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In the afternoon of the same day, Nie Zhenbang took Li Lixue and Yang Anna back to Jingcheng. At this point, it was February, and Anna and Dong Wan were soon due to give birth. Sending them back to Jingcheng to deliver their babies was the most appropriate option. Moreover, Dong Wan spent New Year at the Dong’s house. The reason behind this arrangement was not clear. It was uncertain whether the Dong family wished to keep the child, or had other motives. However, at this moment, it was necessary for Nie Zhenbang to visit Jingcheng. At the very least, he should visit Dong Wan. Ignorance or indifference could provoke the anger of the Dong family, and Nie Zhenbang was too politically savvy to make such a mistake.

The journey from Tang City to Jingcheng was short. A distance of one to two hundred kilometers, which was now most conveniently covered by speedways. They entered Jingcheng in the afternoon.

In the evening, they spent some time talking to the old lady at the Nie’s residence. The old lady seemed quite happy. After the passing of the old master, even though she had a resident doctor, a housekeeper, and dedicated staff members to assist her daily, she still felt a certain emotional lack. Having her children and grandchildren around made her the happiest.

The next morning, Nie Zhenbang paid a visit to Elder Yang of the Yang family. At the Yang’s residence, Elder Yang was not home, and his father-in-law Yang Shengli had also gone out to visit some old friends.

This news got Nie Zhenbang thinking. Currently, among the second generation of the Yang family’s three brothers, the eldest, Yang Guangrong, was now the Minister of the Central Propaganda Department and a Political Bureau member. The second brother, Yang Jianjun, although not as prominent as his elder and younger brothers in the army, was a leading figure in a major military district. After all, the power of the Yang family was mainly concentrated in the government system, and for Yang Jianjun to have reached such a high-ranking position was quite commendable. The youngest, Yang Shengli, was the Secretary of the Jingcheng Municipal Committee and a Political Bureau member.

In other words, having two members of one family in the Political Bureau was indeed remarkable. With the Two Sessions approaching, it would set the stage for the prelude to the National Congress of the Party in the second half of the year. Yang Guangrong was about to resign while Yang Shengli could seize this opportunity to further enter the Standing Committee. At this time, it was necessary to start preparing and maneuvering for this.

After having lunch at the Yang’s family, as most of the main figures were not present, Nie Zhenbang made only a brief stay, then excused himself and left. He got into his car and headed towards the Dong’s residence in West Mountain.

The Dong family still treated Nie Zhenbang with much stiffness, which was understandable. Dong Wan, a highly revered woman with a prestigious family background matching that of the Yang family, was now reduced to a secondary status. This was a disgrace to the Dong family. The continuation of the interactions was only due to the leniency of Elder Dong.

“Zhenbang, to be honest, my son bears a great deal of dissatisfaction towards you. Once, I had high hopes for you to become my granddaughter’s husband. Unfortunately, fate has dealt its own hand,” Elder Dong said in his study, looking a bit worn-out. His health had declined considerably over time. His hair had completely turned white, and there was a noticeable decline in his overall energy.

Elder Dong and Zhenbang’s grandfather belonged to the same generation. To have made it this far was indeed remarkable.

Hearing Elder Dong’s remarks, Nie Zhenbang could only respond with a bitter smile. “Grandpa, I’m sorry.”

Elder Dong waved his hand, speaking gently, “Stop talking about these things. You, boy, are too rash. Were you seduced by Qiao’s boy? Did you feel that you couldn’t stay in Liangxi anymore, eagerly running to WangHai City to be Qiao’s pawn? If it weren’t for Wan and her mother, I wouldn’t have bothered with you.”

These words caused Nie Zhenbang some embarrassment. Before going, he was enticed by involvement in the Eastern Sea Group’s case. He had impulsively accepted Qiao Yiren’s invitation, driven by the excitement of personally championing justice.

Reflecting on this, he felt that he had indeed been too impulsive. The waters in WangHai were certainly deep, covering the possible layout for the central government’s changing plans this year, even implicating the Standing Committee’s positions. Offending people was inevitable. In fact, had he stayed in Liangxi City, even if he entered the Central Party School for study, it would have been an opportunity. After studying for a year or so, with the Yang family and Dong family backing him, and given the high regard for him by Secretary-General Yuan, and both Premier Yun and Vice Chairman Shen, he could have advanced directly to the bureau as a staff-level official. After a transition period of a year or so, when qualified under the leadership cadre appointment regulations, he could have been directly promoted to deputy ministerial rank. With this scheme, Nie Zhenbang wouldn’t have offended many political families and forces. But was there any room for regret now?

At this moment, Nie Zhenbang inwardly lamented, as it’s often said, Huaxia indeed had a “politics of the elderly”. Everything was in Elder Dong’s mind, which shows his strength. The saying “it’s a treasure to have an elder in the family” – in the folk context – meant that elders could help with whatever they could at home, but the current situation was far beyond that simple wisdom.

In such a family, the elders hold extraordinary significance. Having an elder means maintaining prestige and needing less detours. For instance, if the old master were still alive, he would certainly not let Nie Zhenbang go to Wanghai.

“Enough of your wistful thinking. Haven’t you always admired Taizu’s poetry? ‘One should keep a broad perspective in the face of adversity.’ Since you’re already part of the game, any other thoughts are futile. Your primary concern should be how to break free from this predicament. Remember this: stay true to the revolutionary spirit, follow the Party’s guidance and improve yourself. That’s enough.” After saying this, Elder Dong adopted a pose of deep meditation and signaled an end to the conversation.

Upon leaving the study, Nie Zhenbang spent a considerable amount of time talking with Dong Wan. He felt slightly guilty and remorseful towards this serene and unpretentious woman. From a practical standpoint, he thought of making up for his shortcomings by other means, even though he couldn’t meet her expectations for now.

After having dinner, Nie Zhenbang left the Dong’s villa and got into his car. He lit a cigarette and started contemplating. Elder Dong’s words, though straightforward, contained significant implications. He echoed the words Nie Zhenbang once uttered to his Uncle Nie Guodong: “Toe the Party line and tread in its path.” The underlying message was clear – whether in Jingcheng or in Huaxia, regardless of factional presence, maintaining good relations with Secretary General Yuan and Vice Chairman Shen was enough. Being good to oneself implied focusing on publication records, staying out of conflicts, and biding one’s time. With achievements, recognition from the Party Leader, and the support of Dong and Yang families, promotion would be inevitable.

For now, Nie Zhenbang’s primary concern was the ongoing situation in Wanghai. As Elder Dong had stated, finding a way out of this quandary was crucial.

There was no point in visiting his uncle, at least for the moment. The Jingcheng City Military District, Northeast Military District, and Quancheng Military District had recently undertaken joint military exercises. As the commander of the Jingcheng City Military District, his uncle had long since gone directly to the front line, making any visit futile.

That evening, Nie Zhenbang boarded a flight back to Wanghai City. Roughly around midnight, he emerged from Wanghai Airport.

As he exited the airport, he was greeted by Nie Jiamin and Gao Wei, both looking grave. The duo had done away with the festive spirit and were singularly focused on their mission in Wanghai City.

As Nie approached, Nie Jiamin informed him: “Li, we’ve uncovered something significant. Based on comprehensive investigations undertaken by Gao Wei’s team over this period, we’ve managed to detect a certain pattern to Lin Zhengxing’s smuggling operations. News received this morning suggested that a batch of oil is scheduled to dock in the Southeastern waters of Wanghai tonight.”

Upon hearing this, Nie Zhenbang’s expression turned severe and he asked in a low voice, “Wei, is your information reliable?”

The situation in Wanghai City had evolved into a complex web of alliances, with a single pull affecting the entire structure. Lin Zhengxing had constructed a vast network for his protection at the various levels, involved even the higher echelons of the army in his activities.

To challenge this order, a mere inquiry or an approach from certain quarters would hardly suffice, given the vertical hierarchy that institutions like customs, banks, oil companies, and the military implied.

In fact, the military and the local government were two independent systems. Hence, to cause disruption, one needed to round up the culprits along with the ill-gotten wealth and create a sensation to garner central-level support.

Nie Zhenbang had been seeking such an opportunity for a long time. Now, barely after New Year, an opportunity had presented itself, like a pillow to a drowsy man.

Gao Wei, very serious, nodded and said, “Third Brother, aren’t you familiar with my style? Secretary Qi and I haven’t just given up. We’ve merely shifted our operations underground. Moreover, through Xiao Shanming, we’ve managed to turn a customs official and received this information from that quarter. Tonight, both Minnan Oil Company and Wanghai Customs will be working as a shield for Lin Zhengxing’s oil tanker. This is our best opportunity.”

Upon hearing this, Nie Zhenbang didn’t hesitate anymore. Such opportunities were hard to come by. Lin Zhengxing’s smuggling routes were never fixed. No sooner did he contemplate a disruption than a golden opportunity presented itself. In view of the fleeting nature of such chances, he had to seize this one. Consequently, he also nodded and said, “Alright. Older Brother, prepare a select team immediately. I’ll join you in this operation!” (