NOVEL WEB Chapter 691 - 647: Are You Leaving? _1
Chapter 691: Chapter 647: Are You Leaving? _1
Shen Xiuchao’s words resonated deeply with Jia Minfu. This wasn’t a joke. The position of the leader of the working group may seem prestigious and powerful from the outside, but from another perspective, it is also a role that can easily offend people. It would be completely normal for Yang Shengli to have reservations for the sake of protecting his son-in-law. At this moment, Nie Zhenbang no longer needs to take such risks. He could be transferred to any department without so much turmoil.
Jia Minfu then laughed and said, “Sir, it seems you’ll have to handle Old Yang’s work.”
At Minfu’s seemingly jesting words, Shen Xiuchao laughed as well, saying, “Well done, Comrade Minfu. You’ve handed me an exceedingly difficult problem.”
…
In Jingcheng, in the compound of the National People’s Congress, Yang Shengli, one of the leaders, lived. Currently, a distinguished guest had arrived in Yang Shengli’s study.
After his wife personally served him a cup of green tea, Yang Shengli chuckled, “Sir, please try this. My comrades brought me some Longjing tea, claiming it was picked early in the season. You know that when it comes to tea, I simply gulp it down. I don’t understand whether it’s pre-rain or pre-Buddha’s Birthday tea, so please evaluate it for me.”
Shen Xiuchao’s visit surprised Yang Shengli. Even though they were both members of the four leading groups, Shen Xiuchao was a superior, which was enough to override any other considerations. He was unquestionably the top man.
If it had been the first year of Shen Xiuchao’s tenure, when he personally paid a visit, Yang Shengli wouldn’t have been surprised. But now, Shen Xiuchao had already secured his position, which made his visit rather astonishing.
At this level, Yang Shengli had no choice but to think about Shen Xiuchao’s intentions. Keeping calm, he kept their discussion focused on the tea, a strategic move aimed at creating a immovable demeanor. In this way, he kept the initiative in his own hands.
This is a common strategy in politics. Generally speaking, the one who speaks first is considered in a defensive position.
Seeing Yang Shengli’s demeanor, Shen Xiuchao chuckled. He knew Yang Shengli’s cunning. Shen Xiuchao didn’t care about these small tricks, instead smiling and saying, “Old Yang, my visit concerns your son-in-law. I wanted to discuss it with you.”
After repeating some important parts of his conversation with Jia Minfu, Shen Xiuchao looked at Yang Shengli and said, “Old Yang, straight to the point. The position of the working group is crucial. Certainly, many families in Jingcheng have their eyes on it. However, it’s also a position where one can easily offend others. Now, I’d like to hear your thoughts.”
Shen Xiuchao’s words were incredibly arrogant, reflecting the Nie family’s current situation and status. Although Nie Guodong was a member of the Political Bureau, the Nie family’s influence hadn’t reached a point that would make Shen Xiuchao apprehensive. The Yang family was different. They had two members of the Political Bureau alone in their true line, not to mention that Yang Shengli himself was one of the key figures. Therefore, as the son-in-law of the Yang family, Shen Xiuchao would seek Yang Shengli’s opinion, hoping to prevent any grudges between them.
Listening to Shen Xiuchao’s words, Yang Shengli began to contemplate. To be honest, Shen Xiuchao was very straightforward, analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of the position.
For a moment, Yang Shengli didn’t know what to say. Indeed, just as Shen Xiuchao said, the position was full of risks and opportunities. Compared to Nie Zhenbang, there might be better options. He could be transferred to a department or another province; there was no need to muddy the waters here. However, he had to consider Shen Xiuchao’s intentions as well.
After a moment of silence, Yang Shengli finally said, “Sir, I believe the decision should be left to Zhenbang. I have no personal objections.”
Hearing Yang Shengli’s words, a satisfied smile spread across Shen Xiuchao’s face. As long as Yang Shengli didn’t object, knowing Nie Zhenbang’s character, he was confident the matter would be all but settled. It wasn’t that he was taking advantage of Nie Zhenbang’s character. In fact, he admired and was pleased with Nie Zhenbang’s idealistic nature, moral boundaries, and integrity.
Nowadays, the system lacks such vigorous officialdom. Most officials at every level are only concerned about their own positions and wallets. This is a bad habit, but it cannot be changed.
When incidents of corruption occur locally, the leaders’ first thought isn’t how to catch corrupt individuals, but rather how to protect themselves. To cover up the scandal is the most commonly used move at the local level.
Since the higher-ups intended to hide this, it’s certain the matter must be restrained to a certain range. The ultimate outcome was that only a few minor culprits were apprehended. The real mastermind behind the scenes, however, escaped with impunity.
It so happened that these traits of persistence and tenacity in Nie Zhenbang’s character were picked up by Shen Xiuchao. Over the previous period, Shen had been dissatisfied with Nie’s strategy of keeping a low profile. This fueled the alliance between Shen and the Li family.
The influence that comes from Nie’s impressive family background is immense if he insists on keeping this low-key approach. It’s an energy so overpowering that even Shen feels a bit intimidated and fearful of it. In Shen’s view, Nie would be best suited as a righteous figure, even if he became an Official Butcher. What does it matter, as long as he handles the delicacies well? He has his own backups and the presence of the Nie and Yang families. There is no need for this. Now Shen, borrowing this opportunity to force Yang Shengli and Nie Zhenbang into a corner.
Once Shen left, Mrs. Yang, who usually doesn’t interfere in matters, entered the study. After hesitating for a while, she finally voiced, “Shengli, Shen is pushing Zhenbang into a corner. Why aren’t you opposing him?”
“Oppose?” Yang Shengli coldly snorted, speaking solemnly, “Haven’t you noticed yet? Shen is doing all this to push Nie Zhenbang to take a stance; whether to fully commit to the Youth League or waver between sides. That’s the real issue.”
After a pause, Yang Shengli elaborated, “As the older generation passes away, their influence within the country starts to gradually diminish. Just like Qiao Yiren, didn’t he also break away from the circle of prestigious families, joining Old Yuan’s faction? It’s going to be difficult for influential families to rise in the future. Now, after generations of honing and tempering, there is a clear divide between prestigious families and other factions, akin to the ancient divide between the aristocracy and the common people. Thus, Nie Zhenbang’s ambition to compete for power is now at a crucial crossroads. Whether he will become a dragon or a worm is his choice.”
Listening to her husband’s explanation, Mrs. Yang anxiously suggested, “Old Yang, wouldn’t you give Anna a call to hint at this?”
At this, Yang Shengli waved his hand, “There’s no need. Let their fate decide their choices. If Nie Zhenbang deserves the title, he will make his own decision. If he doesn’t have the capability, even if he ascends, he will be no more than a puppet.”
Over in Wanghai City, right after his exchange with Wang Jianhua, he went back home and finished dinner, watched “Daily at Seven” news. The telephone in the living room then started ringing.
Yang Anna picked up the phone. A moment later, she covered the receiver and told Nie Zhenbang, “Zhenbang, it is Minister Shi from the Central Government.”
At this, Nie Zhenbang stood up. In recent years among the senior officials of the Central Government, there was only one newly appointed Minister with the surname Shi, that was Minister Shi Jiandong, who took over the Central Organization Department in 2001.
With this in mind, Nie Zhenbang didn’t hesitate and quickly moved to the study, picking up the phone to say, “Minister Shi, hello. I am sorry to have kept you waiting.”
Shi Jiandong, an alumnus of Shen Xiuchao from Huaqing University, subsequently served as the staff member and deputy secretary of the Tongan City Youth League in Liaodong Province. He later was transferred to the Liaodong Provincial Youth League Committee and then transferred again to the Central Youth League. He was finally called from Caiyun Province to the center to serve as the Deputy Minister for the Central Organization Department before succeeding as its Minister.
It could be said that he is Shen’s die-hard loyalist. Since being appointed as the Minister of the Central Organization Department, his bold actions and resolute decisiveness had earned him the nickname ‘Daring Shi’ within the official circles.
At this moment, Nie Zhenbang didn’t dare to be negligent. Listening to Nie Zhenbang’s words, Shi Jiandong burst into laughter from the other end, “Comrade Zhenbang, you’re being too polite. It’s already off-duty time now, so waiting a while is perfectly normal.”
As he spoke, Shi Jiandong’s tone turned serious, getting directly to the point, “Comrade Zhenbang, the main purpose of my call is to have a discussion with you.”
Continuing, he informed, “Comrade Zhenbang, this time, commissioned by the Central Party Committee, State Council, and Shen, I represent the organization to have a talk with you. Conventionally, you should have come to Jingcheng, but considering the travel and the imminent Two Sessions meeting, we decided to keep it simple. I am opting for a phone call this time.”
From this alone, one could see the character of Shi Jiandong
Upon hearing this, Nie Zhenbang’s heart skipped a beat. Was he about to be transferred as well? (To be continued. His unconventional work style could be seen from the fact that he’s conducting such a serious talk over the phone. You’re welcomed to qidian.com to cast your recommendation, monthly tickets to support my work. Your encouragement is my greatest motivation.)