https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-199-Estimating-Strength-Arriving-at-the-Prefecture-City/12619270/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-201-Shattering-the-Coffin-with-an-Arrow-Enraging-the-Heavens/12619272/
Chapter 200: Mourn and Be Rewarded, Desiring the Worship of the Masses
"Truly befitting of a provincial capital."
Witnessing the bustling scene before him, with its bustling streets and vibrant atmosphere, Lu Qing couldn't help but exclaim in admiration once more.
Compared to the county town, this place was at least ten times more prosperous.
After a moment of marveling, Lu Qing began to wander leisurely.
Of course, his wandering had a purpose.
Soon, after spending a small amount of money and patronizing a few street vendors, he obtained the information he sought.
"You're talking about the Zheng Mansion, right? It's over on the western side of the city, along with the largest estates of several prominent families in the provincial capital.
Young man, are you also here to offer condolences for the second young master of the Zheng family and receive the reward money?"
A candied hawthorn peddler eagerly answered Lu Qing's question after he bought two skewers of the fruit.
"Condolences?" Lu Qing feigned confusion. "No, I've just heard that the Zheng family is the most influential clan in the provincial capital, and I wanted to go and see for myself."
"So, young man, you're also a martial artist?" The peddler suddenly realized, "But you've come at a bad time. The second young master of the Zheng family was harmed by an evil person a few days ago, and they are currently holding a funeral. I'm afraid they won't have time to receive you.
However, if you're here to pay your respects, you should be able to go in.
The second young master's funeral is quite grand, and the Zheng family has announced that anyone from the provincial capital who comes to pay their respects and pray for the second young master will receive a reward of one hundred wen in silver.
I went yesterday, offered a few bows to the second young master, and truly received the reward money."
"Such a good opportunity? Then I shall also go and pay my respects."
Seeing the peddler's expression of having profited greatly, Lu Qing also feigned "delight."
After leaving the stall, Lu Qing's expression turned calm, and a hint of sarcasm flashed in his eyes.
"Allowing the masses to pray for him? Does that despicable person even deserve it?"
Following the peddler's directions, Lu Qing soon arrived at the western part of the city.
As soon as he reached this area, he noticed a distinct difference.
Compared to the bustling areas, the western side was noticeably quieter.
However, the architecture was also more majestic.
Most of the buildings were enormous compounds that clearly belonged to wealthy and influential families.
With a few glances, Lu Qing quickly identified the Zheng Mansion among the largest estates.
It was the only mansion draped in white mourning banners, with mournful music playing intermittently.
As Lu Qing cautiously approached the mansion, he encountered several ordinary people leaving the Zheng residence with pleased expressions on their faces.
They were obviously the citizens the hawthorn peddler had mentioned, who had gone to the Zheng Mansion to mourn and collect the reward money.
As he walked, he observed his surroundings.
Eventually, his gaze landed on a tall tower that rose above the city, and he couldn't help but glance at it several times.
"Stop! Who are you?"
When Lu Qing reached the entrance of the Zheng Mansion, he was stopped by guards.
"My name is Lin An, and I'm from Jizhou. I'm traveling in Cangzhou and heard that the second young master of the Zheng family was harmed by a treacherous person. I felt saddened by the news and wanted to pay my respects and offer my condolences. May I enter?"
Lu Qing effortlessly fabricated an identity for himself.
"So, it's Young Master Lin. Since you're here to pay respects to the second young master, you may certainly enter. Please come in."
The two guards sized Lu Qing up and down, noting that although his appearance was ordinary, he had the aura of a martial artist with cultivated qi and blood energy.
Assuming he was genuine, they politely stepped aside.
After all, such incidents had occurred numerous times already.
The Zheng family was, after all, a prominent clan, with a renowned reputation throughout Cangzhou.
Countless people sought to pledge their allegiance every day.
On any other day, a martial artist at Lu Qing's lowly cultivation level, still at the Qi and Blood Realm, would never have been allowed into the Zheng Mansion.
However, these past few days, the mansion was holding a funeral for the second young master. The matriarch of the family had instructed that no one who came to pay their respects should be turned away.
She wanted her beloved grandson to receive the worship of the masses, to accumulate incense offerings, and to amass virtue so that he could continue to enjoy a luxurious life even in the afterlife.
The Zheng family dared not defy the matriarch's decision.
To fulfill her wishes, they even offered monetary incentives to the citizens of the city to come and pay their respects.
Thus, Lu Qing smoothly entered the Zheng Mansion.
Following the directions of a servant, he arrived at the funeral hall.
At that moment, several people were queueing up to pay their respects in the funeral hall. Judging by their attire, most of them were probably residents of the city who had come for the reward money.
While waiting for his turn, Lu Qing quietly surveyed the situation in the funeral hall.
The most striking feature in the hall was the enormous coffin placed in the center. Made from an unknown wood and adorned with gold and jade, it was exceedingly luxurious.
It was apparent that the Zheng family wanted Zheng Yu to continue enjoying a life of wealth and luxury even in the afterlife.
Near the coffin, several powerful auras lurked, undoubtedly guards arranged by the Zheng family to protect it.
However, Lu Qing paid them no mind. What truly caught his attention was the figure sitting beside the coffin.
This person, despite appearing frail and elderly with a face wrinkled like tree bark, exuded a sense of strength that Lu Qing couldn't ignore.
"This must be that old hag, the matriarch."
Lu Qing quietly activated his supernatural ability, discreetly observing the old woman.
Soon, a faint golden light of his ability emerged, and several post-it notes floated out.
After silently reading the notes, Lu Qing lowered his eyes, no longer daring to look at her directly.
The senses of a Precelestial Realm expert were indeed sharp. Even though he had concealed his aura, he knew that staring at her for too long would easily give him away.
However, as he lowered his gaze, the words on the post-it notes lingered in his mind, and a cold glint appeared in his eyes.
This old hag was someone he truly wanted to kill to appease his anger.
"City Governor's Manor, Wang Steward has arrived!"
Just as Lu Qing waited, a loud shout echoed through the hall.
Not only did the mourning crowd stir, but even the elderly woman sitting stiffly seemed taken aback, her eyes widening in surprise.
Soon, a tall, stoic middle-aged man with a square jaw and dressed in plain cloth strode into the hall and bowed to the matriarch.
The old woman, who had been sitting motionless, rose to her feet and returned his bow.
"Governor Wang, on behalf of the City Governor, I offer my deepest condolences for the loss of your grandson, Second Young Master Zheng." The stoic middle-aged man spoke in a subdued tone, belying the intensity of his emotions.
"The City Governor's sentiments are much appreciated, and I shall remember this kindness, Old Mother Zheng." The matriarch whispered, her eyes glinting with a mischievous glint, "Quite the impressive funeral they've arranged, a challenge in your tone, daring to interrupt this moment.
But he didn't need further encouragement. His lips curved into a smile, his eyes glinting with a possessiveness that left no doubt about his intentions. The only thing I care about right now is you surrender to his insistence, your breath catching as his lips found the sensitive spots that made your voice catch, urging him forward, a silent invitation for more.
(End of Chapter)
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