Reborn as a Noble's Son

Chapter 524: Chapter 482: Never Back Down_1
 

In the world of bureaucracy, mastery and skill in speaking are essential. When you are in a local government post, straightforward talk might be appreciated occasionally, described as a sign of being close to the people, an effective working method. However, when one proceeds to provincial and ministry levels, subtlety becomes necessary. One’s words should be intentionally ambiguous, implying deep meanings and nuances. This allows subordinates to interpret the intentions of their superiors and it indicates tactical competence, an aura of profundity.

However, at this moment, Nie Zhenbang’s words were unusually direct. This left Wang Yaguang absolutely stunned, and at the same time, feeling a bit awkward. Had Nie Zhenbang used a more circumspect tone to probe him, Wang Yaguang could have responded in the same manner. But faced with such a blunt question so suddenly, Wang Yaguang really didn’t know what to say.

After musing for a moment, Wang Yaguang finally managed to adjust his state of mind. He nodded and said, “Mayor Nie, you bring up a good point. The value of the Moon Lake Bay area for tourism is indeed quite limited. I will also express this view at the Standing Committee meeting.”

Hearing Wang Yaguang’s response, Nie Zhenbang was not surprised. This old fox was not going to show all his cards. His reply conveyed that he would support Nie, but did not specify how. It was clear that if Shi Yiwu gained an advantage, Wang Yaguang might change his tune.

Nevertheless, Nie Zhenbang was quite satisfied. To have Wang Yaguang openly express support was quite a feat. After all, Wang Yaguang was still the mayor, a bona fide deputy provincial-level official, and the second-in-command in Wanghai City. Shi Yiwu’s dominant position had caused Wang Yaguang to step back and fly under the radar. Still, Nie Zhenbang had been able to stir up Wang Yaguang’s ambition.

That was enough. When it came to the Standing Committee meeting, as long as the observed support remained, the odds of winning or losing were evenly balanced.

Nie Zhenbang then stood up, smiled, and said, “Mr. Mayor, if there are no other issues, I will take my leave. This afternoon, I plan to take a look at the Moon Lake Bay area.”

At this moment, Wang Yaguang was all smiles. After Nie Zhenbang left, his smile faded, and he assumed a more serious demeanor, stripping off the cordial facade he had been wearing.

Wang Yaguang had not attained his current position without having influential backers, especially being the Mayor of Wanghai City, a deputy ministerial-level position, which required approval from the central government for appointment and selection. Presently, with the rapidly changing situation in Wanghai City turning into a fierce rivalrous conflict, this also implicated the power struggle at the top levels. The Secretary-General and the Prime Minister were ready to aim a blow at the Li family.

A while back, Nie Guodong, the commander of Jingcheng City Military District, emphasized the importance of contemplating the bigger picture and communicating political directives during a meeting with division-level officials. This course of action has raised Nie Guodong’s prestige, with an increasing number of people calling for him to enter the political arena.

In the province, Governor Jia and Secretary Qiao are putting considerable pressure on Secretary Chen from the Provincial Party Committee. Nie Zhenbang’s successive manoeuvres upon arriving in Wanghai have stirred up Wang Yaguang. This was why he had previously spoken up in support of Qi Siyuan. However, it seems that it’s still too early to change the status quo in Wanghai. The adage, “those whom the gods wish to destroy, they first make mad,” perfectly applies to the Eastern Sea Group. Under the management of Lin Zhengxing, this conglomerate operates watertight procedures, with departments like customs, banks, petroleum, national tax, and party and government departments interlocking perfectly. By now, the fact that the Eastern Sea Group is smuggling goods is an open secret, yet it’s impossible to investigate without any evidence.

The repercussions would be extensive, with countless officials involved, even potentially some at the central level. Without evidence, any hasty investigation would instantly become a target of collective attacks, ending in utter ruin. Even the Secretary-General wouldn’t dare to act recklessly without evidence.

At this moment, supporting Nie Zhenbang meant stirring up the stagnant waters in Wanghai City. Only when the waters are muddied can he benefit the most.

…

On December 10th, the regular meeting of the Standing Committee of the Wanghai Municipal Party Committee was held as scheduled in the small conference room of the Municipal Committee.

As soon as Shi Yiwu entered the room and took his place at the head of the table, he looked around at everyone, then quickly opened the meeting by saying, “Comrades, in this meeting, I primarily want to discuss and arrange matters concerning the land of Moon Lake Bay.”

The conference room fell into silence, with all the committee members sitting upright, not daring to let their gaze wander. This display of discipline brought Shi Yiwu immense satisfaction, giving him a sense of being in full control of the situation. He continued, “On the issue of the Moon Lake Bay project, I’ve heard that recently, Vice Mayor Nie held a public auction for the land, which ended up fetching a high price. However, the deal ultimately fell through. Personally, I am against public auctions. Land auctions inadvertently inflate the cost of land. Everyone knows that businessmen are not philanthropists; these additional costs would naturally be passed on to the general public and consumers. This would inevitably indirectly increase housing prices, which is not a good signal. I believe we should abandon this kind of mode.”