"What exactly are you trying to say?"
A fierce glint flashed in Qian Xinxin's eyes, only to be replaced by his usual indifferent demeanor.
"I'm trying to say, what have you gained by pledging allegiance to the Emperor?"
"The black market was once the wealthiest place among the轮回者 (reincarnators). Now, all those abundant accumulations must be handed over to fill the national treasury, to support hundreds of thousands of people who have nothing to do with you."
"And you've only been given a mediocre honorary title of Finance Minister, without gaining any benefits."
"In the Political Affairs Group, you can only send one person to participate, while the blue ring survivors can also have a seat. Don't you feel you're at a disadvantage?"
"I'm considering your situation, and tomorrow at the meeting, I will impeach Zhao Xiyue..."
Before Wang Hai'an could finish, Qian Xinxin interrupted him with a laugh.
"Haha, excuse me, did I hear that right? You want to impeach Zhao Xiyue?"
"You don't even know who she is, do you? She's one of the Emperor's favorites lately. Even if she has no ability, just based on this connection, she can easily secure the position of head of the Political Affairs Group."
"You impeach her? ...."
Although Qian Xinxin didn't say the rest, it was all written on his face: Are you looking to die?
Wang Hai'an smiled and said,
"Of course, impeaching her isn't the goal, it's just to put a little pressure on her. The ultimate goal is to support you as the deputy head of the Political Affairs Group!"
"Actually, my purpose in doing this isn't treasonous towards the Emperor, but rather to hope the dynasty becomes better."
"The Emperor's strength is unparalleled, but his ability to use people is truly...呵呵... compared to his strength..."
"Zhao Xiyue is just a pretty vase. It's enough that she looks good; she's completely unsuitable for such an important position as the head of the Political Affairs Group."
"On the contrary, whether it's looks, figure, reputation, ability, or experience and social skills, you are far superior to Zhao Xiyue."
"Since His Majesty cannot see through this matter, I can only risk my life to try and change this situation. If you take charge, the Political Affairs Group will be able to achieve results."
"Now that this vase Zhao Xiyue is in power... look, it's only been a short while since the strong ones left, and this city is facing zombies and protests. This shows that her abilities are simply insufficient."
Hearing these words, Qian Xinxin smiled ambiguously and said,
"So, it seems you are considering me, and also considering His Majesty?"
"Then killing the Emperor's spies around me is a very foolish thing to do, isn't it?"
Wang Hai'an shook his head and said,
"It might be foolish to me, but for you, it's not necessarily a bad thing."
"His Majesty's spies have disappeared, but you can still diligently carry out His Majesty's work, and you are governing the city very well."
"This will win His Majesty's trust. It's not impossible for you to become one of the closest women to His Majesty in the future."
"Even if His Majesty questions you, you can just shift the blame to me. I don't mind. As long as the dynasty can develop well, it's enough for me."
Qian Xinxin pouted and said,
"Could you be this kind? Sacrificing yourself to fulfill me? And asking for nothing in return?"
Wang Hai'an chuckled, with a look that said 'you understand me,' and said,
"Actually, I do have a selfish motive. I like a female merchant in your black market, and I only want her!"
"In the apocalypse, there's no guarantee of tomorrow. I've had enough of this kind of life. To be with the woman I love, even for just a few days, I would be content."
Qian Xinxin narrowed her eyes and looked at Wang Hai'an for a while, then sighed and said,
"I understand. I'll arrange for her to come to your room later. You can go back and wait!"
Wang Hai'an was overjoyed and quickly expressed his thanks.
Qian Xinxin waved her hand and said,
"No need to thank me. Since she is the woman you chose, treat her well."
"Don't worry, I will cherish her like a jewel!" Wang Hai'an bowed and retreated from the room with a beaming smile.
As soon as he was out of Qian Xinxin's sight, his expression suddenly darkened, and a cunning smile flickered across his lips.
At the same time, in a survivor camp one hundred kilometers west of the second walled city.
Zhang Wenwen was being warmly welcomed by the camp's believers, who were singing and dancing to welcome the bishop's arrival.
At this moment, her expression suddenly froze as she received a message from the fourth walled city:
"Bishop, following the zombie outbreak and public protests today, Jiang Chenchen and Wang Hai'an investigated the御魔使 (Demon Suppressor)'s laboratory and discovered that the zombie outbreak was caused by a virus leak from the laboratory, which may have adverse effects on the 御魔使."
"Furthermore, Zhao Xiyue has sent people to monitor Wang Hai'an, and it seems she suspects Wang Hai'an is involved in this matter."
"Finally, Wang Hai'an met with Qian Xinxin of the black market, the leader of the surrender organization, and the head of the new diocese tonight, and the details of their secret talks are unclear. These were only discovered afterward. This fellow is very adept at evading tracking. If it weren't for our informants being everywhere, it would be difficult to discover his whereabouts."
"Currently, the strongest force within the church is the Saintess Group led by Su Xue. They are ready and awaiting your command to apprehend Wang Hai'an tonight."
Seeing this message, Zhang Wenwen showed no surprise.
With all the strong individuals having left the city, the survivors who were suppressed by force and had their ambitions contained were bound to seize the opportunity to stir things up.
This was something Zhang Wenwen had predicted long ago.
She had converted so many survivors and felt she had a good grasp of human nature.
In fact, whether it was Zhao Xiyue or Qian Xinxin, they were merely representatives of a small faction among the city's numerous powers.
But the True God Cult was different. Its believers permeated almost all positions, departments, and factions.
Of the nearly two hundred thousand 轮回者 (reincarnators), eighteen to nineteen thousand were believers of the True God Cult.
The rest were prospective believers, undergoing observation.
Although the True God Cult seemed to have no real power within the dynasty, it was, in reality, the highest institution controlling all information and movements.
"Understood!"
Zhang Wenwen replied with only three words.
"But... Bishop, are we not going to act and just let Wang Hai'an run wild?"
The other party asked in surprise.
"He hasn't done anything outrageous yet, so why arrest him?"
"And... I'm also very curious as to who will respond to his call and come out to cause trouble."
"The most basic principle for believers of the True God Cult is piety. If someone dares to harm the 御魔使 (Demon Suppressor), it precisely indicates that they are not pious."
"This is an excellent opportunity to clear out unstable elements within the church. Let's just wait and see. Record down those who are leading the trouble, and we'll deal with them when I return!"
Zhang Wenwen closed the chat interface, then immediately said with a beaming smile to the surrounding believers,
"Everyone must remember that as believers of the True God Cult, only piety can obtain the blessings of the True God. Those who are hypocritical will be punished!"