Nie Zhenbang's words were harsh, at least, that's how they felt to Nie Jialei at that moment. Watching Nie Zhenbang in a casual demeanor typical of the stubborn Beijing folks, Nie Jialei saw the nonchalance on his dismissive face as if he had done something trivial. However, Nie Jialei was aware of the impact that this article had on the Nie family. The fact that even the old patriarch was startled was proof of the severity of the situation. Yet at this moment, Nie Jialei did not know how to respond. Thinking back to his time at work, although everyone was respectful due to his background, that was merely surface-level courtesy born out of fear of his power. It was only because Deputy Prime Minister Huang was his maternal grandfather that they acted so. However, after the article was published, Nie Jialei noticed a clear change in his colleagues. The hypocritical smiles were replaced with sincerity. Relationships between colleagues were much more harmonious than before. Moreover, many admired him because, in their eyes, Nie Jialei was a man of the people. There was no need for superficial politeness or secret precautions.
With this article as a foundation, Nie Jialei believed that he could resolve the current-official-level issue within a year. Understanding that achieving such a position at the age of twenty-one during these times was unheard of.
His lips twitched, and Nie Jialei stubbornly retorted, "So what? Do you know what politics is? Do you understand the impact this has on our Nie family? This has nothing to do with personal circumstances. It is about the rise and fall of our entire Nie family."
Nie Jiamin also looked somewhat worried. He leaned over to Nie Zhenbang and expressed his dissatisfaction, "Third Brother, are you trying to ruin the Nie family?"
You wouldn't think it of him, but despite Nie Jiamin's nonchalant demeanor, it doesn't mean he lacks political awareness. At that moment, Nie Jiamin felt as if he had been deceived.
Nie Zhenbang's expression also became serious. To be honest, he didn't care about Nie Jialei's attitude at the moment. However, he valued Nie Jiamin's opinion. Immediately, Nie Zhenbang stood up and stared at Nie Jiamin, "Second Brother, do you think I would do something like that? Don't forget, whether I admit it or not, whether our patriarch admits it or not, I am a part of the Nie family. I understand the principle of 'one for all and all for one.' Don't treat me like an idiot. No one instigated me to do this. I orchestrated everything."
Saying this, Nie Zhenbang looked at the eldest in the Nie family, "Nie Jialei, I ask you, do you think your life now is better, or was it better before the reforms and opening-up?"
As for someone with Nie Jialei's status and background, the reforms and opening-up didn't change much for him. Given the Nie family's status, there was no lack of material possessions. However, it is undeniable that there were more goods available on the streets of Jingcheng, more foreign goods, and more modern products. Even though there was no scarcity, there was no longer a need to wait for parents or elders to bring back a Walkman when they traveled. Overall, it was more convenient.
As for ordinary people, Nie Jialei didn't understand much about them. However, judging from the economic data and living conditions reported by many regions in the office, most of the common people support the changes.
In this circumstance, Nie Jialei didn't want to spout nonsense. After a moment of silence, Nie Jialei spoke, "Life is better now. Material goods are regulated by the market. If there is a shortage of something, the market will provide it. Traders seek profit, and things are valued by their scarcity. Shortage means demand, and naturally, there will be people willing to fill that gap. But isn't this speculation?"
Many people in this era share this viewpoint held by Nie Jialei. At the beginning of the reforms, quite a few private entrepreneurs were sentenced for speculation. Nie Zhenbang laughed, "Speculation? Elder brother, what is the definition of speculation? It refers to those who hoard goods for profit, creating disturbances in the market such as buying low and selling high, adulterating goods, manipulating prices, etc. But are those private entrepreneurs, who see business opportunities in the market, produce goods or use other ways to bring in merchandise, sell them at or even below market prices, speculators? On the contrary, I think they are complementing our planned economy."
At this moment, Nie Zhenbang wanted to tell Nie Jialei that a market economy is not capitalism. Socialism also has a market. Planned economy is not socialism. Capitalism also has a plan. However, he would not say those words, uttered by the leader, himself.
Seeing Nie Jialei deep in thought, Nie Zhenbang was taken aback. Indeed, just as in the past. In fact, following the old man's departure, the attitude of Nie Guodong's family began to gradually change. This was also why the main branch managed to maintain a bare hold. As long as Nie Jialei could change his mindset, Nie Zhenbang would have confidence in his plan. Because in the current situation, Nie Jialei, being the firstborn legitimate grandson, was the most crucial and heaviest link.
"Eldest brother, the reason our party was able to take power from Old Jiang was not only due to the wisdom of the revolutionary elders, but more importantly, because of public sentiment. Our Party has always been there serving the people at the grass roots. This will never change. The people's will is the key. Understand? And now, with the economic reform, everything is centered around economic construction. This is the people's will. Under such circumstances, do you think Comrade Nan Xun will lose? No! Because he has already joined the winning side. This is the fundamental reason I want to publish that article under your name through our second brother." Nie Zhenbang's words, though not loud, sounded thunderous in Nie Jialei's ears.
Nie Jialei, as the third-generation successor handpicked by the old family head, had his own capabilities and skills. The old man would never support a Liu Adou. This was a principle.
At this moment, hearing Nie Zhenbang's words, Nie Jialei also understood. "One glory, one defeat", Nie Zhenbang was right. Now, the Nie family is a conservative faction. In the future, they will undoubtedly lose. Nie Jialei understood the cruelty of political struggles. Once defeated, the Nie family would be nothing. As a Nie family member, regardless of whether Nie Zhenbang or others in the family accept or reject this notion, outsiders always consider Nie Zhenbang as a member of the Nie family. This was Nie Zhenbang's true intention. This was why he played his cards through Nie Jialei.
Looking at Nie Zhenbang, Nie Jialei had a serious and shocked expression. What kind of person was this? So young, yet endowed with such a sharp political gift. Cautious and meticulous thinking. Perfect planning. Everything at present was playing out according to his plans. Would such a person pose a threat to his position in the future? Nie Jialei was having doubts.
Seeing Nie Jialei's reaction, Nie Zhenbang inwardly exclaimed, "Not good!". His performance was too prominent. Instead of putting Nie Jialei at ease, it had made him wary. Immediately, Nie Zhenbang smiled and said: "Eldest brother, are you worried that I might take your place?"
If Nie Zhenbang tried to be evasive, it might not be good. But saying it this way put Nie Jialei's mind at ease. People often hope to speculate on the consequences. After a pause, Nie Zhenbang continued: "Eldest brother, in our Yanbei rural region, when children grow up, they usually start their own families. Even if we part ways, the kinship still remains. Whenever there is anything, we will help each other out. Even if I enter the officialdom, do you think you can influence my thoughts as adults in the future? In other words, even if I become the family head, could I manipulate your thoughts? That's impossible."
Nie Zhenbang's purpose was clear. Being a family head was just symbolic in nature. It wasn't about whether he wanted to grab it or not. Whoever had a higher position would be recognized by the outside world, which was a very practical issue. Normally, they did not interfere with each other, but if someone wanted to humiliate the Nie family, they would immediately unite, forming a formidable force to deter any bullying.
"Hehe, elder brother, this is just a metaphor. My ambition lies elsewhere. Right now, I'm interested in business. Under these circumstances, I feel that being in business is the most meaningful." Nie Zhenbang reiterated his intentions.
Nie Jialei was stunned for a moment as he gazed at Nie Zhenbang. After some time, he finally stood up and said: "Little Third, I hope you will be careful!"