Reborn as a Noble's Son

Upon returning home, Nie Guowei was sitting on the sofa, his complexion grim. Ye Shuxian was also sitting beside him, her expression somewhat helpless. Seeing them like this, Nie Zhenbang greeted, “Auntie.”

However, at this moment, Nie Zhenbang deliberately ignored his father. In his past life, Nie Zhenbang can say that he had no fondness for Nie Guowei at all. The romantic escapade back then in Yanbei was, in Nie Zhenbang’s view, nothing more than Nie Guo Wei failing to keep control over his personal affairs. Afterward, as if pulling up his trousers, he never thought of his mother again.

No matter how Nie Guowei saw him, Nie Zhenbang had an indifferent attitude. However, towards his mother, this great woman who had given up her life for him, Nie Zhenbang felt gratitude and appreciation. Despite his mother’s constant assertion that Nie Guowei was a man worthy of trust, Nie Zhenbang didn’t see it.

“You worthless piece of shit. I don’t know how your mother raised you,” Nie Guowei was in a foul mood seeing Nie Zhenbang’s attitude and couldn’t help but curse.

Ye Shuxian looked extremely embarrassed. As a stepmother, she had finally understood what they meant by the heart of a stepmother. At such times, it was easy to be misunderstood. She sat there, wondering if Nie Zhenbang was assuming she had said something about him in front of Nie Guowei.

Nie Zhenbang sneered. It appeared that Nie Guowei’s matter had been settled and he had been on the receiving end of some anger today.

It was clear as day. The old man was unequivocally a conservative hardliner. Yet, Nie family’s second generation representative in politics had chosen to go to Yuedong and Yuehai City to be a mayor. A place on par with Peng City, one of the two special zones leading in reforms. Nie’s eldest son had also taken up an important position in the Yuezhou Military Region. This irritated the old man greatly. The conservatives loudly criticized him, naturally he directed his anger at Nie Guowei.

“Got scolded by the old man, didn’t you?” Nie Zhenbang spoke incisively, causing both Nie Guowei and Ye Shuxian to look at him.

At this point, Nie Zhenbang felt confident. If his previous inquiries were mere speculation, now he was certain. He continued, “According to the old man’s thinking, not opposing nor supporting is basically non-action. In other places, this might be acceptable, performing no merits but committing no faults, you can still get promoted after a few years. But, Yuehai City doesn’t work that way.”

“You ignorant boy, what do you know? Don’t think you understand everything just because you’ve read a few books. In the Nie family, it’s not your turn to speak up or mock me. Politics is not something you can discuss,” Nie Guowei was clearly irritated. How had this boy suddenly become so bold?

Seeing a fight about to break out, Ye Shuxian stood up promptly, holding back Nie Guowei she said, “Guowei, don’t speak like that. Let Zhenbang finish what he was saying.”

Nie Zhenbang’s words had resonated deeply with Ye Shuxian. Just earlier, both of them were discussing the same issue and it became apparent that her step-son’s political talent was not a figment. Not many among Jingcheng’s younger generation could match his insights.

She looked at Nie Zhenbang and said, “Zhenbang, don’t mind him. He’s a bit upset today after being criticized by the old man. Continue, Auntie would like to hear your opinion.”

Nie Zhenbang chuckled. He didn’t particularly bear any grudges against Ye Shuxian. After all, she was also a victim. She had suddenly gained a son, one that wasn’t hers. There were very few women who could handle such a situation like Ye Shuxian had.

“Auntie, as I’ve said before, Yuehai is a special zone. The job of the officials here is to develop the economy. Regardless of your merits in other aspects or how safe you play it, if the special zone’s economy doesn’t improve, it is considered dereliction of duty. The central government looks at the achievements of the reforms in the special zones. So, anyone who goes there can only fully focus on developing the economy. It’s impossible to muddle through.”

Upon hearing this, Nie Guowei remained silent. In truth, this very afternoon, the old man had called him in and lambasted him, echoing the same sentiments. He had scolded him fiercely about forgetting who the head of the household was, growing wings, etc. His myriad criticisms summed up to: wait and see, muddle through.

Although Ye Shuxian does not partake in political affairs, it does not mean that she lacks a political sense. Being brought up within a prestigious clan, she had absorbed a great deal of knowledge from her surroundings. Just by looking at Nie Guowei’s facial expression, Ye Shuxian knew that Nie Zhenbang was probably spot on with his speculations.

She subsequently softly said, “Guowei, Zhenbang is speaking wisely. What the people recognize is what is correct. As Emperor Taizong of Tang had once said, the water that can carry the boat can also capsize it. Truth does not necessarily lie in the hands of the few. It is the approval of the majority that leads to the correct path. During this trip, I think I should accompany you with Ziyu. I am more familiar with Yuedong than you are, which could be beneficial for your work.”

At this moment, Nie Zhenbang was unable to curb the smile that was creeping onto his lips. This was exactly what he wanted to hear from Ye Shuxian. They leaving meant that Jingcheng would be solely under his control, free and uninhibited. Secondly, Yuedong was the old stronghold of the Ye family.

Having the princess of the Ye family with him would certainly facilitate Nie Guowei’s work.

Seeing Nie Guowei gradually warming to the idea, Nie Zhenbang then said,

“Dad, I think I should pay a visit to the Yang family.”

Since Nie Zhenbang moved back home, he seldom addressed Nie Guowei as ‘Dad’. If he remembered correctly, this was the second time he had done so.

Gauging Nie Zhenbang’s expression, Nie Guowe frowned and said, “Yang family? For what? To express your gratitude? I won’t be going, and neither should you.”

If it were not for that young girl of the Yang family, he would not have found himself in this current predicament. The mere thought of it triggered Nie Guowei’s irritability.

However, this time, Nie Zhenbang remained steadfast, he looked at Nie Guowei and said, “Indeed, as mom always taught me, a favour given should be reciprocated bountifully. The Yang family has earned my gratitude. Whether you choose to go or not, I am determined to.”

Witnessing Nie Zhenbang’s obstinate demeanor, Nie Guowei felt disoriented.

‘He is so much like me’ Nie Guowei mumbled to himself. At this moment, in front of Ye Shuxian, he had no need to hide his feelings. As he looked at Nie Zhenbang, memories swarmed him like a sudden torrent, transporting him back to the passionate era, and the dense curtain of his youthful days, back to the millet fields.

Out loud, Nie Guowei voiced his disapproval furiously, “You dare? If you dare go, we may as well sever our father-son relationship!”

After his words fell, Ye Shuxian stood up and chastised, “Guowei, what kind of nonsense are you spouting? How can you utter such words?”

Then, with guilt written all over her face, she looked at Nie Zhenbang and murmured, “Zhenbang, your father he…”

“Auntie, you don’t need to say anything. I understand your feelings. Although my arrival has caused you discomfort, you have gradually begun to accept me. I am very aware of this. Regardless, I accept you as my stepmother. Mother passed away too early, from now on, you are my mother.”

His words were unusually passionate than usual. However, as he turned towards Nie Guowei, Nie Zhenbang’s facial expression grew stern, “If it’s severed, let it be. From a young age, I’ve accustomed to living without a father. Now, with or without you, it makes no difference to me. Do as you wish. I am determined to go to the Yang family. Do what you think is necessary; you may disown me or banish me, I do not care.”

The atmosphere turned tense in an instant. After staring at Nie Zhenbang for quite some time, Nie Guowei stood up laughing loudly, “Good, good, indeed you are like me. This stubborn temperament definitely shows that you are my son..”