Reborn as a Noble's Son

Chapter 860: Chapter 816: Impromptu Speech

Chapter 860 -816: Impromptu Speech

Nie Zhenbang’s words sounded as if they were a reprimand, but everyone was clear that Governor Nie’s remarks were definitely not meant to be a reproach.

As the leading member of Governor Nie’s trusted inner circle in Bashu Province, these words were nothing more than a sign of Governor Nie’s special consideration for Fang Yuan.

The car stopped by the roadside, and Nie Zhenbang, looking at Pan Jianzhang and Li Yunhe next to him, smiled and said, “Governor Jianzhang, let’s go down together.”

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Just like Fang Yuan, Pan Jianzhang was also one of Nie Zhen’s main subordinates. At this time, he naturally understood Nie Zhenbang’s intention. Even though Liu Qingyuan, the city’s mayor, was also newly appointed, it was completely necessary to bolster Fang Yuan’s presence.

He nodded and then answered with a smile, “Governor, after you.”

The van’s door opened, and Nie Zhenbang was the first to step out, followed by Pan Jianzhang and Li Yunhe, with several secretaries in line behind them. From the following car, leaders from various functional departments such as the provincial flood control headquarters and the provincial water resources department also got down.

At this moment, the leaders of Xingzhou City’s four major teams had already lined up under Fang Yuan’s organization, waiting for the governor’s inspection.

As soon as he alighted, Nie Zhenbang’s gaze swept over everyone. From his outward expression, Fang Yuan seemed to be in very good spirits at the moment.

Moving to the outside, though there was no substantive change in rank as they were all at the department level, and even considering the future, the position of the municipal party secretary of a prefectural-level city doesn’t compare to the virtual rank within the party of a provincial government secretary-general. After all, though a provincial government secretary-general is at the department level, it’s quite easy to move up to a vice-ministerial level, and domestically, there are precedents of provincial government secretaries-general enjoying vice-ministerial treatment.

Moreover, the provincial government secretary-general is a leader of both the party committee and the provincial government. This cannot be compared with the head of the municipal party committee of a prefectural-level city.

However, that being said, getting an appointment in the local area and serving a term as the head of a municipal city is a necessary experience for most local officials.

Additionally, the advantage of being on the outside is incomparable to being within the provincial government. Outside, you are the head, the Local Emperor; in the provincial government, you are just a chief steward. How to view this issue is a matter that differs from one person to another.

Generally speaking, there are two situations where one would be inclined to the position of head of a prefectural-level city on the outside. One is when there is no more room for advancement. The path to progression has been completely sealed off. In this case, being a steward is not as good as being out in the open, far from the emperor, being a Local Tyrant for a term. The other is when there is a lot of room for progression, but one lacks and needs such a grassroots work experience, particularly the experience of being a top official in charge at the grassroots level, to accumulate political chips for future promotion.

Clearly, Fang Yuan belonged to the latter situation. Looking at Fang Yuan, the newly appointed party secretary of Xingzhou City, his complexion and demeanor were undeniably quite pleasing.

Seeing this, Nie Zhenbang was also very satisfied, indicating that Fang Yuan’s work in Xingzhou City was doing quite well. If not fully in control of the situation, he had at least taken control of most of it, which was definitely certain, otherwise Fang Yuan would not have appeared as he did now.

Shaking hands with Fang Yuan, Nie Zhenbang smiled and said, “Comrade Fang Yuan, you look very good.”

This statement, seemingly casual, caused Fang Yuan’s facial muscles to relax upon hearing Nie Zhenbang’s words. The strength of Governor Nie’s support was immense. This simple and plain remark was all the more powerful; who in the province did not know that Fang Yuan was Governor Nie’s man? By saying this, wasn’t Governor Nie indirectly confirming their solid relationship?

He replied with a smile, “Thank you, Governor, and thank you for the organization’s support and trust in me and the Xingzhou City party leadership team.”

Afterwards, Nie Zhenbang shook hands and exchanged greetings with the other leaders of the four teams and then turned to Fang Yuan at his side, saying, “Comrade Fang Yuan, let’s get in the car. It’s not only obstructing traffic here, but it’s also likely to attract criticism. Let’s head to the municipal party committee first.”

The group got back into the cars, and Nie Zhenbang then said amicably, “Comrade Fang Yuan and Comrade Qingyuan, come ride in my car.”

This statement was another undisguised show of support and stance. Admittedly, under Nie Zhenbang’s series of maneuvers, the cadre of Xingzhou City from top to bottom would be able to see the local situation clearly; it was inevitable that Secretary Fang would rise forcefully.

After joining up with Xingzhou City’s cars, the convoy immediately expanded from three to more than a dozen vehicles, with the lead car changing to Xingzhou City Public Security Bureau’s number one car.

With flashing lights leading the way, they moved unimpeded, directly entering the Xingzhou City party committee compound.

As soon as he got off the car, Nie Zhenbang smiled and said, “Comrade Fang Yuan, I think we should first head to the municipal committee meeting room to listen to the report on the Xingzhou City flood dike and recent work activities.”

In the afternoon, inside the meeting room, Nie Zhenbang and his delegation seriously listened to the report on the reconstruction of Xingzhou City flood dike, as well as the economic construction, development, and investment promotion work in Xingzhou City.

Nie Zhenbang gave a high evaluation and affirmation of the work of Fang Yuan and Liu Qingyuan, and encouraged the municipal party committee of Xingzhou City to unite around Comrade Fang Yuan, to continue the hard work, and make new contributions to the construction of Xingzhou City.

In the afternoon, Nie Zhenbang and his party stayed at the Xingzhou Municipal Committee Guesthouse.

The night passed without incident, and at eight o’clock the next morning.

At the entrance of the Municipal Committee Guesthouse, more than a dozen cars had already gathered in the lobby, and the leaders of the Xingzhou City party committee team had assembled there.

As soon as Nie Zhenbang came out, Fang Yuan stepped forward as the representative and said, “Governor, the main venue by the flood dike is ready. Governor, shall we go over now?”

Nie Zhenbang nodded and mused, “Since Xingzhou city has officially scheduled the start for eight-thirty, heading over now is just right.”

The motorcade drove through the urban district of Xingzhou City and got back onto the Xingzhou City flood dike. Nie Zhenbang also noticed that Li Yunhe’s expression seemed a bit unnatural.

Nie Zhenbang completely understood Li Yunhe’s feelings. Li Yunhe was the former secretary of the Xingzhou City party committee. Although the flood dike corruption case had no direct connection with Li Yunhe, after all, it was this case that led to his departure from his post. As he revisited the place, Secretary-General Li’s heart was naturally filled with emotion.

After a pause, Nie Zhenbang said with a smile, “Comrade Yun He, you must be feeling deeply, aren’t you?”

Hearing Nie Zhenbang’s words, Li Yunhe nodded, his face showing a bit of embarrassment, “Governor, I remember it well and dare not forget. Seeing the appraisal opinion and consequence forecast given by the National Flood Control experts and those from University of Bashu in hydraulic engineering, even now, thinking back to it, I break out in a cold sweat.”

If this matter had not been discovered by you, Governor, once we had truly entered the flood season and assumed the critical responsibility of flood control and flood prevention, I fear the consequences would be unthinkable. By then, we would be talking about damages far beyond several hundred million. And I, I would have likely become a sinner. At that time, I had trouble accepting and coming to terms with it, I was close-minded. But now, I have completely woken up. Such a dike is simply gambling with the lives of four million people in Xingzhou City.

Nie Zhenbang nodded. He was very pleased with the change in Li Yunhe’s mentality and awareness. After pausing for a moment, just as he was about to speak, Li Jupeng had already approached and whispered in his ear, “Governor, we’ve arrived.”

Looking out the car window, starting from the beginning of the dike, at this moment, tens of thousands of people from within Xingzhou City and surrounding towns had already gathered above and below the great dike.

On the dike, the main venue had already been arranged with a red carpet. A temporary podium had been erected, above which hung a banner to enthusiastically celebrate the successful completion of the new Xingzhou flood prevention dike and the commendation ceremony.

Below the podium, in the middle, a slightly flat area had been cleared out where representatives from various departments of the city’s municipal institutions and schools were seated in orderly square formations at the venue. Around the four other sub-venues, there were the sounds of gongs and drums, dragon and lion dances, creating an atmosphere of joy and celebration.

With only about a month left to the New Year, this scene could also be considered a warm-up for the upcoming festivities.

With the arrival of Nie Zhenbang and his delegation, there was a public security police officer on duty every ten meters along the route. The city’s armed police forces had also been called in.

After ascending the podium and following the procedures of the conference, Xingzhou City party committee secretary Fang Yuan, acting as the host of the meeting, said into the microphone, “Next, please welcome Nie Zhenbang, standing committee member of the provincial party committee, deputy secretary, and Governor, to announce the results of the completion inspection.”

Nie Zhenbang stood up. At this moment, the project acceptance certificates from the National Flood Control and the Ministry of Water Resources had already been placed in front of him. After reciting some engineering terminology, Nie Zhenbang raised his voice and said, “In summary, the Xingzhou City flood dike is a beneficial project that meets national flood control standards. I am honored and delighted to announce here that the Xingzhou City flood dike has officially passed national and provincial inspection. From now on, the lives and property of the people of Xingzhou City will have an additional layer of protection.”

After a pause, Nie Zhenbang pressed his hands downward but continued, “The people of Xingzhou, fathers, and fellow villagers, here, on this joyous day, please allow me to apologize sincerely on behalf of Secretary Su of the provincial party committee, the provincial government, the people’s congress, and the political consultative conference. Previously, due to the improper actions of a very small number of party members who were corrupt and ignored national laws and party discipline, they did serious harm to the interests of the masses. The provincial authorities responded swiftly, immediately adjusting the leadership team of Xingzhou City. I have reason to believe that under the leadership of the new team, Xingzhou City will undoubtedly become the brightest jewel of Bashu Province.”

PS: Just to clarify, Old Cai did indeed resign last April. However, since July, his income has not been ideal. With a large family and two children to support, his monthly expenses are significant. His salary and manuscript income can be described as insufficient to cover his expenses. Out of necessity, Old Cai started looking for a job last month. Now, I am employed at a private hospital, serving as the Director of Business, and also hold a very small amount of shares, plus a certain number of technical shares due to the connections Old Cai maintains in the local health system. Yesterday, the province’s inspection team carried out their review, which was related to whether the hospital license could be approved. Once the hospital is up and running, I believe that sustaining regular updates won’t be difficult. However, as I am now writing part-time, I ask for my brothers’ and sisters’ understanding. (