Reborn as a Noble's Son

Li County Party Committee Office Building

The small meeting room next to the County Party Secretary’s office on the third floor is where the Standing Committee meetings take place.

Originally, this was just a routine Standing Committee meeting that took place every half a month. However, due to the major reshuffling of the standing committee of the Li County Party Committee, this meeting also represents the first Standing Committee meeting of the new leadership team of Li County. The significance was extraordinary and naturally drew many watchful eyes. More importantly, the unresolved positions of several directors of county-level agencies were likely to be resolved at this Standing Committee meeting. Matters that directly affected their personal interests were the real focus of Li County officials.

At this moment, even though it was just past eight o’clock, Nie Zhenbang was already sitting in Zhang Chubin’s office, which used to be Mo Zhihai’s. However, after Zhang Chubin moved in, he had made slight adjustments to the room’s decorations and set-up, which Nie Zhenbang noticed. Not many changes had been made; the main design of the room remained the same, with some minor adjustments, a norm in the bureaucratic field.

From this, Nie Zhenbang deduced that Zhang Chubin was a pragmatic person. Standing in this office again, Nie Zhenbang felt some nostalgia and seemed again to visualize the scenes where he had had disagreements with Mo Zhihai.

“What, does Zhenbang feel a sense of familiarity? Back then, I heard everything when you were arguing with Mo Zhihai. Hehe, you must be feeling emotional now.” Zhang Chubin poured Nie Zhenbang a cup of green tea and began to converse with a laugh.

Nie Zhenbang froze for a moment before understanding. Back then, Zhang Chubin’s office was right across from Mo Zhihai’s. Given the close proximity and his not-so-low voice at the time, it was normal for him to hear everything. Now that Zhang Chubin mentioned it, Nie Zhenbang felt somewhat embarrassed. He laughed and said, “Secretary, let’s not bring up the past issues. Secretary Zhang, this time I came mainly to communicate with you about a few issues in advance. This is the nominee list for the heads of county-level agencies. I want to know your opinion.”

While he was talking, Nie Zhenbang handed the document he was holding to Zhang Chubin. Receiving the document, Zhang Chubin only took a brief look and then put it down, saying, “Zhenbang, you can decide on this matter. I have no opinions. Other than this, are there any other issues?”

The issue of the head of the county-level agency was something that Zhang Chubin had earlier agreed to. He would leave everything entirely up to Nie Zhenbang. At this point, Zhang Chubin certainly would not go against this arrangement. Even if Zhang Chubin had other plans in the future, it would be a matter for the future. At least, he will not do so now.

As for the candidate for the position of the head of the county-level agencies, Nie Zhenbang was not surprised. After collecting his thoughts, he set the document aside and said, “Secretary Zhang, regarding the matter of the Public Security Bureau, I have some differing opinions that I would like to discuss with you.”

Upon hearing Nie Zhenbang, Zhang Chubin’s heart skipped a beat. This Nie Zhenbang was no simple character; he was ready to move against Zhao Kunlun so quickly.

Zhang Chubin had heard about the incident where Zhao Kunlun, along with Mo Zhihai, had attempted to overthrow Nie Zhenbang and Chen Le. Zhao Kunlun was quite arrogant. As the Party Secretary of the Political and Legal Committee, concurrently serving as the Chief of Public Security and holding real power, he enjoyed treatment at the level of a division head. All these made Zhao Kunlun rather conceited and not considerate of other officials.

Zhang Chubin had anticipated that Nie Zhenbang would make a move against Zhao Kunlun. After all, as the greatest contributor to the recent achievement, there must be some response regarding Chen Le. The most direct and best way would be to let Chen Le succeed as the Chief of Public Security.

However, Zhang Chubin didn’t expect that Nie Zhenbang would act so quickly, planning to propose it during the first Standing Committee meeting.

Neither of them were newcomers to the officialdom. Nie Zhenbang had chosen to communicate with him before the Standing Committee meeting, and Zhang Chubin would certainly not consider this just a casual chat.

Zhang Chubin paused for a moment before slowly saying, “What is it, Zhenbang? Do tell if you have any ideas. You don’t have anything to fear here. It’s a place for openly speaking out.”

Nie Zhenbang immediately nodded and said, “Secretary Zhang, although there are instances where the Party Secretary of the Political and Legal Committee concurrently serves as the Chief of Public Security in other places, I think Comrade Zhao Kunlun is somewhat lacking in energy. The recent labor dispute at the construction site is a prime example. Furthermore, Comrade Zhao Kunlun, after all, is the Party Secretary of the Political and Legal Committee, the third top-ranking leader in our Li County Party Committee. As a veteran, he is still at the frontline of public security work. I just think it isn’t quite suitable. Comrade Chen Le, being young and vigorous and professionally trained, is undoubtedly the most suitable candidate for the Public Security Chief post. What are your thoughts, Secretary Zhang?”

Zhang Chubin was at this moment also deep in thought. Chen Le was one of Nie Zhenbang’s people, a conclusion that was already established. To make Zhao Kunlun give up his position as head of the Public Security Bureau, given time, as long as Chen Le secures his foothold, it would be equivalent to clipping Zhao Kun’s wings. This was not necessarily a bad thing for Lixian. But Zhang Chubin was reluctant to give Nie Zhenbang this advantage. At present, Zhang Chubin was also short of suitable candidates from his side in the Public Security Bureau.

After a while, Zhang Chubin nodded and said, “I think it’s feasible, Zhenbang, you could bring up this issue at the Party Standing Committee meeting for everyone’s discussion.”

At this moment, Zhang Chubin had made up his mind. First, he would clip Zhao Kunlun’s wings, and he believed that when the time came, Nie Zhenbang would not begrudge him a position as deputy director.

With the passage of time, the newly-appointed members of the Standing Committee had all taken their seats in the meeting room. As nine o’clock approached, Nie Zhenbang walked into the room with a smile, closely followed, less than a meter behind, by Zhang Chubin who also wore a smile.

Sitting to the left of Zhang Chubin for the first time, at the head of this oval conference table, Nie Zhenbang felt somewhat momentous.

In contrast to the habits of city committee leaders, Zhang Chubin didn’t cough or tap the table when he spoke. However, he liked to rest his hands on the table, with his hands cupped together as if raising his arms, when he was speaking, or preparing to speak.

After a quick glance at everyone, Zhang Chubin spoke in a low and gentle tone, “Comrades, this time, many things have happened in Lixian, resulting in major adjustments within the county committee leadership team including the addition of many new faces. The new county committee must bring forth a new atmosphere. I hope that a good beginning can start from this standing committee meeting.”

Zhang Chubin had such distinctive speaking style. His manner and tone were very soothing, and his voice was not very loud, yet it gave people a sense of refreshing comfort.

A pause, then Zhang Chubin continued, “Our first item of business is the appointment of leaders in the county’s departments and agencies. Let’s invite Director Nie to make a nomination first.”

In Huaxia’s officialdom, it isn’t uncommon for the mayor of the county government to nominate the heads of various county departments and agencies. Zhang Chubin’s suggestion was, therefore, not unreasonable. However, it is usually the case that the organization department conducts an assessment before finalizing the candidates. The sudden change of rules left some standing committee members feeling a bit unaccustomed.

Nie Zhenbang nodded and said, “Over the past few days, I have visited several of the county’s departments and agencies, and have a rough idea of the situation. Since Secretary Zhang suggested it, I will throw out some names and then ask Minister Xie from the Organization Department to carry out an assessment. For the Construction Department, I recommend comrade Xiong Jianming. Taking all aspects into consideration, Comrade Xiong Jianming is quite well-suited… Finally, for the position of the director of the Health Department, I suggest comrade Huang Chengbiao. Comrade Huang Chengbiao is currently the head of Li County People’s Hospital and is also a member of the party group of the deputy director of the Health Department. He is a well-known doctor in the area- such a specialized cadres are rare in the history of Lixian. I believe that under the leadership of comrade Huang Chengbiao, the Health Department will do well.”

In one fell swoop, Nie Zhenbang named four candidates, which shocked everyone. However, many people saw through it, this must have been something Secretary Zhang and Director Nie had already agreed upon. Otherwise, Zhang Chubin wouldn’t have allowed Nie Zhenbang to be so brazen.

At this moment, after taking a sip of tea, Nie Zhenbang continued: “Additionally, I have a suggestion regarding Secretary Zhao Kunlun. Comrade Chen Le of the county Public Security Bureau is a bachelor’s degree graduate of Police University who has also worked at the grassroots level for many years gaining substantial experience. I believe we should use him more effectively. I suggest considering appointing Chen Le as the director of the county’s Public Security Bureau.”

After a pause, no matter how dark Zhao Kunlun’s face was, Nie Zhenbang continued on the topic, “Secretary Zhao has reached the age of fifty this year, and still holds steadfastly to his front-line position. Such spirit indeed deserves our admiration. However, as the younger generation is also rising, I think Secretary Zhao can let go of some burdens and give younger comrades more opportunities. Of course, to avoid mistakes by young comrades, isn’t Secretary Zhao still watching their backs? Secretary Zhao, what do you think?”

As soon as these words were out, everyone was stunned again. You see, the Public Security Bureau did not appoint Zhao Kunlun as acting head because there was no suitable person. If it was under such circumstances, it would have been acceptable. But in the case of Lixian, Zhao Kunlun has always been holding the position of the head of the Public Security Bureau. In fact, Zhao Kunlun was first appointed as the head, and then promoted as the secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Committee. Nie Zhenbang’s words were equivalent to outrightly attempting to snatch the position of the Bureau Chief from Zhao Kunlun. To put it bluntly, this was a palace coup.

PS: Off-topic, but I assure you this won’t count to word count. Yesterday, a female high school student Xiao Fan, who is one of my readers, ranked first in her mathematics exam. It seems she might also top in overall grades. I must commend her for this. Her performance has relieved my worries about my books negatively influencing children. I can now rest easy. To be continued. If you like this piece, please support it on . Your support is my greatest motivation.