Chapter 1269: Chapter 1224: Facing It Calmly Chapter 1269: Chapter 1224: Facing It Calmly Just as Nie Zhenbang had anticipated, around eight in the evening, a piece of news began circulating online. It was unclear from which website it originated, but that news started to spread. According to reports, a certain high-ranking official mentioned in the newspapers–full of vigor, with a wealth of experience in governance, and a profound background–is currently serving in a province in the Great Xibei.

In addition, some vague information about Yang Anna, Dong Wan, and Li Lixue was also leaked. To outsiders, it seemed partial and incomplete, like playing the pipa with a half-veiled face. However, anyone with a slight understanding of the system could easily grasp the implied meaning. The information pointed directly to Nie Zhenbang and his associations with Anna and the others.

This method impressed Nie Zhenbang, as Ling Baodong seemingly spared no effort for his own sake. The information came from a small website, and, in fact, that site might have been temporarily created just to leak this specific news, likely without even an ICP registration. With such a site, the server used was probably not genuine. As a result, sooner or later, the investigation would hit a dead end, and it would be impossible to find the real culprit behind the scenes.

However, this tactic brought a smile to Nie Zhenbang’s face. A classic case of wanting to be a whore and establish an archway of virtue. Ling Baodong’s approach was undeniably an act of absurdity.

Some things do not need evidence, especially under such circumstances. Everyone else could see clearly.

Around eight thirty, there was a sudden burst of frantic knocking at the gate of the courtyard. Upon opening the gate, a flurry of flashlight bursts ensued. Even though Nie Zhenbang was prepared, the scene still startled him. Ling Baodong truly went to great lengths.

“Who are you? What are you doing?” Nie Zhenbang asked sternly.

Nie Zhenbang naturally exuded an aura of authority that reverberated throughout the scene, causing every reporter to tense up. They weren’t dealing with a celebrity they used to chase and badger; this was a minister-level official, a member of the Central Committee–someone who was part of the country’s leadership. Even this kind of unannounced interview was, to be strict, illegal.

After a pause, one of the reporters slowly spoke up, “Secretary Nie, hello. I am a reporter from the ‘Capital Evening News.’ This afternoon and evening, a rumor suddenly spread through newspapers and online. According to some informants, Secretary Nie, you have three wives. How do you explain this matter?”

Nie Zhenbang gave the reporter a profound look, seeing the evasion in his eyes behind the lenses. Greed leads to death. Squashing such a person would be as simple as saying a single word. However, Nie Zhenbang would not stoop to such actions.

At Nie Zhenbang’s level, he was like an elephant, and this reporter was merely an ant. If an ant bites an elephant, the elephant won’t bother to lift its foot. Why? Because it’s too lazy to bother.

After pondering for a moment, Nie Zhenbang calmly said, “Since you’ve already come all this way, then come in. Let’s talk in the living room.”

After seating the visitors in the living room, with Anna sitting beside him, Nie Zhenbang introduced, “Let me introduce everyone, this is my wife Yang Anna, who is currently working with the National Women’s Federation. Regarding some of the things that were spread today, I only glanced at the ‘Capital Evening News.’ As for what was rumored online, I am not very clear about it. What I want to say here is, I will retain the right to pursue legal responsibilities against those with ulterior motives.”

“Secretary Nie, do you have two close female friends named Dong Wan and Li Lixue?” another reporter asked.

“Indeed, that’s true,” Nie Zhenbang stated, immediately acknowledging the fact, which excited everyone. However, Nie Zhenbang then continued, “I believe that a person’s life consists of learning, living, and working. Throughout one’s growth, surely one would not only come into contact with the woman who is one’s wife.”

At this statement, everyone fell silent. Nie Zhenbang’s words were undoubtedly true; no one could only be acquainted with their wife as the sole female in their life. Classmates, colleagues, or even ex-girlfriends–everyone has a few female friends, right?

Nie Zhenbang went on, “Dong Wan is the daughter from the courtyard next to mine, and she and my second brother Nie Jiamin were classmates. That’s why I know her, and we have a good relationship. That isn’t illegal, right? As for Li Lixue, we met in Russia. Back then, I went there for business, and fate allowed us to become acquainted. Later, she came to Jingcheng and opened Dynasty Club. We became familiar–that’s not illegal either. My wife Yang Anna is fully aware of these matters; they are very good sisters.”

“So you mean they are what you’d call ‘close female friends’?” probed another reporter.

“Yes, close female friends,” Nie Zhenbang acknowledged promptly, sparking an uproar among the crowd.

However, Nie Zhenbang continued, “I don’t know if everyone understands the meaning of the terms ‘red-faced confidante’ and ‘blue-faced confidante.’ A red-faced confidante refers to a female friend with whom one has spiritual independence, equality of soul, and can achieve deep resonance. She is not just a trash can for you to dump your emotional troubles in, or a nest you seek out only when you’re wounded by the outside world. This is a form of spiritual communication. What, are you all surprised? Do you think that a red-faced confidante is a lover? A mistress? If so, I can only say regretfully, I’m saddened by the filthiness of your thoughts.”

Following that, these reporters also interviewed Yang Anna. In the face of the journalists, Yang Anna was very calm and composed. When speaking of Dong Wan and Li Lixue, Yang Anna was also incredibly natural, frankly admitting that they were very close sisters. The three of them had great interactions and often gathered together for meetings and the like.

On the other hand, some journalists also found Li Lixue. Li Lixue appeared very calm as well, presenting a series of documents, including a marriage certificate–all of which had been prepared in advance.

The same went for Dong Wan. Facing the journalists, Dong Wan was extremely composed and calmly acknowledged that she was indeed very good friends with Nie Zhenbang. But what did that prove? Dong Wan’s responses were identical to Nie Zhenbang’s.

…

Past ten o’clock in the evening, within the Forbidden Sea. At President Qiao’s house, the living room was brightly lit. President Qiao, along with several high-ranking officials from Jiuding ranked in the middle, was accompanied by two senior ministers, Wang Suzhou and Ji Jianning.

Everyone’s gaze was very solemn and serious. President Qiao then slowly said, “Is there no more loyalty to the party? To leak every little thing. Is he still a party member? For political struggle, one resorts to any means necessary. For personal gain, he disregards everything. How can we trust such a person in a leadership position?”

President Qiao’s words were powerful and resonated with a strong sense of dissatisfaction; everyone knew who and what he was criticizing.

Ling Baodong’s move was indeed inappropriate. Perhaps, he was already aware of that. His sole purpose was to bring down Nie Zhenbang. However, Ling Baodong hadn’t calculated the performance from Nie Zhenbang’s side.

Since the incident unfolded, Nie Zhenbang handled everything with composure. Yang Anna, Dong Wan, as well as Li Lixue all denied the rumors, quickly turning the situation around, much to everyone’s admiration.

After pondering for a moment, President Qiao looked at Ji Jianning and said, “Comrade Jianning, the Propaganda Department must seriously investigate the involved entities. Regarding the reports involving senior party leaders without deliberation, what is their purpose? This indicates that there are still serious management issues within the Propaganda Department. You must take this seriously, and those responsible must be dealt with strictly.”

At this point, Liu Zhenjun from the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection thought for a moment, then slowly said, “President Qiao, according to reports from below, and many letters of complaint have also been sent up, Huang Jiangguo, the deputy mayor of Yuzhou City, is suspected of serious disciplinary violations. The Commission’s intention is to take immediate shuanggui measures against Comrade Huang Jiangguo.”

In making this suggestion, Liu Zhenjun had his own considerations. As a discipline inspection representative, Liu Zhenjun once worked under Eldest Zhuang, Zhuang Aiguo. Although he couldn’t be considered his closest confidant, he still held a certain sentimental bond. Afterwards, when Comrade Jia Minfu took charge of the Commission, both he and Nie Zhenbang maintained certain relations and connections. Now, with the trend going in President Qiao’s clear direction, Liu Zhenjun raised this issue. It may not be a timely aid through the snow, but it was undoubtedly a form of support for Nie Zhenbang.

As Liu Zhenjun’s voice fell, the two leaders beside him nodded and said, “Secretary Zhen Jun’s suggestion is very good. I agree to investigate.”

“The work on fighting corruption and advocating integrity has always been our focus. No matter which level of official is involved, we must investigate thoroughly. I also agree with Secretary Zhen Jun’s opinion.”

“Regarding the personnel issue of Comrade Nie Jialei, I think there is no need for further consideration. Just proceed with your previous proposal, Chubei Province is a good choice,” President Qiao once again spoke up.

With these words, no doubt, President Qiao had expressed his support for Nie Zhenbang. Though it seemed unrelated, everyone could see it. In such circumstances, with Nie Zhenbang at the center of this storm, he not only had no trouble, but an investigation had also commenced into Yuzhou City, while his elder brother Nie Jialei was appointed as the governor of Chubei Province. All these actions spoke volumes.

Wang Suzhou was not very surprised, yet he was cheering for Nie Zhenbang in his heart. This kid’s tactics were practically divine. Then, agreeing, he said, “Yes, Chief, the department will publish the notice of the intended appointment tomorrow morning. After that, I’ll personally speak with Comrade Nie Jialei.”(To be continued. If you like this work, welcome to Qidian (wuxiaworld.site) to vote for recommendation tickets and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)