Chapter 368: Chapter 359 Meeting with Elder Nan_1
Two days? Deng Xianping was taken aback. Even though he was a pure scholar, this didn’t mean he knew nothing. As the son-in-law of the Nie family, he was certainly not oblivious. Elder Nie’s life was critical. As long as Elder Nie was alive, others would have to tread carefully. No one could guarantee whether Elder Nie would make a comeback. But if he were to pass away, others would lose this restraint. Forget about pressuring, for the Nie family to keep their comfortable position would be impossible.

Political families in Jingcheng have always been subject to changing tides. There’s a saying circulated in the city, “I don’t care how stronger you are than me. I don’t care how much greater your abilities are than mine. I only care about how many more years I can live compared to you.”

It might sound like a fairy tale. However, it is indeed the reality. For example, if there are two old men and one is more capable, during his lifetime, he can completely suppress the other. Naturally, the family represented by the capable one is stronger.

But once the capable elder passes away, the previously suppressed elder becomes the senior figure. The family business built up by the capable elder during his lifetime would be threatened and after that, the suppressed elder’s family would rise. Fortune turns with time. It’s your turn this year, but it can be mine next. Under mutual checks and balance, no family in Huaxia can claim to be the top family.

Two days, most likely, Nie Zhenbang was seeking foreign aid. Subsequently, Deng Xianping remained silent. Given Elder Nie’s health condition, he didn’t dare to promise anything casually. Such things shouldn’t be mentioned lightly. If the promise can’t be fulfilled, it may affect Nie Zhenbang’s overall plans.

After some thoughts, Deng Xianping said solemnly, “Yes, but at most, I can only guarantee for two days. Given Older Nie’s current health state, two days would be the utmost limit.”

Nie Zhenbang nodded, two days were enough to get a lot done. He then bowed to Deng Xianping and said solemnly, “Uncle, I entrust everything to you.”

Coming out of the sickroom, Nie Zhenbang’s face was very calm. Looking at the elder members of the Nie family, he then said, “Uncle, I’ll leave it all to you. I must go out now. Tonight, I would like to visit Elder Nan.”

Nie Guodong understood the meaning of Nie Zhenbang’s words. Perhaps this was precisely why Grandfather had chosen Nie Zhenbang as the successor. Compared to Nie Zhenbang, neither Nie Jialei nor Nie Jiamin, not even himself, had the advantages Zhenbang had. The advantage of being the son-in-law of the Yang family, with a Dong family of unclear loyalty behind him. More importantly, Nie Zhenbang was considered the godson of Elder Nan. Just for this tie alone, the Nie family had enough to stay upright.

Know that Elder Nan’s health condition was not something Elder Nie could compare to. Moreover, Elder Nan was three years younger than Elder Nie, he was only 87 years old now. For these party and national leaders, being in their eighties is just synonymous with recent retirement. This is a normal age range.

If Elder Nan were to express his opinion, it was believed that other families in Jingcheng would not dare to act too recklessly. With this thought, Nie Guodong also nodded and said, “Okay, Zhenbang, everything is up to you. Remember, as of now, you are representing the Nie family. Think thrice before acting.”

This statement from Nie Guodong had a sense of transferring authority, a veiled acknowledgment of Nie Zhenbang’s leading position in the Nie family.

Xiao Zhenchang, standing aside, was also taken aback. He had not expected his disregarded nephew to have grown to this extent. Anyway, it was good that his second daughter was in good terms with this child. Yet, from now on, he should also adjust his attitude.

At this moment, looking at Nie Guodong, under such circumstances, everyone in the Nie family had hidden their petty thoughts. Aunt and younger aunt were no exceptions. They all understood, harm to one is harm to all, glory to one is glory to all. At this time, nobody would be the drag.

Subsequently, Nie Zhenbang also seriously said, “Uncle, please rest assured. I will not let everyone down.”

After leaving the military hospital, Nie Zhenbang went home once. The vast Nie estate seemed quiet at the moment. The old lady was not in good spirits. With her husband critically ill, she seemed to have sensed something. These few days, she was not very energetic.

When Nie Zhenbang returned, the old lady had already retired to bed. Asking the housemaid to prepare more soups for the old lady to nourish her, Nie Zhenbang then turned to leave.

Walking into the living room, Nie Zhenbang immediately picked up the phone and dialed Elder Nan’s number. After a few rings, a male voice came over from the other end, “Hello!”

Nie Zhenbang knew who it was – Zhou Dawei, Elder Nan’s secretary. Given Zhou Dawei’s rank, if he wanted to, he could become a vice governor of any province without any problems. At this moment, Nie Zhenbang didn’t dare to dilly-dally and immediately smiled and said, “Uncle Dawei, hello. I am Nie Zhenbang, may I ask if Elder Nan is free now?”

Zhou Dawei on the other end seemed hesitant but then in a low voice replied, “Zhenbang, the Chief just fell asleep. Why don’t you call back some other time. How about in two hours?”

Elder Nan’s sleep quality was not good, this was not unbeknownst to Nie Zhenbang. Hearing Zhou Dawei’s words, Nie Zhenbang was not offended. It wasn’t Zhou Dawei putting on airs. From another perspective, this was a display of the people’s innermost reverence and love for Elder Nan.

Just as he was about to speak, Elder Nan’s voice came over the phone: “Xiao Zhou, what’s up? It’s about that kid Zhenbang, isn’t it? Hand me the phone.”

From the other end, Zhou Dawei’s troubled voice came: “Chief, you should rest first. I’ve already scheduled a time for Zhenbang…”

Before he could finish his words, Elder Nan’s voice piped in: “It’s Zhenbang, isn’t it? He’s back? I knew it. I bet he would call me. I couldn’t sleep a wink this afternoon.”

“Grandpa Nan, I’m really sorry for disturbing your rest. Grandpa Nan, would you have time tonight? I’d like to visit and wish you a Happy New Year in the evening.” At this moment, Nie Zhenbang didn’t have the luxury of hesitation. For Nie Zhenbang and the Nie family, it had now become crucial to make every second count. If Elder Nan was resting, Nie Zhenbang wouldn’t disturb him. But since Elder Nan had picked up the phone, Nie Zhenbang had no reason to hesitate.

Upon hearing this, Elder Nan chuckled: “Alright, come over at half past seven in the evening. As a retired old man, I’ve got all the time in the world.”

…

The car effortlessly passed through the defence line of the Forbidden City. Mei Xiang Park, where Elder Nan currently resided.

As soon as they got out of the car, a man who looked to be around fifty greeted them. This was Zhou Dawei, Elder Nan’s personal secretary. Upon seeing Nie Zhenbang, Zhou Dawei greeted him with a smile: “Zhenbang, when you called in the afternoon I was considering that the Chief had just settled down to rest… so…”

That Zhou Dawei could speak in such a manner already bestowed a lot of respect to Nie Zhenbang. As the acting secretary of the chief, Zhou Dawei was of high rank.

Nie Zhenbang didn’t dare disrespect Zhou Dawei. He promptly replied with a smile: “Uncle Dawei, you’re too polite. Ensuring Grandpa Nan’s health is your job. How could I object to it?”

Upon hearing Nie Zhenbang’s response, Zhou Dawei laughed with some admiration in his eyes. He then said, “Zhenbang, follow me. The Chief is waiting for you in the study.”

Under Zhou Dawei’s guidance, Nie Zhenbang proceeded directly to the study in Mei Xiang Park. Zhou Dawei then walked over and knocked on the door. From within, Elder Nan’s voice emerged: “Has Zhenbang arrived? Send him in.”

Walking into the room, the antique study didn’t appear to be much different from what it was over a year ago. Below Elder Nan’s small stature emanated an air of authority; he still seemed as energetic as ever. Seeing Nie Zhenbang, Elder Nan smiled gently, motioning towards the sofa in front of the desk and slowly said: “Sit down, Zhenbang.”

After Nie Zhenbang had taken a seat, Elder Nan spoke again: “Zhenbang, your grandfather, I’m afraid he’s on his last legs.”

Nie Zhenbang nodded. He knew Elder Nan was aware of his grandfather’s critical illness. There was no point in trying to hide it, and Nie Zhenbang had no intention of doing so either. He nodded straightforwardly, “Yes, Grandpa is feared to not have much time left.”

After a pause, Nie Zhenbang looked at Elder Nan and asked, “Grandpa Nan, I mainly came here to discuss my grandfather’s affairs after his passing. According to my grandfather’s will, he does not want a memorial service of any kind after his death. Some of his ashes would be placed in Mount Babao, and some would be returned to his hometown for burial. What do you think?”

Elder Nan was no ordinary person. Although President Yuan held power now, there was no doubt that Elder Nan was the country’s foremost figure. Some matters were clearly understood by him, even without them being spelled out.

Upon hearing Nie Zhenbang’s words, Elder Nan remained silent for a moment. The inevitable end of life could not be evaded, and despite even he being cognizant of that fact, he couldn’t help but reflect a tinge of sorrow. A decades-old friendship, a veteran comrade had reached his end; to say he wasn’t upset would be a lie.

Elder Nan looked at Nie Zhenbang and slowly said, “As for Elder Nie’s matters after his passing, carry out his last will and testament. You needn’t worry about anything after Elder Nie’s passing. Work hard; I am aware of your performance in Liangxi City. Able to unite comrades and respect leadership, that’s good. In the future, always stay humble and vigilant. I have faith in your abilities. Do well. The country and your grandfather will not forget your contributions to the nation.”

As he listened to Elder Nan’s words, Nie Zhenbang’s heart was put at ease. The implication was clear. Elder Nan was subtly telling Nie Zhenbang that the high-tech military technology obtained for the country was being remembered by the nation. Even though it couldn’t be openly discussed, it served as an amulet for the Nie family. Work well, with him watching, no one would dare to blatantly target the Nie family. (To be continued. If you like this novel, welcome to qidian.com to vote and support. Your support is my greatest motivation.)