Chapter 509: Chapter 468: The Tradition of Supporting the Military Must be Developed (First Update)_1
 

A look of joy spread across Lin Zhengxing’s face. This Nie Zhenbang was really crossing the line. He had no respect or restraint. Lin was still contemplating how to make Vice Chairman Yan step forward. But now, Nie Zhenbang had stirred up the vice chairman’s anger himself. It would be hard for him not to meet a deadly end this time.

While everyone was exhilarated, Nie Zhenbang began to contemplate at heart. At present, everyone in Wanghai City was scheming to see him scolded ruthlessly.

In this way, they would intimidate some Wanghai City officials with ulterior motives. That was precisely the reason why Shi Yiwu repeatedly intimidated him.

If he yielded to such pressure, those officials who were familiar with the situation in Wanghai City and even understood the ins and outs of the smuggling case of the Eastern Sea Group would surely not dare to act rashly. This would have a significant impact on his future work plans.

Therefore, Nie Zhenbang decided to fight back unreservedly to show the officials in Wanghai City what he was capable of. This could instill confidence in many and lay a solid foundation for future strategies.

Then, Nie Zhenbang also nodded and said, “The criticism from the leader is valid, respecting the old and loving the young is essential. I believe after Secretary Shi hears, he would certainly keep in mind your teachings.”

As he spoke, Nie Zhenbang turned to Zhou Qingguo standing beside and said, “Director Zhou, since there is such an important security task, let’s postpone the report for a few days. You can report to me in my office later.”

After he finished talking, Nie Zhenbang looked at Vice Chairman Yan of the CPPCC and said, “Leader, if there is nothing else, I will leave first. You can take a good look at the economic development of Wanghai City. Look around more.”

After watching Nie Zhenbang leave, Lin Zhengxing came up and said in a low voice, “Leader, Nie Zhenbang is really out of the line.”

Originally, Lin Zhengxing wanted to use this opportunity to stir up Vice Chairman Yan’s dissatisfaction and rage towards Nie Zhenbang. However, much to his surprise, Vice Chairman Yan looked at Lin Zhengxing with profound meaning and said, “I heard that the motto of ‘Merchant’s Treasure’ is hanging in General Lin’s office. General Lin, you should consider more on commercial development and contribute more to the economic construction of Wanghai and the country.”

Those words were more like a warning. Lin Zhengxing was told to follow the rules of a businessman, to dwell more on commercial development. It was a blatant accusation that Lin Zhengxing interfered too much. Now, even Elder Yan had seen that Lin Zhengxing was just using him for his own purposes.

With such an incident occurring, the ceremony of the Eastern Sea Group became a laughing stock. In the afternoon, Vice Chairman Yan left Wanghai by plane to return to Jingcheng. There was no point in staying in Wanghai any longer. Even if he had any objections or opinions about Nie Zhenbang at this moment, it was not the right time to strike. There will be plenty of opportunities in the future to suppress Nie Zhenbang.

…

“Secretary-General An, it has always been a tradition in Wanghai City to support the military and its families. Wanghai is also a national model city for such support. This time, I plan to visit the Wanghai City Military Region to comfort and see our people’s soldiers.” In the office, Nie Zhenbang said to An Guoyu.

Nie Zhenbang became notorious in Wanghai City after that incident. His words alone made it difficult for the City Party Secretary, Shi Yiwu, to step down. Facing the central leadership, he showed no fear. When he asked “who are you,” Yang Jinke, the deputy secretary of the provincial political and legal committee, was left speechless on the spot. These various anecdotes spread like wildfire in Wanghai City. Just when the leadership and officials of all sizes of Wanghai City were waiting to see the drama unfold around Mayor Nie, they suddenly found that these big shots seemed to have forgotten about it. Home they might make rain, but, when it came to Mayor Nie, it was not even thunder.

An Guoyu did not know. After Vice Chairman of the CPPCC returned to Jingcheng, following an ordinary game of bridge with Elder Nan, Elder Nan suddenly muttered, wondering how Nie Zhenbang was doing in Wanghai.

When he asked, Elder Nan’s private secretary informed Elder Yan about the truth that Nie Zhenbang was the adopted grandson personally recognised by Elder Nan.

Upon hearing this, Elder Yan retreated. Though he held the vice-national level position with the CPPCC, it was an idle job, a retirement position. He might hold sway over local cities, but in Jingcheng, among the various families, he was just a marginal figure. Elder Nan’s family members were people whom even Secretary General Yuan had to treat courteously. Nie Zhenbang, though a godson, was also someone special. Besides, Elder Nan’s words did not lack a warning to him. Upon realizing this, Elder Yan backed off.

No one knew what happened in the Forbidden City in Jingcheng. But now, all the leading officials in Wanghai City had a consensus: to avoid provoking Mayor Nie as much as possible. He was not an easy one to deal with.

At this moment, hearing Nie Zhenbang’s words, An Guoyu was very courteous and nodded, “Mayor, after your orders, most of the things have been prepared. A thousand kilos of pork, two thousand kilos of various vegetables and another fifty computers.”

Nie Zhenbang nodded. At this time, it was not a holiday or a special occasion, and these items were already generous enough. Just the fifty computers cost over a hundred thousand. For a regular condolence visit to the local garrison, this was indeed a very generous gift.

…

The gate of the Wanghai City Military Region.

Yellow warning grid lines are drawn on the road surface, indicating a military restricted area. At the moment, all the gates of the military region are open. Two pairs of soldiers holding gongs and drums stand at the entrance. Above the gate, there is a banner reading “Warm welcome to city leaders for their guidance and work”.

Indeed, this phrase is correct. The local military region, including provincial-level ones, are traditionally headed by the local party committee’s top leader, who also acts as the first political commissar of the military region.

The commander of the military district, or the political commissar, also serves as a standing committee member within the local Party Committee.

At this moment, with the arrival of Nie Zhenbang’s convoy, Commander Zhang Zhengguang, Deputy Commander Nie Jiamin, and other leaders of the military region’s party committee are already waiting at the entrance.

Zhang Zhengguang appears very enthusiastic. He is aware of Deputy Commander Nie Jiamin’s background, and he understands the relationship between Nie Zhenbang and Nie Jiamin. The reputation of the Nie family within the military far exceeds their connections in local government. Cadres in the military generally hold much respect for members of the Nie family.

Nie Zhenbang descends from the car, followed by Deputy Mayor Zhao Dingguang, Secretary-General of the city government An Guoyu, and other leaders of the city government for a comfort visit. At the same time, reporters from Wanghai TV Station and Wanghai Daily are following.

At this time, the videographers and newspaper reporters have already secured good positions. The moment Zhang Zhengguang and Nie Zhenbang shake hands, a flurry of camera flashes goes off.

Next, a Wanghai TV Station’s field reporter lifts her microphone facing the camera and says, “This morning, Nie Zhenbang, a member of the Municipal Party Committee and the executive deputy mayor, visited the city’s military region to offer comfort to local garrison soldiers. Deputy Mayor Zhao Dingguang and Secretary-General of the city government An Guoyu accompanied him.”.

“Mayor Nie, welcome, welcome. Thank you for the support and assistance from the leaders of the Municipal Party Committee to our garrison, and thank you for your care,” Zhang Zhengguang said, greeting them warmly with a smile.

At this moment, Nie Zhenbang smiles and responds, “Commander Zhang, you’re too courteous. Taking care of the military is a tradition of Wanghai City, and as a model city for ‘Supporting the Army and Cherishing the People’, we must continue to carry forward this tradition. Since the period of the Red Army of workers and peasants, the Party and the army, together with the people, have established deep layers of emotion, as intimately connected as fish and water. These are proud traditions of our Party. During the economic construction and development of reform and opening up in Wanghai City, the army has played a significant role in economic development and social stability. This is a necessity.”

Nie Zhenbang, learned in Chinese, is smooth in delivering these official-sounding phrases. For a Chinese literature-educated person such as Nie Zhenbang, formulating these political terms offers no challenge, they come naturally to him.

Next, in the auditorium of the military region, an elaborate handover ceremony is held. The fifty computers donated by the Wanghai City Government are symbolically received by representatives of the soldiers from the military region. Afterward, at the symposium in the conference room of the military region, Nie Zhenbang delivers a passionate speech once again.

When the session ends, Nie Zhenbang stands up and says with a smile, “Commander Zhang, Deputy Commander Nie, should we move together?”

Nie Zhenbang’s remark catches Zhang Zhengguang off guard — it’s too direct. Giving no consideration to the need to transfer others, seeing Zhao Dingguang’s expressionless face on the side, Zhang is left wondering about Nie Zhenbang’s intentions. Suppose Nie Zhenbang intended to seek his help. In that case, he could have easily sent the message through Nie Jiamin. So why do it this way? What is read between the lines?

Contemplating, Zhang Zhengguang nods and smiles, “Of course.”

At this moment, Zhao Dingguang and others hesitate to proceed together. Seeing Zhao Dingguang walking ahead, occasionally glancing sideways, Nie Zhenbang’s face breaks into a smile. He thus says, “Commander Zhang in bright daylight, I won’t beat around the bush. Based on my visit to Wanghai, one could surmise why I’m here. In the future, certain tasks will undoubtedly require your assistance.”

Listening to Nie Zhenbang’s words, Zhang Zhengguang nods. As the commander of the military region, Zhang generally never interferes with local affairs, local politics. However, this gives Zhang Zhengguang the unique perspective of seeing things more clearly, as an outside observer.

Today, the situation in Wanghai City appears tranquil and peaceful on the surface, exuding an atmosphere of stability and prosperity. Yet Zhang Zhengguang understands clearly that at any moment, a serious storm could be brewing.

Of course, he also understands why Nie Zhenbang needs his help. It is straightforward – Wanghai City’s current public security and even the armed police system has completely collapsed.

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