Condolences

Gu Chang'an was silent for a moment. He didn't hide anything and slowly recounted the events of that day.

Wang Hao was on his deathbed, his breath shallow.

He had grabbed Gu Chang'an's hand then, his blood-stained lips trembling slightly, and spoken of only two things—

First, he entrusted Gu Chang'an with the care of his family. Second, he whispered the secret location of a treasure buried for many years.

His wife and children knew nothing of this place, nor had they ever heard him mention it.

Li Hongye listened, silent. After a long while, she gently lowered her head.

Wang Hao actually came from a fallen aristocratic family, a remnant clan that had fled famine and settled in Nanning County.

He was intelligent from childhood and possessed considerable talent. Later, he was fortunate enough to join a small sect to cultivate and barely managed to reach Eighth Rank.

Afterward, he returned to Nanning County, starting as a constable at the County Office. He received support from influential figures and rose step by step to become the Director of the Martial Guard Division.

Wang Hao had a family: an elderly, frail mother, a gentle and simple wife, and a pair of children—an elder daughter of ten and a younger son only seven years old.

He was the pillar of this family, the only one who could support the entire household.

Now that he was dead, it was a tremendous disaster for his family.

Wang Hao was upright and never sought power or influence. Instead, he had offended many people, especially when handling some "special" affairs within the Martial Guard Division. He never delegated such matters, earning the long-standing resentment of many hidden schemers.

Now that Wang Hao was dead, those venomous snakes hiding in the dark were likely already beginning to stir.

Li Hongye sighed softly, "What do you plan to do?"

Gu Chang'an said in a low voice:

"I don't lack money right now, and I was already planning to move. I might as well move near the Sky Wind Martial Hall."

"I'll persuade my sister-in-law and the others to move over with us."

"It's close to the martial hall, and with our support, they'll at least be safer."

"My sister-in-law might not agree easily. I'll persuade her slowly; she should understand. I hope you can help me persuade her too."

Li Hongye nodded, "That's a good idea."

"Although my father is old, as an Eighth Rank martial artist, he still has some prestige in Nanning County.

As long as they live there, Director Wang's enemies, no matter how unwilling, wouldn't dare to act recklessly in the streets."

"Besides, we who were supported by Director Wang cannot stand by and watch his family be bullied."

Gu Chang'an nodded upon hearing this.

Living in the slums was not a long-term solution. The environment there was noisy and the public order chaotic.

If it were just him, it would be fine.

But things were different now. He had Wang Xiaojuan, and so much wealth.

Keeping it in the slums was too dangerous.

In fact, he had already found a suitable house, directly opposite the Sky Wind Martial Hall. The location wasn't extravagant, but it was quiet, secluded, and convenient for access.

He used to be penniless and could only watch from afar.

Now that he held the banknotes in his hand, this wish could finally be realized.

As for whether outsiders would suspect the source of his sudden wealth, Gu Chang'an didn't care.

If necessary, he could claim to have borrowed it from Li Tianfeng.

As long as no clues were revealed, no one could hold it against him.

Even though it might be considered leeching off someone.

But he didn't care.

After a simple tidying up, Gu Chang'an and Li Hongye changed into mourning clothes and headed towards the center of Nanning County.

Today was the funeral of Master Wang Hao.

They were going to pay their respects to the Director who had once supported half the Martial Guard Division.

Wang Hao's home was located on the most prosperous South Market Street in Nanning County, a street paved with bluestone slabs, lined with restaurants, teahouses, and shops, bustling with people.

However, the street today lacked some of its usual liveliness. White flags were planted at the street entrance, white banners were tied to the door, and the courtyard gate was open.

A plain couplet hung above the lintel: "Loyal bones immortal, pure breeze forever present."

The Wang family's small courtyard was draped in mourning clothes today. White cloth fluttered in the wind. An incense table and spirit tablet were set up in the courtyard. The coffin had been sealed and was placed in the main hall.

Three long sticks of incense burned before the spirit tablet, their smoke curling upwards, the falling ash like a heavy heart about to sink.

Mourners arrived in an endless stream. Long queues formed along both sides of the street. Many were officials from Nanning County, local gentry, and some commoners who had been helped by Wang Hao.

Everyone wore plain clothes, speaking in low voices, their eyes filled with sorrow.

Gu Chang'an and Li Hongye, dressed in plain grey coarse cloth, entered the Wang family's small courtyard just as a group of officials was leaving.

After someone announced their arrival, they were allowed into the inner hall.

The inner hall's four walls were covered in white cloth, with ash cans and paper money placed in the corners.

Wang Hao's portrait hung high above the coffin. With sword-like eyebrows and eyes like a falcon's, it commanded a solemn respect even as a mere painting.

Kneeling before the coffin was a woman dressed in white hemp mourning clothes. Her face was gaunt but dignified; this was Wang Hao's widow, Madam Wu.

Beside her knelt an old woman, her hair completely white, seemingly Wang Hao's mother. She gazed silently at the memorial tablet, motionless, as if her tears had long since dried.

Two children knelt beside their mother. The elder daughter, Wang Wan'er, had a composed expression, her small hands tightly gripping incense.

Her younger brother, Wang Jing, however, was already sobbing uncontrollably, burying his face in his mother's embrace.

Gu Chang'an and Li Hongye slowly approached the coffin. They bowed deeply three times, then held incense and solemnly inserted it into the censer.

Gu Chang'an silently kowtowed, thinking to himself:

Director Wang, rest assured. I will protect your family.

Li Hongye also remained silent. Yet, as she kowtowed, a hint of redness appeared at the corners of her eyes.

Amidst the hushed murmurs of the crowd in the hall, heavy footsteps approached.

Someone announced loudly from outside:

"The County Magistrate has arrived!"

Everyone immediately fell silent and rose to greet him.

Yang Jing, dressed in plain clothes, entered the mourning hall with a solemn and stern expression. Behind him followed the County Assistant, Wu Heng, and several subordinates.

Yang Jing stood before the coffin, gazing at Wang Hao's portrait for a long time without speaking.

Finally, he let out a low sigh, took three sticks of incense, and personally offered them while kowtowing.

"Director Wang was loyal and courageous, dying in the line of duty. This official is deeply pained... Such a loyal man deserves the respect of the entire county."

His voice was not loud, but each word carried weight.

Wu Heng followed closely, his expression slightly more indifferent, yet he still performed the rituals with due diligence. After finishing his respects, he said:

"Thank you, County Magistrate."

Yang Jing nodded and offered Madam Wu a few words of gentle comfort, adding:

"If you face any difficulties, you may report them to the yamen."

Madam Wu thanked him softly, but her expression remained coolly polite, showing little emotional fluctuation.

She knew how much goodwill her husband's death would leave behind...

It all depended on whether these people would truly extend a helping hand when they encountered trouble.

Words spoken were meaningless.

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