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

Chapter 6: Using a Borrowed Knife to Kill

In the studio, the station manager and the rest of the crew were amazed.

“This young man, where did he acquire all this knowledge? Were all the ancient people this way?” The station manager remarked, half in jest.

Though Qin Xuan had improvised on the spot, it was evident that the AI-simulated Wang Zhi had already harbored such thoughts. That’s why they reached an agreement so smoothly. If Wang Zhi hadn’t possessed these thoughts to begin with, the entire situation wouldn’t have arisen.

In essence, it was because Wang Zhi himself was morally compromised. What Qin Xuan did was merely articulate what was already within Wang Zhi’s heart.

“This young man has a profound understanding of Ming Dynasty history.”

“During the later years of the Ming Dynasty, officer corruption became a serious issue. Since the Tumu Crisis, the influence of civil officers became significantly pronounced, and among them, some were opportunistic and dishonest.”

“Dealing with them is a challenging task, and without a touch of cunning, it’s tough to achieve any meaningful results,” Professor Yang Chongming explained, watching the screen with growing admiration.

Qin Xuan’s ability to convey these ideas indicated his deep knowledge of Ming Dynasty history.

“Oh? Yang Lao, are you suggesting this young man’s statements weren’t accidental?” The station manager inquired, picking up on Professor Yang’s meaning.

“Of course not. Qin Xuan mentioned yesterday that he aspired to become a corrupt officer. I was puzzled at the time, but now I understand. He must have been aware of this situation and foresaw that such issues would arise sooner or later,” Yang Chongming nodded while explaining.

With Professor Yang’s explanation, everyone in the room grasped the situation better. It wasn’t that Qin Xuan aimed to become a corrupt officer. Rather, he aimed to advance within Wang Zhi’s inner circle. To achieve this, he needed to be adaptable. The station manager found some solace in the fact that this was a virtual world where people could observe for entertainment and educational purposes, differing from the real world.

Nonetheless, a female leader had a question. “I don’t understand why Qin Xuan openly mentioned the need to repair the prison when they could have handled it discreetly. Bringing it up in front of the Minister of Justice seems unnecessary.”

Professor Yang Chongming smiled as he explained, “That’s the brilliance of Qin Xuan. He’s employing a strategy known as ‘retreating in order to advance.'”

The station manager agreed, “Precisely. Wang Zhi only promotes his people, and to do that, they not only have to gain his trust but also be controllable. Qin Xuan intentionally left room for maneuver.”

Yang Chongming continued, “Indeed. Some officers promote their subordinates through various means, such as relocating their parents to the capital, arranging marriages, or holding personal leverage over them.”

“Qin Xuan’s strategy of retreating to advance makes it challenging for him not to climb the ranks.”

Yang Chongming admired Qin Xuan more and more. Similar tactics were mentioned in some unofficial histories, demonstrating that Qin Xuan had conducted extensive research. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have been able to discuss these concepts so naturally. In the program’s timeline, the scene had progressed three days later. The Ministry of Punishments had allocated a substantial sum of money for prison repairs. Additionally, after a prisoner escaped, a new prison warden was appointed.

It was rumored that this warden possessed exceptional skills, standing out among hundreds of applicants, and many talented individuals had failed to secure the position. Speculations arose about the significance of requiring lock-picking skills in the near future. Meanwhile, Qin Xuan received 100 taels of silver for repairing the prison cells.

Online reactions continued to pour in:

“His embezzlement skills are beyond belief!”

“This young man is a real winner. He’ll likely get promoted soon. All thanks to Qin Xuan’s planning. If I had a relative like him, life would be amazing!”

“Qin Xuan is a master at orchestrating, leaving no room for leaks or suspicions.”

Comments flooded in, and the success of the previous episode led to a surge in viewership and engagement, with the control room implementing emergency measures to ensure a stable broadcast, including backup lines. Viewer numbers were approaching one million, a dream come true for the station.

Foreign viewers had also started tuning in, with dedicated subtitling groups providing free translations for international viewers. When these translated contents reached the global audience, they were left astonished.

【Oh my God, is this the ancient civilization of Xia? If I were to time travel there, I wouldn’t know how I’d survive.】

【This young man from Xia is so cool. He handles these sly and cunning people with ease and grace.】

【I like this young man from Xia. He may look young, but he’s incredibly mature on the inside.】

【I feel like the officers from ancient Xia speak with great depth and have a method to their actions.】

Foreign internet users were deeply impressed by Qin Xuan’s performance. He wasn’t just remarkable. He was extraordinarily talented. His impeccable handling of the situation earned him a higher standing in Wang Zhi’s eyes. Wang Zhi was highly content with his student for resolving the matter so effectively.

Back in the inner hall of the Ministry of Punishments, Wang Zhi summons Qin Xuan once again.

“Qin Xuan,” Wang Zhi said, “His Majesty has observed that officers from our ministry seldom venture outside their offices, possibly leading to a lack of understanding of the common people’s needs. Now, clean yourself up, and we’ll embark on an undercover inspection tour.”

Qin Xuan bows respectfully, exits the inner hall, and waits at the entrance. After a short while, he and Wang Zhi, accompanied by several officers appointed by Qin Xuan, leave the Ministry of Punishments. Wang Zhi, observing Qin Xuan’s preparations, nods in approval and boards a sedan chair.

Online viewers were puzzled:

“Isn’t this supposed to be an undercover inspection? Why aren’t they dressing casually?”

“This is confusing. If it were me, I’d dress inconspicuously.”

“I think I understand now. If they dress casually, how would the Emperor recognize them?”

A flurry of comments helped clarify the situation. It turned out that Qin Xuan’s visit was a performance, and Wang Zhi doesn’t blame him but appreciates the theatrics. During their undercover inspection, nothing significant occurred. However, on their return journey, Wang Zhi publicly forgave a street vendor who insulted him.

Viewers expected Wang Zhi to react with anger, but to their surprise, he showed mercy. Qin Xuan noticed something amiss in Wang Zhi’s demeanor. On the other hand, the common people admire Wang Zhi’s magnanimity, significantly enhancing his image.

Back at the yamen (government office), Wang Zhi has a private meeting with Qin Xuan.

“Qin Xuan, do you remember the street vendor?”

“Master, that vendor insulted you. He deserves no mercy!” Qin Xuan quickly responded.

As it turns out, Wang Zhi hadn’t forgiven him. After a moment of hesitation, Wang Zhi got straight to the point: “Go to the government treasury, take out ten taels of gold discreetly. Minimize the impact.”

Qin Xuan bowed and said, “Master, I will ensure there’s no trace.”

Wang Zhi waves his hand and said, “Alright, go and handle it!”

Online viewers reacted strongly:

“What on earth is this an assassination plot? This is too thrilling!”

“I don’t think that’s it. If Qin Xuan did something like that, wouldn’t he be doomed?”

In the studio, there are concerned faces. The station manager was worried: “I feel that the challenge Wang Zhi has given is too difficult. If Qin Xuan goes through with it, it could put him in serious trouble. This challenge might fail.”

“But the problem is, if he doesn’t do it, Wang Zhi won’t be pleased.”

“Trust Qin Xuan, I’ve already figured out how he will handle this!”

Yang Chongming looked at the screen with a hint of uncertainty. Everyone was biting their nails, worried that this could go horribly wrong for Qin Xuan.

This situation was somewhat like the Three Kingdoms period when Cheng Ji had to decide whether to kill Cao Mao. Not killing him would mean defying orders, and killing him would lead to wiping out his entire family.

Only Yang Chongming believes in Qin Xuan, thinking he should have a plan.

Online comments reflected the uncertainty:

“I feel like this is a lose-lose situation; if he goes through buying a hitman, Qin Xuan is done for.”

“But if he doesn’t do it, he’s also done for, right?”

“Oh well, let’s see how Qin Xuan handles it!”

With the viewers eagerly watching, Qin Xuan, accompanied by the officers from the Yamen, approached the street vendor.

In front of everyone, he hands over the ten taels of gold, explaining that the honorable magistrate at the Ministry of Punishments is pleased with the suggestions provided today, hence the reward of ten taels of gold.

This action perplexes the online viewers:

“Qin Xuan, the task was to deal with this street vendor, and you’re giving him money?”

“This doesn’t make sense. Wang Zhi was already displeased with this vendor, and now you’re making his life more comfortable. Qin Xuan, where’s your common sense?”

The viewer couldn’t comprehend Qin Xuan’s actions. In the studio, the leadership was equally puzzled.

The station manager asked, “With this action, how is Qin Xuan going to report back?”

“Yes, he’s rewarding the street vendor quite openly. It’s as if he’s worried people won’t know!” Wang Zhi’s intention is clear: he wants Qin Xuan to deal with the vendor discreetly.

Only Yang Chongming understood what was happening: “I get it. This is where Qin Xuan’s cleverness shines! I believe it won’t be long before that street vendor…”

The rest were still baffled. In the studio, the scene changed rapidly, and Qin Xuan was back in front of Wang Zhi.

“Master, I’ve already rewarded the street vendor, and the area doesn’t have the best public security. I took the initiative and had your nephew and his men patrol that area,” Qin Xuan respectfully reported.

People expected Wang Zhi to be angry, but they were surprised to find that his expression was full of appreciation.

“You’ve done well. Carry on,” Wang Zhi waved his hand.

Next, the stage’s timeline rapidly advanced, and it’s already the next day. The scene remained within the inner hall. Wang Zhi and Qin Xuan were seated, having tea, and Wang Zhi’s nephew entered to give a report.

“Master Wang, yesterday, the area that Mr. Qin ordered us to watch was robbed. Thieves entered the home of a street vendor and stole ten taels of gold, killing the vendor and anyone who saw. The thieves are already captured, and the loot amounts to approximately one hundred taels of gold!”

Upon hearing this report, the audience shudders.

“Wow, is this what they mean by helping others while killing two birds with one stone?”

“Qin Xuan is really thorough. He’s dangerous!”