Reborn as a Noble's Son

Yan Fengjiao had encountered situations like this before. Basically, it was impossible to please both sides. If you catered to one leader, you naturally offended another. Regardless, the Li County Development Zone held the advantage, being both the first development zone in Bazhou City and the first county-level economic development zone in Xibei Autonomous Region. Its reputation was established; achievable success there would attract universal attention and smooth advancement. These opportunities were clear to all the leaders in Bazhou City, just low hanging fruit ripe for the picking. Were it not for Nie Zhenbang’s strong leadership, the position of

Party Committee Secretary might not necessarily be his. The same could be said for her position as director of the Management Committee, which she might not have obtained had Liu Wenqing himself not given specific approval. Consequently, the Deputy Directors of the Management Committee, the Deputy Party Secretaries, and several positions in the Bureau of Commerce became a battlefield for factions to contend over.

She and Nie Zhenbang now found themselves in the middle of this struggle, vulnerable like a loaf of bread, in constant danger of being flattened.

Now, Nie Zhenbang mentioned having new ideas regarding the personnel appointment issues. Yan Fengjiao looked at Nie Zhenbang curiously, her expressive eyes hinting a mixture of spring warmth and flirtatious charm, “Director Nie, do you have more new initiatives? I’ve heard that Director Nie is an open-minded person who dares to think and act boldly. Witnessing it firsthand, the reputation proves to be well-deserved.”

Nie Zhenbang also felt a little embarrassed at this moment. It was unusual to be called open-minded and daring by a female colleague, especially one who radiated mature charm, in the office.

Subsequently, Nie Zhenbang also smiled and said, “I think that with so many people vying for positions, we can learn from the developed regions in the east and carry out open selection under such circumstances.”

Open selection?

Yan Fengjiao was also dumbfounded. From a literal perspective, the meaning was easy to understand. It was likely akin to having a cadre election. Whoever won would assume leadership. But was this plan a bit too bold?

By this time, Nie Zhenbang had stood up, and he said, “County Mayor Yan, I think we should decide on this matter. I believe open selection will be an important method of cadre selection in the future. As leaders of the new era, we should have this courage and boldness. The first person to eat the crab should always be daring.”

Then, after tidying up his belongings, Nie Zhenbang turned to Yan Fengjiao and said, “County Mayor Yan, I have to thank you for this idea. Shall we go to Secretary Liu together? I’d like to report this matter to him.”

But Nie Zhenbang’s style of daring to think and act boldly seemed to have affected Yan Fengjiao invisibly. Notably, this was an accurate representation of his reputation. Everyone said that Nie Zhenbang of Li County was very pragmatic. It now seemed this reputation was well-deserved.

By the time their vehicle arrived at the city committee, it was already two in the afternoon. The moment Liu Wenqing saw Nie Zhenbang and Yan Fengjiao walk in together, he was startled. Soon after, he broke into a laugh, “Well, it seems you two have formed an excellent team in the development zone. With Director Nie overseeing comprehensive work, and Comrade Feng Jiao filling in the gaps, I think it’s working out well. Now, to what do I owe a visit from the two prominent leaders of the development zone? Are you here for funding? Let me clarify first. The city is poorer than you. I don’t have the money.”

Everyone knew that this was just Liu Wenqing’s way of joking. On the side, Yan Fengjiao also laughed and said, “Secretary Liu, what are you thinking? Do Director Nie and I appear to be begging?”

Female officials sometimes had such advantages. In some situations where male officials would not dare to joke with their superiors, female officials could. As was the case here.

At that moment, Nie Zhenbang also laughed and said, “Secretary Liu, County Mayor Yan and I came here mainly to report to you, and the organization, about the staffing framework of the Development Zone.”

Upon hearing about the personnel issues in the development zone, Liu Wenqing’s face turned serious. Currently, the Li County Development Zone was a coveted prize. Liu Wenqing knew well that the development zone was a place where political achievements could easily be made; promotions were undeniable. It was like a cake that everyone wanted a piece of.

Liu Wenqing hadn’t planned to inquire into the staffing arrangements at the development zone. His silence could be seen as a test of Nie Zhenbang and his team’s capabilities. Being an official required not only exceptional abilities but also unparalleled skill in interpersonal communications. No matter how talented, an official who could not win over his staff would be surrounded by opposition and enemies everywhere. That wasn’t the kind of official that Liu Wenqing held in high regard.

Although Liu Wenqing knew of Nie Zhenbang’s powerful background, and that the future path wouldn’t require his conscious worrying, this did not mean that Liu Wenqing couldn’t test Nie Zhenbang.

However, at this moment, Nie Zhenbang took the initiative to approach, even bringing Yan Fengjiao with him, voluntarily bringing up the personnel issues of the Development Zone. Liu Wenqing found it hard to refuse at this moment. He watched Nie Zhenbang and habitually tapped on the table, saying, “Oh? Regarding personnel arrangements in the Development Zone, have you already come up with some ideas so soon?”

“Secretary Liu, in terms of personnel issues in the Development Zone, my suggestion is to consider conducting a public selection of cadres within the entire city. At present, for several major positions, many city leaders have greeted both Director Yan and me. This puts us in a certain predicament. Adopting a public selection of cadres would result in fairness, openness, and justice. As the masses supervise and leaders assess, this will ensure the capable rise and the mediocre fall. Nobody would disagree with this approach, would they?”

Fair, open, and just

Liu Wenqing also repeated these words, thinking that this approach was insightful. It would be the first time for him to publicly select cadres, which was an innovative problem to tackle. Looking at Nie Zhenbang, he asked, “Public selection? This is indeed a new approach. But won’t there be some problems with this method? Have you thought through everything? I know your character well; you never engage in battles without a certain win. It must be that you have a well-thought-out plan before daring to say so.”

True public selection of cadres should start in few years. There was no such concept at that moment, however, Nie Zhenbang believed that it should not be a big issue to implement it. Nie Zhenbang then responded with a smile, “Secretary Liu, I wouldn’t say I have a completely thorough plan. Nonetheless, I have thought about some principles such as: The Party governs cadres principle; The principle of meritocracy, combining virtue, and talent; Recognized by the masses, emphasis on performance principle; Open, equal, competitive, and the best candidates principle; The principle of democratic centralism; Principle of law-abiding. In addition, regarding the qualifications for application, I suggest that anyone wishing to apply for a leadership position should have at least five years of working experience and two years of leadership experience. As for colleagues from some departments who would want to apply for a primary level position, they should have at least two years of experience in a deputy primary position. At the moment, these are my thoughts. They might seem a bit bold and I would appreciate your guidance, Secretary Liu.”

At this moment, Liu Wenqing couldn’t help but admire Nie Zhenbang. Nie Zhenbang’s performance was surprising. Public selection was an innovative move. If it had a good effect, Nie Zhenbang’s contributions would indeed be remarkable.

After a moment of contemplation, Liu Wenqing responded with a smile, “The plan is well-constructed, and you’ve considered all aspects. I don’t really have additional comments. As for exam topics, you can jointly discuss it with the Ministry of Organization of the Municipal Party Committee. Minister Fang is experienced in organization matters and knowledgeable in personnel selection. I approve your plan, which could also help you avoid a lot of trouble.”

Time was of the essence. Such a matter was now the focus of the entire Bazhou City. The longer it dragged on, the greater the pressure on Nie Zhenbang and Yan Fengjiao. It was crucial to finalize the matter as soon as possible and shift all pressure onto the Municipal Party Committee, making it easier for Nie Zhenbang to carry out his work.

The negotiation with Fang Gushan was very straightforward, likely because Liu Wenqing had already communicated with Fang Gushan earlier. After discussing with Nie Zhenbang, the main assessment for the Development Zone revolved around economic construction and attracting investment. In Nie Zhenbang’s view, the leaders who come to the Development Zone must be capable and experienced in investment promotion.

Nie Zhenbang and Yan Fengjiao rushed back to Lixian that afternoon. The following morning, the Bazhou Daily published a piece of news on the front page, attracting immediate attention from all Bazhou’s officials.

“Notice on Li County Economic and Technological Development Zone Publicly Selecting a Batch of Cadres within the Entire City.” The entire notice was written in great detail, covering the principle of employment, examination conditions, and detailed procedures.

At that moment, in the office of the Xibei Autonomous Region, Jiang Zhenquan’s secretary Tang Qingming brought in a newspaper saying, “Secretary, the front-page news of today’s Bazhou Daily is quite interesting.”

To Tang Qingming’s surprise, Jiang Zhenquan lifted his newspaper and responded with a smile, “Xiao Tang, you’re referring to Lixian’s public cadre selection, aren’t you? Nie Zhenbang is indeed bold. However, this plan is intriguing. It’s a rare initiative. If implemented well, it could gradually be promoted nationwide. This time, Nie Zhenbang’s accomplishment list is surely going to have another notable addition.”

Hearing Jiang Zhenquan’s words, Tang Qingming was stunned. At Jiang Zhenquan’s level, he could grasp some insights on the thoughts of the central senior officials. At this moment, the fact that Jiang Zhenquan didn’t show any anger about the public selection of cadres, but appeared quite pleased instead, suggested that the central government had likely already begun exploring this selection method.

At this moment, Nie Zhenbang had no idea that his actions had once again caught Jiang Zhenquan’s attention. All he knew was that he had a headache as he sat in his office. Because, the very moment he arrived at work, Dong Wan and Li Lixue officially visited under the name of Wal-Mart Group. (.)