Chapter 193: Entrusted Orphan

Beiliu County... nearly everyone has been captured.

The county magistrate’s entire family was also taken to the Southern Barbarians.

Thus, present-day Beiliu County lacks a county magistrate, assistant magistrate, and county commandant.

As assistant prefect, Huang Yan, in this special wartime period, has the authority to appoint a new county magistrate for Beiliu County, as long as he submits a written report to the Central Secretariat afterward.

Li Lin glanced regretfully at the *Immortal’s Secret Record* on the desk, then shook his head lightly.

He disliked dealing with such matters, especially since Huang Yan was his father-in-law.

If he did this, he would feel as if he were incapable, merely living off his wife’s family.

“Brother Li, don’t refuse—let me finish,” Wang Tianyou said, taking a deep breath. “I know you’re proud and dislike such favor-seeking. But sometimes, asking a senior for help can actually strengthen mutual ties.”

Li Lin frowned slightly, but he had heard similar reasoning before, so he said nothing.

The idea was simple: you trouble me, I trouble you, we owe each other favors, and our relationship improves.

Even though he understood, he still didn’t want to act that way—yet looking at the *Immortal’s Secret Record* on the desk, he felt it would be a great regret not to obtain it.

Seeing Li Lin seem somewhat swayed, Wang Tianyou continued: “Our Wang family doesn’t need anything else—just a meeting with the assistant prefect.”

“Let me think it over and return to this tomorrow.”

“Thank you.”

…………

Li Lin returned home and told Huang Qing about the matter.

After listening, Huang Qing smiled: “I think the young master is right. You’ve been married to me for over half a year, yet you’ve never asked Father for anything. Over time, that does create distance.”

“Because I feel marrying you was already taking immense advantage of your father’s generosity.”

This was Li Lin’s true thought—Huang Qing was beautiful, well-built, gentle, and virtuous; such a woman was exceedingly rare, even in this world.

Hearing this, Huang Qing was delighted, and she added: “I’ve been wanting to visit Jincheng to see Father and Lady Wang anyway—let’s take this chance to go.”

“Jincheng is far and dangerous.”

“Can’t my lord use official business as an excuse to bring me along with the village militia?”

Li Lin thought for a moment and said: “Actually, yes—I’m due to escort a high-value prisoner to Jincheng.”

“Then it’s settled, my lord,” Huang Qing coaxed. “Please?”

Li Lin understood this was Huang Qing giving him a graceful way out.

She saw that her husband was proud and reluctant to beg for favors.

But father-in-law and son-in-law were family; a cold, formal friendship did no good for their relationship.

Li Lin nodded: “Fine. I’ll take you and Hongluan.”

Huang Qing was overjoyed.

Li Lin picked up Huang Qing and took her to the small spiritual vein for dual cultivation; midway, Hongluan joined them.

The next day, Li Lin went to work feeling refreshed, first visiting the prison to see Qin Donglai.

The Jiang family truly had some ability—Qin Donglai had actually been kept alive.

Though still frail, his complexion was clearly better than the past two days.

“Director Li, you have leisure to visit a prisoner like me?” Qin Donglai leaned against the cold stone wall, his eyes filled with hatred: “I didn’t die—surprised? Didn’t expect someone would save me!”

Li Lin smiled: “At a time like this, are you still trying to sow discord?”

Qin Donglai frowned: “I don’t know what you mean!”

“The one who approved your survival was me.”

Qin Donglai looked embarrassed, then sighed helplessly: “So you’re going to use me to gain merit, then.”

“You could say that.”

Qin Donglai fell silent.

Li Lin asked: “Was what you said about the Southern Barbarians’ divine bones true?”

“You want to cultivate immortality too?”

“Yes.”

“Hahahaha!” Qin Donglai laughed mockingly at Li Lin for a long while, then wiped his eyes. “There are indeed immortals in this world—but none have appeared in countless years. For centuries, countless self-proclaimed clever men have pursued immortality, hoping to live as long as heaven and earth, yet all ended in vain—not one succeeded. What makes you think you’ll be the first? Because you’re handsome?”

Li Lin smiled but said nothing.

He already possessed the Foundation Establishment method and had cultivated the small spiritual vein—he had already formally entered the path of cultivation.

Seeing Li Lin unmoved, Qin Donglai said: “Why should I tell you?”

Li Lin replied: “State your demands. I’ll help if I can.”

Qin Donglai snorted and said nothing.

Li Lin turned to leave.

“Wait—aren’t you going to persuade me more?” Qin Donglai watched him.

Li Lin chuckled: “I don’t like forcing others.”

Qin Donglai stared helplessly at Li Lin: “You’re truly annoying!”

“If you won’t speak, I’m leaving,” Li Lin said, one hand behind his back, pointing toward the door.

Qin Donglai scowled, stood up, and said: “I may have survived, but I know what you plan to do with me.”

Li Lin listened quietly.

Qin Donglai continued: “I don’t care—but there’s one thing I can’t let go of.”

“What is it?”

“My youngest son... I raised him outside.”

Li Lin frowned.

“I knew about the Qin family’s rebellion long ago,” Qin Donglai sighed. “But I saw the risk—it could mean extermination of nine clans. So I secretly kept a concubine outside, who bore me a son. No one in the clan knows! Even she doesn’t know my true identity.”

Li Lin praised: “Impressive. Truly impressive.”

The man’s awareness of danger was sharp indeed.

“So I ask you to care for them.”

Li Lin frowned: “They’re in Yuecheng.”

“Yes!” Qin Donglai smiled. “If the Qin King advances north and ascends the throne, you won’t need to care for them. But if you ever go to Yuecheng, it means the Qin King has already... then you can protect them.”

“Alright, I agree,” Li Lin nodded. “Now tell me: where is my son? And where is this divine bone you mentioned?”

“Both are in my concubine’s hands. She doesn’t know what the object is—but if you tell her it’s something important I gave her, she’ll understand.”

After hearing this, Li Lin couldn’t help but click his tongue: “You planned this all along?”

“I’m curious—why not just kill her and take the divine bone?”

“That would be her fate,” Qin Donglai smiled. “So I’m gambling.”

“But if you don’t tell me, she might not even be harmed.”

Qin Donglai chuckled: “I know her nature. The money I left her will last three years at most. After that, when the money runs out, she’ll abandon the child and seduce other men.”

“How can you be so sure?”

“Because that’s how she found me. My youngest son is her fourth child.” Qin Donglai smiled broadly.

A smile laced with mockery.

(End of Chapter)