Chapter 125 - 125 Reaching for Power_l

Translator: 549690339

In the Western Region, ethnic conflicts are intense. There is considerable solidarity among the Han people and minorities due to the unique environment they inhabit. National ethnic policies have, to a certain extent, alleviated these conflicts.

However, issues have emerged. Relying on this national bias, some rogue individuals have wreaked havoc locally.

At this moment, one such rogue exemplifies this phenomenon. A sheep, worth at most two hundred yuan — and that’s an overestimate considering current prices — isn’t of significant value. However, he used the death of a sheep as an excuse to extort a road toll of five yuan per car. Highway 28 is a major artery in the Northwest Region and a crucial transit route connecting with the inland. It accommodates thousands of vehicles daily.

Just now, both sides of the road were blocked with at least five hundred vehicles. This rogue has recouped not just the price of one sheep, but almost a whole flock.

Moreover, he was brazen about it because he had an excuse. His arrogant speech made Nie Zhenbang’s expression turn sour.

At this moment, Li Lin and Yi Jun had both rushed over. Seeing this man’s performative audacity, Yi Jun stepped up and sternly demanded, “What do you think you’re doing? This is Director Nie. Remove your blockade immediately. Disperse the traffic. Look at what a mess you’ve created.”

When Yi Jun finished, the ostensible ring leader sneered, showing no fear. He eyed Nie Zhenbang and said, “I’ve heard we have a new junior director in Li County. Now that I see you, you truly are a junior.”

The rogue changed his tone altogether, disdainfully declaring, “So what if you’re Director Nie? I’m not a thief or a robber. My sheep was hit and killed. I’m collecting a single day’s fee. That is still considered cheap. You should be grateful I don’t charge it daily.”

At this moment, Nie Zhenbang kept his composure. Surely, this gang had an experienced advisor guiding them from behind, helping them build such a convincing ruse. Nie Zhenbang didn’t believe for a second that these rogues would only collect fees for one day; they were incapable of such restraint.

Immediately, Nie Zhenbang once again addressed the man, “Fine. Let’s say your sheep was hit and killed indeed, but a sheep doesn’t cost so much, you shouldn’t need to collect fees for an entire day. What you’re doing is a violation of national laws, and you will be held accountable.”

The rogue man laughed heartily, “It was indeed a sheep that died. But it was pregnant. If we calculate based on a yield of one lamb per year, you tell me how much debt I’m in.”

Nie Zhenbang was aggravated. That was a ‘chicken-or-egg’ argument. If one extrapolated sheep births that way, a month-long tax wouldn’t be far-fetched. This man was just being difficult and playing dumb.

Just as he was about to retort, a voice emerged from behind, “Ma Ergou, you rascal. You’re extorting motorists again. It seems like you’re planning to spend New Year’s in jail.”

Looking towards the voice, several uniformed policemen emerged from the crowd. The leading officer appeared to be in his late forties, and the speaker seemed to be around forty.

Rogues like Ma Ergou had no fear of governors, no matter what their rank. They figured, ‘So what can you really do to me? Try and fight me?’ If a fight broke out, rogues like him would relish in it, they thrive on such conflict. However, that would undermine the dignity of the officials who’d be reduced to scuffling in the street, ending their political career.

In contrast, police officers were the rogues’ greatest fear. Upon hearing the policeman, Ma Ergou immediately changed his demeanor, shivering, and chuckled awkwardly, “Officer Wang, how could that be with you around? How would I dare collect fees? I’ll dismantle it right away. Allow the vehicles to pass.”

At this moment, a few police officers also walked towards Nie Zhenbang. The leading officer chuckled and apologized, “Director Nie, I apologize for this unfortunate scene.

Li Lin introduced him to Nie Zhenbang,”Director Nie, this is our comrade from the Li County Party Committee. He is also the Secretary of the Political and

Legal Committee and the Director of the Public Security Bureau, Zhao Kunlun.” Upon hearing this, Nie Zhenbang understood why Zhao Kunlun’s attitude was rather indifferent. As a member of the county committee and secretary of the Political and legal committee, Zhao Kunlun, was a ranking officer. His rank was in some ways higher than Nie Zhenbang’s rank. For an officer of his ranking, his response was quite adequate.

“Secretary Zhao, you’ve taken a burden off my shoulders. I must admit that these rogues were unaffected by my authority, but they dispersed as soon as you arrived. You really are the stabilizing pin of Li County,” Nie Zhenbang said while smiling.

These harsh words seemed to make Zhao Kunlun somewhat awkward. Such a significant matter, collecting tolls on the highway, for such a long time, anyone could see that Ma Ergou would not have dared to do so blatantly without the explicit approval of the local police. Now, Nie Zhenbang was indirectly expressing his dissatisfaction.

Zhao Kunlun’s expression changed, but he smiled and said, “Director Nie, you flatter me. I’m no goddess of the sea. But in any case, you are now in charge of Lixian’s economic work. The overall economy of our Lixian is dependent on you, Director Nie. I have many things to deal with in my office. I will excuse myself from keeping you company.”

After this farce, Nie Zhenbang’s mood became slightly gloomy. He had originally thought that he was familiar enough with the bureaucratic system and the grassroots level after years of cultivating in the Communist Youth League. However, when Nie Zhenbang really got to the grassroots level, he discovered that things are not as simple as he thought.

In the officialdom, it seemed that he had lost all his advantages. His memories from his previous life played little role here. After all, in his previous life, Nie Zhenbang had never been within the system. As for the experience in the officialdom, it’s even more lacking.

Moreover, from the current view, not being a member of the standing committee is a disadvantage from the beginning and it brings many restrictions.

Just like now, even though he is a deputy county head, he is being defied by a punk. If he were a member of the standing committee, perhaps Zhao Kunlun’s attitude wouldn’t be as it is now.

As led by Lin Weimin, a group of people came to Muhe Township, located 60 miles away from Li County City. Upon seeing the infinite grassland, Lin Weimin introduced. “Director, look at this lush grassland, it’s a prosperous pasture. We have only 80,000 heads of cattle and sheep in our county each year, which is quite a waste compared with the 17 million acres of pasture. There is still much potential to be discovered.”

In Wu Zhixiong’s office

At this moment, Nie Zhenbang sat on the sofa across from Wu Zhixiong. Having carefully read through Nie Zhenbang’s economic development plan, Wu Zhixiong took off his glasses, looked up at Nie Zhenbang, and said, “Zhenbang, you’re indeed capable, your plan is exceptional.”

At this time, Nie Zhenbang had walked up to Wu Zhixiong, took out a box of special supply Panda cigarettes, passed one over, and said with a smile, “Director, there’s something I’m not sure whether I should say.”

Wu Zhixiong started to laugh too, accepted the cigarette from Nie Zhenbang. The relationship between the two had grown closer in these few days, and Wu Zhixiong now considered Nie Zhenbang to be one of his own. He had no complaints about his current attitude, and just laughed, “Your cigarettes are indeed smoother. Boy, you can always be frank, no need to beat around the bush, that’s not like you.”

Nie Zhenbang chuckled, “Director, don’t be angry with what I’m about to say.”

Seeing Wu Zhixiong’s smiling expression, Nie Zhenbang laughed and said, “Director, my purpose with this plan is clear. At present, our Li County has a lot of potential to be developed in the primary industry. If we execute this well, Li County’s economy will improve. Additionally, the mining of vermiculite and the plan for tourism development, after considering carefully, our Li County roast whole lamb is well-known in and outside the region, along with Luobu Ren Village. These are all great tourist attractions. If planned well, they can have an incalculable effect on the development of Li County. I mean, should the county government set up an economic development leadership team. And, I think, if I were to lead it, there would be too many restrictions. It would be better if you personally do it.”

Upon hearing Nie Zhenbang’s words, Wu Zhixiong frowned, pondered for a moment, and then laughed and scolded, “You boy, you’re beating around the bush. If you want to be part of the standing committee, just say it directly.

Don’t be embarrassed.”

Actually, Wu Zhixiong was also very surprised. The decision to enter the County Committee should be decided by the Bazhou Municipal Committee and should not be in control of the Li County Party Committee. However, they did have the right to recommend. As for Nie Zhenbang directly asking for a n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

promotion, Wu Zhixiong found it rare in history. But he understood Nie Zhenbang’s concerns were not unreasonable. As the main person in charge of Li County’s economic development, without being in the standing committee, his influence and credibility would be much less. Nie Zhenbang’s request may not entirely be for his own sake.

Wu Zhixiong pondered for a while, then made up his mind and said,

“Zhenbang, here is the deal – I’ll go to the city and talk to Mayor Feng about your case today. Meanwhile, I think you should report your plan to Old MO and try to gauge his attitude. Regarding the standing committee, don’t get excited yet. I don’t know the city’s attitude at the moment. For now, you should focus on your work. You can’t quit halfway, understand?”

Hearing Wu Zhixiong’s words, Nie Zhenbang chuckled and said, “Director, rest assured. Don’t you trust me when I do things?”

PS: The fifth release, 15000 words, is as much as my dizzy brain can push out. It’s already 12 0’clock. I’m sorry for not being able to complete the 18000 words I promised today. However, I’ll make up for the sixth release around midnight. The updates tomorrow will resume as usual. This 250th monthly vote update, dear brothers and sisters, please keep voting. (To be continued. If you like this work, please come to the starting point ) and cast your recommendation votes and monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation..)