Reborn as a Noble's Son-Chapter 737 - 694: Showdown_1

Chapter 738: Chapter 694: Showdown_1

Huo Siyuan had not been gone for long when Li Jupeng walked in from outside. As a secretary, there are certain protocols to be observed. For instance, during the exchange between Huo Siyuan and Nie Zhenbang, it would not have been appropriate for anyone else to be present.

Li Jupeng was aware of Nie Zhenbang’s plans. Upon entering the room and seeing Nie Zhenbang’s expression, Li Jupeng quietly asked, “Director, did the meeting end on a sour note?”

Nie Zhenbang nodded and replied with a smile, “That is normal. Huo Siyuan is a very capable individual. As such, those with capability tend to be more proud. Regarding the issue of Liaodong Province, it’s clear that Huo Siyuan is not willing to pay a high price but still hopes for my support. That’s impossible. So naturally, we part ways on less than pleased terms.”

The detailed explanation was a part of Nie Zhenbang’s explicit effort to cultivate Li Jupeng, who had served as his secretary for over five years. Li Jupeng’s performance and capabilities were impressive. He was a talent worth nurturing. In light of this, Nie Zhenbang was generous with his guidance.

After a pause, Nie Zhenbang instructed Li Jupeng, “Ju Peng, contact Governor Cao Dingkun of Liaodong Province and arrange for us to meet at Phoenix Tea House.”

…

...

The Phoenix Tea House is relatively famous in Shenjing City. Nie Zhenbang wasn’t particularly interested in the origin of the owner.

The choice of this venue was primarily because he had noticed it while being transported by Shi Jianshe after landing in Shenjing City.

Its impressive scale and prime location, adjacent to the provincial committee headquarters and the provincial committee guest house, certainly suggested a touch of prestige.

Furthermore, choosing Phoenix Tea House also carried another implication. Even though his exchange with Huo Siyuan had ended on bad terms, they had not reached the point of outright hostility. Meeting at the Phoenix Tea House felt less formal, and even if Huo Siyuan got wind of it, he wouldn’t read too much into it.

After finalizing the meeting with Cao Dingkun, Nie Zhenbang left the guesthouse with Li Jupeng. They reserved a private room at the Phoenix Tea House. Less than ten minutes later, someone knocked on the door. Led by Li Jupeng, Governor Cao entered the room.

Upon entering, Cao smiled, “Director Nie, how refined. I didn’t realize you had such an interest.”

Nie Zhenbang chuckled and waved his hand, “Governor Cao, you’re joking. You know me well, don’t you? Even magnificent teas like Da Hong Pao are wasted on me. This whole affair is really just pretentious. Please, have a seat, Governor Cao.”

Once Cao Dingkun had taken his seat and, following Nie Zhenbang’s gesture, Li Jupeng had poured him a cup of tea, Nie got straight to the point. “Governor Cao, the reason I’ve made an appointment with you is because I’m hoping to discuss some matters. Do you have any recommendations for the candidate for the Vice Governor of Liaodong Province?”

Nie’s comment left Cao Dingkun startled, and the atmosphere in the room became somewhat peculiar. In theory, the selection of Liaodong’s Vice Governor was an internal matter for Liaodong Province. But hearing Nie Zhenbang mention it, it felt as if it was now Nie’s business and Cao was a mere outsider.

Yet, inwardly, Cao was delighted. During their prior interactions, Nie Zhenbang had avoided discussing his indirect hints. This time, he had brought it up himself, mentioning it so straightforwardly. That implied Nie Zhenbang’s attitude had significantly changed. If Cao could secure Nie’s support now and throw a wrench in Huo Siyuan’s plans, providing any of Huo’s subordinates who were eligible for the Vice Governor position faced some sort of scandal or mishap, essentially, the Vice Governor’s role would be Cao’s to claim.

After a moment of silence, Cao nodded, “Director Nie, I do have some ideas concerning this matter.”

Cao started to introduce his preferred candidates to Nie, his goal explicit: he wanted to make it clear that these were his people, and Nie should not interfere. He also subtly mentioned several potential candidates from Huo Siyuan’s camp.

What Cao didn’t expect was that after patiently listening to his detailed introduction, Nie began to speak slowly, “Governor Cao, I’ve indeed received some information. Perhaps, it might serve as a helpful reminder for you.”

Revealing the cards was something Nie Zhenbang had thought through after his conversation with Yang Shengli yesterday. After careful consideration of his choices, Nie Zhenbang ultimately chose Cao Dingkun.

There were two reasons for choosing Cao Dingkun. On one hand, Cao Dingkun is in a disadvantaged position in Liaodong Province. There’s a saying, ‘A weak nation has no diplomacy’. This applies to the bureaucracy as well. Since Cao Dingkun is in a weaker position than Huo Siyuan, it would be easier to gain Cao Dingkun’s support after revealing his intentions. The price that he would have to pay would also be minimal.

On the other hand, if he revealed his intentions to Huo Siyuan, who knows that so many people are interested in the competition, given Huo Siyuan’s personality, he wouldn’t agree easily, even if he himself could not seize the opportunity. However, the position in Liaodong Province has instantly become desirable, ready to be leveraged. Huo Siyuan’s connections and network also give him more qualifications to find other partners. Conversely, choosing Cao Dingkun comes with this particular risk. But, it is not something that can’t be attempted.

After pausing for a bit, Nie Zhenbang, looking at the hopeful look in Cao Dingkun’s eyes, said: “Governor Cao, this position in Liaodong Province is not easy to get, and in fact, in my view, he is not even qualified to hold it. It’s a hot potato.”

Upon hearing this, Cao Dingkun frowned. What did Nie Zhenbang mean? Was he not willing to help? Then, what is the meaning of revealing all this to him? To persuade for Huo Siyuan?

Impossible, according to him, Huo Siyuan is also not qualified to compete for this position? What on earth did he mean?

Being able to be a senior official at the provincial level, Cao Dingkun himself, whether in terms of job capabilities or political acumen, was quite commendable.

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In the past, Cao Dingkun was always distracted by the post of vice governor. Now, after being doused with cold water by Nie Zhenbang, he became more sober. He savoured the underlying meaning of Nie Zhenbang’s words.

Suddenly, Cao Dingkun raised his head and said, “Zhenbang, are you talking about the revitalization plan for the old industrial bases in the northern three provinces?”

Nie Zhenbang was quite satisfied with Cao Dingkun’s reaction. No one would want a foolish partner. As the saying goes, it’s better to fear a godlike opponent than a pig-like teammate. Evidently, Cao Dingkun’s awareness at this moment had won Nie Zhenbang’s approval.

Immediately, he nodding and said, “Governor Cao, it seems that you are aware of the revitalization plan for the old industrial bases in the northern three provinces.”

Nie Zhenbang paused then gave a detailed explanation, “Let’s put it this way. Based on the information I’ve received, just recently, the central government specifically convened the Economic Work Conference for the northern three provinces. At the conference, Premier Leng made it clear that while developing the national economy, he also paid sufficient attention to the revival of heavy industrial bases in the northern three provinces and others. From this point of view, the country has made up its mind. Once the conclusions of the relevant ministries are out, I believe the revitalization plan for the northern three provinces will officially be launched. By then, a Vice Governor in charge of the industry… ”

He didn’t finish his sentence. Nie Zhenbang believed that Cao Dingkun could understand the deeper implications. For a departmental-level provincial governor, if he couldn’t understand this, his appointment would be in vain.

At this moment, Cao Dingkun also understood the underlying significance, and his whole person seemed to relax a lot. Nie Zhenbang understood this state of mind. Previously, Cao Dingkun felt entitled to this position, but there was still the obstacle of Huo Siyuan. Naturally, there was pressure. But now, knowing that he no longer stood a chance, Cao Dingkun actually relaxed.

His gaze fell on Nie Zhenbang, and he smiled, “Director Zhenbang, I guess you didn’t come just to tell me this.”

In an instant, the relationship between the two had undergone a fundamental change. Cao Dingkun was sure about this. Nie Zhenbang wouldn’t tell him so much for no reason. He even advised him not to exert himself. No one would do such an unprofitable thing. Nie Zhenbang was obviously not a fool. Thus, Nie Zhenbang must have a deeper purpose.

As for Cao Dingkun’s changed attitude, Nie Zhenbang wasn’t surprised at all. This reaction was quite normal. If Cao Dingkun still appeared overly cautious at this moment, that would indeed be abnormal.

Nie Zhenbang then smiled and asked, “Governor Cao, how do you feel about Comrade Lin Mohan, Secretary of the Gangcheng Municipal Party Committee, taking on this Vice Governor’s post?”

Nie Zhenbang’s remark startled Cao Dingkun a bit. Nie Zhenbang’s ability to influence the matters at the provincial and ministerial level as a Vice-Minister-level official left Cao Dingkun dumbfounded. He, as a department-level official, had some say in the appointment and selection of ground-level officials within Liaodong Province. However, a vice-minister-level official was already intervening in the appointments and dismissals at the provincial and ministerial level. This was indeed shocking to hear.

Cao Dingkun paused before nodding, “Comrade Lin Mohan is indeed not bad. However, gaining the support of the Provincial Party Committee members won’t be easy.”