Chapter 1274: Chapter 1229: To Leave Quietly Chapter 1274: Chapter 1229: To Leave Quietly Listening to Wang Suzhou’s words, Nie Zhenbang nodded. This was it, the resignation speech. Glancing around the auditorium, filled with leaders and cadres, Nie Zhenbang truly had something to say at this moment.

His gaze fell to the desktop where Xia Gang had prepared his resignation speech. It was proper and fitting, and Xia Gang knew his habits and preferences well. Nie Zhenbang had also thoroughly reviewed the whole manuscript, which indeed stuck closely to the principle of being pragmatic. The speech didn’t contain much empty rhetoric, nor did it frequently quote classics. It spoke with facts, based on facts. On a normal day, this would definitely be considered a high-quality speech. But now, Nie Zhenbang decided not to follow the script and recite it verbatim.

His work in Longxi was accompanied by a strong sense of mission. It was fair to say he had received immense trust and great expectations from the central leadership. He felt like he had been appointed in times of crisis, entrusted with significant responsibilities. Moreover, after this, he would be reassigned to the center, taking up the post of Deputy Prime Minister of the State Council and entering the core of the Nine Cauldrons. All these developments combined made Nie Zhenbang somewhat emotional.

Looking around at the audience, at this moment, every cadre from Longxi was listening attentively. Nie Zhenbang slowly began, “Respected Minister Suzhou, comrades. To be honest, I have many emotions regarding my departure. First of all, I firmly support the central committee’s decision and resolutely obey the organizational arrangements.”

It seemed like a conventional opening statement, but the key comrades of the Longxi Provincial Committee heard something intriguingly unusual in it.

In between the conventional opening, Secretary Nie added that he was quite emotional. Within the system, one should never underestimate the importance of such details in wording. Some leaders in the system even like to pick on words. They carefully weigh every word and phrase used in a leader’s speech, reflecting and scrutinizing, trying to deduce the leader’s thoughts from their expressions and tones.

Liu Zhentao was sitting upright, composed. Now everything was settled for him. Before Wang Suzhou officially announced the appointments and dismissals, there might have been worries of changes. But at this moment, Liu Zhentao felt the overall situation was decided. Nie Zhenbang’s choice of words also held certain implications, which Liu Zhentao savored. However, he wasn’t in a hurry. He was contemplating how to proceed with his inauguration speech.

Beside him, Wang Benchang also appeared completely at ease, but clearly, that was just the surface. The slight tremble of his body had betrayed his inner turmoil. Although there was still Liu Zhentao above him, he had finally crossed the threshold of becoming a minister, and excitement was inevitable.

The others had varying thoughts. Nie Zhenbang’s departure undoubtedly signified a repositioning and reshuffling within Longxi. If one could seize the opportunity to align themselves early in this process, it was something every person was considering. Especially since a position for a Provincial Committee standing member and secretary-general was now vacant. Quite a few qualified individuals were tempted.

Nie Zhenbang paused for a moment, then spoke in a deep voice, “Comrades, although I haven’t worked in Longxi for long, the simple and kind-hearted people of Longxi, and the diligent and responsible leadership cadres have left a deep impression on me. To be honest, I am reluctant to leave this warm land of Longxi. The three major projects have officially started construction, and the Provincial Party Committee and government, including myself, have put in tremendous effort. Leaving at this time, I feel like I’m deserting.”

“The camp is made of iron, the soldiers flow like water; the positions are made of iron, the officials flow like water. As party cadres, organizational discipline is mandatory. On this basis, everything is preconditioned on obedience to the organization. I believe in the central committee’s foresightedness, and I also believe that under the leadership of Comrade Liu Zhentao, Longxi will undoubtedly achieve splendid results.”

“In this short year, I have reflected on my work in Longxi. There were strengths, and there were weaknesses. The strength is in anti-corruption and eliminating evil, where we’ve had some success. Inside Longxi Province, the work style of party members and cadres have been revolutionized, which is a great benefit to the country and the people. I also have some regrets. There are things I wanted to do but didn’t. For instance, the people living in the poverty-stricken border areas of the province are still not well-off. Many students are still dropping out of school. These are things I overlooked. I believe the new leadership will complete the tasks I couldn’t, and the future of Longxi will be even more brilliant, the lives of Longxi’s people will be more stable and happy.”

As Nie Zhenbang’s voice fell, the auditorium burst into thunderous applause. Nie Zhenbang’s heartfelt words brought a refreshing feeling to the audience. His sincerity undoubtedly touched the hearts of all the cadres present.

Liu Zhentao was calm amid the internal waves. He was clear about the meanings in Nie Zhenbang’s words, as they emphasized several times the policy implementation of Longxi. That final summing statement about completing the tasks he couldn’t hinted at something worth pondering, undoubtedly reminding both himself and the leadership of the Longxi Provincial Committee that the current policies of Longxi needed to continue to be implemented.

The primary reason Liu Zhentao was so calm was that he had never considered otherwise. The facts proved that the policies and development plans set by Nie Zhenbang were the most suited for leveraging the developmental advantages of Longxi Province. Liu Zhentao wasn’t foolish enough to interrupt these just to assert “a new sovereign brings his courtiers”, risking resentment from Nie Zhenbang. Unlike most leaders who either retire or are reassigned after leaving office, Nie Zhenbang was different. He immediately became Deputy Prime Minister and would join the Nine Cauldrons by the end of the year, which made him a favored figure. Even if he moved to Jingcheng, Nie Zhenbang’s deterrent power would only increase.

Immediately after, Wang Suzhou spoke up, “Next, please let Comrade Liu Zhentao give his inaugural speech.”

Liu Zhentao stood up, bowed deeply, and then said, “Honorable Minister Wang Suzhou, Deputy Premier Nie, comrades, first of all, I resolutely support the central government’s decision and will unconditionally follow the organizational arrangements. I am grateful for the organization’s trust and care in allowing me to take over Deputy Premier Nie’s responsibilities and serve as the Secretary of the Longxi Provincial Committee. I will not let down the expectations of the organization nor the recommendation of Deputy Premier Nie. I will be diligent and dedicated, faithfully perform my duties, work hard, and make solid progress. I will ensure that all tasks in Longxi are successfully carried out…”

As soon as he began to speak, Liu Zhentao reeled off a string of slogans. Though they were not substantial in content, the act carried significant meaning. Sometimes, chanting slogans is in fact a practical thing to do.

Just take Liu Zhentao as an example. As the new top official in Longxi Province, shouting these slogans in front of all the party and government leaders of the province was not easy. Undoubtedly, it also conveyed a message that the policies in Longxi would continue to be upheld.

Following the end of the leadership meeting, all members of the Longxi Provincial Standing Committee gathered around Nie Zhenbang.

Liu Zhentao smiled and said, “Deputy Premier Nie, Minister Suzhou, the province has prepared a luncheon. I hope you two leaders would stay and dine with us.”

At that moment, Wang Suzhou laughed and said, “Deputy Premier Nie, what do you think?”

Nie Zhenbang pondered for a while and then replied with a smile, “I can’t decline such a warm invitation. Let’s have the meal. As for the comrades in Longxi, I know them well. Minister Suzhou can rest assured that the standards will not be exceeded in the slightest.”

Meanwhile, other leaders such as Wang Benchang, Luo Qiuliang, and Zhang Fangwen came forward, all congratulating Nie Zhenbang as well as bidding farewell.

Nie Zhenbang faced them with a smile and said, “Comrades, today marks the introduction of Longxi’s new Standing Committee team. There’s no need to pay attention to Minister Suzhou and me. Go and receive the review from the people and cadres. From now on, the future of Longxi is in your hands.”

In the VIP banquet hall of the Provincial Committee’s guesthouse, eight tables were set up, where the leading members of Longxi’s four major groups, retired comrades from within the province, and former leaders were all present. It was a joyful lunch where both guests and hosts had a great time.

At that moment, Liu Xiaomin also came forward, smiling and saying, “Secretary.”

As soon as she began to speak, Liu Xiaomin quickly realized her mistake and said, “Oh, no, Deputy Premier Nie. Soon you will be leaving Longxi. Many leaders from within the province are waiting outside. Do you think we should hold a farewell meeting?”

Hearing Liu Xiaomin’s words, Nie Zhenbang also laughed and said, “Comrade Xiaomin, you are not yet in office, and it is understandable that you are fulfilling the responsibilities of the Secretary-General for one last time.”

With that, Nie Zhenbang’s tone shifted, and he continued slowly, “However, there should be no farewell or send-off meetings. When I came to Longxi for my appointment, I came quietly by myself, and it was Minister Suzhou who escorted me. Now that I am about to leave, let me depart as quietly as I came. There were many shortcomings and inadequacies in my work in Longxi, so let’s not make a big fuss about it. Later, Minister Suzhou and I will get in the car behind the guesthouse, and we will head straight for the airport.”

After Nie Zhenbang finished speaking, Liu Zhentao also came forward, looking troubled as he said, “Deputy Premier Nie, I’m afraid this is not appropriate.”

Nie Zhenbang waved his hand, understanding Liu Zhentao’s meaning. The departure of a leader without any ceremony might seem a bit inappropriate, but Nie Zhenbang really wasn’t concerned about these formalities. Smiling, he said, “Secretary Zhen Tao, let’s skip the formalities. What’s most important now is the development of Longxi, and from today onwards, it’s all up to you. If there’s anything you need my help with in the future, just let me know. Even though I’m no longer in my position, I will not refuse to help where I can. Let’s dispense with all the fanfare of greeting and sending off. On one hand, the central government has repeatedly forbidden such empty formalities. Besides, there’s nothing much to send off. To borrow a line from a poem, ‘I have gone quietly, just as I came quietly. I wave my sleeve without taking away a cloud.’ If I can leave something behind for Longxi, I will be content. It will mean that my work in Longxi was not in vain.” (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to vote for recommendation tickets and monthly tickets on QiDian (wuxiaworld.site). Your support is my greatest motivation.)