Chapter 766: Chapter 650: Meeting the Dean (Part 2)
Qin An felt that there seemed to be something unusual here.
Unexpectedly, after asking this question, Emperor Xuanwu shook his head slightly and said.
"Do you think it’s strange that I haven’t shown any signs of action?"
Qin An nodded and said, "That’s right. Aside from the crises I’ve encountered, this traitor issue alone should be enough to shock Your Majesty. Has Your Majesty not discovered who the traitor is since the establishment of the Daqian Kingdom?"
He was direct and transparent.
What he wanted to know most now was who the traitor hidden within the higher ranks of the Daqian Kingdom was, as told by Zhong Mucheng.
Emperor Xuanwu, upon hearing this, gently tapped the teacup with his fingers and then shook his head slightly, saying, "To be honest, I’ve long suspected there is a traitor among the high ranks, but the individual is no fool. To be positioned in Daqian Kingdom and maintain a high-ranking position, they must be extremely capable."
"Over the years, I have tried various methods to probe, but have received no information related to the traitor. In other words, the traitor will not emerge unless it’s for a truly important task from the Heavenly Demon’s side."
At this point, a hint of regret appeared on Emperor Xuanwu’s face.
After all, he really wants to personally capture this traitor and see who could reach such a high position in the Daqian Kingdom.
But before that, he must ensure not to startle the snake in the grass.
Qin An fell into thought, nodded, and said, "Understood."
Emperor Xuanwu has his own plans, this matter is beyond Qin An’s control, and he knows the emperor will take care of it.
What Qin An wants to do most now is go back and hone his skills.
The near-death battle today has left Qin An with many thoughts.
He knows that in front of real masters, the Life Substitution Needle doesn’t work, and the only way to ensure survival is through one’s own strength.
Only when his strength reaches a certain level can he ensure he won’t be harmed by treacherous people.
Therefore, he plans to return and quickly train all professions to level twenty-three, then demonstrate the Scholar Profession, and finally upgrade his realm to Great Success in Unity Realm.
By then, he will have a layer of protection in Xuanjing City.
Emperor Xuanwu saw that Qin An already had the intention to leave, nodded, and said, "For now, don’t think too much about the traitor. Aside from Prince Zhenyuan, there’s Marshal Liu. Even I don’t know who the problem lies with."
"You’ve met the other high ranks, and there’s only the academy’s dean left. I think you might want to take a look."
"I know that investigating the traitor is important, and I hope to infer some clues from other sources."
"If I were to go to the academy, it might cause a stir, which wouldn’t be good, but if you go, it’s different."
Upon hearing this, Qin An furrowed his brow deeper and asked, "What makes it different?"
He thought Emperor Xuanwu’s words sounded mysterious, so he wanted clarification.
Emperor Xuanwu paused and then said, "Every move I make is enough to affect changes in the world. To be honest, if I truly went to the academy, it would certainly arouse speculation from everyone."
"And I can’t predict what the speculations might lead to, as the most unpredictable thing nowadays is the human heart. It’s already known that you’ve been received by many high-ranking officials in Daqian Kingdom."
"At this time, I consciously let you go to the academy, which is reasonable, as only Marshal Liu and the academy’s dean are left for you to meet."
Qin An stroked his chin and replied without hesitation, "No problem."
His response was so direct that even Emperor Xuanwu found it a bit strange.
Qin An said calmly, "Is Your Majesty surprised at how readily I agreed?"
Emperor Xuanwu nodded slightly, indeed feeling so.
Only then did Qin An answer, "The fact is, I am already an arch-enemy with that Heavenly Demon, and his subordinates all want my life, so I naturally need to find the traitor as a way out for myself."
Emperor Xuanwu showed an expression of realization: "Since that’s the case, then prepare yourself."
Qin An said no more, stood up, and left the Imperial Study.
It was still early, he thought for a moment, then headed directly to the largest academy in Daqian Kingdom.
...
As the largest academy in the Daqian Kingdom, this place is a pilgrimage site for countless scholars.
Today, among the officials in the Daqian Kingdom, most are alumni of the academy.
Not only that, but even the current Prime Minister is from the academy.
However, it is rumored that the Prime Minister doesn’t have a good relationship with the academy’s dean, hence, since becoming Prime Minister, the two have shown signs of ceasing to see each other.
As the head of all officials, the Prime Minister’s behavior has caused many scholars to question.
But no matter what, it doesn’t stop all scholars from respecting the academy.
The academy resides in the Daqian Kingdom, neither belonging to a martial world force nor an official force.
Its long-standing position in the Daqian Kingdom is not only due to educating scholars, but also because of its significant contributions when Daqian Kingdom fought against the former dynasty.
The academy paid a huge price, where even half of the scholars lost their lives to the Yellow Springs.
At this moment, the street outside the academy is spotless.
Two academy disciples, holding scrolls in hand, are stationed at the entrance.
The arrival of Qin An brought alertness to the two academy disciples.
With a long knife at his waist, Qin An carried an air of Evil Qi, looking incompatible with the style here.
He contemplated, intending to go forward to explain his purpose clearly, asking the academy disciples to report on his behalf.
However, before he approached, the academy disciple on the left walked out slowly, greeted Qin An with a salute.
"Sir, the dean has been waiting inside for a long time. You only need to go in, no need to say more."
Qin An was slightly stunned, "The dean knew I would come?"
The disciple replied, "If someone in Daqian Kingdom must be found who can strategize in both prosperous and troubled times, besides the Prime Minister, only the dean remains."
"Of course, I don’t mean to say that other high-ranking officials of Daqian Kingdom are incapable, just speaking by one aspect alone."
Qin An showed a faint smile.
He could tell the level of admiration the academy disciples had for the dean, thus didn’t comment on their explanation.
Returning to the subject, Qin An said: "In that case, please lead the way."
He came here for a meeting, which aligns with Emperor Xuanwu’s intentions, so he didn’t waste time.
The academy disciple didn’t bother with small talk and soon led Qin An into the academy.
Inside the academy, it was filled with a tranquil and refined atmosphere.
The scholars inside were holding scrolls, carefully reading.
Even as Qin An entered, he didn’t attract their attention.
With the guidance of the disciple, Qin An passed through the front courtyard, reaching the largest room in the rear courtyard.
The academy disciple saluted and said, "Please enter on your own. I’ll continue to read, so I won’t accompany you further."
Qin An nodded slightly and walked forward.
At the door, as he prepared to knock, the door unexpectedly opened automatically.
The fragrance of books wafting from the open door revitalized Qin An.
Qin An was about to speak when he saw an elder in a white robe, seated and immersed in reading.
He knew clearly that this was the highest spiritual symbol for all scholars besides the Prime Minister in Daqian Kingdom, one of the pinnacles among scholars.
Without hesitation, Qin An stepped inside.
As he entered, the dean put down the book, lifted his old yet bright eyes, his tone carrying a touch of satisfaction and nostalgia.
"Mr. Qin, I’ve heard of your name for long, and today, I finally see you. Just in time, I have an important matter to discuss with you."
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