Reborn as a Noble's Son-Chapter 788 - 744: Sparrow and Swan_1

Chapter 788: Chapter 744: Sparrow and Swan_1

Bashu Province, populated and ethnically diverse, stands out for its geographical location and natural resources, connecting both north and south, and east and west.

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First and foremost, this introductory statement impressed Sun Jialuo. It wasn’t an excerpt from any reading material; rather, it was a personal summarization.

Bashu Province, when mentioned, conjures up a number of thoughts. Many would quote the phrase “the journey to Shu is difficult.” Others would refer to it as the “Tianfu Country”. However, there seems to be a universal understanding that Bashu Province is a landlocked western region, symbolically plagued by poverty and backwardness.

However, in Nie Zhenbang’s notes, Sun Jialuo found a unique point of view — the geographical advantage of Bashu. It does indeed possess this advantage, with the Golden Waterway of Dajiang River connecting the city to the port of Hucheng City, and the arterial Wangtian Highway. With its pronounced geographical advantages, Bashu has the potential for holding a significant position in the west, center, and east of the country.

Viewed in a vertical perspective, you would find Longxi Province to the north and Qianzhou Province to the south. In this sense, Bashu Province’s geographical position truly stands out.

‘In order to accelerate the “Enrich People, Empower Province” strategy and promote balanced development across all industries within the province, a three-year development plan has been formulated.’

From this three-year plan, one can see that Nie Zhenbang reveals strategic insight. The “three years” isn’t in the literal sense, but rather it refers to the years 2006, 2007, and 2008.

Indeed, by 2008, it would be time for a new term of office. This alone proves that Nie Zhenbang is a strategic planner.

What follows is Nie Zhenbang’s vision, which is quite surprising to Sun Jialuo. It defines a three-stage model for provincial development. The first step is to accelerate the mechanization of agriculture, to address the growing issue of rural labor migration, and consider farmland consolidation for the development of large-scale farming or breeding. This would boost agricultural productivity while increasing farm income and rural wealth. The second step is to speed up the reform of state-owned enterprises and rearrange resource advantages under the guidance of the provincial party committee government and the provincial state-owned assets supervision commission. It will reorganize all industries in the province equitably to create large-scale provincial enterprises. By forming industry clusters in cities such as Huazhi City for steel and energy, and Changhong City for electronics, and developing a liquor industry based in Wuliang City, it will strengthen the ability to resist market risks and establish provincial industrial groups. Finally, the third step is to broaden the development of tertiary industries, make rational use of the province’s tourism resources, increase promotion, and attract a batch of internationally competitive tourist investment groups…

Sun Jialuo, being familiar with administrative matters, was astonished by these three aspects. He felt a deep respect for Nie Zhenbang’s adept strategic insight. Indeed, an expert reveals himself by his actions.

Furthermore, Nie Zhenbang meticulously outlined the developmental strategies for transportation, health, education, civil affairs, and other areas. If this blueprint is executed successfully, the GDP of Bashu Province could rank the eighth highest in the country after just three years. This would be a leap from its current awkward twentieth ranking, representing a remarkable turnaround.

Having finished reading, Sun sees Nie Zhenbang walking over from the playing field. Before Sun can speak, Nie Zhenbang greets him with a smile, “Old Sun, you’ve finished reading?”

“Yes, I’ve finished,” Sun Jialuo replies, still somewhat awestruck. He stops for a moment before saying, “Zhenbang, I have to say, I genuinely admire you. Comparing you to me is like comparing heaven and earth. Whether it be in thought or action, the gap is monumental.”

Sun Jialuo’s words seem unsatisfactory to Nie Zhenbang. This old fox was still cautious and reluctant to make a commitment.

However, Nie Zhenbang didn’t show any annoyance on his face. He naturally sat down on a bench, looked at the clean expanse of the grassland, and the rows of aspen trees that neatly divided the golf course.

“Old Sun,” he grinned, “Let’s put aside our ranking differences today. I just want to ask you as a friend and classmate: What do you think is the difference between a sparrow and a swan?”

Nie Zhenbang’s question took Sun Jialuo aback, his mind trying to unravel the hidden meanings behind those words. Upon hearing this, the first saying that came to Sun Jialuo’s mind was — how could a sparrow understand the ambition of a swan? This meant that a sparrow couldn’t comprehend or appreciate the ambitions of a swan; the two were fundamentally not on the same level.

Thinking of this, Sun Jialuo also laughed and said: “Zhenbang, is this considered a test for me?”

Aside from the joke. Sun Jialuo then said seriously: “If I remember correctly, this phrase comes from the ‘History of the Chen She Nobility Clan’. In my opinion, the difference between the sparrow and the swan lies in their differing visions and ideals. As the saying goes, our ideals define our future. A person who only dreams of being a farmer will never be an entrepreneur. I believe that the swan strives to reach greater heights because it refuses to be satisfied with the status quo…”

At this point, Sun Jialuo seemed to have picked up on Nie Zhenbang’s intentions. Nie Zhenbang was subtle, this was his way of hinting at something. Laughing self-consciously, Sun Jialuo shook his head and said: “Zhenbang, to be honest, I don’t have the energy for that anymore. I am getting old, nearly fifty-eight now.”

Nie Zhenbang didn’t mind Sun Jialuo’s response, it seemed that his arrival had dampened Sun Jialuo’s motivation to strive. It’s understandable, anyone faced with such a young, promising provincial governor in their thirties would lose confidence. With regards to seniority, within provincial and ministerial officials, no one dared to compete with Nie Zhenbang.

Then, Nie Zhenbang laughed and said: “Old Sun, I think you’re mistaken. Fifty-seven is not old. After this term, you will just turn sixty, and by then, should be able to serve a full term as a minister. And even considering retirement, still chances are there of reaching a vice national level.”

At this point, Nie Zhenbang did not wait for Sun Jialuo to respond, but continued: “Old Sun, the sparrow remains a sparrow because it has lost the confidence to fly higher, and thus, it loses the opportunity of a swan to see further. Believe in me and believe in yourself, you still carry the potential of a swan.”

At this moment, Nie Zhenbang became absolutely sincere, saying: “Old Sun, I’m the kind of person who focuses on the issue rather than the person. My view is that each time one is in authority, he should bring happiness to his jurisdiction. I’m thankful to the organisation for their trust and support, and also thankful to many friends for their selfless help. During my political career over the past decade or so, I, Nie Zhenbang, dare not say I have been outstanding or perfect, but at least I can say, I have no cause for regret.”

After a pause, speaking at this moment required skill, it was not easy to move Sun Jialuo. These words needed to be heard and digested by Sun Jialuo. To be gentle yet forceful, he must leave Sun Jialuo with a moment to think.

Seeing Sun Jialuo’s reflective expression, Nie Zhenbang continued: “Old Sun, this time, I came to Bashu Province heeding my father’s wishes. To tell you the truth, my father, though good at maintaining, was inadequate in pioneering work. During his years of working in Bashu Province, despite progress being made in the development of the province, it was not significant. I am here now, and I have deep affection for Bashu. My grandfather was born here, and my father and I have taken turns governing here. So, I am very eager to do something for Bashu Province. That’s why, in the past two months, I’ve been travelling throughout the mountains and rivers of Bashu. That’s why I have this plan.”

At this point, Nie Zhenbang’s palm was now on Sun Jialuo’s shoulder, sincerely saying: “Old Sun, the enormity of this plan, I believe, you have also seen, I alone cannot accomplish this. This requires the full support of the provincial government. And now, you are the most important link in my eyes. Let’s join hands and do something for the mountains and rivers of Bashu, for the people of this land, let’s leave our mark.”

Silence, brief silence. At this moment, Sun Jialuo’s innermost feelings are struggling, when did he forget his previous passion? When did his youthful face start to change, in this big dye vat of society, the thoughts for the country and the people have been hidden, all that’s left are intrigue and speculation.

Holding office to bring happiness to people, this phrase, he didn’t know when it just became his mantra, but it was just that, a mantra.

But at this moment, Sun Jialuo once again felt the long-lost purity from Nie Zhenbang. He once again felt the fearlessness of his ignorant times.

At this moment, Sun Jialuo had a feeling that he had to try one last time, regardless of the consequences. He had already clenched his fist unknowingly and abruptly stood up. He looked at Nie Zhenbang and said: “Zhenbang, to tell you the truth, I feel like I’ve aged. But, just now, after hearing what you had to say, it seems like I can continue. Well, since it’s come to this, I’ll accompany you and give it a shot.”

Sun Jialuo’s words brought a smile to Nie Zhenbang’s face. This was a sincere smile. In addition to getting the support of the provincial committee for his plan, the most critical thing was still the strength of execution. Therefore, as the Executive Deputy Governor, Sun Jialuo’s attitude was very important. So, he had been so earnest.

He then laughed and said: “Old Sun, it’s not that serious. Why put on such a generous face of self-sacrifice? I believe, years from now, when you look back, you will absolutely not regret the choice you made today.” (To be continued. If you like this work, please come to qidian.com to vote, your support is my greatest motivation.)