient than when he was in Jingcheng. Every morning, Nie Zhenbang’s physical exercise routine not only honed his body but also made his mind much steadier.
After dinner, Yang Zhi immediately returned to his room. Looking at An Na, Nie Zhenbang smiled and said, “An Na, tell me, what’s the matter?”
The question immediately made An Na somewhat embarrassed, and she gave Nie Zhenbang a white look, her voice tenderly chiding, “What do you mean, Zhenbang? You say that, and I’m truly hurt.”
Being in her thirties but showing such a girlish demeanor at this moment made Nie Zhenbang somewhat enamored. Looking at An Na, he was also moved; he owed so much in his life. He softly said, “I’m wrong; I’m wrong.”
Seeing Nie Zhenbang like this, An Na couldn’t help but laugh, nestling against Nie Zhenbang’s arm, she cooed, “Zhenbang, how about we go for a stroll down the pedestrian street tonight?”
Continuing in a soft voice, An Na said, “It’s almost been half a year since we came to Bashu, but I haven’t really had the chance to enjoy it. Tonight, shall we go for a walk together?”
Listening to An Na, Nie Zhenbang felt a pang of self-reproach. Perhaps he was competent and qualified as a leader, but there was no doubt that he fell short in family affairs. Without any hesitation, and without asking why An Na had this idea today, he didn’t need to think; he immediately nodded and said, “Alright, let’s go now.” (
