Let you play a corrupt official, are you saying you want to make progress?

Chapter 36: You’re More Like an Official Than I Am

Qin Xuan felt a sense of relief, realizing his guess was correct. He might have missed this opportunity if he had assumed the Emperor’s intentions without clear directives.

“The Imperial Censor has accused Wan Guifei’s brother, Commander Wan Tong, of the Brocade Guards of misconduct. I want you to investigate this matter vigorously and handle it seriously,” Emperor Zhu Jian Shen presented Qin Xuan with a challenging task.

Upon hearing this, Qin Xuan’s expression changed. This was a difficult task that the Emperor had assigned to him.

[It’s said that the Emperor strongly favors Wan Guifei and places considerable trust in her brother, giving him an important role in the Brocade Guards.].

[Indeed, this seems like a mission that could cost him his life. Having a conversation with the Emperor is a far greater challenge compared to dealing with Wang Zhi and the others. It’s akin to navigating through hell.].

[That’s right if he manages it and the Emperor is displeased, he’ll be in hot water. If he doesn’t handle it, the problem will escalate.].

Qin Xuan lifted his eyelids slightly and quickly understood he was a low-ranking officer. Commander Wan Tong was above him regarding officers’ positions, so the Emperor would ultimately decide whatever he said or did.

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Qin Xuan replied with respect. Without clearly understanding the Emperor’s true intentions, he agreed and positioned himself on his side.

“I have three strategies: a lower, middle, and upper approach. I await Your Majesty’s decision,” Qin Xuan maintained an attitude that was neither humble nor arrogant but spoke cautiously.

Indeed, Qin Xuan raised his head slightly, and he could sense a subtle and almost imperceptible hint of approval in Emperor Zhu Jian Shen’s expression. So far, his response seemed faultless.

“Tell me about these three approaches,” Emperor Zhu Jian Shen inquired, eager to see if Qin Xuan could discern his intentions.

“What are the three approaches? Please share them,” he added.

“The lower approach involves the matter touching upon the royal dignity. While Mr. Wan has some flaws in his personal life, spreading this widely is unsuitable.”

“The Ministry of Punishments can arrest the Imperial Censors and reduce the damage,” Qin Xuan proposed the first strategy.

Emperor Zhu Jian Shen remained silent but gestured for him to continue.

“The middle approach is to consider Mr. Wan, an imperial relative. The Ministry of Punishments has no jurisdiction here. We could conduct an internal investigation within the Brocade Guards and handle it leniently to minimize the impact.”

“The upper approach is to ask Your Majesty to visit Wan Guifei kindly.”

“It’s possible to have her talk to Mr. Wan since, as her younger brother, he should listen to her,” Qin Xuan presented these ideas and could see a smile appearing on Emperor Zhu Jian Shen’s face.

“Very well said. Let’s take an all-encompassing approach,” Emperor Zhu Jian Shen nodded and provided his opinion.

[“What the heck, an all-encompassing approach? I feel so dumb. I don’t think I can understand it at all.”].

[“If you don’t understand, that’s exactly it. Don’t feel bad; even I don’t get it.”].

[“That’s what’s amazing about the Emperor. You have no idea what to say, but if you choose wrongly, it’s over.”].

Qin Xuan remained silent and waited for Emperor Zhu Jian Shen to continue. As expected, the Emperor provided his conclusion.

“Well, I’ll talk to Wan Guifei. We’ll also conduct an internal investigation within the Brocade Guards, although it may take some time.”

“As for the Imperial Censors, they’ve gone too far, and we should put some pressure on them. Your decision is excellent, and I’m very satisfied. Qin Xuan, you’ve passed the test for now,” Emperor Zhu Jian Shen spoke appreciatively.

This was a true talent. Someone who didn’t take it upon themselves to make decisions without understanding the bigger picture. This kind of person knew when to advance and retreat, making them valuable assistants.

“Qin Xuan, you’re quite remarkable. Decisive and intelligent, knowing what to do and what not to do. Besides your hobby of collecting, there’s not much else to be said.”

“Very good, very good!” Emperor Zhu Jian Shen praised outwardly but was hinting at Qin Xuan. He had already figured out the matter with the money Qin Xuan had received.

“Your Majesty, I am always at Your Majesty’s service,” Qin Xuan immediately declared.

“I know. The Zheng He nautical chart you provided earlier has been immensely valuable.”

“If I were to follow in the footsteps of Emperor Taizong and explore the Western Seas, I’m afraid I’d need your assistance,” Emperor Zhu Jian Shen openly stated.

Since Qin Xuan proved to be a helpful person, Emperor Zhu Jian Shen decided to proceed.

“I also hope to venture to the Western Seas and build a glorious era,” Qin Xuan stated.

“Well, Qin Xuan, you make a valid point. So for exploring the Western Seas, I will rely on your hard work,” Emperor Zhu Jian Shen issued the departure command.

Qin Xuan bowed respectfully and said, “I take my leave.”

As Qin Xuan slowly exited, a member of the Brocade Guards emerged from behind a curtain. It appeared to be Wan Tong, the brother of Empress Wan.

“Your Majesty, Qin Xuan is quite interesting,” Wan Tong said, admiring him. Qin Xuan was meticulous in his actions.

“Yes, he is. He speaks and acts with great care, possesses remarkable abilities, and never attempts to discern my intentions when he shouldn’t. Moreover, he handled your situation with the most prudent approach,” Emperor Zhu Jian Shen praised.

Though young, he had a deep level of political understanding. He saw certain things very clearly and knew that without some skill, the court ministers would have played with him long ago.

“Too bad he’s a bit greedy for money,” Wan Tong commented.

Emperor Zhu Jian Shen gave Wan Tong a sharp look and replied, “He’s using greed to mask his ambition and make it look like he’s retreating. If he had no greed, no pursuit of fame or profit, and still had the ability and ambition, how could I trust him?”

“It seems he’s a clever young man. I’ll have to pay more attention to him in the future,” Wan Tong understood.

It was unexpected that someone as young as Qin Xuan would possess such cunning and strategic thinking. It truly seemed incredible.

“Well, in the future, we should interact with Qin Xuan more and try to bring him closer. There aren’t many people I can trust these days,” Emperor Zhu Jian Shen stated.

The scene abruptly ended, leaving the viewers in awe.

[“Qin Xuan is truly extraordinary! I never saw this coming. It was a test!”].

[“The class representative is here! First, Emperor Chenghua summoned Qin Xuan to discuss maritime matters and intended to groom him. Second, before grooming, he needed to determine Qin Xuan’s abilities, personality, and attitude towards him.

He couldn’t be used if Qin Xuan had been the type with the capabilities but always acting independently. The situation with Wan Guifei’s brother was a test.

Third, Qin Xuan is just a fifth-ranked official, not a regular one yet. This officer hasn’t reached the level of a Decision-Making Commander. So regardless of whether Qin Xuan was right or wrong in what he said, the ultimate authority lies with the Emperor.”].

One viewer offered a detailed analysis that made perfect sense.

[“Oh, it finally clicked for me!”].

[“It seems like that’s what’s happening. I couldn’t have figured this out at all.”].

[“This is different from TV dramas; why do they all seem so intelligent?”].

The barrage of comments continued to explode with reactions. The viewers recorded the video from earlier, which was widely commented on and shared. It was a lively discussion.

Inside the studio, the atmosphere was equally enthusiastic.

“I’m amazed. This young Qin Xuan is truly a genius!” The studio director didn’t hold back on the praise.

Qin Xuan’s performance was nearly perfect, as if he had come from ancient times.

“Even I couldn’t have expected the correct answer to be like this. I knew it was a test, but I would have chosen the lowest-risk option to keep things calm,” the studio director laughed, admitting that his approach wasn’t wrong, and the Emperor would have been satisfied. However, it wasn’t as effective as Qin Xuan’s response.

“Qin Xuan is truly brilliant. He understands better than anyone!”

While they were admiring Qin Xuan’s performance, the scene changed.

Now, Qin Xuan and Wang Zhi had arrived at a restaurant, and the system provided a prompt indicating that Wang Zhi was very familiar with this place.

On the way, Qin Xuan briefly explained his recent experience.

“Qin Xuan, you did exceptionally well in the Emperor’s test. Regarding Wan Tong’s matter, the Emperor never really intended to investigate; he was just observing how you would handle it,” praised Wang Zhi.

As they were about to enter the restaurant, Wang Zhi couldn’t stop praising Qin Xuan. However, a problem emerged at that moment. A waiter approached Qin Xuan, greeted him with a friendly smile, and completely ignored Wang Zhi. “Master, please come inside!”

As Qin Xuan and Wang Zhi entered, Wang Zhi smirked and said, “Qin Xuan, it seems you resemble an official even more than I do!”