Published: March 2, 2025
“I'll say a few words…” Hearing Wen Yu speak, everyone present fell silent. Facing countless gazes, Wen Yu swallowed the chicken leg in his mouth and then said, “Lin Haifeng and I have a complicated relationship. The grievances of the past, I believe the elders in Beijing are aware of.”
“As for the two of us, calling each other friends is a bit of an overstatement, but to say we are enemies is not entirely accurate either. It’s more of a mutual respect… He admires my strength, and I admire his lofty ideals.”
“What Lin Haifeng has done for this world is evident. Perhaps his actions may be disliked or even hated by some individuals, but in terms of right and wrong, Lin Haifeng has never erred. Everything he has done is for you, for your descendants, and for countless people who are not as strong as me or even as strong as you. The world needs people like him, and for that, I respect and admire him!”
“Now that he’s dead, the reason I came here today is to pay my respects to Lin Haifeng, to commemorate the loss of a good person, a great leader. However, some things that have transpired are a bit beyond my expectation.”
“It concerns the next leader of Beijing.”
“I am not from Beijing, and I might be a bit presumptuous to say that you all from Beijing should now be my people. You find yourselves in the Layered Battlefield, and because of my benevolence, you are able to develop and grow stronger. However, I do not need your gratitude for this.”
“I just want to tell you that you should uphold Lin Haifeng’s will… In fact, from my perspective, when Fran brought out this will, the matter was already concluded. Personally, I agree with Fang Yuqiong becoming the commander of Beijing—of course, it’s just an option.”
“Thus, I gave you an opportunity to initiate a vote to select the leader you think is suitable for Beijing…”
“But after the votes were cast, isn’t there really nothing more to argue about?”
“Right?”
“Right!?”
“There will always be dissent, but what we can do is seek common ground while reserving differences. The minority must obey the majority. Now that the result is out, what? You want to overturn the table after casting your own votes?”
“I’m not good at many things, but killing is something I excel at… Now that the old man is dead, do you think you can turn things upside down? He’s dead, and I am still here, so discussions are no longer needed. I’ll make the decision today: from now on, I recognize Fang Yuqiong as the commander-in-chief of Beijing. Is there anyone who disagrees?”
No one dared to object…
In fact, if Wen Yu hadn’t spoken, perhaps there would have been some uncertainty left. However, once Wen Yu opened his mouth, all uncertainty disappeared.
You cast your own votes, you chose your own leader… Not satisfied? Get lost! Cause trouble? Die!
And that was that!
With Wen Yu’s words, the matter was effectively settled.
…
At this moment, the funeral finally resembled a proper banquet. Of course, it was still not lively, but having some food and drinks was still acceptable.
Isn’t that the essence of a traditional Huaxia funeral?
As the meal progressed, Lin Que, possibly unable to bear the atmosphere, or perhaps more intolerant of the attitude of certain high-ranking officials from Beijing who were lining up to toast Fang Yuqiong, quickly finished his meal and returned to the front hall to keep vigil for his grandfather, with Fang Bai following closely behind.
Fang Yuqiong also wanted to show her filial piety, but at this point, the situation had already been decided. Having just taken her position, it was the right time for her to build relationships with her subordinates. Faced with the choice between filial duty and her future, Fang Yuqiong chose the latter.
There was nothing to criticize—Lin Haifeng was himself a heartless person, and Fang Yuqiong’s actions inherited his style.
Until Wen Yu finished eating and wiped his mouth, he was about to leave when Fang Yuqiong stood up, holding a wine glass, and walked over to Wen Yu.