Let you play a corrupt official, are you saying you want to make progress? - Chapter 2

Chapter 2: Qin Xuan’s Skill, Resurrecting a Hopeless Situation

The entire production team backstage was in a frenzy. Inside the studio, the director, producers, and even the historical studies authority, Yang Chongming, were all glued to the screen. Qin Xuan’s performance was truly remarkable.

Yang Chongming, with a face marked by deep wrinkles, displayed a strong sense of admiration. “Qin Xuan seems to have stepped out of ancient times. We’ve always been puzzled by this bureaucratic culture in historical research, but we’ve never been able to replicate it!”

Director Qi Bin let out a sigh of relief and said, “Thank God Qin Xuan saved the day this time. Otherwise, we would have been in a dilemma.”

Professor Yang, we’ve had previous challengers attempt to ingratiate themselves, so why did only Qin Xuan succeed?”

The director was somewhat puzzled by this. The first challenger tried a similar approach of trying to please, but it didn’t work at all. However, Qin Xuan used a similar approach, yet the outcome was completely different.

With a faint smile, Yang Chongming asked, “Don’t you think Qin Xuan’s words make people comfortable? Compared to the first challenger, although he had the intention of ingratiating, it didn’t come across as natural.”

Upon hearing Yang Chongming’s remark, the director suddenly understood. Qin Xuan’s words made people feel very at ease, naturally establishing a closer connection. These older generation individuals were, in fact, very simple-hearted. Their minds were focused on one thing: maximizing their contributions to society, shining their light and warmth as brightly as possible for the benefit of others.

As for all the scheming, politics, and behind-the-scenes maneuvering, they were not accustomed to it. Though they were aware that Qin Xuan’s words carried a hint of flattery, they couldn’t help but admit that this flattery felt genuine and comfortable.

“Don’t say it’s the ancient people accustomed to this culture. Even those simple folks find it quite comfortable to listen to.

The producer propped up his chin, contemplating, “Qin Xuan is doing well, but I can’t help feeling that this approach might not be the best. If everyone does it this way, won’t it create chaos? If this kind of trend occurs within an organization, how many people can accomplish real work?”

“Don’t worry, believe in Qin Xuan. Let’s see how this young man handles it. But to be honest, being too straightforward isn’t always a good thing. Learning a bit from Qin Xuan’s approach is generally a good idea,” Qin Bin consoled.

At the same time, he also started learning some language skills. In their circle, there were indeed some people who spoke very smoothly. Though they were a minority, the problem was that they originally had no special abilities but knew how to talk and please their superiors, thus rising through the ranks. Qin Bin got things done, but now, nearing retirement age, he had been the director of this program for nearly twenty years. Even though this world was relatively simple, there were still people who played the game of personal relationships, albeit in small numbers.

Qin Xuan’s words brought enlightenment to Qin Bin. Could he get promoted by making some adjustments to his work? At this moment, this program was continuously edited and shared by netizens. A certain blog quickly made this topic a trend.

Netizens also extracted the most exciting part of Qin Xuan’s words. ‘Mentor, was this “Sui Fa Qiang” (straightforwardness) your invention?”

This one example of language artistry had many people praising Qin Xuan’s emotional intelligence. Because the editor was clever, they placed the failed cases and Qin Xuan’s examples side by side, highlighting their differences.

“Whether it’s a certain blog, video platform, or a small website, this video is being wildly shared.”

[”Amazing, is this challenger called Qin Xuan? So impressive! I never even thought of this move!”] [”I’ve always said, I think people from ancient times were all crafty and deceitful. Without a sharp mind, you wouldn’t survive!”] [”Indeed, this is way too impressive. Not only is his knowledge of history solid, but he also understands human nature. I’m afraid only someone like Qin Xuan, who has traveled back to ancient times, can survive.”]

Netizens commented on this, and some prominent content creators began to analyze Qin Xuan’s statements psychologically.

Among them, a popular content creator with millions of followers, Qing Hong, was the first to explain the protagonist’s actions. Qing Hong was also a history professional, so her analysis was flawless.

Qing Hong: “I’m sure many of you are already familiar with the ‘Entering History’ program. Several previous challengers failed, but only Qin Xuan succeeded. I’ll explain to you the secret of Qin Xuan’s success!”

“Everyone knows that during the Ming Dynasty, many officers cared only about their interests and didn’t give much weight to the overall interests or even the welfare of the common people. So, to climb the ranks, you need to align yourself with the right people.”

“Although Qin Xuan and the fourth challenger have the same background, Qin Xuan aligned himself with someone, and a single phrase – ‘mentor’ – brought them closer! And selecting the right people is crucial when you want to align yourself with someone.”

“Meanwhile, the fourth challenger has a connection to Wang Zhi, but he finds the Minister of Works and the Minister of Revenue. This significant invention, presented to the emperor, must have rewarded the inventor. The Ministry of Works certainly will not recommend something that doesn’t benefit them.”

“Qin Xuan is very clever. After aligning himself with the right people, he even shared the credit with Wang Zhi. Of course, Wang Zhi wouldn’t go unrewarded either. He directly gave Qin Xuan a new achievement. If it weren’t handled this way, Qin Xuan might not even have the chance to meet the emperor!” Qing Hong’s explanation enlightened the netizens.

So, it was clear from the beginning that Qin Xuan had a specific goal.

[”So that’s how it is! Compared to Qin Xuan, we’re all fools!”] [”It seems that after time-traveling, it’s impossible to gain others’ respect through inventions like in novels!”] [”Qin Xuan is too incredible. He’s just someone who time-traveled, yet he knows so many tricks. It’s as if he came straight from ancient times!”] [”A person like Qin Xuan in ancient times would have become wealthy and powerful in no time!”]

The program continued, and the scene shifted as Qin Xuan found himself in the palace.

The Emperor of the Ming Dynasty was Zhu Chenghua, the son of the Ming Dynasty’s war god, Zhu Qizhen. He was known for favoring the Imperial Consort Wan and conducting the three Chenghua rodeos, which made the female Daoist afraid to voice her anger.

Upon meeting the young Emperor Chenghua, Qin Xuan was pleasantly surprised by his appearance, which closely resembled his portraits. At eighteen years old, the emperor appeared youthful. In reality, Qin Xuan had a favorable impression of Emperor Chenghua. He had always believed that Chenghua was underrated.

After a simple exchange of courtesies, Wang Zhi presented the Suifa gun to Emperor Chenghua. Following a demonstration, Chenghua praised the Suifa gun and directly rewarded Wang Zhi and Qin Xuan.

Wang Zhi also credited Qin Xuan with the success of a significant case he had solved in the Ministry of Justice earlier.

Emperor Zhu Chenghua looked at Qin Xuan with appreciation in his eyes. Even though Wang Zhi had mentioned that Qin Xuan had participated in the production of the Suifa gun, Emperor Chenghua understood that Qin Xuan was likely the sole person behind it. Furthermore, Qin Xuan displayed wisdom and an understanding of how to navigate complex situations. If he could, Emperor Chenghua genuinely wanted to keep Qin Xuan by his side, but he had just ascended the throne and lacked the authority to make such decisions.

Emperor Chenghua cleared his throat slightly and looked at Qin Xuan, saying, “Qin Xuan, you are quite impressive. Minister Wang recommends you for the position of Assistant Minister of Justice, but I would like to keep you by my side. Are you willing?”

Qin Xuan felt speechless at the moment. It was a challenging decision to make. If he agreed and his superiors didn’t transfer him, he could be in a potential dilemma. After all, it’s not easy to thrive in the shadow of a higher-ranking officer. However, refusing the emperor’s kindness could lead to even worse consequences. At this moment, the production team sensed the dilemma and anxiously worried for Qin Xuan.

Yang Chongming, watching the screen, took a deep breath and said, “If Qin Xuan agrees and doesn’t get transferred, all his previous efforts will be in vain.”

A female director, puzzled, asked, “What’s wrong? You are not agreeing?”

Qin Bin, the program director, shook his head with a bitter smile and said, “This is the ancient era, and defying the emperor’s wishes could have much graver consequences. This isn’t our problem. The AI simulation is just too realistic. This kind of test is practically impossible for anyone to pass.”

When the emperor made this proposal, it was evident that Wang Zhi’s face had changed, showing signs of unease.

Just when everyone thought that Qin Xuan was about to fail, he knelt down and slowly responded, “Your Majesty, I am deeply grateful for your favor.”

“Having the opportunity to serve by Your Majesty’s side is an honor.”

“Wherever I am, I am dedicated to contributing my humble efforts for the prosperity of the Ming Dynasty. If I can further leverage my abilities to serve Your Majesty and the empire, it will be a great blessing.”

Qin Xuan’s response seemed to satisfy the emperor, but the situation remained tense, and the outcome was uncertain. However, Lord Wang is my mentor, and I owe him for recognizing my potential. Your Majesty and my mentor should decide my stay or departure. I promise to follow commands and do practical work.”

With these words, Emperor Zhu Chenghua displayed a satisfied expression. After all, in China, filial piety was crucial in governing the nation, and the saying “a day as a teacher, a lifetime as a father” holds great significance. Qin Xuan’s response pleased the emperor. As for Wang Zhi, his eyes revealed not only admiration but also deep appreciation.

Ordinary young individuals, upon receiving such an opportunity from the emperor, would likely agree immediately. This kind of opportunity is rare, and young individuals who have just started their careers may find it hard to resist such temptation.

Wang Zhi quickly knelt and said, “Your Majesty, Qin Xuan’s experience is still limited. It might be better for him to serve as an Assistant Minister of Justice for now and, when the time is right, be assigned to Your Majesty’s side.”

Emperor Zhu Chenghua listened and nodded repeatedly, clearly agreeing with this request. At this moment, those outside were utterly bewildered, and in the control room, people were in shock. No one could regain their composure for a long time.

“This… this turned the situation around?” Yang Chongming didn’t know what to say.

What was initially thought to be a hopeless situation took an unexpected turn. Who could have predicted that Qin Xuan’s response would breathe new life into the situation?