Reborn as a Noble s Son

Chapter 690: Chapter 646 Central Discussion_1
 

“The Forbidden City

Over at the Xi Nuan Pavilion.

At this moment, inside the residence of Secretary-General Shen, within the sturdy and stable quadrangle courtyard, in the West Flower Hall — this was generally the main place where Secretary-General Shen worked while he was in the capital.

In the West Flower Hall, rosewood-carved classical sofas demonstrated the simplicity of the place. Many people in the world say Huaxia practices elderly politics. This not only refers to the fact that Huaxia’s leaders are mostly in their sixties, but also to the furniture, which is equally important.

“Secretary-General, regarding the Central authority’s regulation on limiting ‘Three Public’ expenses, the results since its trial implementation in twenty-four provinces and cities nationwide last year have not been very satisfactory. I mean, should we form a task force involving several units such as the Central Committee, the State Council, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, and the Ministry of Supervision, to investigate the execution of ‘Three Public’ expenses nationwide? What do you think?” At this moment, Secretary of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, Jia Minfu, proposed with a calm expression.

The so-called ‘Three Public’ refers to public funding for meals and entertainment, vehicle expenses, and traveling abroad. In recent years, with the continuous development of the domestic economy, the living standards of the people have improved. Luxury cars of leaders in the Party and government organs, enterprises and institutions, and even colleges and universities have become increasingly extravagant. Large displacement off-road vehicles and vehicles worth over a million are everywhere.

Additionally, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics, the annual expenditure on public meals alone exceeds two billion. This is just the official figure – the expenditure from secret funds is much higher still. Public-funded trips abroad is another enormous expenditure.

Overseas, Huaxia people have become the target of competing tourism promotions by other countries due to their generosity.

In light of this situation, the ‘Three Public’ regulation implemented by Nie Zhenbang in Li Zhou City of the Northwest Autonomous Region, which was Lixian County, and in Liangxi and WangHai naturally came into the national field of vision.

After nearly two years of observation, the annual National Congress of the Communist Party finally passed the Central’s behavior plan (draft) on restricting ‘Three Public’ expenses last year. The 24 provinces and cities that participated in the early trials achieved satisfactory results. However, during this process, many local governments expressed different opinions about this resolution of the central government.

This is normal, as Huaxia’s tradition encourages officials to enrich themselves. It’s hard to become an official, and once they get there, they naturally want to live the good life. Otherwise, it would be better to go into business.

People can understand this phenomenon. As the economy develops, society becomes increasingly volatile. Everyone has desires and thoughts. As officials and cadres, the majority of them are highly educated intellectuals. In their eyes, serving as an official means benefiting the people and doing a good job at the local level. So they feel they deserve to enjoy the privileges that come with the position. If they cannot even enjoy these little privileges, they might as well go to work in foreign companies, or start their own businesses and get rich. Then they can live any way they want. Who would still want to join politics?

This issue is open to interpretation. However, from the perspective of the country and the Party, this is absolutely unacceptable.

The corruption of a political party or a nation often begins in this way. That’s why Secretary-General Shen insists on implementing this regulation nationwide.

At this moment, after hearing Jia Minfu’s words, Secretary-General Shen fell into deep thought. A long while later, he said, “Comrade Minfu, at any time, the implementation and promotion of a new policy, as well as the transformation of cadres’ concepts, cannot be achieved overnight.”

“Serving the people is a phrase uttered by our party’s supreme leader in the past. However, now, many cadres have forgotten this spirit of frugality and wholehearted service to the people. I think it is very necessary to strengthen the ideological education of party members and cadres.”

Pausing for a moment, Secretary Shen’s expression became serious. He said solemnly, “Looking back at the 5000 years of Huaxia civilization, every reform was always associated with bloodshed. Starting from the legal reform in the Qin Dynasty by Shang Yang, Shang Yang ended up being torn apart by chariots. The same thing happened with Wang Anshi in the Song Dynasty and the Hundred Days’ Reform in the Qing Dynasty. Opposition voices are very common. Our highest leader once said, ‘the joy of struggling against heaven, earth, and people is endless.’ I believe, our party members, our leading cadres, should have such courage and spirit. Temporary pain is nothing. Our goal is to make the Chinese nation stand tall again in the East.”

This speech fully demonstrated Secretary Shen’s strong charisma. Even central leaders like Jia Minfu, who were in high positions, had a sense of boiling blood at this moment.

With that said, Secretary Shen began to speak, “Secretary Minfu. My opinion is quite simple, this working group can definitely be established. Regarding the appointment of the team leader, do you have any thoughts or opinions?”

Now he got to the point. Setting up a working group was similar to appointing a grand minister in ancient times. It was equivalent to a position of real power.

At this moment, Jia Minfu also found this difficult. After mulling it over for a moment, he nodded and said, “Secretary, the position of team leader is very important. With the current rotation of officials across all provinces and cities nationwide about to commence, once the working group goes down to inspect the execution of the Three Public Expenditures regulation, it is likely to impact the comrades’ rotation. It can be said that the role holds significant power.”

In response to Jia Minfu’s concerns, Secretary Shen also nodded. The establishment of the working group at this time indeed carries a significance of inspecting various provincial and municipal party and government cadres across the country. With a small office yet great power, the choice of the working group leader becomes highly critical.

“Considering various factors, I do have a candidate to recommend,” Jia Minfu said with a smile.

Seeing that Secretary Shen didn’t respond, Jia Minfu continued, “Regarding the level of the working group, I think it would be best if it is directly led by an agency under the Central Party Committee and the State Council. As a temporary organization, it could be positioned at the deputy ministerial level. My suggestion for the candidate is Nie Zhenbang from Wanghai City.”

As he said this, Jia Minfu continued, “I suggest Nie Zhenbang for three reasons. First, the Three Public Expenditures regulation was initially created by Nie Zhenbang himself when he was in Xibei Autonomous Region Xili City. Now, having the creator of this working group execute it seems fitting. Second, Nie Zhenbang’s family background and personal abilities are very good. This task is not easy – he may have to face dissatisfaction from leaders of all provinces and cities. Therefore, a strong leader is needed to lead the working group, and undoubtedly, Nie Zhenbang is the most suitable. Third, Nie Zhenbang has a wealth of local work experience and has worked in the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection. All things considered, I suggest Nie Zhenbang for the role of the working group leader.”

Jia Minfu’s words also got Secretary Shen’s approval. From these reasons, it indeed seemed very good. Especially the second reason, which is undeniable. This position, frankly speaking, is likely to offend people. Hence, someone who isn’t afraid of offending people is needed. Undoubtedly, whether they are descendants of political families or ordinary cadres, there wouldn’t be too many issues in front of Nie Zhenbang.

Looking at Jia Minfu, Secretary Shen also smiled at this moment, meaningfully saying, “Comrade Minfu, you are considering old affections. Has Comrade Yiren contacted you?”

Secretary Shen’s words also made Jia Minfu smile. He nodded and said, “Secretary, you have astute judgment. Indeed, on this matter, Comrade Yiren did contact me. Secretary, it seems that you also favor Comrade Zhenbang.”

At those words, Secretary Shen did not deny it. Jia Minfu had already confirmed this, which was enough. Qiao Yiren’s thoughts are not difficult to guess. In this rotation, Qiao Yiren’s departure from Minan is already a done deal. As the General Secretary, Shen Xiuchao also knew a lot of things. Qiao Yiren is his future successor. Consequently, Li Jianghe taking over as provincial party committee secretary is inevitable. If Nie Zhenbang stays in Wanghai City, it may not be easy to explain to the Nie and Yang families. So, Qiao Yiren wants to transfer Nie Zhenbang out through his old partner, Jia Minfu. After a transition period, it will be easy to proceed.

From his own perspective, Secretary Shen is also willing to let Nie Zhenbang take the position. In maintaining balance, considering his own status, he had been a bit biased towards the Li family. Now that he’s secured his position, although he wouldn’t do something as drastic as killing the donkey once its job is done, he still needs to take into account the intentions of the Nie and Yang families. Even without Jia Minfu’s suggestion, the transfer of Nie Zhenbang is also his intention.

With that in mind, Secretary Shen also nodded, “Let’s discuss this matter in the meeting tomorrow. I guess, Old Yang may have some objections to Comrade Zhenbang becoming the group leader.”(To be continued. If you like this work, please vote for it on Qidian (qidian.com). Your support is my biggest motivation.)