Chapter 541

After leaving the women's detention center, Lin Dongfan hadn't even eaten lunch and went straight to the Yuezhou City Procuratorate.

Translation: "Leaving the women's detention center, Lin Dongfan hadn't even eaten lunch, and went straight to the Yuezhou City Procuratorate."

Note: women's detention center = women's detention center; hadn't even eaten lunch = hadn't even eaten lunch; went again/goes to = went again/goes to; Yuezhou City Procuratorate = Yuezhou City Procuratorate.

We must keep same meaning. Good.

Qiao Lianzhou.

Translation: "Qiao Lianzhou."

A somewhat scholarly-looking middle-aged man, forty-two years old. At this age, to have risen to the top position at the Yuezhou City Procuratorate, even several years as a secretary is not in vain.

Translation: "A middle-aged man who looks somewhat scholarly, forty-two years old. At this age, being able to sit in the top seat of the Yuezhou City Procuratorate, a few years as secretary wasn't wasted."

Note: a middle-aged man who looks somewhat scholarly; forty-two years old; at this age, being able to climb onto the top seat of the Yuezhou City Procuratorate; several years as secretary also counts as not having served in vain.

We need to keep meaning. Good.

When Lin Dongfan saw him, he had just finished a meeting and was preparing to go to the hospital to visit his son.

Translation: "When Lin Dongfan saw him, he had just finished a meeting and was about to go to the hospital to visit his son."

Note: when Lin Dongfan saw him; he had just finished a meeting; was preparing to go to the hospital to visit his son.

His son is only sixteen years old.

Translation: "His son is only sixteen."

Due to drug poisoning, he suffered acute liver failure at a young age, and just recently underwent a liver transplant surgery; he is still recuperating in bed.

Due to drug poisoning, he suffered acute liver failure at a young age, and just recently underwent a liver transplant surgery; he is still recuperating in bed.

We need to keep the question mark? The Chinese includes 'got acute liver failure'. Likely a formatting error; we translate as 'got acute liver failure'. We'll ignore the question mark.

Translation: "Because of drug poisoning, he contracted acute liver failure at a young age, and just recently underwent a liver transplant; he is still recuperating in bed."

Lin Dongfan blocked him at the meeting room door: "Prosecutor Qiao, could you spare a few minutes? I want to talk with you about Huang Xiju's case."

Translation: "Lin Dongfan blocked him at the meeting room door: 'Prosecutor Qiao, could you spare a few minutes? I want to talk about Huang Xiju's case.'"

Note: Prosecutor Qiao; could you spare a few minutes; I want to talk with you; Huang Xiju's case.

"Are you guys from the anti-corruption bureau overreaching a bit?"

Translation: "'Your Anti-Corruption Bureau, are you overstepping a bit?'"

Qiao Lianzhou clearly doesn't have much fondness for someone like Lin Dongfan.

Translation: "Qiao Lianzhou clearly has no fondness for someone like Lin Dongfan."

He glanced at his watch.

Translation: "He glanced at his watch."

Impatiently, he urged: "Please move aside; I still need to go to the hospital to see my son. If you have something to say, come to my office tomorrow."

Translation: "Impatiently, he urged: 'Please move aside; I still need to go to the hospital to see my son. If you have something to say, come to my office tomorrow.'"

"Your son's illness is important, but is Huang Xiju's injustice not important?"

Translation: "'Your son's illness is important, but is Huang Xiju's injustice not important?'"

Lin Dongfan stared coldly at Qiao Lianzhou.

Translation: "Lin Dongfan coldly stared at Qiao Lianzhou."

Qiao Lianzhou's face darkened as he bluntly retorted: "Huang Xiju is suspected of intentional injury; our procuratorate detained her according to law—what's the problem?"

Translation: "Qiao Lianzhou's face also darkened; he bluntly retorted: 'Huang Xiju is suspected of intentional injury; our procuratorate detained her according to law—what's the problem?'"

Note: he bluntly retorted; our procuratorate detained her according to law.

"What's the problem? Don't you understand?" Lin Dongfan said solemnly: "I came here today just to ask you one thing: will you correct the mistake or not?"

Translation: "'What problem? You don't understand?' Lin Dongfan said solemnly: 'I came here today just to ask you one thing: will you correct the mistake or not?'"

"Comrade Lin, you've got quite a mouth!"

Translation: "'Comrade Lin, you have quite a tone!'"

Qiao Lianzhou snorted angrily: "If you're coming as the provincial anti-corruption bureau chief to hold me accountable, show me your evidence of my corruption! If you're coming as an ordinary citizen to question governance, look..."

Translation: "Qiao Lianzhou snorted angrily: 'If you're coming as the Provincial Anti-Corruption Bureau Director to hold me accountable, show my corruption evidence! If you're coming as an ordinary citizen to petition, look...'"

As he spoke, Qiao Lianzhou pointed to the front desk reception.

Translation: "Saying this, Qiao Lianzhou pointed to the front desk reception."

He then gave a cold, arrogant smile: "You should go there to register and inquire; someone will attend to you there. I don't have time to deal with you—please move aside."

Translation: "He then gave a haughty cold laugh: 'You should go there to register and consult; someone will attend to you there! I don't have time to deal with you—please move aside.'"

"Heh, you're so full of confidence—it seems you really think you're an incorruptible official."

Translation: "'Heh, you're so full of confidence—it seems you really think you're an honest official.'"

In the midst of talking and laughing, Lin Dongfan stepped aside.

Translation: "While talking and laughing, Lin Dongfan stepped aside."

He also made a "please go ahead" gesture: "Go ahead, today I really can't move you, but it's fine—the bureau chief has plenty of time to keep you company."

Translation: "He also made a 'please go ahead' gesture: 'Please, today I really can't move you, but it's fine—the bureau chief has plenty of time to play with you.'"

"Lin, I'm waiting for you to investigate me!"

Translation: "'Mr. Lin, I'm waiting for you to investigate me!'"

Qiao Lianzhou strode forward, head held high, chest out, too lazy to even glance at Lin Dongfan; with a mountain behind him, his confidence is different—every pore exudes an air of superiority.

Translation: "Qiao Lianzhou strode forward, head high, chest out, too lazy to even glance at Lin Dongfan! With a mountain behind him, his confidence is different—every pore exudes a sense of superiority."

Sometimes Lin Dongfan also wonders.

Translation: "Sometimes Lin Dongfan also wondered."

"Damn it!"

Translation: "Damn it!"

"You're competing on backing—do you think you can outdo me?"

Translation: "You're competing on backing—can you beat me?"

I've already exposed the red genealogy in Jianglan Province—even a tiger would steer clear! Why don't these wolf pups in Baiyue Province go find out what's going on?

Translation: "I've already exposed the red genealogy in Jianglan Province—even tigers would detour! Why don't these wolf cubs in Baiyue Province inquire a bit?"

These wolf pups' understanding is truly damn lame!

Translation: "These wolf cubs' comprehension is truly pathetic!"

"Ah-choo!"

Translation: "'Achoo!'"

He was thinking up a hundred and eight ways for the wolf pups to die when Lin Dongfan suddenly unleashed an earth‑shaking sneeze, not knowing how much saliva sprayed out.

Translation: "While pondering the hundred and eight ways those wolf pups could die, Lin Dongfan suddenly let out a thunderous sneeze, not knowing how much saliva sprayed out."

Anyway, his nose feels pleasantly sore.

Translation: "Anyway, his nose felt pleasantly sour."

Lin Dongfan grabbed a tissue, wiped his nose, and muttered puzzledly, "Damn, I haven't even caught a cold—why did I just sneeze out of the blue? Is someone trying to screw me over behind my back?"

Translation: "Lin Dongfan pulled out a tissue, wiped his nose, and muttered doubtfully: 'Damn, I'm not even sick—why would I suddenly sneeze naturally? Could someone be sabotaging me behind my back?'"

This time...

Translation: "This time……"

Sure enough, Grandpa Fan had guessed correctly—there really is someone undermining him behind the scenes.

Translation: "Sure enough, Fan Ye's guess was right—someone really is undermining him behind the scenes."

Provincial Party Committee compound.

Translation: "Provincial Committee Compound."

The upright and virtuous Executive Lv Yizhi, accompanied patiently by Prosecutor General Chen Gang, walked with ease.

Translation: "The upright and virtuous Executive Lv Yizhi, accompanied patiently by Prosecutor General Chen Gang, walked with ease."

Check: The upright and virtuous Executive Lv Yizhi = The upright and virtuous Executive Lv Yizhi. Under the patient accompaniment of Prosecutor General Chen Gang = under the patient accompaniment of Prosecutor General Chen Gang. Walked with ease = walked with ease.

Those loaned out are all deputy department‑level officials.

Translation: "Both are vice ministers."

Lv Yizhi is a member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee, slated for promotion this year, and Chen Gang dare not be lax.

Translation: "Lv Yizhi is a member of the Provincial Standing Committee, expected to be promoted this year, and Chen Gang also dare not be negligent."

Chen Gang nervously reported his subordinates' anti‑corruption stance: "That guy Lin Dongfan is impossible to sway—he meddles in criminal cases outside his jurisdiction, and I truly can't do anything about him."

Translation: "Chen Gang nervously reported his subordinates' anti-corruption stance: 'That Lin Dongfan fellow is immovable; he sticks his nose into criminal cases outside his jurisdiction, and I really can't do anything about him.'"

"Prosecutor Chen, he's your subordinate—saying that isn't appropriate." Lv Yizhi spoke jovially, always coming across as approachable.

Translation: "'Prosecutor Chen, he's your subordinate—saying that isn't appropriate.' Lv Yizhi chatted easily, always giving an approachable impression."

Chen Gang harbors unspeakable bitterness.

Translation: "Chen Gang has unspeakable difficulties."

Only two people in the province know Lin Dongfan's background: Wang Daochen and Chen Gang himself. He truly can't stand the temper of the capital's princeling, but he has to endure it.

Translation: "Only two people in the province know Lin Dongfan's background: one is Wang Daochen, the other is Chen Gang himself. The temper of a capital-circle prince is something he truly can't stand but must endure."

Chen Gang hinted deeply to Lv Yizhi: "Lin Dongfan was parachuted in from the capital to our Baiyue Province, and his surname is Lin. Secretary Wang's support for him was already made clear in the Haishan affair. Who would dare to break ground on Tai Sui's head? This old bones of mine can't withstand Secretary Wang's blows."

Translation: "Chen Gang meaningfully reminded Lv Yizhi: 'Lin Dongfan, he was parachuted in from Jingcheng to our Baiyue Province, he's a Lin. Secretary Wang's support for him was already clear from the Haishan incident. Who would dare disturb the Tai Sui? This old bone of mine can't withstand Secretary Wang's blows.'"

Upon hearing this, Lv Yizhi's face grew much more solemn.

Translation: "Upon hearing this, Lv Yizhi's face grew much graver."

Parachuted in from the capital!

His surname is Lin!

Lv Yizhi walked slowly with his hands behind his back, saying, "Has Secretary Wang ever reprimanded you? I've never heard you mention this before."

Translation: "Lv Yizhi walked slowly with hands behind his back: 'Has Secretary Wang ever struck you? I've never heard you mention this.'"

"It's better not to mention the Huang Shuju case." Chen Gang accompanied him all the way, feeling a myriad of emotions: "This case can't be suppressed any longer; I came to see you today just to seek your opinion."

Translation: "'Because of the Huang Xiju case, it's better not to mention it.' Chen Gang accompanied him, full of feelings: 'This case can't be suppressed anymore; I came to see you today just to ask for your opinion.'"

"If someone should be released, release them—I have no objection."

Translation: "'If someone should be released, release them—I have no opinion.'"

Lv Yizhi made a decisive decision, almost without hesitation.

Translation: "Lv Yizhi made a decisive decision, almost without hesitation."

This left Chen Gang greatly shocked.

Translation: "This greatly shocked Chen Gang."

Releasing someone would mean that Qi Lianzhou of the Yuezhou City Procuratorate would have to take responsibility—and Qi Lianzhou used to be Lv Yizhi's trusted secretary.

Translation: "Releasing him would mean that Qi Lianzhou of the Yuezhou City Procuratorate would take responsibility, and Qi Lianzhou had once been Lv Yizhi's trusted secretary."

Before, it really wasn't apparent, but Lv Yizhi is truly a ruthless man who speaks little.

Translation: "Before, it really wasn't apparent, but Lv Yizhi is truly the sort who is ruthless yet sparing with words."

At the critical moment, he doesn't even protect his own prized disciple.

Translation: "At critical moments, he doesn't even protect his own prized disciple."

It makes sense: Lv Yizhi is expected to be promoted this year; at this crucial juncture, what reason does he have to jeopardize his own future for a disciple?

Translation: "Indeed, it makes sense—Lv Yizhi is expected to be promoted this year; at this juncture, what reason does he have to jeopardize his future for a disciple?"

Chen Gang set aside his myriad feelings.

Translation: "Chen Gang gathered up his myriad feelings."

He again wore a half‑smile as he reflected with Lv Yizhi: "Governor Lv, after all, our response was just half a beat slow. When the matter first came out in the news, we should have hit the brakes and corrected it promptly."

Translation: "He then half-smiled, reflecting with Lv Yizhi: 'Governor Lv, after all, our reaction was half a beat slow. When the incident first came to light, we should have reined in at the brink and corrected promptly.'"

「！！！」 (Actually line 59 is "……！！！" from original: line 59: 「！！！」? Wait we need to check original lines: after line 58 we have line 59: 「！！！」? Let's re-examine the provided lines:

The lines after 【58】 are:

【59】 Again wearing a half‑smile, he reflected with Lv Yizhi: "Governor Lv, after all, our response was just half a beat slow. When the matter first came out in the news, we should have hit the brakes and corrected it promptly."

"...!!!"

Lv Yizhi furrowed his brows, clearly uninterested in discussing these buzzkill matters.

That night.

Lv Yizhi had the driver take the car to an underground parking lot with no surveillance, then called his favored disciple Qiao Lianzhou to come over.

Waited for over half an hour.

Qiao Lianzhou came running over, flustered, and as soon as he got in the car he nervously apologized: "Chief, I headed over as soon as I got your call, but there was a traffic jam..."

"No problem."

Lv Yizhi glanced at the driver sitting in the front seat.

The driver, understanding implicitly, got out of the car and kept watch on the surroundings to prevent anyone from approaching.

Lv Yizhi calmly said: "Lin Dongfan is the crown prince of the Jing Circle; he's determined to seek justice for Huang Xiuju, and this time I can't protect you."

Upon hearing this, Qiao Lianzhou's face turned deathly pale.

He pondered for a moment before speaking: "I just mishandled a case; I… he wouldn't drive me to a dead end, would he?"

This "he" actually refers not only to Lin Dongfan, but also to Lv Yizhi, who is in the same car.

Lv Yizhi replied expressionlessly: "Just mishandled a case? I heard your son got a liver transplant without spending a penny. That liver came from Huang Xiuju's son Zhu Siming. Zhu Siming didn't die from surgical accident; he was murdered! And you call that just mishandling a case?"

"!!!"

Qiao Lianzhou was scolded into silence, his head lowered, his nervousness plainly visible.

Lv Yizhi added indifferently: "If your son didn't get the liver transplant, he'd have only a few days to live. Now he's alive, I believe you have no regrets."

The implication is that you can go die, and stop dragging others down with your indecisiveness.

After getting out of Lv Yizhi's car.

Qiao Lianzhou seemed to have lost his soul, unable to walk steadily.