Reborn as a Noble's Son

Cheng Xinhua’s comment caused a twitch in Zhao Weihong’s face. Despite both being deputy secretaries, at this moment, being evaluated in such a manner by Cheng Xinhua seemed to make her feel as if she was a notch lower than him.

From the side, Deputy Mayor Ali spoke up: “Comrade Chen Le, aren’t you slightly too young? Political and legal affairs are crucial departments holding significant powers. I suggest that the Municipal Party Committee considers this thoughtfully. Personally, I recommend Comrade Peng Jianhui. His achievements in political work are evident. Compared to Chen Le, Comrade Peng Jianhui has the advantage of age.”

In the officialdom, age does matter. At times, being older can hinder promotion. But sometimes, being too young can also be an obstacle to promotion. It is a double-edged sword. It all comes down to how one uses it.

On the issue of the Secretary of Xinli City’s Political and Legal Committee, Liu Wenqing had his considerations. Before, Nie Zhenbang had sought him out and reported on Xinli City’s situation. The incident in Yun County’s Duan Clan Village had shocked Liu Wenqing. Xinli City currently needed a strong team. If Xinli City did well, it meant Bazhou had done well. The plan for the large development zone was always on Liu Wenqing’s mind. Providing Nie Zhenbang necessary support was a must.

Deputy Mayor Ali’s words made Liu Wenqing frown. He tapped his fingers on the table, deep in thought for a moment, then turned to Ding Aiguo: “Mayor Aiguo, regarding the candidate for the Secretary of Xinli City’s Political and Legal Committee, do you have any additional views?”

As the Executive Deputy Mayor, Ali was part of the government. It would be better to let Ding Aiguo state his position on this matter. If he made a hasty declaration, it might give the impression of autocracy and parental-style management, refusing others to express their opinions. Although the Secretary guides the party and people, sometimes they also have to be cautious.

At that moment, Ding Aiguo cleared his throat, then said: “I disagree with Comrade Ali’s view. Our Huaxia has a historical saying from ancient times: ‘Gan Luo became prime minister at the age of 12.’ It’s not impossible. For instance, Comrade Zhenbang is relatively young. But in less than two years, the vast Lixian has prospered significantly in its development. This is a prime example. The central government advocates the rejuvenation of leadership cadres. This is not without reason. Younger cadres and young comrades adapt to new things and environments better than their older counterparts. They are more talented. The average age of Xinli City officials is the lowest in Bazhou City, even in the entire autonomous region, and yet, they have done well in development. The fact proves that age is not a big issue. The main thing is work ability. Comrade Chen Le’s work ability is beyond doubt. I also believe in Comrade Chen Le’s ability to do this job well.”

Ding Aiguo’s statement was very influential. Now, on the issue of the candidate for the Secretary of the Political and Legal Committee, or more bluntly, on Chen Le’s problem, the situation at the Municipal Standing Committee was clear.

Liu Wenqing nodded again: “Secretary Nie, this time, the personnel issue is related to Xinli City. As the Secretary of Xinli City, your opinion is critical on personnel matters of Xinli City. Secretary Nie, what is your view?”

Before, Liu Wenqing used to call Nie Zhenbang ‘Little Secretary Nie’ or ‘Director Nie’. Now that Nie Zhenbang has been promoted to the vice-ministerial level as a Municipal Party Secretary, it’s no longer appropriate for Liu Wenqing to call him that. After all, Nie Zhenbang’s status is already established. That’s why Liu Wenqing changed his address to Secretary Nie.

On this issue, Nie Zhenbang had no hesitation or delays. Within the system, one must possess a certain level of ruthlessness, especially in personnel matters. It requires an unyielding spirit and attitude. If one was too polite or reserved, the position would be snatched away by others in an instant. Not only would it be a loss of face for oneself, but it would also discourage the subordinates following their leader. Leaders who can’t provide opportunities for promotion to their subordinates naturally wouldn’t have people following them.

After pondering for a moment, Nie Zhenbang also said: “Since Secretary Liu specifically asked, I’ll share my thoughts. As the Secretary of Xinli City, I understand the situation of Xinli City. Regarding the candidate for the Secretary of the Political and Legal Committee, my views are the same as those of Mayor Ding, Secretary Cheng, and Deputy Secretary Zhao. I also think that Comrade Chen Le is more suitable. On the one hand, Comrade Chen Le has been working in Xinli City and is familiar with the public security, prosecution, and judiciary systems of Xinli City. Xinli City is a newly established city with complex relationships. Especially at a time when Xinli City is facing large-scale development and opportunities, a strong political and legal system has significant importance for Xinli City’s economic development and social stability. I suggest that Comrade Chen Le should serve as the Secretary of the Political and Legal Committee of Xinli City.”

In the subsequent vote, Liu Wenqing was the first to raise his hand. Followed by Ding Aiguo, Cheng Xinhua, Zhao Weihong, Nie Zhenbang, and next to them, the Secretary of Ku City, Zhang Ziniu, also raised his hand. Regarding his later interactions with Xinli City, there might be times when Zhang Ziniu will have to trouble Nie Zhenbang, especially concerning some connections. As for the position of the Political and Legal Committee Secretary of Xinli City, Zhang Ziniu had no problem. Offending Nie Zhenbang for this reason would not be good.

Aside from Commander Li Yong of the Bazhou City Military Subdistrict who chose to abstain, among the remaining fourteen Standing Committee members, only Ali and the Minister of the United Front Work Department of the Municipal Party Committee voted against it.

For Nie Zhenbang, the situation had become bearable, and Liu Wenqing seemed pleased too. The events testified to his influence and allure in the Bazhou City Municipal Party Committee’s Standing Committee – qualities the Secretary of the city party committee cherishes.

Liu Wenqing then addressed Fang Gushan, saying, “Minister Fang, since you are the head of the organizational department, this time, you can represent the municipal party committee and municipal government in Chen Le’s organizational talk.”

Next, Liu Wenqing took a sharp turn and laughed, saying, “Since the Secretary of the Political and Legal Committee has been appointed, let’s now discuss the candidacy for the Deputy Secretary of the Xinli City Party Committee and the Deputy Mayor of the Xinli City People’s Government.”

At this moment, one could only refer to the role as Deputy Mayor. The upper party and government departments didn’t have the power to directly appoint the mayor at most, an individual could be a member of the city party committee, standing committee, deputy secretary, deputy mayor of the city people’s government, acting mayor. Getting rid of the temporary status and becoming a full mayor requires it going through the people’s congress and acquiring over half of the votes. This is a rigid rule in Huaxia’s electoral system, which cannot be changed.

Then, Fang Gushan slowly said, “Leaders, comrades, to be honest, we’re quite troubled over the final selection of the Deputy Secretary of Xinli City Party Committee and the Acting Mayor. We’re experiencing this for the first time during the selection of deputy hall-level officials. For the position of Mayor of Xinli City, we`ve considered three candidates on our side.”

Fang Gushan paused, opened his notebook, and some things needed to be remembered too much. One could memorize a complete speech, which would give people the illusion of an improvised speech. However, not everything can be memorized. It was inevitable to look at the notes and references.

Then, Fang Gushan continued, “Leaders, comrades, about the candidate for the Deputy Secretary of Xinli City Party Committee and Acting Mayor, the first one we thought of is the current standing Deputy Mayor of Xinli City, Comrade Bekri. After Secretary Nie took over the comprehensive work of Xinli City, Bekri has been in charge of the comprehensive work of Xinli City’s peoples government. Overall, his performance is quite good. Besides, Comrade Bekri is a veteran and has served as Deputy Department Chief for many years. This time, his promotion to the Mayor is reasonable.”

“The second candidate is the current Secretary-General of Bazhou City People’s Government Office, Wen Weihua. Comrade Wen Weihua is a department-level cadre who has served for many years and has ample grassroots work experience. Therefore, his promotion to the Deputy Hall level cadre position is entirely understandable.”

After saying this, Fang Gushan paused for a while and looked across at Nie Zhenbang with a complex gaze, which gave Nie Zhenbang a bad premonition. As expected, Fang Gushan continued to say, “The last candidate is the current Deputy Mayor of Bazhou city who is in charge of the science, education, culture, health, and sports department, Comrade Zhouchen. Although Comrade Zhouchen is also a newcomer, he has achieved quite significant results in his work. He is young and is himself a deputy hall level cadre, this time his transfer to Xinli city could be called a logical step.”

This time, it was Zhao Weihong who went first again. After pondering slightly, Zhao Weihong said, “I agree with Minister Fang’s words. I personally think that Comrade Zhouchen is indeed very suitable to be the Mayor of Xinli City. There is no issue with his level of promotion or transfer. Furthermore, Comrade Zhouchen is young and energetic, and he is also a parachuted cadre from Jingcheng. I believe he and Secretary Nie will have a lot in common. Having Comrade Zhouchen and Secretary Nie in the leadership of Xinli City can potentially take the construction of the city a notch further.”

Now, Nie Zhenbang understood completely. Zhao Weihong wasn’t showing goodwill – on the contrary, it looked like he was setting him up. Firstly, pushing Chen Le to the post, which gave people an unusual feeling as if he had reached some under-the-table deals with Zhao Weihong. Under such circumstances, other undecided standing committee members would find themselves in a difficult situation. Even if he staunchly supported Bekri at this point, it may not have any effect and might even leave a bad impression on people as if he was someone who dismantles the bridge after crossing the river, and can easily turn against them. In the future, anyone who cooperates with him would have to be a little cautious because they would fear that he might suddenly turn against them too.

Caught off guard by Zhao Weihong, Nie Zhenbang found himself at a loss for words. On the side, as soon as Zhao Weihong finished speaking, Ali began to echo his thoughts.

To Nie Zhenbang’s surprise, at this moment, Liu Wenqing pounded on the table and said in a stern voice, “I think comrade Zhouchen isn’t bad.” This statement astonished everyone present. What was going on with Liu Wenqing? Was he out of his mind? Recently, he had criticized Zhou Chen specifically, but today he was unusually supporting Zhou Chen. What was going on?