Chapter 1254: Chapter 1209: Paying a New Year Visit to Eldest Zhuang Chapter 1254: Chapter 1209: Paying a New Year Visit to Eldest Zhuang “`
The first day of the first lunar month, this is the first day of the New Year. In the past, today would have been a lively day with the whole family at ho. But this year is different. Uncle Nie Guodong and his wife went to Ganzhou. The headquarters of the Huaxia Group is in Ganzhou, where my big brother and Nie Jiamin are. Naturally, Uncle Guodong and his wife went there as well.
My parents also went to Yanbei. On one hand, they went to pay homage to Nie Zhenbang’s birth mother, and on the other, they went to celebrate the New Year with Ziyu. Nie Zhenbang’s place, on the contrary, is very quiet.
Visiting Zhuang Aiguo on the first day of the Lunar New Year was a carefully chosen decision by Nie Zhenbang. Zhuang Aiguo’s status is quite special.
On one hand, he was one of the core mbers of the Jiuding during Yuan Kangan’s era. This identity here can still intimidate many people.
Don’t underestimate the leaders who have stepped down, like Yuan Kangan and Zhuang Aiguo. They may have retired, but their influence remains. Otherwise, why would families within the system care so much about the welfare of their own elders?
With the elder still around, it ans that the face and favors of these old people are still there. Throughout their lives, their students and forr officials are everywhere. As once core mbers of the Jiuding, they also have a say and recomndation role in the selection of the next generation of the Jiuding. Basically, there is more or less so connection between the previous and the next generations. Even now, they are consulted and discuss together on so major international affairs and issues.
On the other hand, Zhuang Aiguo’s background. Zhuang Aiguo has a Nie lineage. After Elder Nie stepped down, Zhuang Aiguo took up the banner of the Nie lineage. In terms of seniority, although Zhuang Aiguo is considered a peer with Uncle Guodong and others, this is out of modesty. In reality, Zhuang Aiguo should be considered as part of Elder Nie’s generation. As a person closely related to the Nie family, it would not seem too conspicuous for Nie Zhenbang to visit him on the first day of the New Year.
With these two reasons, Nie Zhenbang naturally set his visiting target on Zhuang Aiguo today. Unlike others, Zhuang Aiguo’s house is not located in the urban area of Jingcheng or the Xishan area.
Zhuang Aiguo’s residence is arranged here in the housing area. In the suburbs of the housing area, a detached house, a courtyard with two entrances, this is Zhuang Aiguo’s current residence.
Bringing the whole family with him, when Nie Zhenbang arrived here, a familiar figure stood at the gate.
Nie Zhenbang was also sowhat shocked, he had not expected Zhuang Aiguo to personally co out to welco them.
“Old chief, this is too grand, too polite. Zhenbang doesn’t dare to accept such an honor,” Nie Zhenbang did not hesitate. He got out of the car and strode forward to greet him.
Zhuang Aiguo was already in his eighties, yet he appeared very spirited. Although a bit thinner, his eyes were bright and his body was still robust. Standing at the door, he held a very upright posture.
At this mont, Zhuang Aiguo laughed and said, “Zhenbang, you’re being formal. Back in the day, the old chief arranged for you to be in the discipline inspection departnt while I was in office. At that ti, I agreed with such address. It’s important to keep public and private matters separate and not to form cliques or nepotism. Now that the old man has retired, he doesn’t have to be so particular. It’s better to call Uncle Zhuang according to the generation.”
Following, they walked into the courtyard with Zhuang Aiguo. Elder Zhuang’s children all work out of town. He has a son and a daughter, with the elder one being the daughter. She’s almost sixty now and works in the disciplinary departnt in the city of Zhonghai. The son is the vice governor of Yuedong Province.
In terms of capability, Elder Zhuang’s children are slightly less impressive, but what’s most important is Elder Zhuang’s selflessness. The career progress and job assignnts of his children had nothing to do with him, sothing Nie Zhenbang deeply respected. It was rare for an official to be like Elder Zhuang.
In the courtyard, Aunt Qian, Elder Zhuang’s wife, was also there. Seeing Nie Zhenbang and his family co over, the old couple was very happy.
Nie Zhenbang could understand this sentint. To the elderly, the so-called glory and wealth, fa and fortune, these are all passing clouds. For those approaching the end of their life, what use are these things? They can’t be taken with us at birth or death.
Zhuang Aiguo himself was not a person who clung to wealth and power, or else he wouldn’t live here, leading a modest life.
For people like Elder Zhuang and his wife, the joy of having their children around was what made them happiest.
Therefore, they were both very happy about Nie Zhenbang’s visit.
Here, An Na, Dong Wan, and Li Lixue followed Aunt Qian to the kitchen. In the living room, Elder Zhuang’s security guard brought over a pot of tea.
They were motioned to take a seat on the sofa, and Elder Zhuang also laughed and said, “Are you not afraid this ti?”
“`
Eldest Zhuang’s intentions were clear to Nie Zhenbang. After pondering for a mont, a stern expression appeared on his face, and he said gravely, “After so many years, whether it’s An Na, Dong Wan, or Li Lixue, my debts to them are innurable. Back then, the Li family seized this matter and wanted to take advantage of it, forcing into a corner and pushing to go abroad. Now, I no longer want to, nor am I willing to let this continue. If soone wants to exploit this situation, I am resigned to my fate. To use Gorky’s words, ‘Let the storm rage more fiercely.'”
His words carried an unwavering determination. On Eldest Zhuang’s side, his expression remained unchanged, and after a long while, he nodded and said, “Still, it’s best to be careful and cautious. Viewing it purely from a man’s perspective, your choice is responsible. But rember, it’s not just about you anymore.”
As the conversation deepened, the topic naturally turned to the matters of the Two Sessions. Eldest Zhuang was very clear about Nie Zhenbang’s purpose for visiting. Despite his age, Eldest Zhuang’s mind was far from muddled.
After a mont of silence, Eldest Zhuang finally spoke slowly, “I believe you understand the importance of this year’s Two Sessions, so I won’t dwell on it. The current state of Jingcheng is turbulent indeed. It’s a bit calr here, after all, it’s more remote, and also, I’m a bit of an odd character. I offended quite a few people while in office, so not many have co here. I suppose Comrade Kang An from the Xishan district must be having a house full of visitors by now.”
Nie Zhenbang nodded. He was well aware of this matter. President Qiao’s term had reached the halfway mark. In four years, President Qiao would step down, and according to the institutional tradition, moving forward at this ti would give him leverage and an advantage in the next round. It was customary.
Such things were expectable; it was not a one-man operation. In the entire nation, there were only nine seats, and everyone wanted one.
Perhaps the concept was too vast, giving an exaggerated impression. So, let’s talk about sothing less exaggerated: the qualifications naturally belonged to one of the 25 mbers of the Bureau Committee. Excluding the current nine core mbers of Jiuding and those who were ineligible due to age, those who did qualify, Ling Baodong was one, and Shen Guoquan of Yuedong Province was another. Nie Zhenbang could more or less guess the probable candidates.
From Nie Zhenbang’s point of view, his most significant competitor this ti should be Shen Guoquan. Nie Zhenbang’s approach had always been the sa: do nothing at all or do it the best.
“Zhenbang, I think, it’s better if you communicate with Comrade Shen Guoquan from Yuedong Province in these next few days,” Elder Zhuang suddenly suggested.
This remark caught Nie Zhenbang off guard. Communicate with Shen Guoquan? What did Elder Zhuang an by that? As he was about to speak, on this side, An Na walked out of the kitchen, “Uncle Zhuang, Zhenbang, co and eat.”
The al at Elder Zhuang’s was indeed lavish. A table full of dishes, offering a feast for the eyes and the palate. At the mont, Elder Zhuang also said with a smile, “Zhenbang is here. I’ll drink a bit too.”
“Old man, what are you drinking for? Your blood pressure has always been high. In a mont, Dr. Zhang will scold you again,” Aunt Qian chided.
Eldest Zhuang chuckled and said, “It’s the New Year’s Day, and they are all here. It’s a rare occasion for joy. A little drink, just for the sentint.”
“You, the older you get, the less proper you beco. Well, I’ll make an exception today, let you drink a bit, but rember, no more, and really just a little bit,” Aunt Qian said sternly but still rose to her feet.
Under Aunt Qian’s supervision, the drink was indeed just a little bit. About half a shot, the small wine glass barely covered the base.
By the end of the al, Eldest Zhuang’s complexion looked rosier, and a designated health doctor ca over to asure his blood pressure. Dr. Zhang frowned and said, “Commander, your blood pressure is a bit high again.”
“It’s fine, it’s fine. Just take a pill for lowering blood pressure. We have guests, and I’ve been chatting with Zhenbang,” Elder Zhuang said with a laugh.
Faced with this situation, Nie Zhenbang naturally could not stay any longer. He stood up, smiling, and said, “Uncle Zhuang, please rest. Your health is the priority. When I have ti, I will co over again to see you, to chat with you.”
After leaving the Zhuang residence, in the afternoon, Nie Zhenbang returned to the Yang family with Yang Anna. The itinerary was pretty much set. He was to visit Dong Wan tomorrow. This made the situation awkward for An Na. Fortunately, the afternoon was free. Taking this opportunity to make a trip back was the best course of action.
The car had just stopped at the courtyard entrance of the Yang family. As he pushed open the big gate and went in, he saw Yang Anbang in the courtyard.
Upon seeing Nie Zhenbang and Anna, Yang Anbang imdiately waved and said, “Third brother, quick, your timing is perfect. I was just looking for you. Co over here. I have so urgent matters to discuss with you.”
“Second brother, what’s so urgent that it can’t wait until after we’ve visited dad?” Anna complained from the side.
At that mont, Yang Anbang approached and spoke in a low voice, “Third brother, I’ve heard that there’s been quite a stir on Li Guohua’s side lately. It looks like he’s gearing up for the upcoming events.” (
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