I Have an Omen System

Chapter 376: Chapter 241: Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites

Though his official rank was below that of Marquis Du Haixian, a Junior First Grade noble, his actual power was immense. He oversaw all of Daqian’s important affairs, such as ceremonies, sacrificial rites, and the imperial examinations.

He was second only to the Nascent Soul Minister of Daqian’s Ministry of Rites.

"Marquis Du, what brings you to my humble home today?"

Jin Hongjun said with a smile, cupping his hands in salute as his gaze swept briefly over Du Haixian.

Du Haixian sighed, a worried look on his face. "Vice Minister Su, to be frank, I have come today to ask a favor."

"Please speak freely, Marquis."

Du Haixian lowered his voice. "A junior from my clan, while traveling abroad, seems to have... crossed paths with an important disciple from the Cyan Cloud Sect. The situation is quite delicate."

Jin Hongjun’s eyes narrowed slightly, his expression unreadable. "Oh? A Cyan Cloud Sect disciple... What are you implying, Marquis Du?"

Du Haixian leaned forward slightly, his tone pleading. "I was hoping, Vice Minister Su, that you might be able to mediate on my behalf and send a message to the Cyan Cloud Sect?"

"The Du Family asks for nothing more. We only hope to use this opportunity to secure a chance for that unworthy son of mine to enter one of the Cyan Cloud Sect’s subsidiary Blessed Lands and form his Golden Core."

"The Du Family is willing to pay a suitable price. We will absolutely not cause any trouble for the Cyan Cloud Sect or for you, Vice Minister Su."

Jin Hongjun stroked the short beard on his chin and mused, "The Cyan Cloud Sect is the Leader of the Righteous Path. An opportunity in one of their Blessed Lands is not so easily obtained. This matter... has broad implications. Allow me to consider it."

Du Haixian immediately replied, "I understand. Whether this succeeds or not, the Du Family will remember your kindness, Vice Minister Su."

With that, Du Haixian set down the precious Tier Three Spiritual Materials he was holding, exchanged a few more pleasantries with a smile, and then tactfully took his leave.

...

After seeing Du Haixian off, Jin Hongjun returned to his study, the smile gradually fading from his face.

An aide at his side asked in a low voice, "My Lord, Marquis Du is a Junior First Grade official. Bolstered by the Chixiao Decree, his strength can even reach the Primordial Empress Realm. Why, then, with his request, did you..."

Jin Hongjun walked to the window and gazed at the green bamboo in the courtyard. He slowly shook his head, a cold smirk playing on his lips.

"That old fox, Du Haixian, has a nice little scheme going. He thinks a few vague words are enough to get me to step in and trade for a Golden Core Blessed Land on his behalf?"

"He doesn’t have that much clout, not to mention I’m sure he’s hiding the crucial details."

"Go and investigate. You can use the Chixiao Decree. See if any important disciples from the Cyan Cloud Sect have gone missing."

"Remember, don’t use the Great Seal of my Ministry of Rites. Use... use the Great Seal of the Ministry of War!"

"As you command!" The aide slowly retreated.

...

「Half a day later.」

The aide returned in a rush.

"My Lord, a disciple from the Cyan Cloud Sect really has gone missing!"

"Oh? And who might that be?"

The aide looked tense, transmitting his voice in a low whisper: "The Cyan Cloud Sect’s... Daoist!"

BOOM!

Jin Hongjun shot to his feet.

A moment later, however, Jin Hongjun sat back down.

His eyes narrowed, his gaze sharp as a blade.

’What a sly old fox. I was almost fooled by him. The Daoist of the Cyan Cloud Sect... what kind of status does he hold? If something had truly happened to him in their territory, would the Du Family really be treating this so lightly?’

"My Lord, what are your thoughts?"

"This matter runs deep. Getting involved rashly would be like playing with fire. That Du Haixian wants to use my mouth to probe for information and demand benefits. Am I, Jin Hongjun, a blade for him to wield?"

Jin Hongjun sat down, picked up a document from his desk, and said calmly, "Besides, while the Du Family has seemed quiet in recent years, their ancestor, Du Xuanya, was ultimately one of those who followed the High Ancestor in the uprising. His old subordinates in the military are still around."

"His Majesty may not be entirely at ease with the descendants of such founding nobles. Getting too deeply entangled with the Du Family at this time would not be a wise move."

As he spoke, Jin Hongjun casually placed Du Haixian’s written request in a corner of his desk, not giving it a second glance.

"Set it aside for now. Pay it no mind. If they can truly show sufficient sincerity and give a clear account of the situation, it won’t be too late to discuss it then."

The aide understood completely, bowing before he withdrew.

Only Jin Hongjun remained in the study, his gaze profound as he was lost in thought.