Chapter Seventy-Seven: The Deviation of Perception

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Qin Anyi’s brows furrowed at once. If Wei Qinghai’s words held true, then such matters must be of the highest confidentiality. Even within the system, this notion must have only just been broached, with no concrete plans for implementation, no clear methods as to how it might be executed, and no established means of control or limitation should the terrifying powers of the Honor Dragon Riders truly be granted. There could not possibly be any overarching strategy in place yet—otherwise, Wang Yiran could not have been entirely in the dark.

After all, as Yi Qiu had said, Wang Yiran’s father was an absolute top figure within the Dragon Riders. If any decision had truly been made, Wang Yiran’s father would have surely caught wind of it. Judging by the way Wang Yiran was able to involve her father merely on his behalf, it was evident how much her father valued her. If such news did exist, there was every chance he would have told Wang Yiran.

Wei Qinghai’s words revealed three crucial messages: first, that the political force backing him must be formidable indeed, and that Wei Qinghai himself was certainly part of its core, likely a key figure being groomed as a future standard-bearer. Otherwise, even as a high-ranking deputy minister, Qin Anyi would never have believed he’d have access to such closely guarded secrets—matters that could provoke an earthquake within the system. Until any of this was finalized, such topics could only be discussed in the highest councils, among the few true leaders, perhaps extending only to a handful of especially favored protégés.

Naturally, the group would seek every means to infiltrate and influence the Dragon Riders. Yet, thanks to the Dragon Riders’ longstanding secrecy and mystique, politicians were completely in the dark about them. The reason Wei Qinghai had come to him, Qin suspected, was precisely because of this. He was certain Qin was a Dragon Rider—though young, and thus not especially powerful, previous events had revealed Qin’s ability to stir such formidable forces within the Dragon Riders. So Wei Qinghai hoped to make contact with the Dragon Riders through him. Perhaps such contact would yield no immediate results, but it was a matter of preparation, of laying groundwork for the future.

“What is it you wish to express by telling me all this?” Qin Anyi said expressionlessly. “I’m not yet a full member of the Dragon Riders. If you hope to use me to convey some message to them, I fear you’ll be disappointed.”

Wei Qinghai, as if oblivious to Qin’s coldness, chuckled amiably. “No rush. There’s much to be clarified and decided, so even if this is put into motion, it will take years. We know too little about the Dragon Riders—a few years’ study can only help.”

“If the Dragon Riders gradually lose their absolute independence, how will they differ from any other regulatory body?” Qin Anyi’s voice was chilly.

“I think you misunderstand,” Wei Qinghai replied calmly. “My wish to make contact with the Dragon Riders isn’t about political infiltration, but about fostering mutual understanding. Anyi, you must realize—absolute purity brings desolation. The Dragon Riders have no experience with oversight; in their early days of enforcement, oversight will be even more critical.” He sighed. “Reluctant as I am to admit it, the fact remains: if the Dragon Riders wield unchecked oversight, enforcing everything with the utmost severity and no room for leeway, the entire country’s bureaucracy would be thrown into chaos and turmoil.”

“You mean, there isn’t a single official who is truly clean?” Qin Anyi’s lips curled into a slight, mocking smile.

“No,” Wei Qinghai said frankly, “there are certainly clean officials. But for someone to rise to true power, it’s impossible to remain completely untainted. It isn’t just in our country; it’s the same the world over. Beyond a certain level, advancement always depends on the patronage of those above, and such patronage inevitably involves some exchange. If you truly investigated, you’d always find something in the shadows. You understand this, I’m sure.”

“I do,” Qin Anyi said quietly. He knew Wei Qinghai was being unusually candid today; given their respective positions, this was rare indeed. Any other deputy minister would never have been so open. Yet, understanding did not mean acceptance. Some things, no matter how inevitable, still inspired a visceral aversion.

“You’re wrong!” Wei Qinghai said seriously. “The duty of an oversight body isn’t to root out every wrongdoing, but to maintain relative stability. Since ancient times, wherever there are people, there can be no absolute fairness. In the struggles between men, there is no such thing as absolute right and wrong. The true purpose of oversight is to keep everything on a controllable, proper track. Stability is the ultimate priority for any nation.”

Qin Anyi said nothing, merely sat back in his chair in silence. After a long pause, he finally picked up the teacup before him, drained it in one gulp, and stood.

“Uncle Wei, I’ll need some time to process what you’ve said today. I won’t trouble you any further.” He bowed slightly in farewell.

“Very well. If you have any questions or doubts, you may come to me at any time. I’ll instruct Hong Bing not to hinder your visits in any way,” Wei Qinghai replied, reaching out his right hand.

Their hands clasped. Qin Anyi gave Wei Qinghai a complex look and then turned to take his leave.