Chapter 749: Chapter 705 Nie Family’s Gathering_1
Others, including He Yitao, were aware that at this point, it was probably time to get down to brass tacks. The room suddenly fell silent.
Nie Guodong, however, was smiling as he said, “This time, I’ve gathered everyone. It has no other meaning, mainly to talk about the current dilemma of the Nie family.”
With those words, the third generation appeared somewhat confused, but Nie Zhenbang appeared thoughtful. His gaze glanced over his uncle and second father-in-law. At this moment, it seemed as though he had picked up on something.
Nie Guodong continued, “I presume you all know that both Xiao Zhenchang and I are already sixty-three years old. We Ni’s come from the military, and while we currently hold positions within the government system, through Guowei and father-and-son Zhenbang, the military traditions cannot change.”
Hearing this, Nie Zhenbang understood. According to national regulations, the retirement age for officials at the ministerial level was sixty-five.
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For national-level officials, the retirement age could be extended up to sixty-eight at the most. However, everyone knew quite well that usually, members of the highest echelon would retire after two terms.
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By this calculation, Nie Guodong and Xiao Zhenchang basically only had this term left. After this term, both would be sixty-seven years old.
Nie Guodong had served as the military’s number two for two terms and could not continue. This was because Qiao Yiren had been reassigned to the central government to serve as the head of the party school last year. This clearly marked Qiao Yiren as the next generation leader. In addition, comrade Mu Dingjian was also reassigned to the State Council to serve as vice premier.
As the saying goes, ‘New king, new men’, Nie Guodong had reached his limit. As for Xiao Zhenchang, although he currently holds a senior military position, he would be overage after this term. Thus, both of their simultaneous departures would inevitably affect and damage the prestige of the Nie faction within the military.
The room fell into silence. Those who could see the implications weren’t fools, while those who couldn’t figure it out, like He Yitao, lacked the political sensibility of such prominent families due to his family background. However, He Yitao did not speak out rashly.
Nie Zhenbang, however, chose to speak up at this moment, “Uncle, it seems that you and my second uncle will have to hold on for a while now.”
Didn’t the Nie family have any trusted subordinates in the military? Of course not. The old man had many worthy students all over the country. Nie Guodong and Xiao Zhenchang also had many trusted subordinates within the military. However, the concept was completely different. For these prominent families, it is only when their direct descendants rise to prominence that they can truly feel at ease.
However, currently Nie Jiamin was just a senior colonel in the Yuedong Military Region. The gap between him and the top of the military was still far too wide.
At thirty-six years old, holding the rank of senior colonel isn’t anything spectacular for Jiamin, considering his father’s lofty military position. The military’s promotion system has always been a separate entity from civilian advancement and this achievement is not something notable.
However, it is not easy to ascend from the rank of senior colonel. Earning the star of a general requires rigorous scrutiny at various levels, and finally, the confirmation from Director Shen.
Listening to Nie Zhenbang’s words, Nie Guodong could only helplessly nod, however, his confidence seemed to be lacking.
Although retirement doesn’t mean complete oblivion and there will be some level of respect left, it hardly compares to the old man, a founding hero whose honor cannot be erased by anyone. This is where the weakness of Nie Guodong and Xiao Zhenchang lies.
Beside them, Xiao Zhenchang finally spoke, “Well, given the circumstances, I believe there’s no need for us to be disheartened. Our family may be in an unfavorable situation, but Anbang’s family situation isn’t that promising either. We should always look ahead. The transition from the old to the new always leaves a power vacuum, which is inevitable for any family.”
Hearing his father-in-law’s words, Yang Anbang’s face also showed some concern. He nodded and said, “Dad is right. Our family is the same. After this term, my uncles and my dad will also have to step down. But in our generation, my eldest uncle and second uncle’s kids aren’t up to par. The only one with a bit of an advantage is my elder brother, Yang Anguo. However, compared to Zhenbang, he is of no significance.”
His words somewhat cheered up the Nie family. Nie Jialei also nodded and said, “Yes, dad. Now that Uncle Nie has been appointed as a member of the State Council, he will undoubtedly be appointed as Vice Premier after the New Year. As for Zhenbang, he’s now a deputy ministerial-level official. If things go well, it’s not impossible for Uncle Nie to get into the core of the ruling body. After all, Uncle Nie is only 56 years old.”
Hearing Nie Jialei’s words, Nie Zhenbang couldn’t help but smile. How optimistic Jialei was, but well, it wasn’t without reason. After all, the old man’s recent appointment as a member of the State Council seemed to hint at his intention to replace President Leng.
However, Nie Zhenbang was well aware of the reality. In the next term, it would decidedly be Mu Dingjian who would take over the reins. As for his father, Nie Guowei, it would certainly be exceptional if he could even join the game.
Nie Jialei paused, and then continued, “Dad, I see no need to worry. Uncle Nie is just fifty-six years old and already a deputy national leader. Two terms later, he will only be sixty-four years old. He may even stand a chance to join the ruling core. With Uncle’s support, we will all have grown in these twelve years.”
While Nie Jialei’s words were indeed optimistic, they were not without their rationale. Nie Guodong pondered for a moment, then nodded, “That’s really the only way forward.”
In the following discussions about the current state of affairs, everyone returned to the main hall. The whole family sat around watching TV.
Meanwhile, Nie Jialei, Yang Anbang, Nie Zhenbang, and He Yitao gathered at a table to play mahjong in the western wing.
Nie Jiamin leaned on the side, observing the four men play. From time to time, he would assist He Yitao with advice, chuckling, “You’re all powerful leaders and capitalists. Have you heard the old saying? That one’s skill in cards reflects one’s character.”
At his words, Nie Jialei laughed. “You little rascal, where did you hear that nonsense? Let’s hear it.”
After the New Year, Nie Jialei’s position was expected to move. Turning forty, a transfer to a ministry-level position was still feasible. So, Nie Jialei began to exhibit a certain demeanor of a rising leader.
Nie Jiamin replied with a smile, “Playing cards well shows intelligence; a refined approach reveals strategic thinking; refusing to surrender when losing demonstrates strong competitive spirit; daring to play risky strategies suggests a powerful backup; remaining cool whether winning or losing shows leadership potential.”
Then, seemingly pleased, Nie Jiamin asked, “What do you think, big brother? Isn’t that phrase quite insightful?”
“Insightful? I’d say it’s more foolish. How did a high-ranking military officer like you end up learning all this rubbish?” Nie Jialei laughed and scolded.
“Well, it’s not that surprising, big brother. Nowadays, society’s atmosphere is quite restless. Local officials are all style and no substance. A phenomenon like this isn’t all that unusual,” Nie Zhenbang chimed in. Things have greatly improved compared to the previous generation, be it in national mentality or in terms of national power. But that’s not to say all kinds of chaos doesn’t exist in various parts of the country, a situation that can’t be remedied overnight. It requires a gradual process for change.
If their mahjong game ended after 10 PM, the elderly lady had already retired for the night. After all, she was already in her eighties, close to ninety.
In the main hall, the only ones remaining were the women and children of the younger generations, watching TV. Nie Guowei, on the other hand, was residing in the study in the back, reclining on the couch and taking a moment of rest.
Nie Zhenbang walked up to him, picked up a coat to cover his father. Just at this moment, Nie Guowei opened his eyes, saw it was Nie Zhenbang, and promptly sat up with a smile, “Have you young fellows finished your game?”
“It was just to bond over a game. As you know, I’m not very fond of it,” Nie Zhenbang replied with a chuckle.
At that moment, Nie Guowei picked up a cigarette from the coffee table and lit it to boost his spirit. He then said, “This time, your uncle’s worry isn’t without reason. However, no matter what, our Nie family has managed to preserve the foundation that your grandfather laid for us. It’s like a baton, passed from your grandfather to your uncle, and now it’s time for us father and son to take it.”
Nie Zhenbang nodded, his expression rather serious, “Dad, you can count on me. I’ll do my best.”
Seeing this, Nie Guowei’s face expressed a great sense of relief. After the brilliant era at the founding of the country, the influence of various families in Jingcheng had gradually begun to wane. The era of a hundred schools of thought has come. The rise of Director Shen and his group proves this. The fact that the Nie family could still maintain its current standing was no small feat.
Then he nodded, “Zhenbang, this time, I’m afraid Elder Nan might not make it. In the next couple of days, you should find time to pay him a visit. After all, you’re considered Elder Nan’s godson.”
After being assigned to Jingcheng, Nie Guowei became much better informed in many aspects. Knowing this was to be expected.
Nevertheless, Nie Zhenbang was somewhat taken aback. One could say that Grandfather Nan was his amulet, the reason he dared to be so radical and risky. That was mainly because he had Grandfather Nan’s support.
“Dad, when did this happen? Why didn’t you tell me earlier?” Nie Zhenbang asked, his face quite solemn.
Nie Guowei didn’t mind his son’s attitude. It was a natural reaction. He also fully understood the importance of Elder Nan to Nie Zhenbang and to the Nie family.
He then let out a bitter smile, “The news just came in a couple of days ago. After the New Year, President Yuan, Director Shen, Old Yang, and other leaders repeatedly visited Elder Nan. From what was relayed, it seems quite unlikely the elder will make it through this time.” (To be continued. If you like this novel, please vote at qidian.com. Your support is my greatest motivation.)