Chapter 83: First Clash

"Lin Inspector, this tea is good," Qin Chang'an lifted the cup, gently sniffed, "Longjing?"

"It's pre‑Qing tea from Xihu Shifeng," Lin Yu smiled, "Young Commander, good eye."

"When I studied in England, I actually missed this flavor," Qin Chang'an took a light sip, "But the water over there is off; the brew always lacks something."

"Tea's essence lies in the water and soil," Lin Yu said meaningfully, "Just like some people, they change when they move."

Qin Chang'an set down the cup: "Indeed, like Lin Inspector, a month ago still in the patrol house, now…"

"Life's encounters are unpredictable," Lin Yu interrupted, "Just like Commander Qin, who could have guessed…"

The two's gazes met in the air, each seeing a hint of amusement in the other's eyes.

"Speaking of my father," Qin Chang'an changed the subject, "The last secret letter he received from the court before his death seemed to mention the Inspector?"

Lin Yu's eyes flickered: "Oh? What did Commander Qin say?"

"He said the court is very concerned about Shen City's situation," Qin Chang'an said meaningfully, "Especially regarding certain… special appointments."

"The tea's cooled," Lin Yu refilled his cup, "Young Commander, would you like some more?"

"No need," Qin Chang'an watched Lin Yu's motion, "I just want to know, my father's death, was it his own…"

"Tea leaves become bitter if steeped too long," Lin Yu interrupted, "It's about timing. Commander Qin this time likely misjudged the heat."

Qin Chang'an was silent for a moment: "So, this is the court's intention?"

"What does the Young Commander think?" Lin Yu retorted, "Whether tea is good or bad, you must taste it with heart."

"The Inspector is right," Qin Chang'an suddenly laughed, "It's just that some tea looks clear, but when you drink it…"

"Bitter and hard to swallow?"

"No," Qin Chang'an stared into Lin Yu's eyes, "It's something unfathomable. Like the Inspector's identity…"

"Identity," Lin Yu set down his cup, "is like tea filtration; some things that should stay remain, some that should go are removed. Young Commander, perhaps you should also filter yourself…?"

Qin Chang'an's gaze tightened: "Inspector, what does that mean?"

"Kunshan's water and soil are fine," Lin Yu stood, walked to the window, "Suitable for settling."

The reception room fell into a brief silence. The sunlight remained warm, but the atmosphere subtly shifted.

Their conversation seemed to be about tea and philosophy, but underneath currents surged. Every sentence was a probe, every metaphor a warning.

Qin Chang'an wanted to probe Lin Yu's true identity, to know whether his father's death was ordered by the court. Lin Yu used tea as a metaphor, flawlessly deflecting each probe, while also hinting to Qin Chang'an: return to Kunshan, don't meddle in Shen City's affairs.

This is a power game, and tea is merely a front.

"Inspector," Qin Chang'an suddenly set down his cup, his voice turning cold, "Let's stop playing riddles."

Lin Yu raised an eyebrow, still keeping that faint smile.

"Do you know what it means for the Security Command Headquarters to be leaderless?" Qin Chang'an stared at Lin Yu, "Thirty thousand Security Army, without a commander, do you think they'll stay obedient?"

"What is the Young Commander worried about?"

"Stop playing dumb," Qin Chang'an's voice carried a hint of suppressed anger, "I just received news that the Ninth Division can reach Shen City as early as tomorrow. You slaughtered their French Concession, and now you've killed their envoy…"

"So?" Lin Yu interrupted.

"So?" Qin Chang'an sneered, "The Japanese won't settle peacefully. And now in Shen City, the thirty thousand Security Army is leaderless; what do you think will happen?"

Lin Yu stood, walked to the window. Outside, the sunlight remained bright, but his voice carried a chill: "Young Commander, are you threatening me?"

"No," Qin Chang'an shook his head, "I'm merely stating a fact. You could kill my father, could run amok in the French Concession, but…"

He paused: "But you must give Shen City an explanation. A thirty‑thousand‑strong Security Army is no child's play."

"What explanation does the Young Commander want?" Lin Yu turned, his gaze like a torch.

"You know well," Qin Chang'an stared at him, "Before the new Security Commander takes office, someone must lead this force. Otherwise, once the Ninth Division arrives…"

"So," Lin Yu interrupted, "Young Commander, are you recommending yourself?"

The reception room's atmosphere suddenly grew tense. Their gazes clashed in the air, each waiting for the other to show a crack.

This was no longer a probe, but a bare confrontation. Qin Chang'an was pressuring with the thirty thousand Security Army and the imminent Ninth Division.

"I hope the Inspector can write a letter to the court," Qin Chang'an said slowly, "Recommending me as the new Security Army Commander."

Lin Yu chuckled lightly: "If I write the letter, will the court definitely act according to my wishes? Is the Young Commander overestimating me?"

"No," Qin Chang'an shook his head, eyes sharp, "I'm merely stating a fact. You are the court's Inspector, a knife the court placed in Shen City, and also a pair of eyes watching the Security Command Headquarters and the Garrison Office."

Lin Yu gave no reply, quietly watching him.

"I believe," Qin Chang'an continued, "If Lin Inspector is willing to help, the court shouldn't reject your idea. After all…"

He paused, his voice becoming meaning‑laden, "The court also knows well that this thirty‑thousand Shen City Security Army has always been the Qin family's direct troops. If I'm not allowed to take the commander position…"

"Will chaos arise?" Lin Yu took the thread, "Young Commander, is this a threat to the court?"

"No," Qin Chang'an said earnestly, "I'm merely outlining a reality. This force, from its inception, was led by my father. From officers to soldiers, all are Qin family's confidants. Now that my father suddenly passed, if the court parachutes an outsider to command…"

"So the Young Commander thinks," Lin Yu walked back to the sofa and sat, "that having you take over is the best choice?"

"It's not the best choice," Qin Chang'an stared at Lin Yu's eyes, "It's the only choice. The Inspector should know well that at this critical moment, Shen City cannot endure any turmoil."

Lin Yu lifted his cup, took a gentle sip: "Young Commander, you make a lot of sense. However…"

"But what?"

"Do you think the court will believe," Lin Yu set down his cup, "that a person who just lost his father can retain enough reason to lead this force?"

Qin Chang'an's gaze tightened: "Inspector, what does that mean?"

"It means nothing," Lin Yu said lightly, "I'm just reminding the Young Commander that some things aren't as simple as they appear."

The reception room fell silent again. The sunlight remained warm, but the atmosphere between the two grew heavier.