Raiding the House

"Statistics Department, official business!"

On the afternoon of the first day of the lockdown, an armed light truck stopped in front of the Zhou Family's large residence. Chen Fu stepped out, his steel-toed boots clanging crisply on the street. Other agents casually shouted, and the surrounding common folk, who had been watching, immediately scattered.

Chen Fu pulled open the car door and said to the person inside, "Take your time, watch your health. Honestly, we could have handled this ourselves; you really didn't need to come."

Le Yu, wearing a dark blue coat, slowly descended from the light truck. He watched as the agents lined up neatly on either side, forming a wide path for him to walk. In the distance, the common folk fearfully hid by the roadside. He felt like he was hurtling down the path of a villainous boss, with no turning back.

Especially since all the other agents were wearing black vests, and he alone was in a dark blue coat, it was practically a textbook example of a C-position funeral. No one needed to look closely; they'd know he was definitely the savior among these bad guys.

According to the movies he used to watch, a righteous hero should appear right about now, chop off his dog head with a single sword, killing one person every ten steps, leaving no trace for a thousand li… Le Yu's thoughts suddenly wandered.

But he quickly realized this wasn't just idle wandering; it was a premonition.

CRACK!

Suddenly, a window on the second floor of the restaurant behind them shattered, and a dark shadow streaked across the sky. A sharp sword light, like a meteor chasing the moon, shot towards Le Yu!

Without even turning his head, Le Yu drew a circle with his left hand. A Light Burst enveloped the attacker's sword light, then exploded directly, shattering the longsword!

Biting Combat Arts · Cosmic Chant!

The attacker was startled. He swung his scabbard, attempting a counterattack, but Le Yu's left hand smoothly grabbed his right hand and, with a powerful swing, slammed the attacker onto the ground in front of him!

"Ah!"

The attacker cried out in pain. It was a young man with a scar on his face. Even with one hand caught, he hadn't given up hope and pointed his scabbard at Le Yu—

BANG!

Chen Fu delivered a flying kick, sending the scabbard flying far away to embed itself in the wall. The scarred man's left hand was consequently fractured from the kick, but this time he only let out a muffled groan, lying on the ground staring intently at Le Yu. Even though his face was slick with cold sweat from the pain, he still spoke in a disdainful voice:

"You? You're worthy of wearing that coat?"

The dark blue coat Le Yu was wearing wasn't a trendy, seasonal fashion item bought at an 80% discount from a clothing store. It was a Coastal Army officer's coat, bestowed upon him by Lan Yan on behalf of Prefect Ding.

Lan Yan had said last night that he would request commendations for them from Prefect Ding. The rewards arrived today with astonishing speed, like a father telling you yesterday he'd send you a mysterious gift, and then the next day you receive a complete set of Five-Three exam prep books for all subjects—yes, it was a shock.

Today, after Le Yu finished his treatment at the Medical Officer Department, he returned to the Statistics Department at noon. Lan Yan suddenly summoned all the agents and, in broad daylight, in front of everyone, presented him with Prefect Ding's reward: the military rank of Coastal Lieutenant in the Coastal Army and this dark blue officer's coat.

From the excited and eager eyes of the other agents, Le Yu realized he had become Lan Yan's horse bones—the horse bones in the idiom buying horse bones with a thousand gold. The apprehension within the Statistics Department caused by the Coastal Army's split instantly vanished, replaced by excitement and anticipation.

If Captain Qian can become an officer, does that mean we have a chance too?

Although Le Yu already had high expectations, he still underestimated the status of the military in this world. To put it this way: all the great figures in the history of the Radiant Court, whether politicians, Combat Arts masters, or any other kind of elder, all had military experience, and most even had officer-level qualifications or higher.

Joining the border army to fight barbarians, first, one could protect the country and defend its territory, truly feeling that 'the peace I enjoy is hard-won.' Second, one could hone Combat Arts through combat and military training. Third, one could meet trustworthy comrades.

After retiring from the border army, going to a new prefecture or county with a few friends to eliminate tyrants, kill corrupt officials, achieve great deeds, and seek revenge was also a common "King of Soldiers" plot in this world's popular literature.

The vast majority of Statistics Department agents had military academy experience. Their initial goal, without exception—including Qian Yuliu—was to join the Coastal Army and gain fame. Although they all eventually came to the Statistics Department, it would be false to say they had no regrets.

Le Yu actually found it hard to understand why they wanted to join the army so much, but then he thought about it and understood: You're a high-ranking player in a national server. You've seen countless players lift championship trophies. That esports arena is carved with the cheers of countless legends, but you chose to livestream selling pork floss bread to make a quick buck. And now there's an opportunity that allows you to continue making money while returning to the arena to compete for glory. Would you seize this opportunity?

And now, Prefect Ding had given the Statistics Department agents this opportunity. Granting military ranks not only gave them hope of making up for their regrets but even gave them further expectations: If I do well, maybe I can be transferred to the Coastal Army?

After all, the Coastal Army was now split, and a part of it was obeying Prefect Ding!

The Statistics Department agents' worries about the army's split and their fear of war were thus completely dispelled, even giving rise to endless motivation. Even Le Yu couldn't help but exclaim, "Brilliant!"

Not only that, but Lan Yan also required Le Yu to wear the dark blue coat when going out on assignments, stating that this was Prefect Ding's order.

What kind of person is this?!

After paying a thousand gold to buy the horse bones, he still wants the horse bones to go out and show off!

Le Yu cursed inwardly, then declared he would definitely complete the mission.

The purpose of this was also very clear—Prefect Ding wanted the people of Star Engraving Prefecture to believe that the Coastal Army truly obeyed him. Besides having the Coastal Army enter the city, another way was to prove to the common people that he could control the appointments and deployments within the Coastal Army!

It's probably already common knowledge that Qian Yuliu became a Coastal Lieutenant. It's a concrete example of how committing crimes can lead to wealth… Le Yu glanced at the scarred man on the ground: "You're a retired Coastal Army soldier? A deathsworn raised by the Zhou Family?"

The scarred man was very tough: "You won't get any information out of me!"

"That must be it. With your Combat Arts level, being retired is only natural. I heard that in the Coastal Army, Pinnacle Realm experts are everywhere, and those at Proficient Realm are considered worse than dogs. You, a trash who isn't even Entry Level, must be a retired kitchen soldier, right?"

Le Yu's single move, Cosmic Chant, had directly broken through his long-prepared sneak attack. He felt this person's skill level was about the same as Gao Jin's, at most 1.2 Gao Jins. In any case, they were both targets he could easily overpower with just one hand.

The scarred man was so angry he wanted to vomit blood: "You—"

"Shove him in the trunk. We'll take him back to the Statistics Department later and interrogate him slowly." Le Yu waved his hand, not bothering with such trivial matters, and led the agents towards the mansion gate.

Chen Fu kicked the door, and the large brass-ringed gate, with its bolt, immediately burst open with a crash. The agents drew light Handguns from their black boxes, their military boots thundering like thunder as they quickly surrounded the suspects inside the residence.

"It's been a long time since we've met. Captain Qian is here today, may I ask your business?"

Old Master Zhou stood in the center of the large courtyard, calmly greeting the Statistics Department's visitors, seemingly unconcerned about his impending fate: "I heard Captain Qian enjoys Honey Five-Flower Tea. My grandson likes it too. There's a pot chilled inside. Why don't we have some and chat slowly?"

Le Yu glanced at Chen Fu, who innocently spread his hands, indicating, I certainly didn't leak your little-known hobby.

"No need," Le Yu said, cupping his fists. "My grandfather died long ago. Being your grandson wouldn't be very auspicious. I'm afraid if I called you 'Grandfather,' you'd die a violent death."

"Haha, that's not what this old man meant. How would I dare to claim Captain Qian as my grandson?"

"But that's what I mean," Le Yu said calmly. "Old Master Zhou, the main business of your Zhou Clan Merchant Association is seafood and maritime trade. Your Zhou Family merchant ships frequently travel between Star Engraving Prefecture and Li County, isn't that right?"

Old Master Zhou's face slowly darkened: "So what if it is?"

"The Statistics Department is now arresting everyone in your Zhou Family on charges of leaking classified intelligence." Le Yu pulled out an arrest warrant: "You are currently suspected of colluding with reactionary forces outside the prefecture, attempting to subvert the legitimate government of Star Engraving Prefecture. Everything you say now will become evidence in court. You have the right to remain silent, but the Statistics Department will make you talk."

The operatives exchanged glances—their captain sounded so imposing today! Next time, I'll arrest criminals like that too!

"What 'outside reactionary forces'? They've already come knocking, yet you're still being so cagey and petty?" Old Master Zhou scoffed, "Our Zhou Family is the head of the merchant association supported by Administrator Lu, and most of the Zhou Family Merchant Association's profits go to Administrator Lu. Ding Yi wants to contend for power with Administrator Lu, so he wants to control Administrator Lu's money bag first? He's dreaming."

"You old fool, you still dare to speak disrespectfully?" Chen Fu raised his Handgun, pointing it at Old Master Zhou. "Your whole family's lives are in our hands right now. Cooperate and tell us the truth! Even if you're rich, you can't protect yourself!"

It was clear that besides being vain, Chen Fu was also a class-hater. No wonder he was so excited after hearing they were going to raid the Zhou Family... Le Yu pulled out his pocket watch, checked the time, and said, "Old Master Zhou seems to enjoy chatting so much; let's take him to the Statistics Department to chat slowly. Someone will have a long talk with you through the night... Take them all away."

The operatives took out handcuffs, ready to apprehend the Zhou family members. At that moment, Old Master Zhou let out a laugh:

"You wouldn't actually want to follow Ding Yi down a dead end, would you?"

Old Master Zhou sneered, "Ding Yi is like a mentor and father to Lan Yan, so Lan Yan will naturally support Ding Yi unconditionally. But what about you? Don't you work for the Statistics Department for a future? Do you really think you'll have a future if you go against Administrator Lu with Ding Yi?"

"Administrator Lu is the Magistrate of Morning Wind District, while Ding Yi is just the Prefect of Star Engraving Prefecture. Who's bigger and who's smaller, can't you tell the difference?"

"Captain Qian, are you satisfied with just an officer's coat from Ding Yi?"

At this moment, Old Master Zhou didn't seem like a prisoner about to be arrested; instead, he resembled a political pundit eloquently speaking his mind: "Having been in Star Engraving Prefecture for many years, the more I understand Ding Yi, the more I realize he's just a scheming politician. In times of peace, he might be able to eliminate dissenters through plots and schemes, but in this chaotic era of great contention that's about to unfold, he's not even worthy of being a pawn serving as a vanguard for a king..."

Le Yu grew a little impatient. "What exactly are you trying to say, Old Master Zhou?"

"Captain Qian, serving Ding Yi has no future," Old Master Zhou said with a smile. "Unless you betray Ding Yi."

"Good birds choose their trees to nest in; good officials choose their masters to serve. Everyone, I can build bridges for you. What Ding Yi promised you, Administrator Lu can give you even more."

P.S.: Buqi Shixian, also known as Shaye Miao, the author of "Player's Absolute Justice," said that Ting Ri has no influence.

So Ting Ri made a bet with Shaye Miao.

As long as everyone votes for this book, Shaye Miao will wear a maid outfit and sleep with Ting Ri.

Otherwise, Ting Ri will slack off, and even permanently lose the ability to release chapters in bursts.

The maid outfit has already been bought. If you like Ting Ri or maid outfits, you must vote. For no other reason than you've already laughed out loud by reading this far!