Chapter 1263: Chapter 1218: Agriculture University Research Chapter 1263: Chapter 1218: Agriculture University Research The domestic turmoil had no impact on Nie Zhenbang, as if Liu Kun said, this time, Nie Zhenbang’s planning in Jingcheng undoubtedly touched Ling Baodong’s sensitive nerves. Together with Li Guohua, they stirred up such an incident. There was nothing inherently wrong with that. However, Ling Baodong chose the wrong time, just on the cusp of the two sessions. To create such a scene, wasn’t he making trouble for himself?

As for all this, Nie Zhenbang no longer paid attention. Now, what needed to be done had been done. What shouldn’t be said, President Qiao had not spoken. All Nie Zhenbang could do now was wait.

On the thirteenth day of the first lunar month, just two days away from the Lantern Festival, tomorrow would be the weekend. However, for Nie Zhenbang, weekends were hardly different at his level of responsibility. Some work did not stop for the weekend, and when rest was needed, the occasional half or full day off didn’t depend on it being the weekend either. Of course, such spontaneous breaks were rare occurrences throughout the year.

Around nine in the morning, Nie Zhenbang and Governor Zhentao’s motorcade arrived at Longxi Agricultural University. Today’s schedule included a visit to the national treasure, Elder Xiong Dingcang, in the morning, as it was his eightieth birthday. As an academician of the Science Academy and an expert enjoying a special government allowance, Elder Xiong devoted his life to researching plants that combat desertification. After decades of work, he achieved remarkable results in sand control and was once named Earth Guardian by the United Nations Environmental Programme.

Such talent was not to be compared with those seeking fame without merit. With Professor Xiong Dingcang’s achievements, even central leaders had to show great respect. On this occasion of his eightieth birthday, it was natural for Nie Zhenbang and other provincial party leaders to visit personally. Of course, it was officially claimed to be a research visit to the Agriculture University.

When the motorcade reached the university, they didn’t go through the teaching area, but directly passed through the school and entered the residential area.

At the entrance of the residential area, an elderly man who appeared hale and hearty was waiting at the forefront along with all the leaders of the Agriculture University.

As soon as they got off, Nie Zhenbang and Liu Zhentao quickened their steps and walked up to Elder Xiong. Nie Zhenbang stretched out his hand, smiling, “Elder Xiong, you’re too kind. I don’t deserve such a warm reception.”

Elder Xiong’s personality was cheerful and talkative. He laughed heartily, “Since Secretary Nie Zhenbang took office in Longxi, the achievements and contributions made for our people are clear to all. Compared to Secretary Nie Zhenbang, who benefits the populace, this old man’s achievements are nothing.”

Continuing, Elder Xiong said, “Confucius said: cultivate oneself, regulate the family, govern the state rightly, and make the world peaceful. Secretary Nie Zhenbang, you have the true talent for governing a state. It is only right for me to meet you outside.”

With this exchange, the atmosphere became very relaxed. The surrounding officials and staff were all smiling.

Nie Zhenbang also said with a smile, “Elder Xiong, your praise flatters me. Compared to you, these achievements are nothing.”

By his side, Governor Zhentao approached at just the right moment, “Elder Xiong, today marks your eightieth grand birthday. Secretary Nie and I have come specially to celebrate with you.”

Accompanying leaders on a research visit requires a knowledge of when to speak. Even for Liu Zhentao, despite being the deputy party secretary and governor, he still had to maintain the authority of his superior in public.

In such conversations, one must carefully gauge when to interject. If done incorrectly, it not only fails to ease the atmosphere but can come across as overshadowing the leaders and give an impression of tactlessness.

To interject and cause awkwardness or dead air is also undesirable. In this regard, Liu Zhentao’s timing was impeccable, reaching a masterly level.

The mutual compliments between Nie Zhenbang and Elder Xiong, though heartfelt, were not to be overdone. Thus, Liu Zhentao steered the conversation to the matter of the eightieth birthday, maintaining a moderate and just-right atmosphere.

Undoubtedly, Liu Zhentao’s performance made Nie Zhenbang feel comfortable. He smiled and received a red envelope from the provincial party secretary-general Liu Xiaomin’s hand, handing it to Elder Xiong, “Elder Xiong, today we celebrate your eightieth birthday. On behalf of the provincial party committee and government, Governor Zhentao and I extend our heartfelt congratulations. We wish you fortune as vast as the Eastern Sea and life as enduring as the Southern Mountains. May you continue to cultivate more outstanding agricultural talents for Longxi Agricultural University, for our Longxi Province, and for the entire country. This is a token of our regard, please accept it.”

As he finished speaking, Elder Xiong tried to refuse, saying, “Secretary Nie, thank you, and thank Governor Liu and the provincial party committee and government for your care and concern for this old man. But this gift…”

Before Xiong Dingcang could finish speaking, Nie Zhenbang already knew what Elder Xiong had in mind and immediately said, “Elder Xiong, I implore you to accept this. This is not just a personal token from me, nor is it simply from Governor Zhentao, it represents the organization’s affirmation and praise for all the hard work you’ve put in throughout your life. This is the organization’s heartfelt sentiment.”

Of course, in the art of conversation, someone like Xiong Dingcang naturally couldn’t compare with Nie Zhenbang. Just a few words made it difficult for Xiong Dingcang to refuse. After pondering for a moment, Elder Xiong even showed an embarrassed and moved expression on his face, saying excitedly, “I’m grateful for the organization’s concern for me.”

Walking on the roads within the residential area of the Agriculture University, there was shade from green trees on both sides. A variety of trees and plants were visible everywhere, all carefully arranged and tended to. This in itself fully reflected the characteristics of the Agriculture University. The residents here were either engaged in agronomy or animal husbandry. Naturally, their own residential area had to be well-maintained.

At the very front, Nie Zhenbang and Xiong Dingcang walked side by side, with Governor Zhentao a half step behind to the left of Nie Zhenbang.

Nie Zhenbang smiled and asked, “Elder Xiong, do you ever feel that work is getting a bit tiring now?”

Elder Xiong was extremely happy today. It was his eightieth birthday, and the provincial committee leaders were all present, which was undoubtedly an affirmation and recognition of his life’s work. Laughing, he replied, “Not tiring at all. I’d actually feel uncomfortable not working. The daily operations are handled by others now, and I mainly provide guidance. I’m not tired. Compared to Old Yuan from Chunan, I have it much easier. He’s eighty and still works in the trial fields. I don’t need to do that anymore.”

Nie Zhenbang was well aware of Old Yuan, whom Elder Xiong mentioned. Known as the Father of Grain, he was also a world-renowned agricultural expert. Like Elder Xiong, he was a national treasure in the agricultural field.

Nie Zhenbang continued with a smile, “Elder Xiong, I heard that Old Yuan likes to play volleyball in his spare time, to get some exercise. What about you?”

Speaking of this, Xiong Dingcang’s expression became somewhat serious and solemn. Smiling, he said, “Secretary Nie, I don’t have many hobbies. I exercise a bit after getting up each morning, and the rest of the time, aside from work, I spend reading. Compared to Old Yuan, my achievements are still not enough. His research has solved the world’s food problem. But now, desertification is becoming increasingly severe, and time waits for no one. If I could one day control the expansion of the deserts, if the problem of desertification were solved, then I think I might play table tennis each day.”

Elder Xiong’s words instantly filled Nie Zhenbang with a deep respect. Here was a man who deserved admiration–such an elderly person, yet he thought not of himself but of work.

“Elder Xiong, one should balance work with leisure. Health is the capital of revolution. Only with a good health can you serve the country and the people even better, right? I believe that one day, Elder Xiong’s efforts will undoubtedly be successful,” Nie Zhenbang said with utmost respect.

Beside them, the president of Longxi Agricultural University, Xia Yuandong, added with a smile, “Secretary Nie, actually, when it comes to desertification control, Elder Xiong has already proposed a quite mature strategy. Contrary to the past use of shrubbery for desert management, Elder Xiong has put forward a novel concept. Shrubs are low and have good adhesion, but they also have disadvantages, as their sand prevention capabilities are not strong. In contrast, tall trees can effectively prevent the expansion of deserts and excel at protecting against sand. The new generation of fast-growing tree species suitable for desert and arid areas has made groundbreaking progress. Now, the only thing Elder Xiong lacks is project support.”

Hearing this, Nie Zhenbang was genuinely surprised, but also intrigued. Longxi Province wasn’t severely affected by desertification; rather, it was Ganzhou, Caoyuan Province, and the Xibei Autonomous Region that were significantly afflicted. However, if the method were effective on deserts in general, it would certainly work for Longxi Province too. Thus, it would be of momentous significance for the environmental management of the entire Longxi region.

After a thoughtful pause, Nie Zhenbang looked at Elder Xiong with a smile and said, “Elder Xiong, hearing what President Xia has said, I’m very interested. Later, after lunch, could you explain the details to me?”

Nie Zhenbang could roughly guess what Xia Yuandong had in mind. Such statements were nothing more than a wish for support from the provincial committee. It was a common occurrence. After all, it wouldn’t be appropriate for Elder Xiong to ask for support himself, as that would imply a different meaning.

However, what Xia Yuandong and others did not know was that this coincided perfectly with Nie Zhenbang’s intentions. If there were indeed such a result that could be promoted, it was not impossible for Longxi Province to be restored to the dense forests it boasted during the Han-Tang period.

At Elder Xiong’s house, lunch had already been prepared. Naturally, only the main leaders of the provincial committee, along with the secretary and the president of the Agriculture University, could attend. As for the family of Elder Xiong, they were included too, while the others were arranged to dine at the university’s cafeteria.

After drinking some red wine and celebrating, Elder Xiong stood up after lunch and took the initiative, saying, “Secretary Nie, shall I show you around the research center?” (To be continued. If you like this work, welcome to Qidian (wuxiaworld.site) to cast your recommendation votes and monthly tickets, your support is my greatest motivation.)