In 1898 he passed the imperial examinations as the 18th Jinshi in the second class of the Reform Movement Division, gaining the rank of Shujishi.

[3][4][5] After the founding of the Republic of China, Qian was approached by president Yuan Shikai because of his relationship with Xu Shichang.

In March 1918 Duan Qirui's cabinet was established for the third time, and Qian was once again appointed as the Minister of internal affairs.

On December 14, the Premiership became official, he organized the cabinet, and concurrently served as the Minister of Internal Affairs in January 1919.

In 1919, the May Fourth Movement broke out, further weakening Qian's government, leading to his resignation of premiership in June the same year.