Perfect Villain Life: Universal Job Change

Chapter 120: A Clash Between Regent and Chancellor

Imperial Capital, Regency Office.

Nominally the ruler of the Empire, Regent Lu Ji served as the acting Emperor, holding the position of undisputed authority as the Empire’s foremost figure. 

Beneath him stood Qin Ming, the Empire’s Chancellor and head of the Cardinal Council, making him the second most powerful person in the Empire.

As protocol dictated, Qin Ming needed to visit the Regency Office to meet with Lu Ji. 

The main gates of the Regency Office swung open. Ren Xun, the head steward of the Regency Office, stood smiling as the convoy slowly approached. The vehicles came to a halt, and Qin Ming stepped out of his car.

Ren Xun immediately stepped forward, bowing respectfully. “Chancellor Qin!”  

Qin Ming returned a polite smile and nodded. “Head Steward Ren.”  

Ren Xun maintained a humble demeanor. “It’s an honor to have you personally make the trip, Chancellor Qin.”  

Qin Ming’s tone was calm as he replied, “The Empire has its rules and systems. I’m simply following protocol. Let’s go; there are several matters I need to discuss with the Regent.”  

Ren Xun nodded quickly. “The Regent is waiting to receive you at the entrance.”  

He then greeted Secretary-General Song Qi with a slight nod. “Secretary-General Song.”  

Song Qi smiled back. “Head Steward Ren.”  

With Ren Xun leading the way, the group headed deeper into the Regency Office. 

Qin Ming, ever composed, observed his surroundings. Despite being in the same city, he and Lu Ji rarely met in person, typically only exchanging words during major assemblies. 

As he walked, Qin Ming sensed the oppressive and formidable aura emanating from the Regency Office. His eyes narrowed slightly. It seemed Lu Ji had gathered many powerful figures over the years. 

This wasn’t surprising. Lu Ji was openly acknowledged as the strongest human in the world—a Level 90 Stellar Sword Saint—and the Regent of the Empire. 

Alongside the remnants of the pro-Emperor faction, it was only natural that he commanded an unignorable force.

The Regency Office wasn’t large, and before long, Qin Ming saw Lu Ji standing at the entrance to the main building, personally awaiting him. 

Lu Ji stood with his hands clasped behind his back. Though his hair was snow-white, his spirit was vigorous, and his sharp, hawk-like eyes radiated an oppressive aura. His presence was as vast and unfathomable as a mountain or an ocean.  

Compared to Lu Ji’s Level 90 strength, Qin Ming was a Level 89 powerhouse, making him one level lower. Despite this, Lu Ji couldn’t completely see through Qin Ming. 

This man, cloaked in an aura of enigma, was the head of the Qin family and a true mastermind whose actions had destroyed countless ancient families.

“Regent,” Qin Ming said, his tone light, a faint smile on his face.  

Lu Ji smiled as well, stepping forward to shake Qin Ming’s hand. “Chancellor, I appreciate you making the trip in person.”  

Nearby, officials from the Regency’s public relations department snapped photos of the handshake. Within hours, these images and their accompanying narrative would be disseminated across the Empire’s news channels:

– “Imperial Regent and Chancellor Meet: A Cordial and Friendly Exchange on Major Imperial Affairs and Strategic Policies.”  

– “The Harmony and Unity Between the Regent and Chancellor Demonstrate Internal Stability.”  

– “With Collaborative Leadership, the Empire Continues to Thrive, Advancing Its Great Cause!”

While outwardly cordial, both men were deeply aware of the tension between them. 

Lu Ji’s gaze sharpened as he held Qin Ming’s hand. By all rights, his level should have allowed him to see through Qin Ming completely. Yet the man before him remained veiled in a shroud of inscrutable mist.  

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the two men, accompanied only by a few trusted confidants—Song Qi and Ren Xun among them—proceeded to the conference hall.

—

The conference room fell silent as all irrelevant personnel were dismissed. Only the ticking of a clock punctuated the air.  @@novelbin@@

Inside, two commanding voices wove together as the Regent and Chancellor deliberated. The future of countless lives hinged on their decisions. 

High-ranking positions for governors, ministers, and other influential figures were among the topics discussed.  

These two men were the undisputed rulers of the Empire.

While it was no secret that the Qin family and the Regency had long been at odds, the content of this meeting might have surprised many. Despite their differences, much of the discussion revealed a surprising degree of cooperation—each seeking what they needed.

The meeting stretched on for over two hours before approaching its conclusion. Song Qi and Ren Xun closed their notebooks, ready to adjourn.  

Suddenly, Lu Ji’s eyes flashed with a sharp light. His tone turned cold as he said, “Chancellor, something serious just occurred in the Imperial Capital.”  

“Oh? What happened?” Qin Ming asked, his expression placid.  

Lu Ji’s face darkened, his voice filled with displeasure. “Your eldest son, Qin Xian. I just received word that he publicly ordered the killing of a former Imperial Colonel at the Celestial Revelation Auction House!”  

He continued, his voice growing heavier with anger, “That colonel was a decorated war hero, holder of three Silver Eagle Medals, two Purple Gold Flower Medals, and two Wings of Freedom Medals.”

“He retired due to injuries sustained in battles against the Void and is celebrated as one of the Empire’s heroes. Yet your son ordered his execution without any legitimate reason! This is a blatant violation of Imperial law!”  

Lu Ji’s oppressive aura surged, filling the room with a suffocating pressure. His wrath, as a Level 90 powerhouse, was palpable.  

Both Song Qi and Ren Xun paled at the atmosphere. Ren Xun, in particular, looked at Lu Ji with disbelief.  

However, Qin Ming’s demeanor remained unchanged. It was as if Lu Ji’s accusations were nothing more than trifling matters. 

With a faint smile, he replied, “Since the incident occurred at the Divine Revelation Auction House, Overseer Yuan will naturally handle it appropriately. As for Qin Xian, I’ll speak to him about it.”  

Lu Ji’s gaze grew colder. “That’s all?”  

Qin Ming’s smile remained unfaltering. He met Lu Ji’s icy glare with neither fear nor hesitation, his tone carrying a subtle edge of mockery.  

“Otherwise, what do you propose?”