Chapter 147

Chapter 147: The Target is the Military Department

The line went silent for a moment.

Clearly, the person on the other end was trying to recall who Wang Minghui was.

Fortunately, Wang Minghui had left a memorable impression on Steward Qiu during their prior interaction.

Shortly after, Qiu’s calm voice returned. “Understood. Wait a moment while I consult with the young master.”

Wang Minghui quickly nodded and replied with a smile, “Thank you for the trouble, Sir Qiu.”

A few minutes later, Qiu spoke again. “I’ll come and escort you personally.”

Hearing this, Wang Minghui felt both surprised and flattered. He hurriedly replied, “Thank you, Sir Qiu!”

After hanging up, Wang Minghui noticed the other high-ranking officials gathered nearby were now looking his way.

It was clear his earlier comment—“Thanks to the young master’s favor”—had piqued their interest.

The Deputy Minister of the Empire’s Ministry of Personnel, Gan Xing, stepped forward with a warm smile and approached Wang Minghui.

“Are you newly transferred to the capital?”

Wang Minghui immediately bowed respectfully. “Minister Gan, sir, this subordinate is Wang Minghui, formerly the Director of the Jiangnan Provincial Safety Committee. I’ve just been reassigned to the Second Division of the Empire’s Ministry of Supervision as the Chief Inspector.”

Gan Xing, as the Deputy Minister of the Empire’s Ministry of Personnel, essentially oversaw the appointments and careers of countless officials across the Empire.

Though such power wasn’t absolute—many appointments at higher levels were beyond his purview—the Ministry of Personnel remained one of the most authoritative departments in the Empire.

Gan Xing’s own position as Deputy Minister afforded him immense influence and status.

Yet even a figure of his caliber had to obediently wait outside Qin Manor.

This revelation deepened Wang Minghui’s understanding of the Qin family’s staggering power.

Resolving to solidify his place at Qin Xian’s side, Wang Minghui reaffirmed his determination to cling tightly to this lifeline.

“Oh, so you’re Director Wang,” Gan Xing remarked, nodding noncommittally.

He naturally understood the role of the Ministry of Supervision’s Second Division—it was responsible for overseeing the operations of all imperial departments in the capital.

However, Gan Xing himself operated at a level beyond the Second Division’s jurisdiction, rendering its Chief Inspector irrelevant to him personally.

What caught his attention was Wang Minghui’s earlier statement: “Thanks to the young master’s favor.”

Could this provincial outsider truly be connected to Qin Xian?

Gan Xing smiled and asked, “Director Wang, do you know the young master personally?”

“I do,” Wang Minghui replied, nodding eagerly. “I was fortunate to receive the young master’s favor, which allowed me to secure this new position in the Ministry of Supervision. His kindness is a debt I’ll never forget.”

Upon learning that Wang Minghui not only knew Qin Xian but had been directly promoted thanks to him, Gan Xing and the other officials could no longer maintain their earlier reserve. Smiling warmly, they began engaging Wang Minghui in conversation.

Wang Minghui, of course, understood the cause of their sudden friendliness.

It was all because of his connection to Qin Xian. That alone was enough.

Meanwhile, Wang Siyao, Wang Minghui’s daughter, was awestruck.

These senior officials—people she had only ever seen on the evening news—were now standing before her in person, treating her father with such warmth and respect!

After some time, Steward Qiu emerged from the grand gates of Qin Manor.

Seeing him, the gathered officials all adopted deferential expressions and greeted him warmly.

“Sir Qiu!”

As Qin Xian’s personal steward and confidant, Qiu held a position of considerable influence. Beyond Qin family members, everyone else referred to him as “Sir Qiu” out of respect.

Acknowledging the group with a polite nod, Qiu then turned his attention to Wang Minghui and Wang Siyao. He spoke evenly, “The young master is waiting for you in the study.”

Hearing this, Gan Xing and the others couldn’t hide the envy in their expressions.

To be personally received by Qin Xian!

That level of treatment was a privilege few could dream of.

The gathered officials quietly committed Wang Minghui’s name to memory. It seemed he had become one of Qin Xian’s trusted inner circle.

If they could cultivate ties with Wang Minghui, perhaps they could use him to gain favor with Qin Xian—or at least avoid falling afoul of the Qin family.

As Wang Minghui stepped into Qin Manor, he felt as though he were walking on air.

This was the very seat of the Empire’s power—the most influential place in the land.

And now, he was inside it!

The experience was almost surreal.

After what felt like an eternity, Wang Minghui and Wang Siyao were led by Steward Qiu into the mansion and eventually to a private study.

Inside, they were greeted by Qin Xian himself.

“Young Master Qin!”

Wang Minghui immediately bowed deeply, nearly folding himself in half. His tone was obsequious. “This subordinate apologizes for the unexpected visit. I hope I’m not intruding!”

Qin Xian regarded Wang Minghui with a calm gaze, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

This man certainly knows how to seize an opportunity.

Wang Minghui’s timing was impeccable. If he had waited any longer, Qin Xian might have forgotten about him entirely, and securing an audience would have been next to impossible.

Fortunately, Qin Xian still remembered him.

And as it happened, Qin Xian had a use for him now.

With a gentle wave of his hand, Qin Xian smiled and said, “No need for such formality. From now on, consider yourself one of the Qin family’s people.”

Hearing this, Wang Minghui’s heart raced.

To be personally acknowledged as one of Qin Xian’s own—this was a dream come true!

From now on, he could openly declare his allegiance to the Qin family, a declaration that would open countless doors.

Brimming with gratitude, Wang Minghui immediately pledged his loyalty. “This subordinate swears to serve the young master with unwavering devotion, to give my all, even unto death!”

Qin Xian smiled faintly and replied, “Good. As it happens, there’s a task I need you to handle.”

“Is this regarding the Wen family?” Wang Minghui asked, eagerly presenting a dossier of incriminating information he had compiled on the Wen family and the Eastern Army.

Qin Xian glanced through the documents and was somewhat impressed.

This Wang Minghui—he’s shameless, but undeniably capable. Perhaps he could become another Sheng Junchen.

However, to Wang Minghui’s surprise, Qin Xian shook his head.

“The Second Division’s target isn’t the Eastern Army or the Wen family,” Qin Xian said calmly.

“It’s the Military Department.”