Chapter 636 - 592: The Manifestation of Political Maturity_1

Knowing this, Nie Zhenbang was aware that Yao Yude was acting out of spite, but he had no solution.

After a moment of contemplation, Nie Zhenbang responded with a smile, “I thank the higher-ups for their support and encouragement of our work in Wanghai City. Rest assured, Minister Yao, we will do our best with post-disaster reconstruction and soothing the public.”

After Nie Zhenbang finished speaking, Yao Yude simply nodded with indifference, a sneer hidden deep within him. On the side, the amused expressions on the faces of Huang Jingwu and Tian Xujian, among others, were hard to miss.

Tian Xujian was delighted. Five million was essentially like giving alms to a beggar. Watching Nie Zhenbang having no choice but to obediently accept, Tian Xujian felt an indescribable sense of satisfaction and gratification.

The worst-hit Wanghai City could anticipate receiving the smallest amount of relief funds in the province following the completion of the overall disaster relief work. When local government officials witness this, they will certainly have some complaints about Nie Zhenbang. They would think, ‘Had Mayor Nie not provoked the leaders of the higher authorities, we wouldn’t be in such a difficult situation.’ When that happens, Nie Zhenbang’s reputation will take a hit, providing a great opportunity for Tian Xujian to rise to power.

Updated by ℕ○vG○.c○

Thinking so, Tian Xujian stood up and smiled, “Minister Yao, it’s getting late. How about I take you around to inspect the various districts? As our leader and an expert in disaster relief, you could provide some guidance where necessary.”

Nie Zhenbang also stood up, his face revealing no hint of amusement. He nodded and said, “Secretary Tian, the city government has some matters to attend to; I am afraid I cannot accompany you. Minister Yao, I trust that with Secretary Tian by your side, you will have a satisfactory visit.”

As Nie Zhenbang exited, many of the standing committee members also left one by one. Given the multiplicity of affairs in WangHai City, everyone naturally couldn’t linger around Yao Yude.

At this moment, Yao Yude watched Nie Zhenbang’s receding figure and chuckled, ” Secretary Tian, it seems like your job in WangHai City is not easy either.”

Yao Yude purposefully said this, having noticed the tension between Tian Xujian and Nie Zhenbang for some time now.

The intention behind this comment was to deepen Tian Xujian’s resentment towards Nie Zhenbang. Yao Yude’s machinations were truly insidious.

Upon hearing Yao Yude’s words, Tian Xujian’s complexion noticeably altered. Being the Party Secretary and central authority in WangHai City, he ordinarily wielded absolute power, even having veto rights. But now Tian Xujian felt humiliated being overshadowed in the city by Nie Zhenbang.

Tian Xujian attempted a weak laugh, “What can one do when dealing with such a dominant Mayor? That being said, Minister Yao, let’s stop dwelling on this and proceed with our visits to the various districts.”

…

Updated by N○vG○.c○

At the city government office building.@@novelbin@@

Nie Zhenbang was in his top-floor office, watching the motorcade leaving the city party committee and government compound. His gaze grew heavy.

Beside him, were Executive Deputy Mayor Liu Gaohua and Secretary General of the Municipal Government, An Guoyu. Liu Gaohua furrowed his brows, whispering, “Mayor, this move by the Ministry of Civil Affairs could undermine your authority.”

An Guoyu nodded in agreement. There were a few ways for a leader to establish their authority. On one hand, they would use others as a warning to the rest, a common practice where they would create examples from a few violators while emanating threat and fear amongst the others. They could also attain a certain level of discourse and power in the standing committee, encouraging subordination from those fearful for their official positions.

In addition, if a leader were able to pull strings effectively, secure policies and funds, they would certainly gain respect. People will admire a leader who understands the importance of socializing and networking. Such leaders often have a great deal of potential for a bright future, and naturally, subordinates would want to associate themselves with such leaders.

But now, it could be imagined how the city officials would view Mayor Nie when other less affected areas receive much more relief funds than WangHai City, despite receiving a meager five million.

Caught in this thought, An Guoyu whispered, “Mayor, Deputy Mayor Liu is right, we cannot afford to ignore this issue.”

Looking at the retreating figures of Tian Xujian and Yao Yude, Nie Zhenbang said solemnly at this moment, “Old Liu, Old An, don’t worry about this. If anyone wants to take advantage of me, they’d better have a good set of teeth. This time, if Yao Yude is fair and impartial, so be it. But if he’s unfair, I’ll make sure he bites off more than he can chew.”

The Ministry of Civil Affairs’ disaster relief team only stayed in Wanghai City for one day before rushing to the next city. In ten days, the disaster relief team had visited every city in Minan Province.

Meanwhile, Nie Zhenbang received news from Qi Siyuan and Li Xiangtian about Puzhou City and Minxi City. Although the disaster situations in these two cities were not as bad as Wanghai City, they also received five million in relief funds. This infuriated Nie Zhenbang.

After a moment of thought, Nie Zhenbang said calmly: “Old Qi, I won’t thank you just yet. I have a handle on this situation, you can rest assured. It’s too early to say what kind of waves Tian Xujian wants to stir up.”

As soon as he put down the phone, Yang Anna walked over, seeming surprised, “Husband, what kind of waves are you talking about? Is there trouble stirring again in Wanghai City’s team? Why would my father allow this Tian Xujian to come, knowing well that the Li family and the Chen family are ill-intentioned? This is surely adding to your troubles. I must call him and ask him to dismiss this Tian Xujian.”

Listening to Yang Anna’s words, Nie Zhenbang laughed, deeply moved. Just like in their previous life, Anna still defended him. Even though she was now a mother, she still pouted and acted like a protective hen.

Her tiny nose wrinkled up in a playful display of anger, prompting Nie Zhenbang to pinch it fondly and say with a smile, “You think that just because your father is now a top-ranking leader, he can control everything? It’s not that simple in politics. Even if we don’t consider the attitudes of Director Shen, Prime Minister Leng, and Chairman Liu, political moves need to be measured. Once one tries to control everything, destruction is not far behind. Politics is about balance. Anyone who dares to break this balance will become a target for the other families in Jingcheng. Do you think you’re running this political bureau?”

Nie Zhenbang’s words left Yang Anna gaping in surprise, “Ah, so what can we do? Can we really let this Tian Xujian cause all this trouble?”

Nie Zhenbang smiled and replied, “Silly girl, don’t you trust your husband? Do you think I’m the kind of person who would easily suffer a loss?”

Seeing Yang Anna’s confused expression, Nie Zhenbang explained with a smile, “You forgot where I came from.”

These words seemed to enlighten Yang Anna, “Husband, are you saying you’ll find Director Shen?”

Nie Zhenbang’s first stop was indeed at the Central Youth League Committee. Given his relationship with Secretary Mu and Director Shen, he’s undoubtedly considered one of the members of the Youth League faction. It’s only because his background as a member of the Nie family and his role as the Yang family’s son-in-law tends to overshadow this. Regardless, it’s undeniable that Nie Zhenbang is still one of the leading figures in the Youth League faction.

Then, Nie Zhenbang picked up the phone on the table and dialed Mu Dingjian’s number. After a short pause on the other end of the line, Mu Dingjian’s voice came through, “Zhenbang, so you finally have the time to call me about this matter. This time, Wanghai City has suffered a great economic loss.”

Mu Dingjian had high hopes for Nie Zhenbang. He had privately discussed Nie Zhenbang’s potential with Director Shen, considering his character, abilities, and the political savvy he lacked. Thus, his courteous treatment of Nie Zhenbang was born from these high expectations.

At this moment, Nie Zhenbang also smiled and said, “Secretary Mu, I’ve reached out to you because I’m facing a troublesome issue.”

After recounting the incident with Deputy Minister Yao from the Ministry of Civil Affairs, he said, “Secretary Mu, this is clearly because Wanghai City didn’t entertain him well. I can’t accept this. Secretary Mu, that’s why I came straight to you.”

Hearing Nie Zhenbang’s words, Mu Dingjian pondered for a long while and then expressed his satisfaction, “Zhenbang, in the two years since we last met, your political acumen seems to have matured a lot. Good. This matter, your handling of it, is very good.”

Mu Dingjian was relieved. After so much honing, Nie Zhenbang’s way of handling matters had finally become more mature.

If Nie Zhenbang had outright opposed the Ministry of Civil Affairs, they definitely would lose face. Wanghai City, the city most severely affected by the disaster, only received five million, while other cities, such as Quanhai City, received fifteen million. How were these allocations determined? Clearly, it didn’t make sense. However, if he took on this issue, he would unavoidably offend some people, possibly even severely. His current approach allowed both sides a dignified way out.

Then, Mu Dingjian nodded and said, “I will help you with this matter. Rest assured.”(