Chapter 369: Chapter 360: Various Statements_1
Listening to Elder Nan’s words, Nie Zhenbang nodded his head, and then said, “Elder Nan, rest assured. In my future work, I will definitely maintain a modest and cautious attitude towards my work. I will stay grounded and strictly demand myself as a party member to make contributions for the country and the people.”

In front of Elder Nan, such slogan-style speech is necessary. Although there is a close relationship between him and Elder Nan. But this is not solid, he will perhaps intervene in some cases for me. However, Nie Zhenbang is also very clear, although Elder Nan is his godfather, he belongs to the whole country. His considerations are always based on interests of the state, not on his own or the Nie family.

Nie Zhenbang’s words also satisfied Elder Nan. The slogan-style speech is not about what Elder Nan must hear, in it, what he wants to see, is mainly Nie Zhenbang’s attitude. Clearly, Nie Zhenbang’s current attitude had satisfied Elder Nan. Elder Nan then nodded and said: “Hmm, having such a mentality is good. Parents cannot protect you for a hundred spring times. You trust in heaven, earth, and your parents, In the end, you can count only on yourself. I’m pleased you have such an idea. Go home and spend more time with your grandfather. In the next few days, many people are expected to visit and pay their respects to your grandfather. As the heir of the Neo family’s third generation, your behavior is vital.”

Elder Nan’s words are already very unambiguous. If the old Nie’s condition were critical, it would be normal to withhold it for a while, but at this point, when he’s at death’s door, there’s no need to keep it a secret.

Various Jingcheng family clans, the current party, and national leaders, will come to visit. This is a process that must be followed. If the news of Elder’s death was withheld until his death, it would give a bad impression to the various families in Jingcheng and also appear narrow-minded.

The meaning of ‘performance is crucial’ is clear. Within the system, there is such a popular saying, ‘do not underestimate young people’s poverty.’ What a family is valued by others is still the abilities of the future talents in this family. If a family is weak in the future, even if this generation is in power, however mighty and brilliant, this might, has no foundation and is but a castle in the sky. Once this person dies, all the power and privilege will disappear with him. It is the talents of the future that others value. This is also the reason why Elder Nan wants Nie Zhenbang to perform well.

After returning from Mei Xiang Park, Nie Zhenbang went straight to the Yang family house. As a son-in-law of the Yang family, Nie Zhenbang’s visit was not hindered in any way, and he went straight into the living room.

As it was New Year’s, most of the Yang family members had already returned. Seeing Nie Zhenbang enter, both Yang An Bang and Xiao Yali stood up. As the nephew of the Nie family, Yang An Bang was well aware of Nie old’s critical illness and was ready to offer his condolences.

On the other hand, Elder Yang had already stood up and said to Nie Zhenbang, “Zhenbang is here. Shengli, you and Zhenbang come to my study with me.”

After finishing speaking, Elder Yang walked towards the study with his hands behind his back. Nie Zhenbang quickened his steps to keep up with Yang Shengli’s pace, and called out softly to Yang Shengli, “Dad.”

Hearing Nie Zhenbang’s words, Yang Shengli nodded his head and said solemnly, “Elder’s time is running out. This time, your Nie family might face some oppression. Even we, even Elder Nan, can’t do anything about it. This is Jingcheng’s rule. No one dares to break it now. You have to prepare for the pressure.”

Nie Zhenbang also nodded his head and followed him into the study. Elder Yang was now sitting on the grandmaster’s chair. Looking at Nie Zhenbang, Elder laughed and said, “Zhenbang, I am relieved and happy to see that you have such an attitude in these circumstances. It is sufficient proof that you have matured. Very good.”

After a pause, the elder’s expression became serious, “Zhenbang, once your grandfather is gone, fear is, the other families may have some ideas. Your grandfather was wise his whole life, but there is no one to succeed him. Looking at the Nie family now, fear is, we’ll have to rely on you.”

The words of the old elder of the Yang family are very direct, which makes Nie Zhenbang a little uncomfortable. However, he understood. Only those who genuinely care would point out the Nie family’s current situation so bluntly.

Nie Zhenbang nodded and said in a low voice, “Grandpa, I understand. Before I came, I went to Mei Xiang Park.”

When Elder Yang heard that Nie Zhenbang had visited Elder Nan, he looked surprised. Elder Yang didn’t expect Nie Zhenbang to be so bold, but there was a flash of admiration on his face. Only such characters could be called outstanding talents, and it was a great fortune for the Nie family to have such a son. Then, Elder Yang also nodded his head and asked, “Oh? What did Elder Nan say?”

Nie Zhenbang would naturally not quote Elder Nan directly, and after a moment’s silence, he slowly said, “Elder Nan meant that we should keep a low profile and make people our standing point.”

Although these words were not spoken by Elder Nan, they were in line with his meaning. At this moment, old Yang couldn’t help but nod his head and then said, “If the commander-in-chief says so, then I am reassured. Although the Nie family will be affected, it will not be driven to a dead end. As long as you do solid work, the day will come sooner or later when you’ll rise again.”

When he returned to the military general hospital, in the room next to Elder’s patient room, there was a room provided by the hospital for family members to use when they rested.

After Nie Zhenbang had recounted his experiences with Elder Nan and Elder Yang in the room, it was quiet.

After a moment of silence, Nie Guodong raised his head and said in a mild voice, “It seems that our military might face some serious influences this time. Zhenbang, in the future, our Nie family will have to rely on you three brothers.”

…

The news of Elder Nie’s critical condition couldn’t be concealed any longer. That very afternoon, Elder Nan hurried over to visit Nie and console his wife.

Right after, the Yang and Dong family patriarchs also rushed over to extend their wishes. The next day, Generalist Secretary Yuan and Prime Minister Yun arrived together at the medical centre for military officers.

Following the visit to Elder Nie’s bedside, Secretary General Yuan even spoke kindly to Nie Guodong and Nie Guowei for a while.

Secretary General Yuan’s actions expressed his attitude. As the commander of Jingcheng City Military District, this was his way of communicating his stance to the world.

The next day, Elder Nie’s physical condition dramatically worsened. At one point, his breath even stopped. By this moment, Yang Anna and Dong Wan had also hurried over.

Nobody in the Nie family had any time left to deal with Li Lixue. At this point, Nie Jialei came in with a grave look on his face. His serious expression proclaimed, “Dad, uncle, the Li family has arrived.”

Among the high-ranking officers in Jingcheng, there were quite a few surnamed Li. But the ones truly addressed as the Li family referred to Li Guohua’s household. The Li family patriarch was also a founding hero of the country. He has served key posts in the government, and was once the deputy to the first Prime Minister. Later, he served as the Prime Minister as well. He could be said to be a prominent figure in the government. His students and former subordinates are scattered across every level of government across the country. Within the government line, the Li family is undoubtedly the first household.

“What are the Li family here for? To shed crocodile tears? We are from the military, they are from the government, we usually don’t have much interaction. Moreover, Grandfather had a disagreement with the Li family back then. I’ll go ahead and chase them away.” Nearby, Nie Jiamin frowned and got up.

Nie Zhenbang frowned —Nie Jiamin had always been a very straightforward person. In the past, with Grandfather there, there were no problems. However, if this simplicity was exploited in the future, it could be a threat to the Nie family.

Immediately, Nie Zhenbang spoke, “Jiamin, try to keep calm. Guests mean no harm. Regardless, Elder Li is here to visit your grandfather. Don’t let outsiders say that we Nies do not understand courtesy.”

Nie Guodong likewise was full of appreciation and nodded in agreement, “Exactly, Jiamin, a person of success should at least hold their emotions under control. You’re still too inexperienced, you should learn a lot from Zhenbang.”

Having said this, Nie Guodong stood up and looked at Nie Guowei and said, “Guowei, since Elder Li has personally come, let’s go out to greet him. This will prevent anyone from saying that we Nies lack manners.”

As Nie Guodong and Nie Guowei left the room, an elderly man of about ninety years old, with a full head of white hair, walked in from outside.

He was wearing gold-rimmed glasses. Even though he had some age spots on his face, he seemed to be in good health. As soon as he entered, he walked towards Nie’s wife with an appearance of sadness, “I’m sorry for coming late.”

The head of the Li family — this was Nie Zhenbang’s first encounter with him. In his previous life, when the Nie family had fallen onto hard times, the Zhou family alone had caused the Nie siblings to scatter to the winds. In those days, the Li family represented an unattainable existence for Nie Zhenbang.

The old lady was also forcing herself to stay strong, smiling painfully and saying, “Old Li, you’re too kind. Having you guys visiting him makes my husband’s life worthwhile.”

Through the glass window, Elder Li checked on Elder Nie’s condition. He then turned around and looked at Nie Guodong and said, “Guodong, Elder Nie has dedicated his entire life to his country. It’s not easy. Please feel free to speak up if you need any assistance. We will put forward our national resources to assist you.”

As he spoke, Elder Li suddenly looked at Nie Zhenbang and said with a smile, “This is Zhenbang, right? Not bad, truly exceptional company. You really are a phoenix among men.”

Elder Li’s statement stopped the Nie family in their tracks, and Nie Zhenbang began to ponder. What did Elder Li’s words mean? What was his aim? At this critical moment, it was indeed worth contemplating. (To be continued… If you enjoy this work, you are welcome to vote, and recommend it on qidian.com. Your support is my greatest motivation.)