Reborn as a Noble's Son

It’s no wonder Nie Zhenbang was so excited. After all, his meeting with Mu Dingjian would directly determine whether he could enter the team’s line of sight, an important test. As a fellow townsman of the Crown Prince and an important agent of the Crown Prince in the team, Mu Dingjian’s opinion is valued, even by the Crown Prince. If he could earn Mu Dingjian’s approval and be included in this plan, it would be Nie Zhenbang’s first significant political achievement since entering politics. Therefore, with this opportunity, it was possible for him to ascend rapidly within the team. Bright and early the next day, Nie Zhenbang waited by the entrance of Mu Dingjian’s office, attaching great importance to this encounter.

In terms of his attire, Nie Zhenbang paid attention to many details: a pair of dark-colored trousers, a white shirt, short hair that had been meticulously trimmed, making him look neat and clean. All in all, he exuded a refreshed and energized feeling.

Around half past seven, a man of about thirty years old headed this way, walking straight to the entrance of the office, he looked at Nie Zhenbang with a puzzled expression, “May I ask who you are?”

Nie Zhenbang observed the young man who stood before him: composed and well-mannered. Despite the man’s youth, his demeanor and speech displayed an air of calmness. Seeing this, Nie Zhenbang understood that this must be Mu Dingjian’s secretary. As the saying goes, the secretary is the leader’s closest confidant. To become a leader’s secretary, one must have the utmost trust of the leader. Nie Zhenbang, obviously, would not dare to offend such a person.

He immediately responded with a smile, “Hello, I’m from Qinglian too. Director Guo informed me yesterday to come here this morning as Secretary Mu wanted to meet me.”

“Oh, you must be Comrade Nie Zhenbang. Please, come in. My name is Wei Bin, I’m Secretary Mu’s secretary. Yesterday, Secretary Mu instructed me to let you in without announcement. I didn’t expect you to be this early.” Hearing Nie Zhenbang’s words, Wei Bin immediately laughed. Being Mu Dingjian’s secretary meant he fully understood Mu Dingjian’s ways of working. It was an unprecedented event to directly call a young newcomer to the committee.

Despite not knowing why Mu Dingjian chose to do this, this didn’t deter Wei Bin from showing Nie Zhenbang warm enthusiasm.

About half an hour later, nearing eight o’clock, Mu Dingjian had also entered the office through another door. A leader’s office generally had two doors; one connecting to the secretary’s office, where guests were usually greeted and then directed to meet the leader. The other door was mainly for the convenience of the leader.

Sometimes when a leader is meeting with someone, there may already be another person waiting outside. To avoid awkward situations, the leader can choose to leave through the other door.

At eight o’clock sharp, Wei Bin brought in a cup of already brewed tea. Two minutes later, Wei Bin returned, his attitude towards Nie Zhenbang even friendlier than before, his face filled with a warm smile as he said, “Zhenbang, I hope you don’t mind me addressing you this way. Secretary Mu has arrived, you should go in now.”

Faced with Wei Bin’s goodwill, Nie Zhenbang was slightly taken aback but then responded with a smile, “Brother Wei, you’re too polite. Why would I mind? I am more than glad. How about this, when we finish work, let me treat you to a meal?”

Getting on good terms with Wei Bin was essential. Nie Zhenbang’s political keenness seemed to be growing smoother. Even though he hadn’t entered politics in his previous life, the experiences of those twenty years considerably helped him now.

As he stepped into the office and saw Mu Dingjian seated behind the desk, Nie Zhenbang could not help but feel a little excited. Mu Dingjian was about 45 years old, his hair neatly parted to the side. Behind his silver-edged glasses, his eyes were not very large but were incredibly spirited. He had thick lips which curled up easily, making him seem affable.

As Nie Zhenbang took in Mu Dingjian, the latter also sized him up. The regular staff of the team might not be too familiar with Nie Zhenbang’s background, but someone of Mu Dingjian’s stature certainly was aware.

The grandson of Elder Nie, the adopted grandson of the former head of state, the nephew of Nie Guodong, commander of the Jingcheng City Military District, the son of Nie Guowei, the deputy governor of Yanbei Province, the third young master of the Nie family. This series of identities warranted Mu Dingjian’s close attention. Even though the older generation had retired, including the former head of state, Elder Nie was holding on firm, still at his post. This made Mu Dingjian view Nie Zhenbang in a wholly different light.

What was even more important was that Nie Zhenbang had organized this plan: the Young Civilization initiative. When the plan was presented to him, Mu Dingjian was astounded. Ever since he was put in charge of Qinglian, he had been contemplating how to carry out his responsibilities effectively. This Young Civilization program seemed to be tailor-made for him. The proposal was clear and logical, divided into national, provincial and municipal levels. The idea behind the Young Civilization program and its deeper implications resonated with his own thoughts, creating a sense of joyful destiny.

To be honest, when Mu Dingjian first saw this plan, he was extremely shocked. If this idea had only stayed in his mind and he was certain that he had never shared it with anyone else, he might have suspected that his idea had been leaked by someone else.

Looking at Nie Zhenbang before him, dressed immaculately even though he was only twenty years old. His attire made him seem quite mature and steady. In officialdom, this is what is valued. The so-called ‘a smooth talker is not a good doer’, in Huaxia’s politics, experience and background are particularly valued.

Background, Nie Zhenbang has. Experience? He is campaigning for it now. Combined with his composed demeanor and humble confidence, Mu Dingjian inwardly admired him. He truly was a scion of the red nobility.

At this, Mu Dingjian waved to Nie Zhenbang with a smile, “Nie has arrived. Sit down. I have some work left from yesterday to wrap up. Wait a moment, let me finish, and then we can have a good talk about the Youth Civilization program.”

Listening to Mu Dingjian’s words, Nie Zhenbang fell into thought, not expecting that he would face this kind of test.

As a person and by principle, Mu Dingjian couldn’t possibly have any unfinished work left over from the day before. If it were his character to do so, he would not have found such great success later on. So, there was only one possibility – this was Mu Dingjian’s intentional test.

As the red third generation, people generally view him as very high and mighty. Being left on the cold end like this – some short time would be fine, but for longer, the stubborn ones of Jingcheng might just storm off. Leaving behind words that they can serve elsewhere if not welcomed here.

Half an hour. Not long, but not short either. As Mu Dingjian looked at Hope

Daily on his desk, he was also observing Nie Zhenbang. Throughout, Nie Zhenbang maintained the same expression, not showing any impatience from the wait.

Seeing this, Mu Dingjian nodded subtly, then put down his pen, removed his glasses, and looked up at Nie Zhenbang, “Zhenbang, the Young Civilization plan you submitted, I read it yesterday and it kept me up all night. I am curious, what sparked this idea?”

The intention was to connect with Mu Dingjian through this plan, to board the train to the team, and even to the Crown Prince. This, Nie Zhenbang would naturally not say. Organizing his thoughts, trying to recall when the Young Civilization plan was first launched, when the current leader ?himself inscribed it. He remembered the constant broadcasts on the state television. Nie Zhenbang’s memory was vague, but he still retained some of it. Afterword, he said, “Secretary Mu, since last year’s incident, I’ve been considering how to guide our nation’s youth onto the right path. How can they play a more important role in the construction of socialism? I won’t hide it. Before this, I had three years of military experience. From the military honor badges, I found inspiration. I think, an honor like a military badge is a way to correctly guide and awaken young people’s sense of honor and cohesion. Hence, I came up with the Young Civilization idea. I didn’t expect that my reckless actions would startle you. If there are any immature parts, please guide me, Secretary Mu.”

Mu Dingjian thought for a moment. Nie Zhenbang’s plan was mature with hardly any areas for improvement. But as a leader, he still needed to guide. This also showed that Nie Zhenbang was somewhat immature in politics, leaving no room for Mu Dingjian to perform. Fortunately, Mu Dingjian was not a petty leader. Otherwise, even a small mistake like this could have doomed Nie Zhenbang’s plan.

Now, it was impossible not to say anything. However, Mu Dingjian had not yet conducted a detailed and deep study of this plan. After some contemplation, Mu Dingjian looked at Nie Zhenbang and said, “Zhenbang, you’re still a clerk, right?”

Nie Zhenbang nodded and Mu Dingjian rapped his fingers on the desktop. After thinking for a bit, he made up his mind and said, “Zhenbang, this plan of yours is pretty good. There’s basically no need for significant changes. I think this plan is highly feasible. So, later, I will inform Director Guo to set up a preparatory group for the Youth Civilization program within Qinglian. You will be in charge of the main liaison work. Young people should take on more responsibilities. Especially intelligent young people like you with qualifications. You are an outstanding representative of the youth.. Do you have confidence?”