Reborn as a Noble's Son

Chapter 406: Chapter 390 Prime Minister Summoned_2
Ever since he shut down those factories, Nie Zhenbang had been prepared for consequences. However, he hadn’t expected the higher-ups to react this quickly. On the other end of the phone, Shen Yanshuo said solemnly, “Mayor Nie, this is a huge matter. Why didn’t you report to the Provincial Committee beforehand? You’ve even caused a diplomatic dispute, an international incident. Have you lost sight of your organization and your superiors?”

Although the State Council had taken over the matter, that didn’t stop Shen Yanshuo from reproaching Nie Zhenbang. Nie had caused such an uproar just months after his arrival in Jiangbei. Shen felt it was necessary to reprimand him now before something else could happen in the future.

“Yes, Secretary Shen, I admit my recklessness in handling this matter. I ask for the organization’s criticism. But Secretary Shen, you weren’t there at the scene. Those three American enterprises weren’t investing, but planting time bombs. They were highly polluting chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing enterprises without any protective measures. Waste water and residue were discharged directly into the Liangxi River without any treatment. This is an attack on the lives of six million people in Liangxi City. I impulsively ordered them to suspend operations.” Nie Zhenbang lowered his stance.

In politics, being right doesn’t necessarily save you. For example, in this situation, while the fault clearly lay with the American enterprises, Shen Yanshuo’s critique was not incorrect. The involvement of a diplomatic dispute meant Nie Zhenbang should indeed have reported to the Provincial Committee and Government. If he had, the provincial authorities may not have been put in such a passive position.

Therefore, after Shen Yanshuo’s stern words, Nie Zhenbang admitted his error straightforwardly, accepted criticism, and expressed an open-minded willingness to learn.

With Nie accepting the reprimand, Shen Yanshuo fell silent. After a moment’s pause, he said, still somewhat angry, “Don’t let this happen again. As for why I’m calling, do you know? The State Council’s office just called me to tell you to rush to Jingcheng tonight and explain the situation to Prime Minister Yun Bo. Also, prepare for tomorrow morning. You might have to attend a press conference held by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Remember, the image of Jiangbei Province is in your hands. Perform well.”

After hanging up, Nie Zhenbang was stunned. He had expected the central government to intervene as it was impossible for the arrogant Americans to keep quiet. If it led to an international dispute, the government was bound to step in. However, Nie Zhenbang hadn’t anticipated the central government would bypass the Provincial Committee and reach out to him directly. He had initially expected the central government to inquire with the Provincial Committee, who would then contact him.

Now that this middleman has been bypassed, Nie Zhenbang felt some joy. If it was left to the province, a punishment would definitely be on the cards. But now, if he could manage to navigate this hurdle from the central government smoothly, it was likely nothing would come from the province. It was good news for him. Also, the prospect of advocating his system philosophy to Prime Minister Yun Bo once again excited Nie Zhenbang. He did not seek significant outcomes; any effort to reduce environmental pollution was inherently a good deed.

Immediately, Nie Zhenbang stood and ordered his assistant, “Xiaoyi, prepare four tickets to Jingcheng. Add Liu from the Environmental Protection Bureau, the Bureau’s director Du, and Chen, and the Legal Department Director of the Public Security Bureau.”

This arrangement was meticulous. According to media reports, the American companies’ disclosure issues mainly revolved around two points: legal operation and the local government’s use of a violent mechanism for enforcement. Taking the Environmental Protection Bureau was necessary to provide a formal investigation report, and having Chen clear up the facts was also important.

The group departed immediately, heading directly to Jiangzhou Airport in three vehicles. After a three-hour flight, they landed at Jingcheng City International Airport. As they exited the airport, a man in his thirties or forties came to meet them.

Upon seeing this man, Nie Zhenbang’s face changed. He hadn’t expected Prime Minister Yun Bo to send a secretary to meet him. Promptly, Nie Zhenbang turned to Chen Le and Yi Jun, instructing, “The two of you go rest at our Liangxi City Office in Jingcheng. Keep your phones on; I may need to reach you at any time.”

The moment he finished, Nie Zhenbang hurried over to greet the middle-aged man, smiling, “Secretary Qian, I didn’t expect you’d come.”

As Yun Bo’s secretary, Qian Shangjin held the official title of Deputy Director of the State Council’s office. With this status, he was at least equivalent to a provincial Deputy Governor. Naturally, Nie Zhenbang couldn’t afford to be negligent.

Qian Shangjin, too, smiled at this moment, saying, “Mayor Nie, long time no see, you’ve become even more impressive. I found this recent incident quite satisfying. Let’s go, the leaders are already waiting for you in the office.”

As they left the airport, a black Red Flag was parked in the airport’s parking lot. After they got in the car, Qian Shangjin gave a command to the driver. The car, plastered with all kinds of permits, drove straight out of the airport, speeding all the way to the gates of the State Council.

Underneath the brilliantly red national emblem, lay the magnificent office building. Next to it, stood a giant sign, “State Council of the People’s Republic of Huaxia”.

Under Qian Shangjin’s guidance, without any pause, they went straight upstairs, followed Qian Shangjin into the Prime Minister’s office. At this moment, Qian Shangjin also whispered, “Zhenbang, you sit first. I’ll go out.”

At this moment, Prime Minister Yun Bo was engrossed in his work, writing vigorously. As a prime minister of a great nation, the task of managing countless affairs was not an exaggeration, especially for Prime Minister Yun, who was hands-on and diligent. He carried the demeanor of a founding Prime Minister.

Prime Minister Yun had a frail appearance, completely different from the type of local officials with protruding bellies. After waiting half an hour, Prime Minister Yun finally finished writing the last word, put the documents aside, lifted his head, and looked at Nie Zhenbang. He then took off his glasses and said, “Little Nie has arrived. Do you know why I called you over this time?”

Nie Zhenbang nodded, then he took out a file from his briefcase and handed it over, saying respectfully: “Mr. Prime Minister, I understand, my inconsiderate actions have caused trouble for the country. Please critique me. These are the onsite photos of Wilgang and the other two companies, as well as the test and inspection reports from our city’s environmental protection agency. In addition, there are also audio recordings of our city’s police department’s communication with the opposing party. Please take a look.”

Seeing as Nie Zhenbang took out several documents from the bag, despite admitting his mistake, how could Prime Minister Yun, of all people, not discern his attitude?

Subsequently, Prime Minister Yun also chuckled and scolded: “You little rascal, you’re still audacious. Running to the Soviet Union back then was just like this, you haven’t changed. By the look of confidence on you, it seems you are on the side of justice. Well then, let me look at your report first.”

Opening the materials Nie Zhenbang handed over, Prime Minister Yun scrutinized them carefully, his brow and expression wrinkling occasionally as he delved into the report.

The environmental bureau’s report was well organized by Du Nianchun, clear and structured. Du Nianchun also knew that this report would undoubtedly be forwarded to higher levels, but he did not know that it would be shown to the Prime Minister.

The first part was accompanied by many photos, starting from the joint action of the environmental bureau and the public security department, conflicts in front of the factory gates, their subsequent entry – all were photographed. Then, it depicted the drainage outlets built along the river by the three factories, with various close-up photos, as well as the condition of the river water. Seeing the open-air drainage ditch, Prime Minister Yun’s brows furrowed.

The next part is the separate test results of wastewater and waste residues of the three enterprises. The results were thrilling, this waste water could be described as a poison. The latter part of the report was the water quality test report and biological test report of the polluted sections along the coast of Liangxi River.

After reading these, Prime Minister Yun’s expression also became serious. He lifted his head, looked at Nie Zhenbang and asked, “Zhenbang, are these data true?” (