Reborn as a Noble's Son-Chapter 807 - 763: The Way of Advancement and Retreat

Chapter 807 -763: The Way of Advancement and Retreat

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Nie Zhenbang has gone mad, or is there a problem with my ears?

At this moment, Zeng Taiping felt his brain wasn’t quite up to the task. Since the beginning of his tenure, Nie Zhenbang always seemed authoritative. This seemingly harmless young man, deep down, possessed the arrogance of a scion of a noble family, along with an inexplicable obstinacy and determination. Zeng Taiping had long experienced the man’s resolute will and stubborn character.

But what happened today? Nie Zhenbang had just agreed so readily after only so much discussion? This feeling made Zeng Taiping very uncomfortable.

However, Zeng Taiping had to admit that Nie Zhenbang’s current approach had disrupted his plans. Concerning the issue of the consolidation and restructuring of the liquor industry, Zeng Taiping also saw that it was not a good idea. In fact, it could be said that it was completely a mess.

Each distillery has its own unique cultural heritage, brewing techniques, and blending skills. It could be said that these things are closely guarded secrets.

Just like with the Wuliang Group, an ownership dispute over a centuries-old liquor cellar had been causing endless trouble, leading the provincial party committee, provincial government, and Provincial State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission to participate in coordination meetings several times. However, the situation only got worse, and now, it has become utterly chaotic.

If there was a merger, the involved issues would become even more complex. Zeng Taiping had also prepared to use this opportunity to strike at Nie Zhenbang.

If Nie Zhenbang had maintained his usual tough stance, Zeng Taiping naturally had further measures and strategies. But now, it felt like he had exerted all his strength to throw a punch, only to hit cotton, with no rebound, the punch was simply absorbed.

This feeling made Zeng Taiping quite uncomfortable, even feeling somewhat unwell. As an official who had been tempered over many years, Zeng Taiping was well aware that even when things seem pleasant within the system, the next move could be waiting for you somewhere unexpected.

Walking on thin ice is not just a polite expression, it is the reality. One must always be vigilant against the opponent delivering a fatal punch from some corner.

After a moment of silence, Zeng Taiping laughed and said, “Governor Zhenbang, to be able to think like this, it seems I’m somewhat redundant. In my view, regarding the industrial layout within the province, Governor Zhenbang should consider expanding scale and improving technological and production levels. I think, the recent model employed by Tianfu City’s Red Star Factory was very good, wasn’t it? A small factory on the brink of closure was able to come back to life and within just half a year, become the leader of the provincial and even national phenol industry. That’s quite worthy of promotion.”

After hanging up the phone, a faint smile appeared on Nie Zhenbang’s face. At this moment, the feeling of having Zeng Taiping at a disadvantage was very good, very comfortable. This was the way of advance and retreat often described by the old man when he was alive.

Within the system, a reckless charge is not the right way. Being too sharp is contrary to the traditional Chinese philosophy of moderation. The Chinese value orderly advancement and retreat, keeping a low profile. If one is only focused on pushing forward, they may end up not reaching their goal because of haste.

A proper retreat is to prepare for a better and greater advance in the next step. It is a method. To retreat is not without purpose nor without principles.

The words spoken by the old master in the past, Nie Zhenbang hadn’t fully understood before. But now, after years of tempering, he truly comprehended the connotation within those words. Using them at the moment brought a feeling of complete relaxation.

Thinking of this, Nie Zhenbang picked up the phone and dialed Pan Jianzhang’s number, and once the call connected, Nie Zhenbang directly said, “Jianzhang, are you busy? If not, come over.”

As soon as the words fell, Pan Jianzhang’s voice sounded somewhat troubled, “Governor, Secretary Binyi has just come up. Now…”

Upon hearing that Liu Binyi was also there, Nie Zhenbang paused for a moment and then said, “Binyi is here? Good, both of you come over together, I just wanted to discuss some industrial reform issues with you, and since Binyi is the Party Secretary of Wuliang City, I would like to hear his thoughts as well.”

With Nie Zhenbang’s instructions, in less than three minutes, Pan Jianzhang and Liu Binyi walked in one after another.

The offices of the two were only a few steps apart, and in three minutes, Pan Jianzhang had likely made some preparations.

Indeed, this time, both of them were holding notebooks. It seemed they were prepared to take notes. This scene made Nie Zhenbang smile as well. He sat on the sofa and said to Pan Jianzhang and Liu Bingyi, “Please, have a seat. You’re not outsiders; there’s no need to be so formal in my presence.”

After both men had taken their seats, Nie Zhenbang then spoke seriously, “This time, regarding the issue of the major reform and consolidation of industrial enterprises throughout the province, I too have given it careful consideration. Looking at the current situation, it can be said that the results are mixed.”

The self-critical tone of Nie Zhenbang’s words made Pan Jianzhang and Liu Bingyi feel somewhat unsure of what to think. However, under such circumstances, neither of them interjected. It was not the right time to say anything.

Nie Zhenbang was aware of their state of mind and said with a smile, “Don’t find it strange. In the case of the Huagang merger, there are benefits. However, we must deal with special matters in special ways. First, analyzing from Huagang’s perspective, the main heavy industry of the province is concentrated in Huagang. The metallurgical industry level in other cities throughout the province isn’t strong. The merger with Huagang is more advantageous than disadvantageous. That is a good thing. This matter has somewhat muddled my thinking, failing to consider the specifics of other industries. In practice, this experience has proved to be unworkable in other sectors, such as the liquor industry.”

At this point, both Pan Jianzhang and Liu Bingyi understood the intent behind Nie Zhenbang’s words. They were both somewhat surprised, taken aback, and at the same time, somewhat admiring.

Governor Nie’s determination showed great willpower and wisdom. At Nie Zhenbang’s level, to take the initiative to admit one’s mistakes was not an easy thing to do.

Within the system, many officials have fallen from grace and in fact, it is not always due to other reasons, but because of issues of pride. Despite knowing their mistakes, they persisted out of pride, and in the end, the situation became unmanageable, leading to a dismal exit.

After a moment of contemplation, Pan Jianzhang finally spoke up, “Governor, are you aware of the impact this will have on you?”

Nie Zhenbang nodded, very satisfied with Pan Jianzhang’s stance. At a time like this, Pan Jianzhang still was willing to continue down this mistaken path with him. This in itself was proof enough of Pan Jianzhang’s loyalty to him.

Gesturing with his hand for Pan Jianzhang to stop talking, Nie Zhenbang continued, “In this matter, I indeed made an empiricist error. To err is not terrible, what’s terrible is not having the courage and determination to admit the error. Just now, Secretary Zeng called me and alluded subtly to this matter. I believe that if I didn’t back down, Zeng Taiping would definitely proceed with a series of actions to attack me.”

This statement startled both Liu Bingyi and Pan Jianzhang. They had not expected that, within the short span of half an hour, the Secretary and the Governor had already undergone such a confrontation.

Nie Zhenbang said with a smile, “I readily admitted to the decision-making error. Zeng Taiping is very displeased. A forceful fist, exerting all its power, yet hitting cotton, I believe, right now, Zeng Taiping must be somewhat upset.”

At this point, Nie Zhenbang looked at Liu Bingyi and said, “Comrade Binyi, you’re the top leader of Wuliang City, and Wuliang Group is within your jurisdiction, previously Luzhou City was also under Wuliang City’s management. Tell me your genuine thoughts. Don’t hold back. Speak freely and fully.”

Liu Bingyi nodded, and at this moment, his concerns dissipated. With the conversation having reached this point, Governor Nie’s sincerity was something almost everyone could feel. After a moment’s reflection, Liu Bingyi slowly said, “Governor, to tell the truth, I too disagree with the consolidation of the liquor industry. In our province, the liquor industry is a pillar industry. There are no fewer than five renowned liquor brands in the province, all competing with each other. Moreover, with each distillery thriving, consolidation is bound to meet resistance. Additionally, after consolidation, deciding which brand to keep and which to lose, whether to focus on their development or grow them all, are all problematic. Post-consolidation, it could bring infighting instead of advantages. Therefore…”

Liu Bingyi’s candid words did not embarrass Nie Zhenbang; he burst out laughing, “You all are worried about me, concerned about my losing face. Well, let me be clear about my position on this matter. Governor Jianzhang, in terms of industry, the main focus in the next phase should be on expanding industrial technology, enhancing industrial added value, and improving product competitiveness. Since consolidation is not a viable path, we won’t take it. We must fully respect public opinion.”

This statement brightened Pan Jianzhang’s spirits. Nie Zhenbang’s bold and resolute style had also influenced him. Nowadays, within the system, there are few officials as unafraid of losing face as Nie Zhenbang, and on a national scale, they were probably rare. Following such a leader, one cannot be at a disadvantage.

Immediately after, Pan Jianzhang stood up and said, “Governor, please rest assured. I will certainly carry out the work in the area of industrial technology reform conscientiously.”

Just as the words left his mouth, Nie Zhenbang’s cellphone rang. He smiled and waved at Pan Jianzhang and Liu Bingyi, then answered the call, “Wife, calling at this hour, is something the matter?”

From the other end of the phone, Yang Anna’s voice came through, somewhat troubled, “Husband, there’s something, I don’t quite know how to say.”