Reborn as a Noble's Son-Chapter 887 - 843 Raising the Party Flag
Chapter 887: Chapter 843: Raising the Party Flag
Chapter 887 -843: Raising the Party Flag
Nie Zhenbang’s words caused Xing Guofeng to become meek at once. Seeing this, Nie Zhenbang knew that Xing Guofeng had no idea how to answer the question. In other words, he was definitely uncertain about the current situation in Yizhou City – how many buildings had collapsed, how many people were buried under the rubble, how many were injured, what the food and medical supplies situation was like, and whether there was enough blood plasma.
At that moment, Nie Zhenbang really wanted to ask Xing Guofeng, as a Deputy Mayor, what his job actually was. If he knew nothing, then what was he doing all this time.
However, Nie Zhenbang was very clear that it was not the time to blame others. With so many citizens watching, he, as the Governor, must maintain a clear attitude and approach. If he started criticizing people instead of rescuing them immediately upon arrival, it would seem like he was putting on a show, neglecting the essence for the trivial.
After a brief pause, Nie Zhenbang spoke loudly, “My fellow townspeople, my dear fathers and mothers of the town. We have arrived late, and on behalf of the Provincial Party Committee and Government, I apologize to the three million people of Yizhou City. This is our dereliction of duty, we have arrived late.”
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While speaking, Nie Zhenbang bowed deeply and lifted his head to look around at the citizens. He continued, “My townspeople, on my way here, the Party and the state, Director Shen and Prime Minister Leng, have not forgotten everyone, have not forgotten our disaster-stricken citizens. Director Shen has already issued important directives. The nation, including all the major military districts, has urgently dispatched troops to immediately set out for the disaster area to commence rescue operations. At the same time, the National Earthquake Rescue Team and International Rescue Team, as well as professional rescue teams from the province, are also rushing towards our disaster area. I believe, with the support of the nation, we will definitely overcome the disaster and rebuild our homes.”
Nie Zhenbang’s words were forceful and resolute, making everyone feel a sense of shock. His status as Governor greatly increased his credibility, and it was rare for any governor to appear in the disaster area so promptly, let alone having trekked over one hundred li through the mountains. This act alone garnered deep admiration from everyone.
After another brief pause, Nie Zhenbang continued, “My fellow townspeople, just yesterday afternoon, while I was rushing to Yizhou, within less than three hours of the earthquake’s occurrence, Premier of the State Council, Comrade Leng Yunfei, had already arrived in Bashu Province by special plane.”
The Prime Minister had also come. Hearing this inspiring news, the scene buzzed with excitement once again.
In Yizhou City Civic Square, tens of thousands of citizens had gathered around Nie Zhenbang. At this moment, without loudspeakers or horns, and even without any rest as Nie Zhenbang had begun speaking immediately upon arriving, there was not even a portable horn to be heard.
Yet, everyone was very disciplined. As Nie Zhenbang raised his hands, the entire square fell silent. Nie Zhenbang’s voice, honed from years of martial arts training, was incredibly loud and far-reaching, “My fellow townspeople, before coming, the Prime Minister entrusted me to tell everyone that life is everything; as long as we are alive, there is hope. If our homes are gone, we can rebuild them; if our schools are gone, we can rebuild them. Even if our city is gone, we can rebuild it. All of these, we need to do while we’re alive—it’s important to stay alive. For our relatives, for our friends.”
As his words fell, many people in the crowd who had lost loved ones teared up, including both women and men. It is said that a man’s tears are not lightly shed, but only when he is truly heartbroken.
Once again, Nie Zhenbang raised his voice, “The Prime Minister also entrusted me to tell everyone that as long as there is a sliver of hope, we will make our utmost efforts. Believe in us, believe in the Party and the government, everything will get better.”
As he said this, Nie Zhenbang looked at the people and said in a deep voice, “My townspeople, my dear fathers and mothers of the town, at this moment, we are enduring great pain. Some may be suffering from the loss of relatives, spouses, or children. But at this moment, while the military and rescue teams are still on their way, we the people of Yizhou, must be strong and actively engage in self-rescue. Our relatives, our colleagues, our neighbors, our friends, may still be buried under this rubble, waiting for our rescue. We can’t just wait; we who are still alive must unite and carry out self-rescue operations. Now, time is life, and even a minute earlier might save a life. Wouldn’t you agree?”
“Yes!”
Onsite, tens of thousands of people at Yizhou City Civic Square shouted in unison as if to demonstrate humanity’s indomitable spirit to the heavens.
This move by Nie Zhenbang astonished the soldiers beside him and all the remaining officials in Yizhou City. Governor Nie’s charisma and abilities were incredibly formidable. Under these circumstances, Governor Nie’s speech not only ignited the citizens’ willingness to actively self-rescue but also united their hearts.
Nie Zhenbang turned his head and instructed Xing Guofeng, “Comrade Xing Guofeng, now, with the whereabouts of the leaders of the Yizhou City Committee unknown, you are the highest-ranking official in Yizhou City. You and Comrade Chang Weiguo, act immediately, gather and organize. See how many leaders are left in the city’s various bureaus and the two districts under Yizhou, organize them, lead teams by division and actively engage in self-rescue. In addition, arrange for people to take inventory of available heavy excavation equipment in the city, number of medical staff, and medical supplies. Without delay, the government needs to be functional immediately.”
At any time, the government is the backbone. As the saying goes, a snake can’t move without a head. Without an organization, without guidance, everyone would be like headless flies.
Take the current situation, for example, tens of thousands of people gathered in the square, yet very few were actually engaging in spontaneous rescue efforts. This was precisely the reason. However, as Nie Zhenbang issued command after command, another scene unfolded across Yizhou City.
At this moment, all around Yizhou City were people involved in rescue operations. The able-bodied men had already rushed to the forefront, moving stones and rescuing people buried under the rubble.
Over at Nie Zhenbang’s side, he said to a nearby assault team member, “Comrade Major, it’s time for you to join the rescue mission. I represent the Bashu Provincial Party Committee and Government in thanking our soldiers.”
At that time, Xing Guofeng had already come forward and spoke in a low voice, “Governor, the city is now running short on food. Additionally, there is a shortage of drinking water, and we’re unprepared with plasma and medical supplies. In many places in the city, some people are already becoming restless.”
Upon hearing this, Nie Zhenbang’s brow immediately furrowed with concern. Rescue and order after a disaster were the most important things following a major calamity, and it was an inevitable situation. In any place, at any time, there would always be these restless troublemakers. At this moment, Yizhou City could not fall into chaos because chaos would inevitably lead to frenzied looting and a disorderly scene.
After pondering for a moment, Nie Zhenbang turned to Wu Li and instructed, “Little Wu, immediately bring out the satellite phone. You represent me and immediately report the situation in Yizhou City to the Prime Minister and to the provincial committee. Mayor Xing, relay my command now: have the comrades from the civil affairs bureau and other civil servants oversee the food and drinking water, giving priority to the elderly, children, and women. Additionally, have Comrade Chang Weiguo and the officers from the district police stations strictly control those who are inciting trouble. If necessary, take stringent measures, as Yizhou City cannot descend into chaos at this time.”
After issuing his instructions, Nie Zhenbang walked towards a rescue site in front of him. From the outline of the exterior, it seemed to have been a school previously, surrounded by collapsed walls where one could see a playground and, opposite the playground, a teaching building that had not entirely fallen yet. Half of the building had collapsed, and the other half was leaning, having slumped down at an angle.
Next to the teaching building, many were already carrying out rescue work, using tools fashioned from whatever was at hand. Some carried big wooden sticks, while others wielded steel bars, hammering away at the building debris.
Nie Zhenbang also stepped forward and, without a word, joined the rescue team. He lifted a stone block weighing nearly a hundred pounds and moved it to the side.
At this moment, suddenly, the ground shook violently again—a strong aftershock. Above the rubble, many chunks of concrete tumbled down towards them.
In that instant, everyone involved in the rescue effort ran onto the playground, daring not to move a muscle. Nie Zhenbang stood at the edge of the rubble, and after confirming there were no more aftershocks, he turned to look at the crowd that was still hesitant to step forward.
Nie Zhenbang took a step forward and addressed the crowd, “All Party members, step forward.”
At the scene, over a hundred able-bodied men remained silent. After a long pause, a young man about twenty-three or twenty-four years old came forward and saluted, “Greetings, Commander. Jingcheng City Military District, discharged soldier, reporting for duty, sir. I am a Party member.”
As his words fell, a few more men stepped forward, “I am a Party member.”
“I am also a Party member.”
Out of the hundred or so people, about a dozen came forward. Nie Zhenbang said nothing. Considering the one-tenth count of Party members, regardless of whether there were more among them, Nie Zhenbang had no inclination to investigate further. He pointed toward the ruins behind him and said sternly, “Comrades, right there, under that pile of debris, are the students waiting for our rescue. It’s time for Party members to charge forward.”
As he spoke, Nie Zhenbang saw Wu Li coming up from behind and said with a grave tone, “Wu Li, fetch me a bamboo pole.”(
