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

Chapter 28: You See, In a Hurry Again

Qin Xuan also understood his responsibilities. After bidding farewell to Wang Zhi, he commenced his meetings with a local officer.

The setting shifted to a small, private room, where Qin Xuan sat with an official who appeared to be from the local administration rather than the capital.

“May I know who you are?” Qin Xuan inquired directly.

“I am Liu Sui, the officer in charge of Zezhou’s Clean Government Bureau,” said the officer with great respect.

The Clean Government Bureau was a branch of the Ming Dynasty government in every region.

Zezhou, equivalent to today’s Jincheng, was known for its favorable local environment.

[Where is Zezhou, my friends?] [It’s one of the Four Great Cities.] [Local environments shape local people, and the people of Zezhou reflect that!]

Online commentators tweeted their thoughts, reviving an internet meme circulating because the show mentioned Zezhou.

“I’ve come to pay my respects to Lord Wang. I wonder if Lord Wang could introduce me?” Liu Sui asked sincerely.

He had come to seek opportunities and improve his career prospects.

“I am Qin Xuan, an assistant clerk in the Ministry of Justice, and I’m also a disciple of Lord Wang. I’ve come to meet you on Lord Wang’s behalf,” Qin Xuan briefly introduced himself, revealing his connection.

He wanted to convey to Liu Sui that Wang Zhi had sent him, and his meeting with Wang Zhi depended on Liu Sui’s approval.

“Mr. Qin, I’m facing challenges while diligently serving in Zezhou. That’s why I’ve come to seek guidance. My friend, I’m stuck and need to find a way to progress, or my official position will remain stagnant,” Liu Sui sighed and explained his situation.

He now understood that since Qin Xuan was a student of Wang Zhi, it was acceptable for him to seek guidance.

“Zezhou is indeed a remarkable place, isn’t it? I’ve heard the climate there is pleasant, and the people are straightforward and honest. Is that true?” Qin Xuan inquired, showing genuine interest in Zezhou.

He wasn’t just making small talk in the Ming Dynasty. Zezhou was indeed a notable location.

“Yes, the climate is pleasant, and the common people thrive, but my officer position hasn’t improved,” Liu Sui shook his head.

As he looked at this young man in front of him, who was already an assistant clerk and a capital officer, he couldn’t help but feel disappointed. At his age, Liu Sui held only a minor local officer position, quite different from Qin Xuan’s status.

“To advance in your career, you need more than just an interest in calligraphy and painting,” Qin Xuan hinted, glancing at Liu Sui.

Liu Sui nodded and said, “I understand. To progress, I should cultivate my skills in calligraphy and painting. Whenever I have spare time, I visit the calligraphy and painting shops near the homes of nobles to appreciate the art.”

Liu Sui had prepared for this meeting.

[“Do you know why you’re not advancing? Because in Zezhou, it takes four people to make progress.”] [“I can’t believe it. The show mentioned Jincheng, and I’m speechless.”] [“I know this. Just find three friends and form a group.”]

Online commentators found this amusing, and everyone’s attention was now on Zezhou.

“Appreciating calligraphy and painting is a good start, but it’s not sufficient on its own,” Qin Xuan said, looking at Liu Sui and having a rough understanding of his situation. This person could appreciate calligraphy and painting, and Wang Zhi had mentioned his talent. Therefore, his lack of progress might be due to his abilities being too strong, but he didn’t know how to utilize them.

“Let me offer some advice, although it’s not a definitive solution. Let me ask you this: if a bridge in your area has developed cracks and it’s your responsibility, how would you handle it?” Qin Xuan inquired.

“I would instruct my subordinates to repair the bridge without any margin for error,” Liu Sui replied.

“If two brothers in your region are engaged in a heated dispute over inheritance matters, how would you mediate it?” Qin Xuan continued to ask.

“I would ensure an impartial and just resolution. Inheritance should be distributed based on the proportions for supporting the elderly, ensuring fairness and justice,” Liu Sui replied.

“Now, what would you do if you predicted that there would be a flood in your area next year?” Qin Xuan asked.

“In that case, we would construct levees and work diligently to prevent flooding,” Liu Sui responded, somewhat puzzled.

Liu Sui couldn’t help but feel that Qin Xuan’s questions were peculiar and unrelated to his current situation.

“Why are you asking these questions, sir?” Liu Sui’s curiosity got the better of him as he wondered about the relevance of these questions.

Liu Sui suddenly had an epiphany, “I understand now! You mean…”

Seeing Liu Sui’s realization, Qin Xuan quickly intervened, “I haven’t implied or hinted at anything. The questions I asked are the same challenges my senior brother encountered when he served as a local officer in the past.”

Qin Xuan was referring to Xue Shun, and these were the exact issues Xue Shun had faced.

“I see, I see,” Liu Sui repeatedly expressed his gratitude, recognizing Qin Xuan’s wisdom and skills.

“Now that you understand, come with me to meet Lord Wang,” Qin Xuan suggested, leading Liu Sui. Wang Zhi required capable individuals, and as long as Liu Sui could benefit from Qin Xuan’s guidance, he would have the opportunity to meet Wang Zhi.

[“I think I get it. It’s about understanding the situations around us. Our former village leader was like this. He led our village in defending against flash floods, and our village stood strong. The neighboring village didn’t care and often suffered from flash floods. However, their village leader was rarely at the forefront.”] [“Is that what you mean, Qin Xuan?”] [“This is quite intense!”] [“Ancient history is full of such examples. It’s less common in modern times.”] [“It seems Qin Xuan has a deep knowledge of ancient history.”]

Online commentators shared their thoughts.

In the studio, the female host couldn’t help but notice the unusual nature of Qin Xuan’s questions. She commented, “Director, Qin’s questions always seem strange, but I can’t quite put my finger on it.”

“Don’t read too much into it. Qin Xuan hasn’t explicitly said anything or hinted at anything. He’s merely asked a few questions. Let’s not overanalyze,” the director advised.

The female host nodded in agreement. Meanwhile, Liu Sui had already reached Wang Zhi’s side.

“I, Liu Sui, pay my respects to Lord Minister!” Liu Sui quickly introduced himself.

“Very well, since Qin Xuan brought you here, you’re also knowledgeable. You are currently a local official, and I can arrange for your transfer here,” Wang Zhi looked at Liu Sui, already with a plan in mind.

“Thank you, Lord Minister, for your guidance. I will overcome any challenge and not back down from any task!” Liu Sui immediately pledged.

The Lord Minister’s words indicated they were now working together, and his investment in calligraphy and painting had not been in vain.

“Brother Qin, I might be busier in the upcoming days, so I’ll have to rely on you for certain matters in the Ministry of Justice,” Wang Zhi didn’t address Liu Sui directly but turned to Qin Xuan.

“Master, I won’t disappoint you. I’ll handle my responsibilities diligently,” Qin Xuan assured.

Wang Zhi had significant tasks ahead, and he was entrusting some responsibilities to Qin Xuan.

“What about me, Lord Minister?” Liu Sui voiced his concerns.

“You’re being too hasty again!” Wang Zhi scolded Liu Sui, giving him a stern look akin to an elder reprimanding a junior.