Reborn as a Noble's Son

As the afternoon was drawing to a close, the three investigation groups that had been dispatched were gradually returning, puzzling Ma Zhixian. Usually, during inspections, each department would entertain the delegation with fine wines and cigarettes, treating them like celebrities, fearing that any signs of dissatisfaction could lead to penalties. These investigations were usually cushy assignments within the tax bureau.

However, today was different. They all came back, looking displeased. Just as Ma Zhixian was about to speak, the three group leaders began to express their grievances, “Director Ma. The investigation was utterly frustrating. They have prepared their accounts very well. They haven’t left any loopholes, and all required payments have been met. We found no way to impose penalties. We were ignored when we visited their offices, nobody cared to ask us if we needed anything, they didn’t even serve us tea.”

“Indeed, my experience was even worse. At closing time, the janitor directly came in to expel us.”

Ma Zhixian understood that not only the National Revenue was proficient in auditing but the local revenue and finance departments were also quite adept. With expert guidance, it was inevitable to find no mistakes.

This matter was already beyond their abilities to intervene, let alone his own. Ma Zhixian waved his hand and said, “Alright, everyone can leave. That’s all there is to the matter. Go home and see to it, as it seems the water and electricity might not return for a while. Those of you with relatives, you should stay with them for a few days.”

At this point, Ma Zhixian realized, unless Xing Wenbiao voluntarily compromises, the electricity and water would continue to be suspended. Being government personnel, they understood this. Trying to argue their way through was foolhardy.

After seeing off these middle-level cadres, Ma Zhixian turned to He Dashan and said with a bitter smile, “Old He, not only you, but our office was also under fire today.”

“Was the water and electricity cut off? What happened? I see that the buildings next door and opposite still have power, why is ours the only one that’s cut off?” He Dashan looked puzzled.

Ma Zhixian continued, “That’s not all, right in front of our main entrance, at least three trucks worth of garbage have been dumped. I predict the garbage there will pile up like a mountain in a few days. Moreover, the price for the land has come out. If we want to buy, it’s 2.5 million without bargaining. If we don’t buy, the Sanitation Department will set up a garbage station there. They have already obtained approvals from the county government and the environmental protection department. With all procedures complete and no public opposition, the matter is set.”

Upon hearing this, even the confused He Dashan understood, “Old Ma, this is Director Nie expressing his stance towards us. Didn’t we penalize two of their departments? It seems this is their retaliatory move. You should call Director Wen Biao; only he can make the final decision.”

Ma Zhixian nodded in agreement, being a subordinate was challenging. If the situation goes well, the credit goes to the superiors. If it doesn’t, the blame falls on the subordinate. It was as if he was nothing more than a daughter-in-law for the superiors. As the first ranking deputy director, he was merely a top-ranked daughter-in-law at best.

For example, during this incident, he had also opposed. However, Wen Biao, with his solid background, insisted on a power struggle. As a result, everything ended up in a mess. Wen Biao joyfully went to the city with his office director, leaving all the trouble to him. In case things go south, Wen Biao only needs to dust off his pants, change locations, and continue to be a director. However, his (Ma Zhixian) career would be over.

With these thoughts, Ma Zhixian picked up the phone and dialed Wen Biao’s number. On the other end, Wen Biao seemed quite annoyed, “Old Ma, why are you calling at this hour? It’s already off duty. Have you solved the garbage issue?”

“Director, the matter is quite challenging. That piece of land no longer belongs to Chengguan Town. It has been transferred under the name of Lixian City Construction Investment Company. I inquired a bit and the price is 2.5 million. This is clearly aimed at us.” Ma Zhixian quickly reported with caution.

Upon hearing this, Wen Biao roared from the other end of the call, “Old Ma, what the hell are you doing? You can’t even handle this! Leave that piece of land as it is for now. Once the investigation team returns, we will study the clauses in detail and see if we can send a few people to jail. I don’t believe Nie Zhenbang will dare to risk world ridicule and just let his subordinates go to jail.”

Hearing this, Ma Zhixian could only force a bitter smile, “Director, the investigation team has returned. Nie Zhenbang was very swift. All the accounts have been settled. Anything to be paid has been paid. We, at present, have no way to proceed. However, with the cut water and electricity, and the addition of the garbage dump, I am afraid there will be rumblings in the family quarters. Some retired old leaders live there.”

Upon hearing Ma Zhixian’s words, Wen Biao grew impatient and said in a deep voice, “Alright, that’s enough for today. I’ll coordinate with the city bureau leaders. As for today, that’s all we can do. We will discuss everything when I return tomorrow.”

At that moment, in Director Nie’s office, Chen Le was sitting across from him, “Director, about Wen Biao’s matter, I sent someone for a preliminary investigation and surprisingly, we found some stuff.”

Hearing these words from Chen Le, Nie Zhenbang was quite taken aback. Chen Le had shown an ability to empathize. However, he also demonstrated extreme audacity by launching an investigation on a section-level vertical management official without any prior reporting or obtaining permission. If discovered, this could result in a scandal, putting Chen Le in a difficult predicament. This was a matter of principle.

“Chen Le, you are quite bold. Do you understand the enormous risks you took and responsibilities you assumed when you decided to investigate a national official on your own accord?” At this moment, Nie Zhenbang didn’t praise Chen Le for his courage; instead, he gave him a stern reprimand. Nie Zhenbang didn’t want Chen Le, someone he respected, to behave recklessly; anything could happen in the world of politics before the final outcome was decided. Chen Le took a risk this time, and he may do so again in the future. However, luck might not always be on his side. Precautions must be taken.

Right then, Chen Le also discarded his playful smug expression and became serious. Standing up, he began, “Director Nie, I…”

Nie Zhenbang gestured to stop him. He didn’t feel right making a senior official like Chen apologize to him, but it was crucial that Chen understood his point. So Nie Zhenbang spoke, “Chen Le, I know what you want to say. Let’s not fuss over it. Just make sure you understand. Don’t take the initiative in such matters ever again, there must not be a next time, understood?”

Once he finished speaking, a smile returned to Nie Zhenbang’s face. Looking at Chen Le, he added, “Seeing you looking so pleased, you must have discovered something substantial. Tell me, what kind of wrongdoings have you uncovered about Xing Wenbiao? If it’s just minor stuff, don’t bother mentioning it.”

Chen Le began grinning again. Looking at Nie Zhenbang, he said, “Director Nie, don’t you know me well? Am I the kind to make a mountain out of a molehill? What I’ve found is indeed surprising. I specifically reassigned two trustworthy men from Guangming Township to assist. On probing, they unearthed quite a bit of gossip surrounding Xing Wenbiao. On one hand, Xing Wenbiao and Wang Lili, the Director of the State Tax Bureau’s office, seem to have some sort of relationship. On the other hand, Xing Wenbiao is rumored to have a significant gambling problem. He routinely gambles at a place run by a thug named Heihu in Bazhou City. If we can trace this thread…”

At this point, Nie Zhenbang became contemplative. If there were truth in the rumors about Xing Wenbiao’s relationship with Wang Lili, it could be considered moral corruption and poor conduct which would amount to a moral scandal. However, these claims were not substantial enough. However, if coupled with his gambling problem and if they can confirm the amounts Xing Wenbiao wagered, they could make a strong case against him. The annual salary of a civil servant like Xing Wenbiao is known, and his family is not particularly wealthy. So, it would be tough for him to explain the origin of such large sums of money. A thorough investigation could lead to Xing Wenbiao’s collapse and inevitable imprisonment.

This exemplified Nie Zhenbang’s approach: patiently hold off until the timing was right and then strike decisively. His strategy while dealing with Mo Zhihai was exactly the same.

However, there was a catch: you can’t have your cake and eat it too. If they were to pursue the private relationship, they would be unable to gather evidence on his illegal gambling. They had to choose one, and if they chose the latter, they faced another problem: the location where the arrest would need to be made wasn’t in Lixian. This introduced jurisdictional complications.

Pondering this, Nie Zhenbang turned to Chen Le and asked, “Old Chen, be honest with me. How’s your relationship with the city bureau?”

Understanding the implication behind Nie Zhenbang’s words, Chen Le nodded. As one of Nie Zhenbang’s most trusted subordinates, Chen Le held high status in Lixian, second only to Lin Weimin and slightly behind Yi Jun. He was well aware of Nie Zhenbang’s character. Despite Director Nie’s youthful appearance, he was meticulous and tenacious, leaving no loopholes for his opponents to exploit.

Reporting the gambling offense was indeed the best choice. Catching this would naturally lead to the exposure of other issues. Moreover, they could bring Wang Lili in for questioning under the guise of assisting the investigation. They probably wouldn’t even need to exert much pressure to get her to come clean.

After deliberating for a moment, Chen Le said, “I have a good relationship with Deputy Director Li Wei Hong from the city bureau, who also graduated from the Police University. He was my senior there. When I was first assigned to Lixian, he was a great help. I trust that if we ask him for a favor this time, there shouldn’t be any problems. Director Nie, I’m confident that I can accomplish this task.”

The words ‘should’ and ‘probably’ are often considered an ambiguous way of speaking in the political arena. These words, especially in front of superior leadership or in specific situations, are not appropriate. Chen Le was well aware of this, so he ended his statement expressing complete confidence. Such confidence is not expressed lightly. By saying these words, it revealed that Chen Le was at least 80% sure of success.

Upon hearing this, Nie Zhenbang made up his mind. A decisive action needed ruthlessness. If not ruthless, what would be the point of taking decisive action? Apart from Xing Wenbiao’s offenses towards him personally, his embezzlement of public funds and extravagant spending were enough reason for Nie Zhenbang to take him down. This was Nie Zhenbang’s principle. If he hadn’t noticed it would be one thing, and if it’s something he couldn’t manage, he would let it be. But now that he had noticed and could do something about it, remaining inactive would be his failure.

Subsequently, Nie Zhenbang stood up and said to Chen Le, “Alright, Old Chen, I’ll be waiting for your good news.”

PS: I’m back. I’m thrilled that we have maintained our second position. The gap has widened a bit, thanks to the support you all have shown with your monthly tickets. I’m updating first, then getting back to writing.