Chapter 95

Chapter 95: The Obsequious Sycophant

Mo Zhongshan watched in disbelief as Wang Minghui officially closed the case, his rage threatening to boil over. He felt a profound sense of frustration—here was the truth, laid bare for all to see, yet everyone chose to ignore it, cowed by the power of the Qin family.

Were Xiao Ming and his fellow students to die in vain?

Known for his fiery temperament, Mo Zhongshan had spent many years at Jixia Academy, untouched by the layers of political filth in the outside world. He had not anticipated this level of shamelessness. What had happened to justice in this world?

If he could, he would’ve disregarded the consequences and struck down Qin Xian on the spot, avenging Jixia Academy.

But he knew the outcome of such an act. Even attempting to lay a hand on Qin Xian could bring catastrophic consequences for Jixia Academy itself.

If the Qin family’s patriarch were truly enraged, it wouldn’t just be him facing ruin—Jixia Academy might cease to exist altogether.

As Qin Xian observed Mo Zhongshan’s struggle, he smiled slightly and said in a detached tone, “Dean Mo, if you have any further concerns, you could file a complaint with the Imperial Ministry of Supervision.”

“If you need help, I’d be happy to put in a good word for you with Minister Sheng. After all, my voice does carry some weight there…”

The Imperial Ministry of Supervision, tasked with overseeing all government departments, wielded immense authority. Any disputes over cases handled by the Security Council or the Police Department could be appealed to this ministry.

However, the problem lay in Minister Sheng Junchen, the highest-ranking official in the Ministry of Supervision—who was a loyal servant of the Qin family.

Sheng Junchen’s rise was legendary; he had ascended from a mere inspector to the Minister of Supervision in just a decade. Known for his ruthlessness, he had used his position to clear obstacles for the Qin family, leaving ruined lives in his wake without concern for his reputation.

Qin Xian’s words were more than modest—his influence with Sheng Junchen was as potent as that of a father over a son.

A year ago, Sheng Junchen had even publicly barked like a dog during Qin Xian’s birthday celebration, hoping to curry favor with the Qin family heir.

The entire Imperial Court had turned it into a laughingstock. Qin Xian’s command undoubtedly carried more weight with Sheng than any other voice.

Mo Zhongshan’s expression darkened further. The Qin family’s influence was woven through the entire Empire; there was nowhere left to turn. With his silence, Qin Xian smiled faintly, signaling his entourage to leave gracefully with him.

The onlookers were left astounded, filled with an almost reverent fear. This was the power of an elite family—to kill members of Jixia Academy and then depart without consequence.

Wang Minghui, Deng Juncai, and the other Jiangnan officials quickly fell in line, offering sycophantic praise and pleasantries. As for Jixia Academy? They were more than happy to forget it even existed.

“Director Wang, Director Deng, thank you for your hard work today,” Qin Xian said, with the slightest hint of amusement.

Deng Juncai opened his mouth to respond, but Wang Minghui was quicker, interjecting, “Young Master Qin, you’re too kind. We’ve done no hard work here. It’s Jixia Academy that nearly slandered you. We merely sought the truth.”

Walking alongside Qin Xian, Wang Minghui’s face was painted with a fawning grin. Qin Xian chuckled, finding Wang Minghui’s sycophantic behavior somewhat entertaining. This Director of the Jiangnan Province Security Council was indeed a rare breed.

In truth, Wang Minghui was nothing but a small-minded opportunist, and that suited Qin Xian just fine—he preferred people who would abandon all scruples to serve him.

He glanced over at Wang Minghui and asked, “How long have you been serving in the Security Council, Director Wang?”

Wang Minghui’s heart skipped a beat, his face lighting up with excitement. “Answering Young Master Qin, I have served as Director of the Jiangnan Security Council for thirteen years!”

At his words, the surrounding officials shot Wang Minghui strange looks. His obsequiousness was staggering.

Respecting Qin Xian’s power was one thing—everyone respected it—but for a provincial director to address Qin Xian as “your humble servant” bordered on shameless.

Yet Wang Minghui remained unfazed by the looks of contempt. He knew that this moment was a rare opportunity.

Wang Minghui had not been born into an elite family; he had married into one, gaining his position as Security Council Director through the support of his wife’s family and his own maneuvering.

But he understood that this position was likely his peak. If he hadn’t met Qin Xian, he would have remained here until retirement, perhaps gaining a ceremonial title as a vice-chair in the Provincial Assembly. However, Qin Xian’s presence gave him hope—hope for more.

If he could latch onto Young Master Qin’s favor, who knew how far he could climb?

For that, Wang Minghui discarded all sense of dignity. What use was face when he could gain power?

He had heard that Sheng Junchen had used a similar tactic to become the Empire’s Minister of Supervision by serving the Qin family with utter loyalty.

Perhaps he could be the next Sheng Junchen.

Watching the anticipation and excitement gleaming in Wang Minghui’s eyes, Qin Xian smiled slightly and asked, “Director Wang, would you be interested in taking up a position in the Imperial Capital?”