Reborn as a Noble's Son-Chapter 1171 - 1127: Propaganda Work is the Focus

July 16

The weather was fine and clear, a rare occurrence of good weather, and the sky above was utterly cloudless. 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

In Longxi, the summer could be scorching as well. It was nearly half a month since Nie Zhenbang took up his new position. After making a strong initial impression in the first few days, he had since become more subdued.

Moderation and measure, this was Nie Zhenbang’s style, his attitude. The earlier appearances and strategies were essentially sufficient. His speech at the provincial economic work conference had also demonstrated a strong stance.

Following that, departments such as the provincial discipline inspection commission and the provincial public security department formed a joint working group to enter Jinan City. Moreover, on the issue of the Zhao Clan Group, the provincial committee had instructed Ma Zhongxiong and Chen Zhaotong of Jinan City to submit written self-criticisms, a series of actions that could explain a lot.

Continuously maintaining a strong approach is not necessarily the best method. The current trend was, on the contrary, the most favorable. It allowed things to settle, giving others some space to think.

Bicycles, just like on the Hongjiang River, became a common sight at the Longxi Provincial Committee with staff riding to work. Whether it was for show or any other reason, Nie Zhenbang’s approach was no doubt a veiled warning to others.

The provincial committee’s guest house was just a wall away from the provincial committee compound. Coming from the back door behind the guest house led directly into the compound—indeed, there was no need to ride a bicycle at all. But Secretary Nie insisted on doing so, wasn’t this a reminder to others not to misuse official vehicles for personal purposes?

As a result, the rest of the committee members also found it awkward to continue as before. Liu Zhentao was the first to make a change. The second day after Nie Zhenbang rode to work, Liu Zhentao also acquired a Phoenix bicycle.

"Secretary Nie, good morning."

"Good morning, Secretary."

"Good morning, Secretary Nie."

Entering the provincial committee building, many employees who were going about their business stopped to warmly greet Nie Zhenbang.

With a smile, he nodded in acknowledgment to everyone, whether he knew the employees and leaders or not.

He took the elevator straight up to the tenth floor, where the office door was wide open, and his secretary, Xia Gang, had already arrived. The office had been cleaned.

Upon his entry, Xia Gang stood up: "Good morning, Secretary."

Nie Zhenbang was quite pleased with Xia Gang. In these ten or so days, he had gained some understanding of Comrade Xia Gang’s capabilities and personality. Coming from humble beginnings—the son of farmers deep in the mountains of Shian City—Xia Gang had attended Shian City Educational College. Only a couple of years ago, he became a civil servant, a noteworthy achievement for a 28-year-old.

After following Nie Zhenbang and taking up the role of the chief secretary of the provincial committee, Xia Gang’s status had changed dramatically. To say his rise was meteoric would not be an exaggeration. Nie Zhenbang believed that many leaders must have sought out Xia Gang for social engagements during this period.

Yet, Xia Gang had maintained his consistent style throughout and did not exhibit any arrogance upon his success, which pleased Nie Zhenbang. The ability to remain composed was essential to keeping one’s integrity.

He nodded slightly and said, "Xiaoxia, have you communicated with the Secretary-General about today’s schedule?"

"It’s all been arranged. This morning, you are to meet with Minister Li Hongying of the Propaganda Department and Director Wang Zhaohai of the Finance Department to hear reports on propaganda work and financial work. At two in the afternoon, you will visit and offer your regards at the provincial military district. The detailed itinerary has been placed on your desk," Xia Gang said respectfully.

After more than ten days of adaptation, Xia Gang’s performance had much improved compared to before. By now, Xia Gang had fully familiarized himself with the responsibilities and qualities required of a secretary.

Nie Zhenbang nodded and proceeded to his office. On the desk were documents and newspapers neatly categorized. Newspapers were arranged by relevance, with "Masses Daily" and "Hope Daily" at the top, followed by "Longxi Daily." The documents were sorted by importance and urgency, with the most critical and urgent at the top. Those of lesser importance or not pressing were naturally at the bottom.

Nie Zhenbang’s beginnings in Longxi could be deemed flawless thus far. Using the issue of the Zhao Group of Jinan City, he forced other significant members of the provincial committee, including Liu Zhentao, to take a stand. This allowed Nie Zhenbang to secure his footing within the committee. However, this was still not enough.

People within the system are not simple; it’s not a matter of settling one or two issues. What needs to be done next is to demonstrate one’s capability in economic development, to let the other members of the Provincial Committee see hope, to make them feel that following Secretary Nie Zhenbang, significant political achievements can be made. This is fundamental. After all, why should others follow you? Being able to bring benefits to everyone is the essence of it.

Therefore, in what follows, economic development is indeed my greatest challenge. How to play this big game of economic development in Longxi Province—that’s the most important.

As he contemplated, there came a sound from outside—the door—Li Hongying had arrived.

Nie Zhenbang promptly stood as well, and soon there was a knock at the door. Xia Gang pushed it open and entered, "Secretary, Minister Li has arrived."

The Minister of the Propaganda Department of the Provincial Committee, Li Hongying, also stood at the door. Today, Li Hongying dressed quite professionally. Black high heels, black women’s trousers, and a white short-sleeved blouse with a pleated, frilled round neckline on top. Her hair was styled into a bun, secured at the back of her head, making her look very fresh and capable—pure, like any urban white-collar worker.

To this, Nie Zhenbang could accept. He understood that this era was one that advocated individuality. Women officials within the system were still women after all. They couldn’t be expected to dress as women did in the seventies or eighties. Such professional attire was perfectly normal. In the grassroots units, in townships and counties, it wouldn’t be a rarity see young girls in camisoles.

Li Hongying’s outfit made her look very capable, and added to her resolute and spirited appearance, it created a sense of harmony.

Her figure was accentuated by the business attire. Below the white blouse, the black undergarment was somewhat visible. Did this woman not know to match it with a skin-tone undergarment?

Nie Zhenbang criticized inwardly, but his face showed a smile as he nodded in greeting, saying, "Minister Li Hongying is here, please, come inside."

She sat down opposite Nie Zhenbang in a formal manner, as if for a briefing. Li Hongying’s fair skin was somewhat rosy, and her demeanor was very forthright, neither too intimate nor too distant.

"Secretary Nie, for our province’s propaganda work, we have seriously implemented the central directives regarding several key points of propaganda work. We have strengthened the propaganda of party building, promoted the construction of party-mass relations, and strived to do well in acting as a communication bridge. Regarding the expansion of our province’s image, we have also taken the following measures..." Li Hongying began her report across from Nie Zhenbang.

The importance of propaganda work goes without saying. Nie Zhenbang was of course very clear about this. Whatever the time, the higher-ups always placed great importance on propaganda work.

After contemplating for a moment, Nie Zhenbang said slowly after listening to Li Hongying’s report, "Minister Li, strengthening propaganda work is a long-standing topic. The importance of propaganda and public opinion occupies a pivotal position. In the dissemination of policies, in the direction of public opinion, these are utterly crucial tasks. Whether or not we can keep a grasp on public opinion, this concerns the adherence or abandonment of the people’s hearts, the rise or fall of our endeavors, the position of the Party. Under no circumstances shall it be neglected."

"Currently, under the new circumstances, propaganda work has very complex characteristics. The prominence of new media also presents significant challenges for propaganda work. It’s vital to properly control the opinion-leading nature of print media, to guide the development of broadcasting, and to expand the propagandistic reach of new online media. The whole province, all regions, and all departments must strengthen the construction of government websites, and increase their online presence, openness, and transparency. These are the key issues at present."

Nie Zhenbang’s words were very steady; despite his calm demeanor, they showcased Nie Zhenbang’s competence, which somewhat astonished Li Hongying.

Looking at Nie Zhenbang, Li Hongying buried all her thoughts deep inside, feeling a mix of admiration and reflection. Indeed, no undeserving man is famous. Nie Zhenbang, at his age, achieving his current position, clearly was not something an ordinary person could compare with. It was a manifestation of true capability.

As secretary, Nie Zhenbang’s purview was the overall situation. Domestically, within the system, Nie Zhenbang was famous for focusing on economic construction. However, to be able to offer so many suggestions regarding propaganda work, suggestions both sensible and feasible, this won Li Hongying’s admiration.

Holding her pen, Li Hongying noted in her notebook. This also represented Li Hongying’s attitude—regardless of the rest—at the very least, such earnestness deserved affirmation.

After Nie Zhenbang finished speaking, Li Hongying put down her fountain pen, looked up at Nie Zhenbang, and smiled, "Secretary, speaking of which, there really is something that might trouble you."

Hearing this, Nie Zhenbang also laughed, waving his hand and saying, "Minister Li, please, feel free to speak your mind. What’s this about trouble or no trouble."

Li Hongying nodded and then said, "Secretary, here’s the thing. Recently, the central authorities have put forth a requirement. Under the current economic and propaganda situations, the central government hopes that the principal leading officials of all regions, provinces, and cities, will all open a Weibo account. What do you think?"

"Weibo?" Nie Zhenbang was somewhat surprised; he was, however, aware of it, as it was a unique product of the current Internet era.

After pondering briefly, Nie Zhenbang also looked up at Li Hongying and asked, "Minister Li, does the Propaganda Department have any plans regarding this?" (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to recommend, vote, and support it on qidian.com. Your support is my greatest motivation.)