Chapter 336: Chapter 327 What are your demands?_2

Nie Zhenbang felt a bit nervous as Zhuang Aiguo sought him out. Zhuang Aiguo, the fifth senior leader of the country, had always been a mysterious figure in Nie Zhenbang’s eyes.

Feeling somewhat apprehensive, he entered Zhuang Aiguo’s office. Perhaps on Zhuang Aiguo’s instruction, Nie Zhenbang had unhindered access and made his way into the inner office. Upon seeing Nie Zhenbang, Zhuang Aiguo acknowledged him with a nod, then said in a low voice, “Nie has arrived. Please sit.”

Observing Nie Zhenbang’s composed demeanor. Even some high-level officials seemed somewhat apprehensive in his presence, but this young man remained calm and steady. Many officers had sat in his office, most perched on the edge of their seats, a picture of jittery unease. However, he sat at ease. At this moment, Zhuang Aiguo had no choice but to admire him. This was the measure of a young man from a prestigious dynasty, the training from an early age, the level of leadership he had been exposed to, was beyond ordinary people. Of course, this also demonstrated Nie Zhenbang’s pragmatic style of keeping his feet on the ground.

Zhuang Aiguo then looked at Nie Zhenbang and said, “Zhenbang, I sought you out this time, not for any other reason, but mainly to carry out your grandfather’s mandate and have a chat with you.”

Upon hearing this, Nie Zhenbang froze. Mandated by the old master to talk to him implied Zhuang Aiguo was part of the Nie faction. But, he had never met Zhuang Aiguo before, neither in this life nor in the previous one. And, the old master had never mentioned him. This proved Zhuang Aiguo had kept a very low profile.

He looked up at Zhuang Aiguo who, in turn, nodded back with a smile. This gesture made it clear that he acknowledged Nie Zhenbang’s speculation about his loyalties.

However, the relationship between Zhuang Aiguo and the Nie family was more one of collaboration than factional deference. In short, the term ‘collaboration’ was the most accurate description. After all, being a member of a faction wouldn’t have been appropriate given Zhuang Aiguo’s current position. Now, it was more of a mutual coexistence that prevailed.

The talent flow in the Nie factions, whether through the main line or the side branches, had stalled. In his desperation, the old master had no other recourse than to bring outsiders into the faction. It was a decision borne out of necessity. However, it was also the only way to ensure the continuation of the Nie line. The old master’s sagacity was as deep as the ocean, far beyond his grasp.

From the northwest, a Li Yifeng had suddenly appeared. Now, also a member of the Politburo Standing Committee. What other secrets were hidden beneath the seemingly frail frame of the old master?

Seeing that Nie Zhenbang had regained his calm, Zhuang Aiguo continued, “Nie, the initial decision about your appointment has been made. It’s at a place that should be familiar to you, Liangxi City in Jiangbei Province.”

Upon hearing the name of the place, a hint of a smile played upon Nie Zhenbang’s lips. Unfamiliar he was not, indeed, because Li Guohua was serving as a member of the Liangxi Municipal Committee and the executive deputy mayor of the Liangxi Municipal People’s Government there.

Zhuang Aiguo paused before continuing, “Nie, given the old master’s wishes, if you’re going to fight, it should be a head-on confrontation. The Nie family should possess such bravado and courage. You’re well aware of the old master’s health condition; it probably won’t hold up for much longer. The old master hopes that you can annihilate as soon as possible all uncertain factors in this face-off before they take root. Do you understand?”

Nie Zhenbang nodded. Evidently, the old master was prepared for a do or die battle. The old master was well-aware that he didn’t have much time left. Li Guohua was, without a doubt, Nie Zhenbang’s greatest competitor. Although Li Guohua had overseas ties, with the support from the Li family, it was not impossible for him to ascend to the top, given his education in the West. The impact of a Western education on career advancement was an unspoken rule. However, unspoken rules are set by those with tremendous power. So what if he became the rule-maker?

Recently, Nie was placed in the discipline commission because it also had an unspoken rule similar to having a Western education, which could alleviate the hatred and tension from the Li family and divert their attention. The old man was indeed calculative. Taking advantage of the old man still being able to bear the pressure, if Li Guohua was suppressed now, then later, although the Li family would target Nie, without Li Guohua competing, Nie’s pressure would be significantly less. Nie’s time in the discipline commission was short, and he was just middle-level cadre with few enemies. So this move would minimize the influence of the discipline commission, and essentially the commission experience would not heavily affect Nie. The old man’s steps, chain by chain and linked tightly, perfectly displayed the depth of his political wisdom: Having an elder in the house is like having a treasure. Now it seems that every house in Jingcheng is paying great attention to and taking care of the elder’s health. The elder’s face is not the only factor, this aspect also plays a significant role.

Through Zhuang Aiguo’s prompts, Nie Zhenbang finally understood the arrangement this time. Subsequently, Nie Zhenbang nodded and asked, “Secretary Zhuang, Liangxi City then? I would like to know, what is my likely duty…?”

Hearing Nie Zhenbang say this, Zhuang Aiguo smiled slightly, his eyes a bit strange, and replied: “According to the arrangement, this time, you will be transferred to Liangxi City to serve as the deputy secretary of the Liangxi Municipal Committee, the deputy mayor of the Liangxi Municipal People’s Government, and the acting mayor.”

Nie Zhenbang was stunned and a bit surprised. No wonder Zhuang Aiguo had a strange expression. This was really instantaneous karma, wasn’t Zhou Chen in New Li City the same in this position? The only difference was that he was the party secretary while Li Guohua was in the awkward position that Bekri was in.

This time would Li Guohua dare do the same on the people’s congress stage as he did, by going back on his word? Nie Zhenbang was also somewhat looking forward to it.

Meanwhile, Zhuang Aiguo’s conversation wasn’t over. He continued, “Nie, with your new position, I presume you’ve noticed similarities between this and your situation in New Li City. The only difference is there has been a role reversal. Your challenges in taking office will be significant, given that the Li family still holds a dominant position in Jiangbei Province. So, I’d like to know, do you have any thoughts on the personnel? If there’s anything you need, just mention it. I’ll arrange it for you.”

This support seemed more mature than when Li Guohua arranged Zhou Chen’s appointment in New Li City. Although the Li Faction was also involved in New Li City, fundamentally it was still Li Guohua’s arrangement. Expecting Li Guohua to be as sagacious as Zhuang Aiguo was obviously unrealistic. But from Zhuang Aiguo’s arrangement, the implication was clear – if you need to bring people along who are unfamiliar with the place, it would make it easier for you, Nie, to work.

After pondering for a moment, Nie Zhenbang nodded and said, “Secretary Zhuang, everything has happened so suddenly. I don’t know much about Liangxi city, so it’s challenging for me to respond to you immediately. Could you please give me one day to contemplate on this matter, and I will get back to you tomorrow?”

PS: I returned home just after three in the afternoon. After showering, I started writing. I’m uploading the second part now. I wish to express my gratitude for the continued support from my brothers and sisters (To be continued. If you like this novel, I would appreciate your votes and monthly ticket support on Boxnovel (boxnovel.com). Your support is my greatest motivation).