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

Chapter 37: Wang Zhi’s Test

Upon hearing this, Qin Xuan started sweating profusely. He realized Wang Zhi was testing him, a notion subtly hinted at by the system. Familiar with the tavern, Wang Zhi expected recognition from the gatekeeper and waiters. Qin Xuan speculated that Wang Zhi feared his distancing if he gained the Emperor’s favor.

[“Oh no, this waiter has no sense at all! How could he say something like that?”].

[“Look at Wang Zhi. Although he seems fine on the surface, he probably wants to get rid of this waiter in his heart.”].

[“That’s likely the case. Anyway, I don’t think there’s a standard answer to this situation.”].

[“If Wang Zhi remains silent, the matter would pass, but with his question, it’s difficult for anyone to respond.”].

[“It’s so challenging. Ancient life must have been so stressful. These old folks are all so sharp-minded. Now, I suddenly understand the reason for the downfall of the Ming Dynasty. The infighting was too severe.”].

[“Exactly! The infighting was too intense. Everyone was calculating against each other. Just look at someone like Qin Xuan. He’s already Wang Zhi’s student, and he still has to ask like this.”].

“Master, look at what you just said. I am his officer. You are my officer. I oversee him, and you oversee me. So, wherever you are, you are still my master!” Qin Xuan thought for a moment and slowly spoke.

Wang Zhi’s face lit up. Qin Xuan had made his position clear. He had received the appropriate response.

[Wow, can a person come up with something like this?].

[Impressive. I lead him. You lead me. I can answer questions from my superiors like this in the future.].

[I’m in awe. Seriously, not everyone can have this skill.].

Netizens were stunned by Qin Xuan’s response. This was a textbook-level answer, clarifying his position and diffusing the awkward situation.

How impressive! This is it!

Seeing Wang Zhi’s change in expression, Qin Xuan knew the crisis had temporarily been averted and couldn’t help but jest, “This waiter is quite discerning. He even knows not to report above his pay grade!”

“Well said, Qin Xuan. Now, you can handle things on your own. Come, let’s go inside and talk!” Wang Zhi waved his sleeve and led Qin Xuan into the private room.

At the dining table, the two continued their discussion. Wang Zhi helped Qin Xuan analyze the political situation at court and explained the Emperor’s intentions.

“The Emperor wants to win you because your background is very clean. Although you’re my subordinate, you don’t have a powerful family backing you up.”

“At this point, the Emperor trusts Mr. Wan immensely, to the extent that he’s even placed her brother and others in key positions within the Jinyi Wei,” Wang Zhi explained directly at the dining table.

“Master, the Emperor is currently favoring Mr. Wan to an unimaginable degree. He has even appointed her brother and others to important positions in the Jinyi Wei!” Qin Xuan briefly described the situation.

Wang Zhi shook his head after hearing this.

“You should know about the Emperor’s childhood experiences. Those who grew up in such an environment are more cautious than anyone else. Mr. Wan is the only person the Emperor can trust by his side.”

Qin Xuan nodded slightly as if he now understood something. There must be a rational explanation underneath seemingly unreasonable circumstances.

“Qin Xuan, do you know why the court officers argue daily about the choice of the heir, but when the Emperor wants to choose Mr. Wan, people disagree?” Wang Zhi asked another question.

Qin Xuan thought momentarily and answered, “Could it be because of Mr. Wan’s background? (Is it because she isn’t the person they want?)”

Wang Zhi stared at Qin Xuan, remaining silent. After a moment, he burst into laughter, and Qin Xuan followed suit.

“Qin Xuan, I didn’t expect you to be a master of pretending to be clueless. It’s good to play dumb sometimes. You can’t be too clear when handling certain matters!”

The two exchanged a smile and completely ended this particular topic. In the studio, the others were still puzzled. The content had become increasingly difficult to understand. “What does that mean? I’m completely lost,” the female leader said, clearly puzzled.

Was Qin Xuan wrong in what he said? It felt like there was a misunderstanding somewhere.

“Qin Xuan, I guess what Xiaomin means is that when Zhu Jian Shen had just ascended the throne, those around him were mostly officers from the previous dynasty. Mr. Wan didn’t have the same background as them, which is why her choice wasn’t approved, and of course, her origin also played a role,” Professor Yang explained.

“Anyway, the history of the Ming Dynasty is quite peculiar, especially in the context of the palace, the harem, the princes, and even the emperors themselves,” Professor Yang couldn’t help but express some discontent.

Indeed, the Ming Dynasty emperors were intriguing figures. Many of them had short reigns, and the only two who lived longer were the two brothers who rarely attended court. Apart from the short reigns, there were also inexplicable deaths among the princes.

The audience was still somewhat perplexed, but they didn’t say much and continued to watch.

At the dining table, Wang Zhi poked at the nearly finished fish with his chopsticks and remarked, “This fish is excellent. It looks quite expensive. (You’ve gained quite a bit from this deal with Mr. Wang.)”

“It is expensive, but it’s all thanks to my master that I get to savor such delicacies. (Indeed, I’ve benefited a lot, and you helped make the connection, Mr. Wang.)”

“Building bridges, there wouldn’t be me without you!” Qin Xuan quickly served a piece of fish to Wang Zhi.

Although this was all simulated, the sensory experience felt very real. Qin Xuan sometimes wondered about the strength of this simulation technology. Perhaps this technology wasn’t native to this world. After all, he had his system, and there didn’t seem to be anything impossible.

“Well said, such earthly delicacies. A little more wouldn’t hurt. (This deal has very high profits; more of it is welcome.)” Wang Zhi glanced at Qin Xuan as if speaking to himself.

Qin Xuan agreed with Wang Zhi. Such businesses inherently offered high profits. Once Mr. Wang’s business expanded, perhaps he could earn even more.

The system had its tasks, and he could collect his system rewards sooner if he encountered more opportunities like this.

“Master, you are familiar with the capital. Which restaurant serves delicious food? You know better than I do. In the future, if your students want to satisfy their cravings, they’ll still have to rely on their master.”

“(You have more connections in the capital; to survive, we still have to rely on you!)” Qin Xuan spoke succinctly, causing Wang Zhi to nod in agreement.

“Although true, you’ve gained the Emperor’s favor now. You can enjoy imperial meals from now on. After trying those, will you still like these local flavors?”

“(You’ve already earned the Emperor’s recognition. In the future, you might soar to new heights. At that time, will you still appreciate these?)” Wang Zhi said, and his gaze pierced through Qin Xuan as if he wanted to see through him.

The atmosphere became tense once again.