Chapter 292 - 290: Where the People’s Hearts Are Heading_1

Nie Zhenbang paused for a moment then said once more, “After my departure, I plan to nominate Xie Yi as my successor, Feng Jiao will be replacing Xie Yi’s position, and Sister Li Lin, you’ll take over Feng Jiao’s role.”

Essentially, this statement solidifies the general blueprint for Xinli City’s future. Xie Yi works as a Party committee secretary, Yan Fengjiao advances, becoming deputy secretary of the Party committee exclusively, Li Lin takes over the role of minister of the Party Committee Propaganda Department, thus becoming a Standing Committee member of the Xinli City Party Committee. This way, Lin Weimin steps up to become executive deputy mayor, after Bekri becomes mayor. In the Standing Committee of their sphere of influence, they have Xie Yi, Bekri, Yan Fengjiao, Lin Weimin, and Chen Le as the five key pillars, in addition to the inevitable fact that the Secretary-General of the Party Committee Office will also stem from their sphere. Thus, controlling Xinli City will be an absolute non-issue.

This decision from Nie Zhenbang is one made after careful consideration. Understanding this, the ideal path would be for Bekri to step up as Party committee secretary, Xie Yi replacing the mayor, however, realistically speaking, Bekri’s ethnic identity sometimes poses a drawback. Were he in the mainland, it wouldn’t pose as much of an issue, but out here in the Northwest, his identity becomes a limitation. This arrangement could save the trouble of having to hold another election.

Nie Zhenbang paused for a moment then repeated saying: “Comrades, the achievements of Xinli City are not only derived from development, what the state appreciates more, is Xinli City’s attempt and exploration in the path to sustainable development. I hope, whether it is now or in the future, everyone will keep this in mind. Do not resort to vanity projects for political achievement, creating a mere facade—decades from now, we have to leave our descendants in Xinli City with a livable environment and space. Should you struggle with any issues, do not hesitate to give me a call.”

As the meeting proceeded into the latter half, everyone’s spirits were dampened. The news of Nie Zhenbang’s departure struck everyone. At this point, Bekri became somewhat uneasy and worried. He looked towards Nie Zhenbang and started: “Secretary Nie…”

Before he could finish, Nie Zhenbang gestured him off and said: “Old White, don’t worry. I know what you’re going to say. The issue with the People’s Congress election has long passed. You had nothing to do with it, rest your heart.”

With that, Nie Zhenbang turned to look at Yi Jun and continued, “There is another matter where I believe that Comrade Leng Guohua could fill the position vacated by Sister Li Lin. Regarding the position of Director of the Development Zone Management Committee, I believe Yi Jun is suitable for the role. Mm, as for Xiao Wang the driver, let Chen Le arrange something.”

As long-standing secretary and driver, their positions needed to be dealt with. As the level of intimacy and closeness with the secretary is generally incomparable, when leadership is repositioned, they typically either get demoted to serve as a party or government leader or continue to accompany the leader.

Either of these arrangements is common. It typically comes down to how the leader decides and the individuals’ personal choices. Some secretaries, who feel their age has come and their capacity for advancement isn’t promising anymore, typically choose demotion. While some, having seen the limitless potential of their superiors, stay on the path with their leader, which is also a shortcut to promotion.

As soon as Nie Zhenbang insinuated that he may be demoted, Yi Jun boldly said in front of everyone, “Secretary, I don’t want to be demoted…I…I want to go with Secretary.”

Nie Zhenbang listened and was bewildered for a moment, as he was yet unsure about his next move. Thus, why Nie Zhenbang had initially planned to leave Yi Jun behind. Seeing Yi Jun’s resolute demeanor, Nie Zhenbang smiled and said, “Little Yi, since you’ve made up your mind, let’s hold off on this matter. For now, I’m unsure where I’ll be heading. If it’s a ministry, you will have to be assigned to a

local office.”

The following day, Nie Zhenbang drove to Urumqi, and after reporting to Li Yifeng for the entire morning. Nie Zhenbang didn’t stick around Urumqi and headed straight back to Bazhou City instead.

Currently, the secretary of Bazhou City Committee is still Liu Wenqing. Last time, Liu Wenqing didn’t climb up the ranks with the help of the prevailing winds. Once involved in such factional struggles, Liu Wenqing was like a small boat at sea, unable to withstand the winds. This is why he wasn’t dealt with—because higher authorities didn’t care about him whatsoever.

At this moment, Liu Wenqing was fully awake, displaying a profound change in his stance toward Xinli City.

Right now, Liu Wenqing’s secretary, Feng Dayong, came in and whispered, “Secretary, Secretary Nie from Xinli City is here.”

Upon hearing Feng Dayong’s words, Liu Wenqing was startled and quickly stood up. Ever since the People’s Congress election, Nie Zhenbang hadn’t taken the initiative to speak to him. Even when he had to report for work, it was done in a strictly business sufficient manner. The once friendly interaction between the two was gone, now Nie Zhenbang had come of his own accord, shocking Liu Wenqing. Standing up, he said, sounding somewhat excited, “Please let him in.”

Walking into Liu Wenqing’s office, Nie Zhenbang took the initiative and said, “Secretary Liu, I just returned from Urumqi. I came here today because I wanted to report some matters to you.”

Nie Zhenbang’s attitude, as always, was low-key and humble. This gave Liu Wenqing a bittersweet feeling. Yet, after the incident of People’s Congress election, Liu Wenqing didn’t dare to act pompously any longer. He personally poured a cup of hot water for Nie Zhenbang and chuckled, “Secretary Nie, feel free to speak your mind. The municipal government and the Party committee has always been fully supportive of Xinli City.”

“Secretary Liu, I’ve received news from home that I might be transferred.” After a brief hesitation, Nie Zhenbang wasted no time and arrived directly at his point.

This statement left Liu Wenqing extraordinarily surprised. Logically speaking, if Nie Zhenbang was to be transferred, he should be the first to know. But now, with the Autonomous Region Organization Department and the City Committee not having any news, it indicated that Zhenbang’s transfer was executed from higher up. The context of this made Liu Wenqing somewhat sigh

in lament.

Looking at Nie Zhenbang, Liu Wenqing also clearly comprehended that Zhenbang took the initiative to approach him regarding this matter, probably in preparation for making personnel arrangements in Xinli City.

Immediately after, Liu Wenqing also smiled and said, “Zhenbang, just let me know whatever it is. My stance remains the same as always, prioritize the opinions of the Xinli City Party Committee.”

In response, Nie Zhenbang elucidated his plans before leaving, to which Liu Wenqing agreed almost instantly without any hesitation. Liu knew well enough to return the favor. Given Zhenbang’s meticulous and thoughtful way of doing things, Liu understood that Zhenbang certainly had a backup plan. Rather than offend Zhenbang again, it was better to agree.

With the validation from both autonomous region and Bazhou City leaders, the personnel adjustments in Xinli City was rapidly implemented. The Bazhou City Party Committee and Municipal Organization Department swiftly issued the official appointment and dismissal documents.

Everything was going as per Zhenbang’s arrangements. At the Xinli City Party Committee and Municipal Government’s main hall, the Standing Committee of the City Party Committee, and Minister of the City Party Committee’s Organization Department, Fang Gushan arrived solemnly and announced to the entire leadership of Xinli City: “According to the decision made by the City Party Committee’s Standing Committee, after careful consideration by the City Party Committee’s Organization Department, the following changes have been decided: Comrade Nie Zhenbang will be relieved of the roles as Secretary, Standing Committee member, and Committee member of Xinli City’s Party Committee, for a new appointment. Appointing Xie Yi, deputy secretary of Xinli City’s Party Committee to serve as a member, Standing Committee member, and secretary of Xinli City’s Party Committee. Feng Jiao will become a member of the City Party Committee’s Standing Committee and a full-time deputy secretary, relieved from the role of Minister of City Party Committee’s Propaganda Department. Li Lin will serve as a member of the City Party Committee’s Standing Committee and Minister of the City Party Committee’s Propaganda Department. It is proposed that Guohua will assume the role of Deputy

Mayor of Xinli City People’s Government.”

With this announcement, the whole room full of cadres started buzzing with discussion. The news came too abruptly, with no one expecting that Nie Zhenbang would leave suddenly at this moment.

Originally, many cadres believed that Zhenbang would leave after the People’s Congress elections. However, Zhenbang stayed put without any changes. It was precisely when everyone thought Zhenbang would not budge that he suddenly left. n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Seeing the leaders below fueling the discussion, Nie Zhenbang stood up and waved his hands down, announcing, “Comrades, please quiet down. It seems this is going to be my last speech. As an official in Pear County, we’ve experienced and overcome two years of challenges and changes together, leaving us with unforgettable memories. Xinli City will always remain deeply engraved in my mind. I hope that all leaders in the city, under the leadership of the new committee, can pragmatically forge ahead to build a better Xinli City.”

Following that, as the newly appointed Secretary of the Party Committee, Xie Yi also expressed his thoughts and feelings.

As Nie Zhenbang concluded the meeting, he tidied up his things. His furniture and luggage had already been sent ahead, leaving him unburdened.

With Fang Gushan walking in the middle, Xie Yi on the right, and Nie Zhenbang on the left, they stepped out of the Xinli City Party Committee’s main hall. The scene before their eyes left Zhenbang stunned.

At the moment, outside the main hall, there were nearly tens of thousands of people gathered. Many of them were still dressed in their work clothes, with heavy coats wrapped over the outside.

Today’s sky was a bit gloomy with strong winds. As soon as they saw Nie Zhenbang come out, all the masses took a step forward, and a voice shouted from the crowd: “Secretary Nie, don’t go.”

With this shout, tens of thousands of people, including police officers who rushed over to maintain order and perform their duties, shouted: “Secretary Nie, don’t go. Xinli City can’t do without you.”

Among the crowd, there were workers, teachers, doctors in white coats, ordinary residents, as well as regular cadres from Xinli City. People of all ages, each showing a look of anticipation and regret.

Standing by, Fang Gushan felt deeply moved. The phrase “serve a term in office, benefaction to one place” sounds simple, but truly living up to it is extraordinary. In this context, Nie Zhenbang is an example. In just two years, he managed to transform a nationally recognized poverty-stricken county into a deputy department-level city—the largest city in Bazhou City. Even the city’s development, the economic level, and commercial development surpassed Ku City where the Bazhou City Party Committee and Municipal Government were located. This was a miracle. At this moment, there was no envy in Fang Gushan for this honor. Zhenbang truly deserved it.

Immediately after, Fang Gushan whispered to Nie Zhenbang: “Zhenbang, you handle this, I’ll take my leave first.”