Reborn as a Noble's Son

However, this Huang Bo proved to be somewhat clever. He had even been wise enough to use a stand-in to conceal his identity. He needed to be aware that according to regulations issued by the Central government, the children and spouses of leading cadres are strictly prohibited from engaging in commercial activities.

According to the ordinance, issued in 1994 by Jiangbei Province, children and spouses of leading cadres are not allowed to engage in any form of commercial activities within their area of jurisdiction.

That is to say, according to the regulations of Jiangbei Province, if the children and spouses of leading cadres want to engage in business, they can – but not in the place where they hold office. They must conduct business in a different location. Clearly, Huang Bo violated this provision.

However, Huang Bo was smart. He found an unrelated stand-in to act as the legal person, making it impossible to pick on this issue.

After pondering for a moment, Nie Zhenbang said to Chen Le: “Old Chen, as long as you understand this matter, that’s fine. For now, do not startle the snake in the grass. Given that Huang Bo went to the trouble of finding a stand-in, he’s not a simple person and can even be said to be sly. In the coming days, first work on figuring out the specifics of the properties they own and in exactly which area they are concentrated. As soon as you have any news, inform me immediately.”

Chen Le, at this moment, thoughtfully nodded his head and spoke solemnly, “Mayor, I understand. If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave now.”

After Chen Le had left, Nie Zhenbang also stood up. After considering for a moment, he turned to Huang Xuyang and said, “Xuyang, prepare the car, we’re heading to the Disciplinary Committee.”

Despite appearing to only consider for a moment, this move was made after careful consideration. At this juncture, using regulations as a deterrence was unrealistic. Furthermore, it was certain that Huang Bo was prepared to confront the city government. Even though Huang Junshan had served as the Organization Department’s head for several years and had promoted many leaders under him, he had now retired to the CPPCC, but his influence was still undeniably there. Undoubtedly, Huang Bo received inside information early on.

He took advantage of the fact that the public had not caught wind of this, and heavily purchased these old properties, even resorting to underhanded buying and selling tactics.

Once the old city reconstruction project commenced, any sudden change would be impossible. Huang Bo could then use these properties as bargaining chips and demand unreasonable terms. Forcefully demolishing them? Clearly, that was out of the question. Not to mention that Nie was not willing to resort to such ruthless means. Even if they resorted to such action, Huang Bo would probably not be frightened. After all, he was not an ordinary citizen.

After careful consideration, Nie Zhenbang decided to first manage things from the Disciplinary Committee’s end. The investigation into Huang Junshan by the Disciplinary Committee had been going on for a while now and would probably conclude soon. If measures against Huang Junshan were suddenly taken at this juncture, it would, in effect, divert Huang Bo’s attention and even serve as a cautionary tale to others.

In addition, if able to bring down Huang Junshan, it could eliminate Huang Bo’s protective umbrella. Thus, after careful deliberation, he made this decision.

Going to the Disciplinary Committee was essentially the same as going back to the city government. The car headed straight to the City’s committee and government compounds and directly entered the City’s committee main building. The door to the office of the Secretary of the Disciplinary Committee on the eigth floor was wide open. As soon as Lei Dingguo saw Nie Zhenbang coming in, he stood up and joked, “I just got back from the hotel and you called.”

Once seated, Lei Dingguo personally poured a cup of green tea for Nie Zhenbang. In his typically straight-laced manner, Lei Dingguo began to tease, “Mayor Nie, all I have here is ordinary green tea. If you feel under-served, you’ll only have quality tea if you bring it yourself.”

“Haha, Secretary Lei, do good teas still present a challenge? Next time, I’ll have Xuyang bring some over to you. Hosting guests may be out, but ensuring you have an adequate supply for yourself isn’t a problem.” After this, Nie Zhenbang changed the topic and got down to business, “Old Lei, I came over mainly to understand how the investigation into Huang Junshan’s case is progressing?”

Upon hearing this from Nie Zhenbang, Lei Dingguo’s expressions hardened, becoming more serious. Although their relationship was cordial and they got along well, Nie Zhenbang’s words crossed Lei Dingguo’s line. The Disciplinary Committee’s affairs were his domain, and now, Nie Zhenbang’s casual inquiry into the progress of the Huang Junshan case caused him to ponder. What did this imply? Was there an ulterior motive, or did he feel he was now able to supervene on his authority? The implications were difficult to decipher.

“Mayor Nie, how did you suddenly become interested in this case?” Lei Dingguo regained his composure but avoided the topic.

Seeing Lei Dingguo’s expression, Nie Zhenbang also knew why he was nervous. When he had arrived, he had anticipated this reaction. Looking at Lei Dingguo, he laughed and said, “Old Lei, you’re being overly nervous. You know me well, don’t you?”

After retelling Huang Bo’s situation, he looked at Lei Dingguo and said, “Old Lei, keep this under wraps for now. I’ll do something about it on my side, and when the results of Chen Le’s investigation comes out, if feasible, I will take other measures. The purpose of my visit this time is to disrupt Huang Junshan’s plans first.”

Hearing this, Lei Dingguo felt somewhat embarrassed. It seemed he had been unreasonably suspicious.

Lei Dingguo chuckled, avoiding the awkward atmosphere, he said, “We’ve basically finished investigating Huang Junshan. At the very least, the evidence we currently hold proves that a few years ago, he had accepted bribes from Qiu Zhenjun, then the Director of the Dahu District Finance Bureau, during the adjustment of the Dahu District leadership team. After that, he helped Qiu Zhenjun with his election as Deputy District Head of Dahu District. This by itself is enough to demonstrate that Huang Junshan is suspected of selling official positions.”

Pausing slightly, Lei Dingguo laughed and said, “Originally, my plan was to gather more evidence before taking action. However, since you’re in a hurry, it wouldn’t hurt to start working now.”

This was Lei Dingguo’s way of making amends. Though his behavior just now was meant to express his views, it unavoidably would have caused some discord in their long-standing friendship. Now, Lei Dingguo’s actions were an apology to Nie Zhenbang.

Nie Zhenbang saw through this clearly. Consequently, he stood up with a smile, reached out his hand, and sincerely said, “Secretary Lei, I’ll skip the formalities and just thank you for your help.”

Lei Dingguo laughed out loud and said, “Zhenbang, if you’re going to be formal, you’re not treating me as a friend. Huang Junshan is a problematic figure, investigating him is part of our job. It’s just a matter of starting early, it won’t affect the overall situation. Just relax.”

True to his reputation, Lei Dingguo got things done quickly and decisively. After reaching an agreement with Nie Zhenbang that afternoon, he submitted the report to the Provincial Discipline Inspection Commission. The accurate data and several testimonies made a bulletproof case. Very soon, the Commission issued an investigation notice to the Liangxi City Committee, the City Discipline Inspection Commission, and the City Political Consultative Conference.

Seeing this, Fan Changsheng’s brow furrowed unhappily, but he had no choice but to cooperate with the work of the Provincial Discipline Inspection Commission. The plan was quickly agreed upon to impose a “double regulation” on Huang Junshan.

In a KTV room at the Liangxi Century Huanian Hotel, a glass was smashed, startling everyone. A man in his mid-twenties shouted angrily, “Nie Zhenbang, damn you, I will fight you to the end. If you dare touch my father, I swear, I’ll ruin your old city renovation.”

This man who escalated the situation was Huang Junshan’s son, Huang Bo, the shadowy boss of Wealth Circle Company. His friends, all of them children of bureau directors or district chiefs, stood by him.

At this moment, the room fell into silence. A few “Misses” who were there to accompany them also restrained their laughter and smiles, they recognized the tension in the atmosphere.

After a moment of silence, a fat man on the side tried to lighten the mood, “Junior Huang, don’t be angry, it’s probably just a bluff. It’s not like the Disciplinary Inspection Commission is hell. Even if they take him in, he’ll get out eventually. If there were really solid evidence, wouldn’t they just send him directly to the prosecutor’s office?”

Another young man with narrow eyes laughed darkly, “Junior Huang, what’s there to be afraid of? We hold so many properties now, we’re not afraid of Nie Zhenbang, are we? We won’t sell these properties even if we’re choked to death. The old city renovation will become a joke by then. I bet, Nie Zhenbang would have to leave Liangxi with his tail between his legs.”

The words of these friends somewhat reassured Huang Bo – yes, they wouldn’t sell these properties even at the point of death. They weren’t afraid of forcible demolitions, either. If they stalled the old city redevelopment, it could not be implemented. If someone from the city government were to step in, Nie Zhenbang would surely have to step down. Huang Bo nodded and said, “Alright, we hold these properties in our hand. We won’t sell them, no matter who asks.”

However, at that moment, Huang Bo’s cellphone rang. The caller was the son of the Director of the Xishan District Planning Bureau, and the news about the renovation of the old city had also come from him.

As soon as he answered was a panicked voice from the other end, “Junior Huang, it’s not good. The city government altered the plan. Tongsheng Lane, which was originally planned for renovation in Xishan District, has been excluded. The city government’s decision is to protect the historic buildings.”

The volume on the cellphone was quite loud, and Huang Bo had deliberately switched it to speakerphone. Everyone heard the news. The faces of the people present turned pale. Thinking about their grand declarations just moments ago, they realized they had made a tremendous mistake. They couldn’t offend Mayor Nie.(