Reborn as a Noble s Son

Chapter 527: Chapter 484 Deep Talk Between Father and Son_1
 

At the entrance to the three-story Siheyuan, the main gate was open, the light from the living room projecting out onto the courtyard. It offered a bit of warmth in the snowy winter night.

On New Year’s Eve, it seemed somewhat desolate inside the grounds of the provincial government complex. Many of the leaders of the provincial party committee were spending the New Year in Jingcheng City. The New Year is a traditional festival and naturally a good time for strengthening relationships.

At the moment, Nie Guowei and Ye Shuxian were standing by the gate. Next to them were Yang Anna and Li Lixue, but Dong Wan was nowhere in sight. Nie Zhenbang felt a pang of disappointment, but it was not a feeling he could express right now. He wore a smile on his face. As he got out of the car, he called out, “Dad, Mom!”

“You’re back. Come in quickly.” Ye Shuxian addressed them.

Once everyone entered the door, Nie Ziyu introduced, “Dad, Mom, this is He Yitao. Yitao, these are my parents. The two ladies beside them are my sisters-in-law.”

This statement startled He Yitao. Was it a man with two wives, or the wives of two different brothers? He didn’t dare to ask for clarification.

Respectfully, he greeted, “Governor Nie, hello!”

At his words, Anna and the others smirked. Ye Shuxian also said with a smile, “He, now we are at home, there’s no governor here. Come on, let’s have dinner first. The New Year’s Eve reunion dinner will begin after we finish eating.”

The dining table, an oval wooden furniture piece with a dark lacquered finish, lent an antique charm to the room. Ye Shuxian had personally chosen it, favoring its traditional design over the trendy square tables. By now, after over a decade, Nie Zhenbang had completely won a place in Ye Shuxian’s heart, even more so than her own daughter.

The family sat down happily for a hearty reunion dinner. Afterwards, Nie Zhenbang began to play with the little Yah, just three months old but already lively and responsive. Even though no one knew what she was babbling about, her presence brought joy to the whole family.

Nie Guowei sat seriously on the sofa after finishing his meal while He Yitao sat rigidly next to him. Nie Ziyu sat beside He Yitao. From the look of his little girl, Nie Zhenbang knew that Ziyu was serious about this relationship.

Anna whispered to him, “Zhenbang, it seems like Ziyu is really in love.”

The two girls have known each other since childhood and have always been best friends. But now, fate had made them a family. Yet it was Anna who understood Ziyu’s personality best.

At this moment, Li Lixue was also full of happiness. Having been accepted and acknowledged by the Nie family was truly a blessing to her from heaven, and she cherished it deeply. She felt some sympathy for He Yitao, her brother-in-law who shared a similar situation.

She took the baby from Zhenbang, saying, “Zhenbang, the baby needs to be fed. You should go check on the others.”

After Ye Shuxian had also tidied up, she sat down on the sofa as well. With the parents on either side, it did look like a tribunal, with their daughter and He Yitao at the center. Nie Zhenbang also sat down on an adjacent sofa with a reassuring look at Nie Ziyu.

Then Ye Shuxian asked He Yitao, “So, He, how many people are there in your family?”

Having learnt of his girlfriend’s background from Ziyu herself, He Yitao came prepared. She was the granddaughter of the founding father Elder Nie, and the daughter of the Governor of Yanbei Province. This was indeed a noble family.

Upon hearing Ye Shuxian’s question, He Yitao respectfully answered, “Auntie, I’m from Tang City. Both my parents are ordinary cadres in the East District of Tang City. There’s also a younger sister at home. Right now, like Ziyu, I am also working at the Tang City Civil Affairs Bureau.”

Hearing He Yitao’s words, Nie Guowei’s eyebrows twitched, about to speak, but it was Nie Zhenbang who spoke up instead, “Mom, why are you asking so many questions? Look at him, he’s handsome and ambitious. He’s a regular cadre despite having only graduated from a technical college, and according to Ziyu, he’ll earn his bachelor’s degree next year. You wouldn’t find such a son-in-law even with a lantern.”

At Nie Zhenbang’s words, Ye Shuxian laughed and scolded, “You mischievous boy, always full of cheeky remarks. You are a senior bureau official now, and still so cheeky.”

Nie Guowei was lost in thought. Just a moment ago, he too was prepared to speak up, with the intention to mention that this matter was not urgent. This rhetoric was only to spare He Yitao’s feelings. In fact, it was a clear indication of his stance.

The dignity of the Governor would never allow him to speak out harsh and malicious words like an ordinary man would. But the attitude exhibited by his son was clearly supportive.

This kid’s political acumen was growing more and more mature, so much that it was being used against him now. Had Nie Guowei voiced his opinion just now, they were bound to encounter future complications and awkwardness. He was very well aware of Nie Ziyu’s personality. Being spoiled by her grandfather and grandmother had nurtured her strong-willed and decisive attributes.

Besides, if his son supported her as well, he would most likely face difficulty in the future. But now? This awkwardness was avoided.

Ye Shuxian had understood Nie Zhenbang’s words. She cast a side glance at her son. Her expression was complex, yet she eventually accepted the matter. Soon after, she said with a smile, “You are pampering this girl.”

Nie Guowei, too, rose to his feet and smilingly added, “He, don’t be restrained. Make yourself at home here. Take a seat first and watch some TV. I’m going to smoke a cigar in my study.”

Nie Zhenbang, understanding the unspoken, chuckled, “Yitao, you can sit for now. I will join the old man and bring back a few special cigars.”

The father and son duo subsequently walked into the study. Nie Guowei’s expression changed instantly as he looked at Nie Zhenbang, “Zhenbang, do you mean to agree with Ziyu dating He Yitao?”

Heeding his father’s query, Nie Zhenbang solemnly nodded, “Dad, what’s your opinion on He Yitao? Do you believe his feelings for Ziyu are genuine?”

Nie Guowei was taken aback momentarily before he responded with a nod, “When it comes to Ziyu’s personality, I have absolute faith. I strongly believe that He Yitao had no knowledge of Ziyu’s identity and background when they started dating. Furthermore, Ziyu’s placement in Tang City was personally arranged by me. Aside from Liu Daguan, the city’s party secretary, no one else has any inkling about this. Besides, from He Yitao’s demeanor, it seems like genuine affection on his part accounts for over ninety-five percent.”

Upon hearing his father’s words, Nie Zhenbang chuckled and added, “Dad, in that case, it’s settled. Ziyu has met her heart’s desire. We should commend her for that. Heroes don’t have to reveal their identities. I reckon He Yitao is worthwhile to be nurtured. His abilities are also extremely commendable. Furthermore, Grandfather declared during his lifetime that the Nie family’s power needs no reinforcement from women. Although Grandfather has passed away, I abide by this principle. I think Ziyu should have the authority to decide her own marriage. The Nie family need not resort to sacrificing Ziyu’s happiness for the support of other families.”

On hearing this, Nie Guowei fell silent for a while, and then nodded, acknowledging, “Zhenbang, honestly, I originally planned for Ziyu to get betrothed to the Zhang family residing in the military district, to gain their support. But now that you insist, I need not say anything more. Ziyu is fortunate to have a brother like you. But I feel bad for what you might need to deal with in the future.”

At this point, Nie Guowei abruptly changed the topic, “Now, February is already underway. In less than half a month, the National People’s Congress and Political Consultative Conference will convene. This session signifies the prelude to the Nationwide Party Congress in October. The period of power transition has arrived. The atmosphere in Jingcheng City is particularly subtle with each family starting to clash.”

Nie Zhenbang nodded, subsequently adding, “Dad, your position might need a slight adjustment.”

This statement was far from Nie Zhenbang being presumptuous. Nie Guowei had served almost two terms as the Governor of Yanbei Province. This term of power transition was just right. By now, the elder uncle’s inclusion in the cabinet had secured support from a significant number of military representatives, given the prestige and connections the Nie family hold within the military. In addition to the political education wave that Nie Guodong had initiated in Jingcheng City Military District received great praise from President Yuan and Vice President Shen. Joining the cabinet, and further assuming the Deputy Military Committee position was but a matter of course.

With Nie Guodong joining the cabinet, as the Nie family’s leader in the government, Nie Guowei had already served in the deputy office for more than six years. This was enough of a reason for Nie Guowei to make a change. Of course, once Nie Guodong joins the cabinet, Nie Guowei would have to drop the idea.

After a moment of silence, Nie Guowei agreed, “You guessed it right. This matter was discussed when I visited Jingcheng some time ago. Vice President Shen proposed that I serve as the party secretary of Bashu Province.”

Continuing, Nie Guowei looked at Nie Zhenbang, “Your uncle’s cabinet seat and my movement to Bashu are minor matters. But your dealings with WangHai require your immediate attention.”

Although Nie Guowei witnessed some shortcomings in his battleground acumen, over time his political skills had improved significantly owing to his extensive experience.

Nie Zhenbang contemplated for a moment before nodding, “Dad, I understand that the WangHai incident is a major issue at hand. Presently, it involves several factional conflicts within Jingcheng City. Some want to cover it up, while others wish to uncover it. Essentially, it pertains to the question of officially joining the cabinet and even the standing committee in October. Rest assured. I have got this matter under control.” (To be continued. If you like this piece of work, you are welcome to recommend it, vote for it or even leave a comment at qidian.com. Your support is my biggest motivation.)