The thank-you gift Chen Qi wanted, the Nearls' reunion / The reunited Nearls, the Witch King's Spiral Horn Chen Qi received

"... Was Emperor Jiajing a good emperor?" Wei Yenwu was inwardly distressed, but he quickly regained his composure and asked Chen Huijie with a glimmer of hope.

"According to Chen Qi, he wasn't a good ruler; he seemed to be a tyrant."

"Call..."

Thank goodness, he's just a tyrant. Upon hearing that he was playing a tyrant, Wei Yenwu felt a strange sense of familiarity with the term for the first time. He immediately straightened his back, and after a moment's thought, said to Chen Huijie:

"Little Chen, bring me the wine. For now, put aside all the official business in Lungmen. Tonight, I'll take you and your Aunt Wenyue out for a stroll in Lungmen and give us a good rest."

"... Wei Yenwu? May 20th has already passed, what are you doing?"

Upon hearing this, Chen Huijie blinked and stared at Wei Yenwu in front of her with a strange expression, seemingly surprised to hear the word "rest" from the mouth of this workaholic.

However, Wei Yenwu revealed a profound smile, took a deep drag on his cigarette, and then spoke to Chen Huijie:

"Little Chen, didn't that kid ask me to play a tyrannical emperor? This is to get a feel for what it's like beforehand, so that when I get to the palace, I can get into character sooner."

And he wanted to show his younger brother and all the officials what a "tyrant" he looked like. That kid always liked to choose actors who fit the character's persona when filming, which actually helped him a lot. This time, he was going to play dumb so that his younger brother could sit securely on the throne.

However, the Emperor of Great Yan, who was far away in the palace, was also in sync with his brother. After the movie "The Witch King Is Back" finished playing, he immediately debated with his officials about Chen Qi coming to the palace to film a movie.

"My ministers, do not try to persuade me any further. My mind is made up. This film by Marquis Liewen has served as a reminder that I must not let myself perish in complacency."

The Emperor of Great Yan waved his hand, forcing the officials to shut their mouths. This time, His Majesty's reasons were quite compelling, even affecting the rise and fall of the entire Great Yan Dynasty.

"Now, this film reflects the ills of many countries: born in hardship, die in comfort. Why would so many countries have another 'Witch King'? The Great Yan must never repeat this mistake."

"Perhaps, the Great Yan will eventually rise to its peak and then decline, but I do not wish for it to fall into such a state under my rule. Therefore, all officials of the Great Yan, including myself, must always have a sense of crisis in order to work diligently and be worthy of the people of the Great Yan Dynasty."

"My mind is made up. I have invited Marquis Liewen to the palace to film a movie. Whether he wants to satirize, criticize, or even point fingers and curse like in 'Yes, Prime Minister,' I will listen. I hope you will listen too, and not let this mirror reflect your own true colors."

"Your Majesty is wise..." XN

After hearing such words, what else could the officials say? Since their emperor was not afraid of remonstrance, most officials were naturally not afraid either. However, some officials were still trembling with fear, afraid that Chen Qi's fire would spread to them.

What the officials didn't know was that the Emperor of Great Yan had his own plans for insisting on this. He already knew that Chen Qi's work would invite his elder brother to the palace to play the role of the emperor, so he would naturally agree. He had even prepared the dragon throne and dragon robe, just waiting for his brother to arrive.

At that time, he would use the excuse of letting his older brother "immerse himself in the role" to let him enjoy the feeling of handling state affairs for a while—especially since he knew that Wei Yenwu was more capable than him, so he would definitely approve these memorials better than him.

And he could also take this time to rest and relax... Thinking of this, the Great Yan Emperor, who had been living in fear for so many years, couldn't wait to see his brother's reaction to "enjoying" being the emperor.

Chapter 265: The Gift Chen Qi Desired, The Reunion of the Nearl Family

The Emperor of Great Yan has already sent an urgent message, officially inviting Chen Qi to the capital. Meanwhile, Chen Qi has been watching the grand drama unfold in Leithania —or more precisely, the grand drama orchestrated by the Twin Empresses.

The Witch King Is Back has been airing for some time now. As expected, the movie has caused a sensation in Leithania, allowing many young people in Leithania to rediscover the legendary Witch King. Leithania has suddenly been swept up in a "Witch King" craze, and more and more people have begun to worship the Witch King as predicted because of the movie.

Admiring strength is human nature, and while Chen Qi's film didn't showcase the Witch King's magical prowess, his charisma, irresistible charm, and concern for the Leithania still inspired many self-proclaimed "pure" Leithania to develop a strong sense of reverence for Witch King.

Taking advantage of this wave of enthusiasm, the remnants of the Witch King began a massive propaganda campaign, and indeed, quite a few hot-headed young people joined these organizations, attempting to restore the Witch King's rule to Leithania.

At this moment, the Twin Empresses made a decision that struck the remnants of the Witch King as bizarre—they ordered the release of all the "remnants of the Witch King" they had previously captured, pardoning them and sending them home, regardless of whether they were nobles or commoners.

The reason for the pardon was quite surprising. "For causing trouble and disrupting public order, he was to be released upon completion of his sentence."

This explanation left the remnants of the Witch King and the residents of Leithania completely bewildered. What happened to the promise of killing anyone involved in the Witch King's remnants' activities? How did it turn into causing trouble and disrupting public order?

However, before the people of Leithania could unravel the mystery, and before the Emperors knew what the Twin Empresses were up to, they issued the following statement:

"Leithania's laws have always been fair and just, and everyone arrested is naturally based on evidence. All the civilians released this time, although imprisoned for 'colluding with the remnants of the Witch King,' lacked substantial evidence, and were therefore punished only for the damage and negative impact they caused."

"Since we sisters overthrew the tyrannical rule of the Witch King, we have always improved the social environment of Leithania after the Witch King's tyranny with a policy of fairness, justice, and light taxes. Without evidence, no one will be punished as a criminal. Please rest assured, citizens of Leithania."

"All the returned Leithania citizens have been cleared of suspicion, and we have subjected them to labor reform and ideological education. Leithania will always act in accordance with the law."

The Twin Empresses's statement brought immense relief to many Leithania children or family members had been imprisoned. As their loved ones returned one by one, they expressed their gratitude to the Twin Empresses, which unexpectedly won back much of the public's support.

But after this move, the Gemini Twin Empresses had more to come. The next day, in a public execution, more than a dozen remnants of the Witch King were hanged for treason, and then beheaded and displayed to the public. After the public hanging, the Twin Empresses sent people to television to publicize the reasons for the execution.

"These fourteen people who were hanged were all conclusively proven to be remnants of the Witch King, who attempted to restore the Witch King's tyrannical rule, and their crimes of treason have been established."

"However, treason is a crime punishable by death, but the reason for such an extreme punishment is that, in addition to treason, they also secretly conducted human experiments left behind by the Witch King, causing the deaths of countless Leithania children—a crime unforgivable!"

"The Twin Empresses have decreed that anyone identified as a remnant of the Witch King and directly involved in the Witch King's remaining human experiments will be executed. Citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious individuals to the relevant judicial authorities. If the investigation confirms the allegations, a reward of up to 300,000 Leithania dollars will be offered, and the safety of you and your family will be guaranteed."

With this order, the Twin Empresses' leniency towards the innocent and their severe punishment of the wicked ensured that the laws of Leithania were once again upheld. However, it also caused many Leithania youths who had impulsively joined the remnants of the Witch King's organization to begin to question whether their decisions had been correct.

Human experimentation is absolutely abhorrent and unacceptable in every country on Terra. This is also true in Leithania, and the countless human experiments conducted by the Witch King are acts that no one with a conscience would accept—especially since the Witch King's remnants are capturing Leithania children!

Under such circumstances, within a few days, many judicial institutions in Leithania received reports, and when the "Empress's Voice" spies quickly arrested the remaining criminals and delivered the first promised payment, they began a large-scale publicity campaign.

In a short time, the remnants of the Witch King's faction, who had gradually risen to the surface due to their growing power, were all transformed from hope in the eyes of the people of Leithania into easy prey, thanks to reports from the people of Letania. Faced with real money, their impulsive and hot-blooded enthusiasm proved to be so vulnerable.

After all, although they inherited the Witch King's ideals, none of them could be called "the Witch King's successors." And the only successor disappeared without a trace after filming was completed.

"It seems that the two empresses already know how to control the situation in Leithania."

At the top of the tower, Chen Qi, along with Ebenholz, Kreide, Talulah, and Młynar, once again stood before the Twin Empresses. After several days of preparation, the Twin Empresses had achieved something they hadn't been able to accomplish in the previous months.

It wasn't because they hadn't figured out who the real remnants of the Witch King were, but because the lost hearts of the Leithania people, and their renewed shift in attitude towards the Witch King's remnants, were something their previous methods simply couldn't achieve.

The Twin Empresses originally thought that they could only resolve the current crisis by either falling out with the Emperor or with the people. But now, the people are slowly regaining their confidence in them, and they don't need to offend the Emperor. The peace of Leithania can continue with minimal losses.

"Thank you so much, Director Chen Qi, for your guidance. It has truly enlightened us sisters."

The White-Haired Queen, speaking on behalf of her sisters, offered Chen Qi guidance, helping them understand the best solution for Leithania in its current state.

"Director Chen Qi used this film to tell us sisters that the Witch King is not here, but in everyone's heart... Ultimately, it's because we sisters are inadequate. Most affairs are now controlled by the emperors, and we have become their weapons to overthrow the Witch King's rule."

"But we sisters will prove that what the Witch King did, we will do too. We don't need war, we don't need to enslave anyone, and we don't need to sacrifice anyone. We can still allow the people of Leithania to live a peaceful and prosperous life."

"--We saw several nobles leave earlier, and we recognized one of them, Earl Gertrude." At this moment, Ebenholz, having finally shed his detestable Witch King attire, stood beside Kreide. He had caught sight of this familiar face then and said:

"It was she who invited me and Kreide to Vyseheim, saying she would break our 'Voice of the Mundane the Kreide.' But after we were taken away by the Queen's spies, we learned that her plan was to make our 'Voice of the Mundane' resonate, causing the deaths of a large number of Infected, in exchange for the Witch King's remnants' approval."

"... However, judging from the way she left just now, it seems that the two empresses intend to pardon her and entrust her with important responsibilities?"

"She's very useful." The white-haired queen didn't deny this, replying to the seemingly resentful Ebenholz:

"Although she supports the remnants of the Witch King's faction, she has not joined them. She is ambitious and wants to climb the ranks, but she lacks supporters. It can be said that she will serve whoever can grant her power and status."

"She will be a good start. We will have no shortage of confrontations with the emperors in the future. The methods the Witch King uses to cultivate his confidants are worth learning from."

"My sisters and I also feel that we shouldn't completely negate the Witch King's actions. Whether he was a sinner or a hero, it should be left to history and future generations to judge... I believe that future generations will give the Witch King a fair evaluation."

"It's good that the two empresses think that way." Chen Qi smiled faintly upon hearing this. The Twin Empresses were obviously sisters temporarily put together as mascots. In terms of politics and many other aspects, they were indeed not as capable as the Witch King. However, the fact that they were able to stabilize the situation after the Witch King's assassination and keep Leithania undisturbed for so long showed that they did have some ability.

They were just like everyone else who lacked support, and now Chen Qi was giving them some support, allowing them to free up their hands to reform the current situation in Leithania. At least for now, they seem to be doing quite well.

"So, Your Majesties, now that the matter is settled, shouldn't I ask for some reward?"

"Of course, Director Chen Qi, please tell us. Anything we can give you, whatever you want, we'll provide."

The Twin Empresses weren't worried about the payment at all. Leithania might not have much else, but it had a rich history and many world-renowned works of art, any one of which could be a national treasure. They had no concern about not being able to afford Chen Qi's payment.

However, seeing that the Twin Empresses had agreed, Chen Qi then turned his gaze to the silent but clearly eager Młynar, and without hesitation said:

"To be honest, the man beside me is the acting head of the Nearl Family Kazimierz, Młynar Nearl. He's been helping out on our film set in order to find his missing brother and sister-in-law, and the parents of his two nieces."

"And I've heard some rumors that those two are currently 'guests' in Leithania?"

"Although it's just hearsay, now that I'm here, I'll ask. If possible, could the two empresses allow the two heads of the Nearl Family to leave Leithania? They've been guests for so long, surely they've had enough?"

However, no one expected that the "reward" Chen Qi had gone to so much Kung Fu Hustle to obtain would actually come from the two elders of the Nearl Family. Even Młynar, who was standing to the side, was surprised that Chen Qi would use his brother and sister-in-law as a reward.

Młynar's original plan was to ask the Twin Empresses about the whereabouts of his brother and sister-in-law after Chen Qi left. His goal was simply to get some information, as long as he knew that his brother and sister-in-law were in Leithania and safe. That way, he could also convey the good news to his two nieces on Rhodes Island that their parents were alright.

Młynar never considered asking Chen Qi for help. In fact, he was already grateful that Chen Qi was willing to let Młynar use the film crew's reputation to find his brother and sister-in-law in various countries. He never imagined that the reward for the entire film crew's hard work in making a movie would be the return of his brother and sister-in-law.

In an instant, Młynar instinctively gripped the longsword at his waist. His expression remained calm, but the tension and excitement in his heart were impossible to conceal.

Not long after, after exchanging glances, the white-haired Twin Empresses was the first to respond, saying:

"... Director Chen Qi is so generous, of course we won't refuse you this favor."

"Guards, summon our guests Schnitz Nearl and Yolanta Nearl. Thank them for everything they did to protect us. Now, we should see our guests off."

As soon as the white-haired princess finished speaking, Młynar finally lowered his hand that had been gripping the sword hilt. He slowly raised his head, his chest heaving violently as he swallowed all the sobs and bitterness.

At that moment, in Chen Qi's eyes, Młynar's aura, which had been like a sword that had been sheathed, seemed to emerge from its body. He knew that this wandering knight had finally laid down his burden, and his brilliance could finally shine again.

Chapter 266: The Reunion of the Nearl Family, Chen Qi Receives the Witch King's Spiral Horn

Chen Qi and his group waited for a while, and soon a spy came before them. After bowing very respectfully, the spy said:

"Lord Chen Qi, the 'reward' you requested has been delivered."

"Brother!"

However, before Chen Qi could react, the moment Młynar saw the two people behind the spy, she let out a cry that surprised Chen Qi and the others. She immediately rushed forward to the two Kuranta, who also had dazzling golden hair.

Młynar's brother and sister-in-law, Margaret and Maria's parents, Schnitz and Yolanta. These two heroes of the Nearl Family disappeared without a trace one night. Młynar had searched for them in various countries and asked everyone she could, but without exception, no one knew where they had gone, and those who did know would never speak of it.

In the past, letters would still arrive, but in recent years, there had been no news of the two. Młynar had almost given up hope that they were still alive... He just wanted to find them, at least to give his two children some answers.

He needed to make sure there were no future problems before he could actually do what he was supposed to do. He couldn't just act on his temper—if they were still alive, his impulsive actions might kill them.

Now, seeing his brother and sister-in-law alive again, Młynar's excitement was unimaginable. But when he arrived in front of them, he stopped in his tracks and remained speechless for a long time.

"... Młynar?"

Breaking the silence was Młynar's brother, Schnitz, but he didn't seem surprised that Młynar had found them. Clearly, they had heard of Młynar even back in the tower when he was working with Chen Qi's crew. Młynar had been diligently playing various guest roles in the crew for so long, and that was his purpose.

That's why the couple understood just how much effort Młynar had put in to find them. After a long exchange of glances, the elder brother, Schnitz, finally let out a long sigh of relief and, with a touch of guilt, earnestly said to his younger brother:

"You've had a tough time these past few days, Młynar."

"... It's good that you're back."

Młynar slowly closed his glasses. He didn't really want to cry in public, and he wasn't used to such a fairytale-like, heartwarming occasion. Instead of saying "I missed you all so much," he began with a heavy sigh of complaint:

"But I won't say anything about taking care of Margaret and Maria for so many years. Just consider it as me, their uncle, raising two half-biological children."

"But why haven't you sent a single letter all these years? You did send some at first, but then you stopped. Did you write them in advance? Did you know about the Supervision Committee's arrangements all along, so you wrote several years' worth of letters home in advance?"

"And... you didn't even tell me about this? Margaret and Maria are children, do you think I'm a child too?"

"Well..."

However, when Młynar spoke, the intense resentment she exuded left Schnitz and Yolanta speechless. Młynar was indeed right; they had been "pledged" to Leithania by the Supervision Committee because the Black-haired Queen was no longer able to exert her fighting power and had to be kept in check as "part of diplomacy" to guard against the actions of the Witch King and the Emperors.

Therefore, any form of correspondence was absolutely impossible. They knew this, which is why they had prepared letters home for several years in advance... After all, the Supervision Committee "mortgaged" them. If they died, the Supervision Committee would naturally notify their families, and they would be heroes; if they returned alive, they would not only have resolved the crisis in Leithania, but they would also be heroes, defending the honor of the Nearl Family.

But neither of them expected that those remnants of the Witch King would be so useless. They hadn't made any moves for so many years, and just when they finally started to show some promise, it was all suppressed again.

But besides guarding against the remnants of the Witch King, they also had to be wary of the emperors and nobles. Before long, they didn't even have enough letters to send home...

"Uncle, we know you're suffering, and your older brother and I won't say anything. We also have our own difficulties."

At this moment, seeing that her elder brother had no answer, her sister-in-law Yolanta stepped forward. As soon as Yolanta appeared, Młynar's expression immediately softened, and he began to look troubled.

Finally, Yolanta noticed the change in Młynar's expression. She smiled lightly, gave a slight bow, and expressed their gratitude for Młynar's care of their child and support of the Nearl Family during this time. Her tone was sincere yet tinged with guilt as she spoke:

"Thank you for your hard work these past few days. Now we need you to save us... After we get home, we will help you rebuild the Nearl Family."

Yolanta's implication was clear: they all now acknowledged Młynar as the rightful "head" Młynar the Nearl Family. This uncle, who had been supporting the Nearl Family while they were away, ensuring the last bloodline of the Nearl Family did not die out, and who had always endured and held the family together, was an elder of the Nearl Family who was even more dedicated and responsible than they were.

Although family ties meant they didn't need to express guilt by taking on the role of "head of the family," this gesture was important, this acknowledgment was important, and it was the best response to all the choices Młynar had made over the years of dedication and suffering.

"... It wasn't me who saved you, brother and sister-in-law." Upon receiving this reply, Młynar raised her head again. After a long while, she managed to control her emotions, slowly turned around, and revealed the figures of Chen Qi and Talulah behind her.

Even without Młynar's introduction, the couple Schnitz and Yolanta already knew Chen Qi's name. The next moment, before Chen Qi could react, he saw Schnitz take the lead, put Chen Qi hand to his chest, and kneel down on one knee.

"Thank you for your immense kindness, Director Chen Qi. We all know what you did in Kazimierz. You preserved the Nearl Family and helped us safeguard their last vestige of glory."

"Our Nearl Family will never forget this kindness. If Director Chen Qi needs us, the Nearl Family is willing to go through fire and water to repay this kindness!"

Chen Qi did indeed do the Nearl Family a great favor. At that time, the turbulent Kazimierz suffered setbacks in the war to invade Victoria, and it was very likely that the Nearl Family's "hero" would be sent to the battlefield to fight this war that could not be won.

Chen Qi arranged for the Nearl family to film movies in Kazimierz, preventing the Supervision Committee and Nearl Family Commission from taking action against them and preserving the last embers of the Nearl Family. As for the matter of Młynar leading the Nearl Family away from Kazimierz, the Supervision Committee has now overturned the case, and the newly rebuilt Kazimierz has embarked on a different path. If the Nearl Family wants to return, they can do so at any time.

But Młynar certainly didn't intend to do that. The two who had just returned certainly wouldn't just go back to Kazimierz... The legacy of the Nearl Family was now a heavy burden on their shoulders, and the spirit of the knights was perhaps something only they could carry on.

"No need to thank me. If I didn't do this, Mr. Młynar wouldn't feel at ease working for us on set, and I couldn't keep letting Młynar work for us for free."

Chen Qi waved his hand, looking at the two knights of the Nearl Family in front of him, and remembering something more important, he immediately said:

"Oh, right, I'll contact Dr. Kal'tsit later and have her bring Margaret and Maria to see you, so you can be reunited soon."

"Thank you."

When Chen Qi mentioned reunion, the parents, who had been away from home for so many years and whose faces had become blurred with memories of their two children, couldn't help but show excited expressions when they recalled their two daughters. Chen Qi then asked Talulah to take them to Rhodes Island so he could avoid watching the touching reunion scene, for fear of embarrassing himself.

After everyone left, only Chen Qi remained, with Ebenholz and Kreide by his side. The spy, seeing that there were no other people around, stepped forward and said to Chen Qi: