Reborn as a Noble's Son-Chapter 954 - 910 Visiting the Former Leader (Extra

Chapter 954 -910: Visiting the Former Leader (Extra Chapter for 300 Monthly Votes)

Chapter 954 -910: Visiting the Former Leader (Extra Chapter for 300 Monthly Votes)

Nie Zhenbang was not feeling too discouraged at this moment. All his life, he had taken unconventional paths, and it seemed that if he were not taking risks, he would not be Nie Zhenbang. He did not care about that.

However, he still put on a bitter smile and said, “It looks like this time, instead of being the mother-in-law, I still have to be the daughter-in-law. I need to listen more, observe more, and talk less.”

After a pause, Nie Zhenbang deliberately asked, “Could I trouble the two elder brothers to explain something to me? This concept of ‘fortified household,’ what does it entail?”

As a member of the Nie family, who had a tradition of learning passed down through generations, Nie Zhenbang naturally knew what the term meant. However, because the topic had turned to the issues of the Hongjiang, and the atmosphere had become a bit heavy, he deliberately asked anyway.

Fang Li and Liang Yuan knew Nie Zhenbang’s intent, but they went along with the topic instead of pointing it out. Fang Li said with a mocking laugh, “Zhenbang, if you don’t know this, your old man might just climb out of Treasure Mountain to find you.”

Liang Yuan added by his side, “A ‘fortified household’ actually refers to, back during the revolutionary period, the segment of the populace that staunchly supported our party. During the time in the Soviet area, when Communist soldiers, or during the war against Japan, when the Eighth Route Army soldiers were injured and couldn’t be evacuated in time, they were placed in the homes of such people. They would live and eat together, and the family would even gather all their relatives to meet and recognize each other using titles like children, brothers, nephews, and so on, to cover for our soldiers. Such families were called ‘fortified households,’ meaning fortresses that the enemy could never breach.”

Nie Zhenbang then expressed his curiosity, “So, who among the elders in Jingcheng has a close relationship with the Liu Yong family?”

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At this, Fang Li and Liang Yuan fell silent, shaking their heads slightly. Finally, Fang Li said, “The situation with the Liu Yong family is rather special. Back then, they protected not a soldier, but a child. This person grew up with Liu Yong’s father, staying there for almost four or five years, until the war broke out, after which they made their way to the sacred place. Now, this person hasn’t been retired for long. He’s only 78 years old this year.”

Listening to this, Nie Zhenbang started to calculate. Aged 78 could mean nominal or actual age within the system. If retiring at age 69 is considered, it seems that this person was from President Yuan’s era. Moreover, if the guess is correct, this person should be one of the nine key figures at the time. No wonder Fang Li and Liang Yuan were acting this way. After all, even when retired, such towering figures still held considerable influence.

At that time, Zhuang Aiguo probably wasn’t one of them. Also, it would be unlikely for Comrades Yuan Kangan and Yun Bo, considering the leadership team from back then, which also likely included Shen Xiuchao and Leng Yunfei. That left only four. Among those four, the one who grew up in the sacred place and was born in Hongjiang was just one person—Fang Maotang, Old Fang from the political advisory body.

At this thought, Nie Zhenbang took a deep breath. Indeed, that was a formidable person, which explained why Liu Yong’s journey until now had been smooth sailing.

This elder was notorious for his protective nature and fiery temperament—well known by everyone. This time, going to Hongjiang, he’d really need to be careful and cautious. Not that he was afraid, but if anything did go awry, it wouldn’t look good for anyone involved, and that would be pointless.

Then, they casually discussed some official matters in Jingcheng, and as Fang Li left, he made sure to advise Nie Zhenbang that it would be best to visit several ministries and get some policies in place.

After seeing the two men off, Nie Zhenbang took the private elevator to the ninth floor, where his and An Na’s love nest now felt exceptionally cold and lifeless.

The lavish decor and palatial design did not bring much warmth. Instead, it felt desolate. The cleanliness of the house was impeccable, likely arranged by Li Chunshan to be cleaned daily.

Sitting on the sofa, he took out his phone and dialed Chen Le’s number, even though it was already late at night, but Nie Zhenbang felt this call was necessary.

After a while, Chen Le’s voice came through, clear, but still betraying a hint of grogginess.

Nie Zhenbang chuckled, “Old Chen, are you asleep? I have something to tell you. This time, the organization is planning to add more responsibility to your plate. It seems that tomorrow, someone from the Central Organization Department will reach out to you for a talk. I am being transferred to the Hongjiang Province, and I plan to have you go ahead to set things up. You will go to Hongjiang and take up the post of a standing committee member of the Provincial Committee, secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Committee, as well as the director of the Public Security Department.”

This news came as a huge shock to Chen Le, a sudden burst of joy. He sprang out of bed, startling his wife who was sleeping next to him. Unable to contain his elation, he said in a suppressed voice, “Boss, I’ll follow your orders. I will definitely handle the preliminary work well for you.”

Advancement and wealth were naturally reasons to be happy, and it wasn’t unusual for Chen Le to react this way. Nie Zhenbang did not mind and smiled, “Old Chen, once you’re there, don’t act rashly. The situation in Hongjiang is complex. After you arrive, immerse yourself in the Public Security Department and get to grips with your primary duties. That will suffice. Leave the rest to me when I arrive.”

Nie Zhenbang spent the night without further conversation, but Chen Le could no longer sleep. He immediately woke his wife to discuss moving preparations but decided to leave those matters temporarily.

The next morning, Nie Zhenbang still got up punctually, refreshed after performing a set of punches by six o’clock. By around seven-thirty, Li Chunshan had arranged for a waiter to deliver breakfast.

Breakfast consisted of fried eggs and milk—a very common choice. Next to him, Li Chunshan was sitting by his side. Nie Zhenbang instructed him, “Chunshan, later, arrange a car for me. I’ll need it for the next few days. Also, have the renovations above redone, sticking to the previous design and maintaining the original decor. Your sisters will be coming back to stay. Also, send someone to Hongjiang to buy two adjacent apartments near the Hongjiang Provincial Committee, not in the same unit. Preferably in two units, but with the walls close together. Install a secret door for me. Get the decor right.”

After giving those instructions, Nie Zhenbang then descended the stairs and drove directly out of the parking lot, heading towards the State Council.

Visiting the State Council was something Nie Zhenbang had thought through. During his time in Yuzhou Province, be it Li Taishi or Chen Le, Mu Dingjian had given considerable care.

Moreover, his first stop had been at the Youth League, where Mu Dingjian was the First Secretary. By that account, this was indeed his very first leader.

The car bore the license plate of the Jingcheng City Military District. It was a low-profile plate, the car previously belonging to An Na. Li Chunshan, being well-informed, had not provided a civilian vehicle. For Nie Zhenbang, this was indeed more convenient. In a place like Jingcheng, without a solid license plate, there were some units one simply could not enter.

The car drove straight into the State Council compound and parked. Nie Zhenbang then took out his phone and dialed Mu Dingjian’s secretary’s number.

Nie Zhenbang had already inquired in advance and knew that Mu Dingjian was not out on inspection or foreign visits during this period.

Fortunately, at this time, Mu Dingjian happened to have half an hour of free time. The State Council’s office building was not high, located within the Inland Sea, close to the Great Hall.

In fact, the various ministries of the State Council were all officed in different locations. Truly, aside from the senior leaders, only the General Office worked there.

The four-story building, nestled under green trees—however, being winter, the leaves had withered, offering no pleasing scenery, instead conveying a desolate feeling.

Heading straight upstairs, Mu Dingjian’s office was located on the east side of the fourth floor. Nie Zhenbang knocked on the door and from inside, a voice sounded: “Come in.”

Upon seeing Nie Zhenbang, the chief secretary Jiang Yitao had already stood up and said with a smile, “Comrade Zhenbang has arrived.”

This form of address was particularly thoughtful, indicating that Jiang Yitao was aware that Nie Zhenbang was about to step down from his role at the Huaxia Group. Moreover, the way he addressed him also indicated a sense of closeness.

Nie Zhenbang smiled and nodded, “Secretary Jiang, it’s a pleasure to meet you. Is the chief inside?”

Seeing Mu Dingjian again after so many years, he had aged considerably. After all, he was also a man in his fifties.

Noticing Nie Zhenbang’s arrival, Mu Dingjian nodded slightly and said with a smile, “Take a seat. I knew you would come and specially asked Yitao to free up half an hour for me.”

Nie Zhenbang, now somewhat embarrassed, responded, “The chief is insightful—I’m unable to match that. This time, I am here to see my old leader, and also to ask for guidance.”

Mu Dingjian was naturally aware of Nie Zhenbang’s impending move to Hongjiang. Indeed, such a matter couldn’t possibly bypass Mu Dingjian, given his familiarity with the situation in Hongjiang.

After a pause, Mu Dingjian looked at Nie Zhenbang with a sense of poignancy and said, “You, throughout your life, every step has been taken with trepidation. This time, going to Hongjiang is exceedingly perilous. If done well, all is good, but if not, you’ll lose face.”

This blunt remark from Mu Dingjian carried a clear message: if things were handled well, the merit might not be significant, at best it would be considered satisfactory. However, if things went poorly, it would definitely impact his future prospects.

Nie Zhenbang chuckled awkwardly and nodded, saying, “Old leader, you know my character. Some things have to be done by someone. Whether I do them well, we’ll leave that aside for now. I can’t let down the trust placed in me by the organization. Whether I succeed or not, let’s put that aside for the moment. Isn’t that why I came to seek advice from my old leader?”(