Chapter 54: Chapter 54: Officialdom Layout_l
Translator: 549690339
After Liu Kun made the call, within ten minutes, a Santana had pulled up at the hotel’s entrance. In this era, a Santana was indeed the rare gem among sedans, surpassed only by a few luxurious cars like Mercedes and BMW in Jingcheng.
In other provinces and cities, particularly a place like Caoyuan Province, the Santana was unequivocally a status symbol. The car stopped, and a young man had already climbed out.
He was about 1.78 meters tall. He had long hair, similar to that of a bohemian man. His beard appeared unkempt which created an air of decadence.
Upon seeing Liu Kun, the young man was very enthusiastic, opened his arms wide and dramatically greeted him: “Kun, my old pal. It’s been a while. You’re not luxuriating in Jingcheng anymore, what brings you to this out-of-the-way place in Caoyuan province?”
Liu Kun at this moment also seemed very happy, he too embraced, playfully punching the man in the chest, and laughing said: “Look at you, getting more and more of an artist’s style. With those decadent eyes, I bet many bohemian girls are smitten. Really, does your old man allow you to behave this way?”
The initially joyful man, hearing these words, immediately toned down his enthusiasm. Although still wearing a smile, but less naturally: “Behave this way? I call it free love, understand? Anyway, my old man’s hands are full so he can’t bother with me right now.”
Liu Kun was disdainful of his friend’s remarks: “Our supreme leader once said that any courtship not aimed at marriage is hooliganism.”
Being a shrewd and agile character, Liu Kun knew that the hotel’s lobby wasn’t the place for such exchanges. Smiling he said: “Let’s go, I’ve reserved a box. I’m introducing you to a real VIP. In Jingcheng, he’s one of a kind. Nowadays, all my buddies are following him.”
The man was aware of Liu Kun’s family background, and seeing Liu Kun like this, the man became serious.
The moment the two walked into the private room, Nie Zhenbang stood up. It’s not that the man had significant rank or status. Nie Zhenbang was doing this purely out of respect for Liu Kun. Sometimes, these little details are the deciding factor for success or failure in certain situations.
Sure enough, seeing Nie Zhenbang’s actions, Liu Kun’s face also broke into a radiant smile, feeling proud in front of his friend. His ‘Third Brother’ was indeed giving him, Liu Kun, plenty of face.
Then, Liu Kun also laughingly went on: “Third Brother, let me introduce you, this is my childhood friend, my brother, Liang Ligui. He is the son of Deputy
Secretary Liang of Caoyuan Province.”
Nie Zhenbang also smiled, looking at this very bohemian Liang Ligui, and said: “In the Analects, there is a saying: ‘the rites are essential to harmony.’ Your father did choose a cultured name. Ligui, it’s indeed a good name.”
Upon hearing this, Liang Ligui gaped in surprise. Nie Zhenbang’s impression was too astounding. Their ages might not differ much, maybe Nie Zhenbang could even be younger. However, the aura exuding from him, as well as his wide knowledge, utterly shocked Liang Ligui.
Looking at Liu Kun next to him, he said: ” Kun, your brother is a real guru. This name of mine, has been laughed at by people all over Caoyuan Province for being too rustic. Third Brother, you are the first one to truly understand it. I admire you enormously.”
Liu Kun burst into laughter, a hint of pride appearing on his face: “Of course, why else would he be my Third Brother? Ligui, let me formally introduce you: this is Nie Zhenbang, the third son in his family. Just like me, you can just call him Third Brother.”
Nie Zhenbang motioned with his hand and laughed: “All right, all right. Let’s sit down. Eat and talk.”
All sorts of special dishes from the grassland were set on the table one by one. Milk cheese and fermented milk were also brought in. Liang Ligui, at this moment, was also paying attention and observing Nie Zhenbang. The introduction by Liu Kun earlier was rather ambiguous. However, a great deal had been revealed from the moment they met till now.
Liang Ligui was also aware of the background of Liu Kun’s family. Although the old man was a revolutionary martyr, the connections of the old man still existed. Today, some big figures in Jingcheng do look after the Liu family. Within their circle, Liu Kun was also considered a significant character. The fact that Liu Kun was allied with him showed that this third brother was not simple. Moreover, from the moment he entered, the third brother was courteous in his words, yet there was an underlying feeling of reserve and indifference. He didn’t care a bit about his own status. Besides, his surname was Nie. In Jingcheng, there were not many big shots with the surname of Nie. Thus, the identity of Nie Zhenbang was nearly exposed.
Despite Liang Ligui’s bohemian appearance, he was a capable assistant to Deputy Secretary Liang at home.
Subsequently, Liang Ligui stood up with a glass of liquor in his hand, “Third-Brother, this is our first meeting. I toast you a glass. I will drink it up, you can do as you please. Henceforth, if there’s anything I can help with in
Caoyuan Province, feel free to find me.”
At this moment, Liu Kun was also nodding with satisfaction. Just as Nie Zhenbang had guessed, Liu Kun had called Liang Ligui over with this intention in mind. Ever since his visit to the Soviet Union, Liu Kun had understood; neither he nor the others in the Jingcheng circle were a match for Third
Brother. Fortunately, he was now considered a trusted confidant of the Third Brother.
There’s a saying that when one person achieves enlightenment, even his pets ascend to heaven. Not to mention bringing good fortune to his neighbors, at least he can help a couple of old friends or brothers, which is feasible.
However, having too many was not acceptable. After all, Nie Zhenbang was Nie Zhenbang, and he was himself. For Nie Zhenbang, something might be easy, but it would still depend on whether the others were willing.
Now that Liang Ligui has taken this step on his own, then with him adding a few more words on the side, only if Nie Zhenbang does not object, it will mean that he has been integrated into Nie Zhenbang’s network.
Thinking of this, Liu Kun immediately said with a smile, “Third Brother, there’s something I would like to bother you with. ‘Ligui’s father has been out of luck recently, do you think you could give him some advice?”
In Liu Kun’s view, Nie Zhenbang’s advice was nothing more than using the power of the Nie family. Now, Nie Zhenbang was also pondering. At present, the situation of the Nie family is that they have substantial prestige in the military. After all, the old man is from a military background, and is currently the second highest-ranking official in the military. Besides, his eldest uncle Nie Guodong is currently serving in the Xibei Military Region, and only needs to complete this term, reach the mandatory retirement age, and get promoted to a high-ranking position in the Military Region. This is inevitable. However, the Nie family is presently somewhat weak in the government, whether it’s connections or anything else.
For someone like Nie Zhenbang who has a clear understanding of future events, the role of the military will greatly diminish in the future. The number one leader of the later generations all came from the government system. Therefore, how can Nies increase their status and networking in the government system is something Nie Zhenbang needs to ponder about.
When they were in Yuedong, he and Guo Ming did establish an initial relationship in Peng City. They believe that afterwards, the old man will be able to seize this opportunity to consolidate this symbiotic relationship with Deputy Governor Guo. Now, if they can integrate Deputy Secretary Liang into the Nie family’s network, along with their current connections in government, they will also represent a significant force.
Immediately, Nie Zhenbang also laughed and said: “Oh? Brother Ligui, just lay out your troubles. Let’s hear it.”
Seeing the encouraging look in Liu Kun’s eye, Liang Ligui immediately laughed and said, “It’s not a big deal really. Third Brother, as you would understand it, it’s the year of the governmental turnover. Currently, apart from my dad, Wang Botao, the province’s executive deputy governor, is also eligible to compete for the governorship of Caoyuan Province. Behind Deputy Governor Wang stands the Wang family. Right now is the Wang family’s heyday. My dad, being a pure civilian, only recognized Kun’s old man back in Jingcheng. Right now, he has the will but lacks the power.”
Liu Kun’s father is about five to six years younger than this Deputy Secretary Liang. Yet, even so, this Deputy Secretary Liang, from a deputy departmental level in Jingcheng, managed to climb to the current deputy ministerial level. This proves the strength of his capabilities.
The Wang family were the main forces under Comrade Xuri, and were the backbone of the conservative faction. In the past, they were both civil and military, supporting the conservative faction with the Nie family. Nie Zhenbang is familiar with the Wang family-he knows they don’t have outstanding members in the third generation.
Thinking about this, Nie Zhenbang stood up and said, “Ligui, waited with Kun, I have a phone call to make..”
