Reborn as a Noble's Son

Chapter 568: Chapter 525 Onlookers are Clear_1
 

Zhao Xinglong, like Li Guohua, is an overseas returnee. However, their characters couldn’t be more different. Li Guohua is aloof, as if he looks down on everything. But as someone who has worked with him, Nie Zhenbang can clearly see that Li Guohua is the kind of person who is selfish and narrow-minded.

But Zhao Xinglong is different. This man has the pride of a scion of a prestigious family, yet he treats his friends honestly and has no interest in politics whatsoever.

However, that’s just a matter of interest. Growing up in such a family, among the scions of the prestigious families in Jingcheng, there aren’t many without a political mind. A typical example is Zhou Chen. Under such influence, everyone will have some awareness, more or less.

From what Zhao Xinglong just said, Nie Zhenbang can be sure that they weren’t empty words – there must be something behind them. Hence, he asked: “Xinglong, you’ve got something on your mind? Has something happened in New Li City?”

“No, nothing has happened. But, big brother, there’s something I’m uncertain whether I should say or not.” Zhao Xinglong hesitated. Although they have a good relationship, it’s still someone else’s business. If they can accept his words, it’s all good. But if not, it could be trouble. After all, it could offend people.

However, Nie Zhenbang laughed and nudged Zhao Xinglong jokingly. “When did you start holding your tongue? There’s nothing that can’t be said. But considering your expression, let’s talk after dinner. Then we can have a deep conversation.”

They ate in a regular private room in the Wanghai Hotel’s dining area. The dishes were mostly seafood banquets. Those seated were experienced, so there was no issue of novelty to them. After a few rounds of drinks, they ate quite heartily.

Only Zhao Xinglong and Nie Zhenbang were now in Zhao’s presidential suite, everyone else had gone off to have fun under Nie Jiamin’s arrangement.

On the table was a light yellow box of Panda cigarettes. Zhao Xinglong lit one, took a puff, then said: “Big brother, if you don’t mind me being forward, I will speak.”

At these words, Nie Zhenbang frowned. When did Zhao Xinglong become so hesitant? He then said: “Go ahead, we’re brothers. What’s there that can’t be said?”

“Big brother, to be honest, reaching your current level at your age…you’re amazing. And I think your ultimate goal might be the top position.” Zhao Xinglong was honest.

This wasn’t flattery. Even for scions of prestigious families, or those with powerful backgrounds, the unwritten rule in the country is that their promotions in ministries are relatively faster, while those on the ground are merely following the procedure.

There is an implication involved. People might misunderstand that the fast promotion is due to family background. Hence, scions of prominent families are always concerned about this. Looking at the scions in Jingcheng, the one whose promotion is the quickest is Qiao Yiren, who was promoted at the age of 38 to the deputy ministerial level.

Contrarily, civilian cadres experience an astonishment-inducing speed of promotion. For example, Vice Chairman Shen was promoted to the vice-ministerial level at 37, and Secretary Mu was promoted at 35.

That’s why Zhao Xinglong considers Nie Zhenbang remarkable. At the age of thirty, he was promoted to the vice-ministerial level, and he comes from a prestigious family with a powerful background. This alone is proof of everything.

After a pause, Zhao Xinglong continued: “Big brother, in terms of family background, work ability, and age, your advantages are very obvious. However, when it comes to building your own base, I feel that there seems to be some lacking.”

This statement was like a sudden thunderbolt, making Nie Zhenbang realize something. Indeed, a bystander is often more clear-headed than the participant.

Always in Nie Zhenbang’s mind, the resources of the Nie faction were his to use. However, he’d overlooked something. Once you reach the rank of minister, you effectively become a system in yourself. Beneath each minister are many trusted subordinates and these are resources he does not have access to. More so, ministers may not always follow your orders. In extreme situations, they might even cut ties and operate independently.

A real foundation should be built step by step, by oneself, exactly as the old-generation revolutionaries did domestically. That is what is referred to as a foundation.

After a moment of silence, Nie Zhenbang asked seriously, “Xinglong, how are things in New Li City now?”

Listening, Zhao Xinglong’s face showed a hint of admiration. Zhenbang’s acute political sense was indeed not bluffing. Zhao Xinglong had heard of Zhenbang’s past glorious deeds. The Nie family, under such circumstances, had in fact managed to reverse their fortunes under Zhenbang’s lead. Not only did they not decline, they even became one of the top families domestically. Zhao Xinglong knew he lacked such skills. Despite hearing these tales, Zhao Xinglong believed they were just smokescreen to deliberately promote and cultivate Nie Zhenbang’s image.

However, upon further understanding and witnessing Nie Zhenbang’s rise to power, Zhao Xinglong firmly believed otherwise. This was why, upon his arrival, Zhao Xinglong shared his concerns with Nie Zhenbang.

The Zhao family is undeniably a military faction, but this generation’s capabilities are limited. Zhao Xinglong was well aware of his capabilities and limitations. Given his rebellious and unconventional nature, he anticipated difficulties climbing the ranks within the system. Therefore, he believed that the Zhao family had to gravitate towards another family or individual to ensure the family’s legacy and opportunity for resurgence.

Nie Zhenbang was Zhao Xinglong’s choice. At this moment, with Zhenbang’s ability to guess that something was happening in New Li City just because Zhao mentioned inadequate foundation, Zhao was further persuaded to support Nie Zhenbang and ensure the Zhao family’s well-being in the future.

Zhao Xinglong nodded and said, “As expected, Zhenbang, you’re as wise as a deity.”n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

Nie Zhenbang gave a hearty laugh at this remark. As his capabilities grew, so did his ability to influence events. But the minute details held less significance as things evolved. However, Nie Zhenbang felt no fear. Backed with a decade’s experience in the political system, he was confident of controlling the situation even is his memory failed him.

“Enough with the flattery, you rascal. Tell me what is happening in New Li City”, Zhenbang said, laughing and scolding simultaneously.

Zhao Xinglong immediately became serious and said, “Brother, I heard that Li Yifeng, the newly appointed secretary of the Xibei Autonomous Region, has decided to merge New Li City and Bazhou City and establish a new administrative unit called Lizhou City. An application has already been made to elevate Lizhou City to the status of a sub-provincial city.”

Nie Zhenbang was startled by this. He hadn’t expected Li Yifeng to overcome this challenge. It would appear that Li Yifeng’s election may have involved maneuvers by the Nie faction in Jingcheng after his uncle secured a vice position in the Military Commission. This was a clear signal.

The merger of New Li City and Bazhou City seems rather risky, but it’s not impossible. Firstly, from what Zhao Xinglong learned, the urban areas of New Li City and Bazhou City had already fully integrated into one super-metropolitan city. Even Urumqi would find it hard to compare with the combined urban area of New Li City and Bazhou City. This laid down the necessary conditions for their merger.

Secondly, both New Li City and Bazhou City were ranked high in economic growth and output within the Xibei Autonomous Region. The ‘Miracle of New Li’ wasn’t just mere talk; it was nationally recognized. As an exception in the remote and impoverished Western Region, it was also highly commended by the country.

Currently, Bazhou City is a prefecture-level city while New Li City is a sub-prefectural city. Combining them and elevating the status, making Lizhou City a sub-provincial city, seems plausible. More importantly, if successful, the new Lizhou City would become the first sub-provincial city in the whole Western Region beyond the Bashu area. It will serve as an indication of the country’s next steps. According to Nie Zhenbang’s memory, it seems as if the new leadership after the change of tenure had already begun planning on the Western Region Development Strategy. Taking advantage of this opportunity, Lizhou City stands a good chance of securing central government’s approval.

If this strategy by the Xibei Autonomous Region does succeed, then it’s necessary for him to put in some effort. Xie Yi is already the mayor of Bazhou City now and stands a good chance of further elevation to the ranks of a sub-provincial official due to the upgrade. In addition, the whole crew from New Li City will also get a half-grade promotion and formally enter the ranks of full division-level officials and vice-division-level officials. These officials can be deployed to other prefecturs of Xibei Autonomous Region. Over the years, these people will be a great help to him.

Right now, what Nie Zhenbang lacks the most is reliable subordinates. Excluding those from New Li City, he has not brought many people into his foundation from the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and Liangxi City. Looking at it now, it seems like it’s time to expand within WangHai City.

PS: I recommend the latest work by the great author CanJian called “Super Urban Overlord”. Synopsis: With a game’s master-level life profession skills, he revives in the city. Book number: 2356231 (