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Reborn as a Noble's Son-Chapter 725 - 681 Many Problems_1
Chapter 725 -681 Many Problems_1
When this scene unfolded, in the small No.1 yard of Pengcheng City Committee, Shen Yanshuo’s face darkened significantly. Nie Zhenbang’s speed surpassed Shen Yanshuo’s expectations completely. He had indeed underestimated Nie Zhenbang. Despite not having seen each other for several years, Nie Zhenbang’s working style remained as relentless as ever. However, his method of operation had matured considerably.
If this incident had occurred in the past, Nie Zhenbang would probably have focused solely on holding onto the line in Pengcheng City and cause trouble for the provincial committee.
If that were the case, it would be easy to dismiss him. But now? Shen Yanshuo no longer dared make such assertions. Nie Zhenbang’s move was ruthless, and it was foreseeable that the central government was undoubtedly also paying attention to the progress of this case.
The living room door was pushed open. Several staff from the Pengcheng City Committee’s reception office walked in, trays in hand. Breakfast was not plentiful, but it was carefully prepared.
A cup of pure soy milk, fried dough sticks, rice porridge, and small steamed buns – all immaculately presented. He commanded the staff to set breakfast on the table. His secretary also approached him, whispering, “Secretary Shen, it’s time for breakfast. Also, your blood pressure medication is on the table.”
Most officers within the system suffered from cardiovascular diseases. Hypertension and arteriosclerosis were the most common ailments. These conditions were jokingly referred to as occupational diseases within the system.
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Shen Yanshuo nodded and stood up, instructing, “Zhicheng, go to the second yard and invite Governor Ning over.”
After breakfast and his Western medicine, Shen Yanshuo picked up the napkin from the table, elegantly wiping his mouth.
At this moment, Secretary Shen’s demeanor was neither harsh nor gentle, hardly suggesting a man under significant public pressure. At Shen Yanshuo’s level, such situations scarcely had any significant impact. Shen Yanshuo was the embodiment of the saying, “desireless, firm”.
Being a member of the Political Bureau, he was of a certain age. The possibility of advancing further no longer existed. With his ambition and driving force gone, Shen Yanshuo had become fearless.
Just as he stood up, the door opened. Ning Shouchang had already entered. Shen Yanshuo nodded, smiling, “Comrade Shouchang is here. Have you seen this morning’s news? From the looks of it, Comrade Zhenbang seems to be indirectly expressing his dissatisfaction with our Jiangbei Province. We should discuss the issue in Pengcheng City to reach a clear consensus.”
Ning Shouchang gave a reserved smile, took a seat on the sofa, and said, “Secretary Shen, Comrade Zhenbang has always been fond of and concerned about his comrades. This time, the office responsible for the ‘three public’ expenses has suffered such a significant event, some resentment is understandable. From this, we can see that Comrade Zhenbang is still vigorous.”
It seemed like a criticism of Nie Zhenbang, but Shen Yanshuo clearly understood that Ning Shouchang was defending Nie Zhenbang. Furthermore, he subtly reminded Shen Yanshuo that he was getting old. After this term in office, it would be time for him to retreat. Yet, Nie Zhenbang was still in his prime with a bright future ahead. Considering your successors’ developments, Shen Yanshuo, you shouldn’t think of antagonizing Nie Zhenbang.
After momentary silence, Shen Yanshuo accepted Ning Shouchang’s advice. This was called creating good karma. Although he and Nie Zhenbang were not from the same faction, there was no need for enmity between them.
Also, considering the ongoing situation, even if he were to show favoritism, it might not reap him any benefits. Instead, it might stir up trouble and marr his reputation towards the end of his term. That would be most distressing.
Immediately, Shen Yanshuo nodded, saying, “That’s what I think too. Regarding the situation in Pengcheng City, Comrade Wen Saiying has indeed made a substantial error. A civil servant, yet he bought a million-dollar luxury car. Isn’t this defaming the government? Besides, his tacit approval of his family and children undermining national law is evident. Considering all these, I don’t think Comrade Wen Saiying is suitable for the position of Pengcheng City Committee Secretary anymore.”
At this moment, Ning Shouchang looked calm. It was expected that Shen Yanshuo would compromise. Last night, he had a phone call with Nie Zhenbang and had inferred the likely scenario after hearing Nie Zhenbang’s plan. The situation had already been exposed and could not be hidden any longer.
Looking at Shen Yanshuo, Ning Shouchang decided to add fuel to the fire, to do this thoroughly. Many in government had made comebacks. The newspapers were full of such news. Dismissed from office, yet they would be reconsidered for a different position after a year or two. Even in some extreme cases, they did not face any trouble and were even promoted. Ning Shouchang certainly did not want to see such absurd things in Pengcheng City.
He then said, “Secretary Shen, in handling Comrade Wen Saiying’s case, considering the severity of the incident and the profound impact, my suggestion is to remove Wen Saiying from the party and his position. What’s your take?”
Upon hearing Ning Shouchang’s words, Shen Yanshuo’s brows furrowed. Ning Shouchang was being very harsh, capitalising on the crisis.
After a moment of contemplation, Shen Yanshuo spoke gently, “Comrade Shouchang, aren’t we being a bit harsh here? Comrade Wen Saiying is quite capable and ideologically sound. A minor mistake should not warrant a complete denouncement of him, should it?”
Being a personal discussion, Shen Yanshuo was a lot more forthright than at the meetings of the Provincial Standing Committee where there were generally a lot more formalities and calculated posturing.
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Noticing Ning Shouchang’s silence, Shen Yanshuo continued, “Currently, our economy is advancing, and the people’s standard of living has improved. Pengcheng City, being the province’s leading industrial city, is testament to this progress. This reflects Comrade Wen Saiying’s capabilities. Everyone makes mistakes, we can’t condemn a person entirely for that. I suggest that we give our comrades a chance to correct their errors. Why don’t we appoint him as a supervisor at the provincial committee level, what do you think?”
Ning Shouchang frowned at the evident favoritism. A provincial supervisor, once the storm has passed, would have plenty of opportunities to regain a significant position later on. Ning Shouchang adamantly did not want to see this happen.
After some consideration, Ning Shouchang responded carefully, “Secretary Shen, I propose we make a decision after Comrade Zhenbang’s investigation is completed. What do you think?”
Ning Shouchang decided to delay, in the hope of unearthing further transgressions by Wen Saiying. If there were no additional issues, they would proceed as Shen Yanshuo had suggested. However, if more problems were found, Shen Yanshuo would find it harder to defend him. Ning Shouchang had a strong conviction that Wen Saiying, who had been unprincipled and wasteful by buying luxury cars for personal use, would not turn out to be a good person after all.
“Hmm, let’s proceed in that manner. I think we should focus on strengthening the security for the Three Public Expenditures inspection team. Let’s have several comrades from the Public Security Bureau assigned for their protection. If there are further issues, Prime Minister Leng would lose his temper. There is still a lot of work for the Provincial Committee. I won’t be going over to Comrade Zhenbang’s side. Comrade Shouchang, you go in my place.” Shen Yanshuo revealed his intention to return to Jiangzhou.
This was reasonable; Nie Zhenbang had embarrassed him the previous night, and the ensuing public response had done nothing for his reputation. Another visit to Nie Zhenbang would just be harming his own pride. Ning Shouchang, having anticipated this, immediately agreed, “That’s also good. Rest assured, Secretary Shen, I will relay your message to Comrade Zhenbang.”
With Shen Yanshuo’s departure, the work of the Three Public Expenditures Office officially kicked off. The inspection team first set up camp at the Pengcheng City Finance Bureau, an important stronghold of Pengcheng City’s finances.
At the same time, the Jiangbei Province Disciplinary Committee and the Provincial Public Security Bureau also formed a joint special investigation team to interrogate Qian Dongmao and Wen Long.
The interrogation unearthed numerous issues with Wen Long, who was known as Brother Dragon in Pengcheng City. With his identity as the son of the Secretary, he was notoriously tyrannical. The many misdeeds of Wen Long were revealed through Qian Dongmao’s interrogation, not to mention the other information gleaned from Wen Long’s minions.
In room at the Ping’an Hotel, Li Jupeng walked in with some documents in his hands. He placed them on the coffee table and reported, “Director, these are Wen Long’s crime details and the interrogation records. Also, a letter was received from the hotel staff. It’s addressed to you.”
Upon hearing this, Nie Zhenbang revealed a smile on his face. Someone inside Pengcheng City was getting restless it seemed.
First, he picked up the interrogation material. Wen Long’s crimes were plenty. Organizing criminal syndicates, bullying the market, not to mention other charges like raping women and intentional harm.
Putting down the materials, he picked up the letter that was on the table. It was a three-to-four-page printout, revealing many instances where Wen Saiying had acted as Wen Long’s protective umbrella.
Upon reading this, Nie Zhenbang couldn’t help but smile. The sender had been very cautious, using computer printing for the report to avoid any potential leak of handwriting. Although the document lacked some credibility, under the current circumstances, it was not a major problem.
Putting down the material, Nie Zhenbang asked his colleague Li Jupeng, “Jupeng, hand this letter to our colleagues at the Jiangbei Province Disciplinary Committee special team. Also, in regards to our investigation of Pengcheng City, don’t hold back any information on violations and irregularities, report everything.”
Li Jupeng nodded and left the room. At this time, Nie Zhenbang sat down. His motto was to strike hard when possible. The same idea was being applied in Pengcheng City – if something has to be done, it should be done thoroughly. Otherwise, the situation in Jiangbei Province would remain stagnant.
With this thought, Nie Zhenbang picked up the phone and dialed a number. The moment the call connected, he said with a laugh, “Uncle Ning. Are you busy?”
PS: I will be leaving soon. It’s my uncle’s 80th birthday and we are celebrating a day early. The updates might be irregular. But I’ll try my best to maintain consistency. (.)