You're Strong But Now You're Mine-Chapter 562 - 560: Loyalist IF · Le Yin’s Funeral (Part 3)

The autumn wind was bleak, the dry leaves had fallen, and the sky was overcast.

Outside the Qin family, there were no special signs, only two white lanterns hung at the gate.

The guard at the gate, Shi Wen, exhaled a breath of turbid air. According to his teacher, working or studying in such weather was truly miserable.

"Old Wen, I can't believe you're the one on guard duty." Dressed in plain white attire, Dan Chixia greeted him: "I thought the Imperial Guard would be handling security here, especially since His Majesty is present..."

"The Imperial Guard is inside, you just need to walk in and you'll see the commander receiving guests—but he's got it better than me, at least he has a chair to sit on." Shi Wen said with folded arms: "Do you have an invitation? If not, then kindly keep rolling away."

"You're still as grumpy as ever..." Dan Chixia sighed, pulling out a black invitation with gold trim to register with the Patrol and Punishment Department officer at the gate.

He took a few steps inside but hesitated, turning back to quietly whisper to Shi Wen: "Many important figures will be coming later, and some might bring family... Take my advice: it's best to turn a blind eye."

"I'm not Qian Yuya; if I were, I could turn a blind eye entirely, since I can't see anyway." Shi Wen sneered: "The thing I love to do most is enforce the law impartially, using power and reason to trample those arrogant human trash, letting them know what it's like to hit a brick wall, what it means to meet their match!"

"Trying to use the back door, or have private dealings?" Shi Wen raised his arm, revealing his fishbone wristguard: "This piece of armor constantly reminds me of the price of private dealings, the gift of corruption, the result of decay!"

Dan Chixia sighed, knowing he couldn't persuade Shi Wen.

Since they clashed in Qin Leyin's class five years ago, Dan Chixia unexpectedly formed a friendship with Shi Wen, becoming one of his few close friends. After leaving the Academy, Dan Chixia became a Forbidden Guard, while Shi Wen joined the Patrol and Punishment Department. It was only then Dan Chixia realized why Shi Wen was willing to risk his life to study Combat Technique—to investigate why his village was suddenly hit by a fire disaster back then.

After Cha Huan saved Shi Wen and Qian Yuya, he had also tried to investigate the cause, but ultimately it came to nothing—Cha Huan, with all his strength, had neither social connections nor was part of the system. Despite his principles, being the best at saving or killing, seeking justice was precisely his weak point.

Under different circumstances, perhaps Shi Wen would never find the truth until his dying day. However, his teacher was none other than the 'Hidden Minister' Qin Leyin, placing Shi Wen under powerful protection; moreover, in recent years, many nobles were stripped of power, numerous officials fell from grace, bringing many old cases to light.

Such favorable conditions allowed Shi Wen to easily uncover the truth from back then—it was actually a common story: a rich playboy accustomed to delicacies came to the small village, suddenly taking a liking to the local tofu. However, when his coercion failed, he was injured by the countryside yokels and, in humiliation and rage, set fire to the village.

But that's not the main issue; scum like that is always around. What truly drove Shi Wen into an angry obsession was the Imperial Court's attitude. Because the playboy's father was a high-ranking official, the Patrol and Punishment Department fell completely silent, everyone tacitly erasing the information, culled the fire as an accident, and even Cha Huan couldn't find any clues.

Shi Wen couldn't even seek revenge, because on the night of the demon transformation, that playboy became a beast and was slain by others.

From then on, Shi Wen devoted himself entirely to the work of the Patrol and Punishment Department, working day and night, never taking a vacation. He apprehended thousands of criminals, and among those he executed were many who once wielded significant power. So much so, five years later, Dan Chixia was still an ordinary Forbidden Guard, while Shi Wen had become a Captain of the Patrol and Punishment Department.

Moreover, Shi Wen never took off the fishbone armor given to him by Qin Leyin. Hundreds of iron needles were constantly piercing his flesh, stimulating his nerves, brewing his pain. Dan Chixia couldn't fathom why he still chose to torment himself this way—obviously the hatred had already ended.

"He always wanted to stake his life for something, yet now he can't even find a reason to do so," Qian Yuya once said in conversation: "Don't disturb him, let him escape into reality."

Dan Chixia deeply admired this blindfolded girl. Her wisdom surpassed that of anyone her age he had met; Qian Yuya's achievements were the highest among her cohort at the Imperial Academy—she was already a secretary in the Cabinet.

But he couldn't remain calm like Qian Yuya, watching Shi Wen walk down a path of self-destruction without stepping in to advise: "Shi Wen, back then, you could certainly wield the law, reason, and regulations to enforce justice, but things are different now... the teacher is dead!"

"Other than the connections you have with Qian Yuya and me, do you have ties with anyone else? I'm not even mentioning His Majesty; the past association with Qin Yueshi, Lin Xue of the Education Department, Li Ying of the Ministry of Revenue, and Qian Yuya of the Ministry of Personnel—we were once classmates, but have you kept in touch? Have you even seen Principal Cha more than a handful of times in these years? And there are so many more... you never established your own network!"

"Before, when the teacher was around, in Yanjing you could charge forward and everyone was willing to open the convenient door for you, but now it's different. If you continue to offend people like this... yes, you won't crash into walls, you might not even have enemies, but you will definitely get trapped in the mire unable to accomplish anything! Just like the former principal!"

"The students under the teacher's tutelage might only lend you a hand at the brink of death, but they'll absolutely not help you voluntarily. You can be unpleasant, but you can't be repulsive!"

Dan Chixia patted Shi Wen on the shoulder, "Think for yourself."

Shi Wen looked at him calmly and pointed behind the door, "Go inside."

"Ah," Dan Chixia sighed, saying nothing more, but stood beside Shi Wen to watch the gate of the Qin Family, making his intentions very clear.

Shi Wen's gaze was complex as he snorted coldly, "Fine, since I'm tired of standing here, I'll leave the guard duty to you."

Dan Chixia was unfazed by his attitude, "Speaking of which, wasn't the teacher's funeral way too small? Considering the teacher's achievements, I think a state funeral wouldn't be excessive, but this..."

"He always preferred keeping a low profile, you know that," Shi Wen wasn't surprised, "Even though everyone in the Imperial Court knew who was really issuing orders in the Cabinet, he refused to be part of it, only holding the idle title of 'Zither Sword' in the Imperial Court. I used to think it was to maintain stability, letting that old bastard Ling Jiangli remain as Chief Minister, but now..."

"Cough, cough!" Dan Chixia suddenly coughed twice. 𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂

Shi Wen glanced at him puzzled, "Why? Throat itch? Get yourself a drink. Speaking of which, the political situation has long been stable, and the Empress has already taken control, so when exactly will Ling Jiangli step down? I hold a pile of dirt on the Ling Family, ready to hit him when he's down..."

"Cough, cough, cough, cough!" Dan Chixia suddenly started coughing violently, as if to cough his lungs out.

"Excuse me, is this the entrance for the Qin Family's farewell ceremony?" A voice, neither husky nor clear, sounded from behind Shi Wen.

Shi Wen turned to see an eagle-eyed old man and said expressionlessly, "Invitation please."

Ling Jiangli pulled an invitation out from his sleeve; Dan Chixia quickly squeezed past Shi Wen, laughing, "How come the Chief Minister didn't bring guards or a vehicle today? No attendants by your side. You're the pillar of the nation, what if something happens..."

"The guards and vehicles are provided by the Imperial Court; I'm on break today, naturally without a guard or ride, otherwise it'd be misusing public resources," Ling Jiangli said calmly, "The Chief Minister's position is precarious, can't afford more fuel for criticism."

Dan Chixia's smile froze on his face, Shi Wen snorted coldly, "Please!"

Just then, a loud shout came from the sky, "You damned old immortal, bullying kids at someone's doorstep now?"

Ling Jiangli turned to see, expressionless, he bowed, "Principal Cha, I hope you've been well."

Seeing Cha Huan arrive, Dan Chixia immediately breathed a sigh of relief, and even Shi Wen silently relaxed. It's known that Ling Jiangli isn't just the Chief Minister but a martial pillar, whose mere latent spirit and vigor could unsettle them, making them feel imbalanced!

Cha Huan casually pulled out his own invitation, threw an arm around Ling Jiangli's shoulder, "Let's go, old immortal, with us old folks standing here, no one dares come in, afraid they'll bump into us... You're old now, why so naive."

Ling Jiangli looked at Cha Huan with some surprise; he wasn't astonished by Cha Huan's carefree nature; in fact, in recent years Cha Huan showed signs of rejuvenation, his career flourishing, his mental age aligning more with youth, many believed Cha Huan could become the first person to live over a hundred in modern times.

The truly surprising thing for the Chief Minister was that although Cha Huan's words were unkind, his attitude was undoubtedly closer than before. Previously, Cha Huan would glare and turn away, where would they be arm-in-arm?

Ling Jiangli was stirred, and said softly, "Looks like you truly regard him as a son."

"Him? I'd even think of him as too young for a grandson," Cha Huan snorted, dragging him inside, "Don't get me wrong, I just reckon the next funeral might be yours, so I'm talking to you more now, before there's no chance later."

"With Sima Huo around, old man like me won't die so easily." Ling Jiangli said, "Don't worry, Cha Huan, we'll definitely outlive you, no chance for you to tarnish our names after we're dead."

"Do I need to wait for you to die to smear your names?" Cha Huan sneered, "You better live well."

"Even I would be engulfed by sorrow looking at Yanjing, a city without familiar faces."

After the two heavy-hitters went inside, the officers at the Qin Family's entrance relaxed, then gradually more guests made their way in.

"Greetings, Minister Xie!"

Upon seeing Xie Chenyuan in white mourning attire, Dan Chixia didn't give Shi Wen a chance to offend, taking the initiative to greet him, "Didn't expect you back in Yanjing."

Offending Ling Jiangli could still be salvaged, but to offend this man is to await retirement—Xie Chenyuan is now the Governor of Youyun District, a future Cabinet scholar prospect, an early responder and avid reform promoter, and even switched allegiance to the White Night Party right as they entered politics, achieving numerous successful political ventures within five years. His exceptional ability has brought orderly governance to Youyun District, with last year's GDP doubling!

"An invitation from Zither Sword is beyond my refusal." Xie Chenyuan glanced at the couple who had just entered, "Those two look unfamiliar, are they the latest popular figures in Yanjing?"

"No, they're the Jinzhengtang couple from Chenfeng, seem to be old acquaintances from Silver Blood." Dan Chixia replied.

"Old acquaintances from Silver Blood... Jin Zhengwei's brother among the Silver Blood Seven Wonders?" Xie Chenyuan realized, "Being valued by the Zither Sword, they must be outstanding individuals. By the way, is there a guest list? I'd like to see who I don't know, to avoid offending Yanjing nobility later..."

"I'm sorry, Minister Xie, that seems against protocol..." Dan Chixia stood in front of Shi Wen, politely rejecting the request.

"I'll find out who the guests are after I enter anyway, what's the harm in letting me see now?" Xie Chenyuan said gently, "Of course, if it's truly inappropriate, then it's my overstep."

Dan Chixia was slightly shaken, even Shi Wen stayed silent. But before they could agree, Xie Chenyuan suddenly looked across the street.

"He's here too... haha, things just got interesting." Xie Chenyuan's face showed a strange expression, quickly entering the Qin Family, as if avoiding something.

Dan Chixia and Shi Wen were a bit confused, but soon, as the bespectacled gentleman appeared before them, it was hard for them to maintain their composure!

"Excuse me, is this the Qin Family?"

Shi Wen took a deep breath and nodded, "Yes, do you have an invitation?"

"Yes."

Shi Wen opened and checked it, calmly said, "Please come in, Admiral Lan, someone inside will receive you."

Lan Yan nodded to them slightly, calmly stepping into the Qin Family. Once out of sight, Shi Wen and Dan Chixia couldn't help but gasp—Lan Yan actually returned to Yanjing!

Five years ago, rebels attacking Yanjing were naturally punished as deserved, yet under the confidence of 'Holding the Holy Sword' the Imperial Court generously gave them a chance to reform, not executing the rebel leaders, even allowing them to leave Huiyao with loyal followers—that's right, they were sent on maritime expeditions to explore other continents!

Originally thought to be near-exile with a death-like sentence, unexpectedly Lan Yan led his fleet back full and victorious, providing detailed sea charts, even captured some Western Continent prisoners, making the Imperial Court fully aware of the Western Continent's threat.

After a back-and-forth, Lan Yan repeatedly demonstrated outstanding achievements over the years, even with a tarnished record, his brilliance couldn't be hidden, especially with Qin Leyin's support, enabling Lan Yan to rise swiftly, last year promoted to Naval Admiral, commanding one of Huiyao's three major fleets!

But compared to Lan Yan's achievements, Shi Wen, Xie Chenyuan, and others are more concerned about him due to Qin Leyin's assessment!

"A crafty hero arises in chaos, a talented minister prevails in peace."

"As long as the Holy Sword endures, Lan Yan won't dare revolt; once the Holy Sword hangs empty, Lan Yan won't be satisfied."

"Why would the teacher invite Lan Yan back for his funeral..." Shi Wen's eyes flickered, "Is it fearing Lan Yan would rebel after his death and thus luring him back to kill him?"

By now, the two of them realized, today's funeral won't be peaceful.

Inside are court heavyweights like Ling Jiangli, Cha Huan, An Ju, outside are governors like Xie Chenyuan, Lan Yan, knowing Qin Leyin's character, gathering these figures he must have ulterior motives!

Suddenly, a melodious bell rang from inside the manor, signaling the ceremony's imminent start. Shi Wen quickly instructed officers to close the doors, then he and Dan Chixia entered the hall, first encountering the imposing willow wood coffin.

All guests were seated, naturally in the front row were Empress Ming Shuiyun, Steam Chamber of Commerce President Qin Yueshi, Ministry of Justice Assistant Minister Qin Yueyang, along with close friends such as Ministry of Personnel officer Qian Yuya, Ministry of Revenue officer Li Ying, Education Department Lin Xue, and Imperial Academy teacher Kui Nianruo.

Then in the second row were 'Faceless' An Ju, Ling Jiangli, Cha Huan, Xie Chenyuan, Lan Yan, highly influential figures.

Further back were friends whom Qin Leyin specifically named for invitation during his life, such as Jinzhengtang, Environmental Committee member Qian Mindust, Dongyang Criminal Inspection Envoy Liu Yueyan, Ministry of Foreign Affairs agent Xia Doublecarp, Feng Dailan, Qi Taolang, Ning Chaoyan, Zhong Qingyun, and others (non-royal lineage forbidding the Ming surname).

Dan Chixia and Shi Wen naturally sat in the back, seeing empty seats next to Lian Yu, calmly sitting down to await the start.

At this point, the Empress suddenly turned to hand a card to Principal Tea behind her. Cha Huan looked at the content on the card, somewhat surprised, "Me?"

"He said he hoped you would host." The Empress's voice carried a touch of soft sadness.

Cha Huan didn't refuse, he walked to stand before the casket, facing the crowd, it was then everyone suddenly noticed today the Principal wore the simplest white attire, without any added color.

"Dear relatives, comrades, friends. Today, we gather with extremely heavy hearts, to bid farewell to Qin Leyin. He has walked all the paths in the world, upheld steadfastness in the world, conquered all worldly difficulties with triumph. We firmly believe he will rest in peace under your illumination, transforming into a radiant beacon always watching over us."

Sobs echoed in the hall, many women couldn't help but shed tears, even Shi Wen's eyes turned red.

"He was a pure, beautiful, noble person, his achievements will endure for eternity, his causes benefit future generations, he will forever live in our hearts..."

Boom!

Suddenly a loud noise interrupted all sound in the hall.

Boom!

As the second loud noise erupted, faces turned fearful, Cha Huan noticed their gaze behind him, he slowly turned to look...

Boom!

Under everyone's watch, the coffin erupted with explosive sounds, the lid nearly thrown open.