Reborn as a Noble’s Son - Chapter 290:

Chapter 290: Chapter 288: Is This Considered Double Regulation? _1

It was inevitable that Zhou Chen would be transferred. As a deputy mayor, he was voted out during the People’s Congress, a humiliation that had occurred in many places in China. Zhou Chen naturally couldn’t stay any longer.

With Zhou Chen’s departure, the joint investigation team from the Autonomous Region Party Committee, Government, and Provincial People’s Congress officially moved in to Xinli City. This time, the investigation team acted independently. In Xinli City, they did not meet with any local leaders, accept any hospitality, or hold any form of meeting. They were completely isolated from the local leadership team in Xinli City. Their only objective was to not be influenced by Xinli City, and to seek a fair and just investigation.

In the office building of the Xinli City Committee, Nie Zhenbang’s office, the secretary’s office, seemed somewhat cold and cheerless. However, everyone knew that the new office building was about to be put into use. This place had become transitional and the local officials of Xinli City naturally wouldn’t care.

At the moment in the office, Bekri sat on the sofa with a slightly solemn expression. He looked at Nie Zhenbang and said, “Secretary, the investigation team from the autonomous region is not receiving anyone, and is completely independent. They’re living in the guest house of the People’s Armed Forces Department. They have been meeting with quite a few People’s Congress representatives these days. They claimed it’s to understand the situation, but it seems like something bad is coming.”

After successfully being elected as the mayor of Xinli City People’s Government, rather than feeling triumphant, Bekri was on edge due to the immense pressure from both the provincial and city levels. Now, the behavior of the investigation team from the autonomous region made Bekri extremely nervous.

Hearing Bekri’s words, Nie Zhenbang also smiled. His demeanor was calm and relaxed. Although he had been scolded by Jiang Zhenquan and Li Yifeng, and knew that the political immaturity was evident in this incident, Nie Zhen had no regrets. He believed if he didn’t show perseverance and courage, he would eventually become corrupted, unable to make any significant changes or promote the rise of the city.

Although Nie Zhenbang knew the situation was serious, he did not show it in front of Bekri. As the leader, the soul of the circle, Nie Zhenbang could absolutely not fail. He then smiled and said, “Old White, don’t worry. You have to believe that truth can defeat all. We do right and sit straight, what should we be afraid of? Let the investigation team ask their questions. Their main concern would be asking if we had been pulling strings behind the scenes. Why are you worried about this issue?”

Nie Zhenbang’s words relieved Bekri quite a bit. Regarding the voting issue, Bekri was still confident. Including himself, none of the people in Nie’s entity clearly mentioned pulling strings, nor promised any benefits to anyone. Thus there was no issue of graft. If there were no loopholes, it was in line with the organizational procedures and regulations. Then, his position as a mayor would be secured. The document from Bazhou City Committee was clearly showing their attitude. They had accepted this.

Just at that moment, the door was suddenly pushed open from the outside. A few men dressed in dark suits walked in with serious faces, looking at Nie Zhenbang and Bekri.

The man leading them, a middle-aged man who seemed to be around forties, looked at the two of them, and finally said, “Comrade Nie Zhenbang, right? We’re from the Autonomous Region Discipline Inspection Commission. To introduce myself, I am Xiong Rongguang, the director of the First Division of the Autonomous Region Discipline Inspection Commission. Nie Zhenbang, please come with us.”

Xiong Rongguang. Bekri had heard of the name. He was considered a famous figure on the battlefield of the Autonomous Region Discipline Inspection Commission. Many department-level officials in the autonomous region had fallen into his hands. According to some speculations, this man could possibly become the deputy secretary of the Autonomous Region Discipline Inspection Commission and enter the ranks of department-level officials.

Nie Zhenbang frowned. Although he had received the news from Li Yifeng that the investigation team was coming, and had informed the people under him, Nie Zhenbang did not expect the Commission for Discipline Inspection to also get involved, and to abruptly take him away. This would inevitably shake up Nie’s entity.

However, intending to explain, he realized it was impossible. After a moment of contemplation, Nie Zhenbang decided to let these matters go. He saw this unexpected event as a test for his people.

Immediately, Nie Zhenbang also stood up and asked, “May I ask Director Xiong, why does the Commission for Discipline Inspection want to see me?”

Before Xiong Rongguang could say anything, another staff member beside him darkened his face and said sternly, “Comrade Nie Zhenbang, don’t ask questions you’re not supposed to ask. Don’t you understand the working procedures and regulations of the Commission for Discipline Inspection? What is it about? Don’t you already know in your heart?”

Hearing this, Nie Zhenbang frowned and laughed loudly, “Comrade, don’t try to scare me with the Commission’s procedures. Is this a double regulation? Then, as the party concerned, do I have the right to know the ins and outs of this matter?”

Xiong Rongguang frowned. His subordinates were used to being arrogant. When they went to local areas, officials were afraid of them, which cultivated their domineering attitude. Every official had no fear in front of them.

But this time, Nie Zhenbang’s case was different. Therefore, Xiong Rongguang also laughed and said, “Secretary Nie, sorry, my subordinates are unreasonable. We’re here to consult you regarding the election of the Xinli City People’s Congress, not to put you under double regulations. We hope you can explain the issue to us.”

Following the people from the Autonomous Region’s Inspection Committee, he walked out of the city committee’s courtyard. Along the way, many workers saw him and stopped their tasks, appalled. The reputation and terror instilled by the Inspection Committee were still very potent.

In the guesthouse of the Xinli City Armed Forces Department, a room had been cleared. As soon as he entered, Xiong Rongguang signaled Nie Zhenbang with a wave of his hand and gestured him to sit down, “Comrade Nie Zhenbang, please sit.”

Xiong Rongguang pondered for a moment as if organizing his thoughts. After a while, he slowly said, “Comrade Nie Zhenbang, about this Xinli City People’s Congress meeting, the issue of the mayoral election. Do you have anything to explain? In addition, why did Comrade Bekri become one of the mayoral candidates, do you have anything to supplement for the defeat of Comrade Zhou Chen?”

Upon hearing Xiong Rongguang’s words, Nie Zhenbang appeared somewhat relaxed. Then, he laughed, looked at Xiong Rongguang, and nonchalantly said, “Director Xiong, based on your inquiry, it seems a bit like double regulations. Responding to questions at a specified time and location.”

With a single sentence, Nie Zhenbang made Xiong Rongguang somewhat embarrassed. However, Nie Zhenbang didn’t care and continued, “Director Xiong, on this matter, my attitude is very simple and clear. This was entirely driven by the people’s own will; in Xinli City, no one, including me, knew why Comrade Bekri was elected and why Comrade Zhou Chen lost.”

As Nie Zhenbang and Xiong Rongguang were conversing, in a courtyard of the city committee’s guesthouse, Bekri sat at the main seat. Beside him were Chen Le and Yan Fengjiao, and further away were Nie Zhenbang’s loyal adherents in Xinli City.

The living room seemed somewhat grim at the moment. Despite Bekri having the highest position, a True Deputy Bureau level cadre, he was considered the least experienced among Nie Zhenbang’s loyalists.

Besides, there were Lin Weimin, Chen Le, and Yi Jun, Nie Zhenbang’s loyal followers. After surveying everyone, Chen Le was the first to speak, “Everyone, don’t frown. This morning, the Autonomous Region’s Joint Investigation Team came to see me. They just inquired about Mayor Bai’s election. I think this is just a set up by the Autonomous Region. The aim is to make us panic. I think we should just ignore it.”

Chen Le, having a background in politics and law, was an expert in counter-investigation and interrogation. With a single sentence, he pointed out the crux of the situation.

However, Lin Weimin had a different opinion and said in a grave voice, “I think it’s not that simple that they’re pulling this stunt. Secretary Nie’s arrest is a blow to all the cadres in the city. I’m concerned that people with ulterior motives will use this.”

As soon as he finished speaking, Yan Fengjiao smiled and said, “Weimin, don’t worry too much. I think we can’t panic. The People’s Congress representatives have not been explicitly told. They won’t find any evidence. It can only be attributed to public sentiment. Thus, the responsibility is minimal. If we panic, I’m afraid we will be vulnerable. I think we should stay steady, work well as if nothing has happened. This is the best way to help Secretary Nie.”

Yanbei Province, Northriver Sanatorium

After the onset of spring, with the weather slowly warming up, many senior leaders and veteran cadres began to come for recuperation.

At this moment, two elderly individuals were slowly walking on the seashore of Northriver. A few guards followed at a distance, with special health doctors not far away.

“Old brother, this time, Boy Zhenbang is confused indeed. I don’t understand why his political acumen is so clear yet he’s so muddled on this minor matter. Considering his deceased grandfather, was there something wrong in his upbringing to have him be this way?” Another old man, looking at the sea, slowly said.

If there were someone else present, they’d be shocked because these two elderly individuals were Elder Nan and Elder Nie.

Elder Nie’s health seemed to be worsening, his breath shortening with every step. Spotting a chair nearby, he slowly moved to sit down. He said, “Old Nan, I feel that Zhenbang was inadvertently successful. Maybe it’s a blessing in disguise.”(To be continued. If you like this story, please come to qidian.com and show your support by voting. Your support is my greatest motivation.)