Chapter 40

Chapter 40: The Soul of Courting Death Burns Once More

The position of Censorate Inspector in the Supervision Institute was a real one, meaning Ye Ning was to serve in this capacity.

The title of Hanlin Scholar, however, was honorary.

Many mid-level officials held this title, indicating that Ye Ning belonged to the civil service system.

With these dual roles—one real and one honorary—Ye Ning’s status immediately changed.

A stream of green energy appeared behind him, swirling above his head for a while. A powerful aura also infused his body. This was the country’s luck being bestowed upon him.

All officials in Great Zhou had official luck, which was closely tied to the nation’s luck. The nation’s luck came first. Without it, there would be no officials.

The colors of official luck varied:

Minor clerks and constables had gray luck.

Low-ranking officials had white luck.

Officials from seventh to fifth rank had blue luck.

Officials from fifth to third rank had green luck.

Officials from third to first rank had purple luck.

Those with noble titles or imperial relatives had an additional noble yellow luck, apart from their official duties’ color.

The Emperor’s luck was uniquely golden.

Ye Ning’s official luck was green, indicating his rank was not high, merely fourth rank. Considering Ye Ning had previously been a lowly seal keeper, his sudden promotion to fourth-rank Censorate Inspector was astonishing. Many instinctively opposed it.

“Your Majesty, Ye Ning is too young to serve as Censorate Inspector.”

“Indeed, given his age, he should undergo several years of training before being entrusted with such responsibilities.”

“We urge Your Majesty to reconsider.”

Enemies meant danger, and danger meant a chance to die.

“Yes, your situation is not favorable. The court is full of treacherous ministers, and upright men like you are naturally feared. I advise you to be cautious in your actions,” Liu Jin said worriedly.

“Especially since the Emperor has assigned you to the Supervision Institute. It’s adding insult to injury.”

Hearing this, Ye Ning’s interest grew.

“What’s the deal with this Supervision Institute?”

Liu Jin was surprised at Ye Ning’s ignorance of officialdom but explained patiently. Through his explanation, Ye Ning finally understood his new position.

Firstly, the role of Censor was present in many Chinese dynasties, responsible for supervising officials and the Emperor’s conduct—essentially, professional critics.

The Censorate Inspector in the Supervision Institute, however, was much more complex.

Established during the Great Emperor era, the Supervision Institute was independent of the six ministries, tasked with overseeing officials, handling major cases, and monitoring public sentiment.

It combined judicial, penal, and supervisory powers, and was once extremely influential.

Years ago, corrupt officials dreaded the Supervision Institute.

It was said, “A trip to the Supervision Institute ensures a journey to the afterlife.”

But today, the Supervision Institute had long declined, its former glory a thing of the past.

Its vast powers had become mere formalities.

According to Liu Jin, the Supervision Institute was now a forgotten, rundown place, holding no real power or significance.

The ranks within the Institute were Director, Deputy Director, Inspector, and Assistant.

This meant Ye Ning was the third highest-ranking official in the Institute.

“The Supervision Institute?” Ye Ning’s eyes lit up with an idea.

“Interesting.” The soul of courting death burned once more.