I Rely On The Collapse Of The Character Setting To Survive In The Hands Of The Male Lead Chapter 200

Chapter 200

Lin Qingyang hadn’t fully grasped what Chu Lishu meant earlier, but now that he witnessed it firsthand, he couldn’t believe they were just brothers. It felt like their bond was about to overflow the scene.

Due to the interruption by the palace guards, Yue Chen and Huo Luo’s conversation naturally didn’t continue. Later, the four of them found another place to talk.

Through this incident, Huo Luo and Yue Chen had indeed achieved great success, according to the plan previously conceived.

Yue Chen entered the Inspection Court, while Huo Luo entered the Ministry of War. Both of them were appointed to several positions, indicating that the Emperor had intentions to cultivate them.

“The Cheng family’s influence is entrenched in the Ministry of War. By sending you in, the Emperor intends to dismantle their power from within,” Chu Lishu said. “But if you truly want to take control of the Ministry of War, you’ll need external opportunities as well. You’ll need to wield both the power of the pen and the sword to gradually bring the Ministry of War under your control, so there’s no need to rush.”

Frowning, Huo Luo asked, “What should I do when there’s no war?”

Yue Chen continued, “Naturally, it’s pretending to be an indifferent brute who’s only interested in fighting.”

“Huh? A brute?” Huo Luo frowned disapprovingly.

“That way, you won’t become a target for everyone. If you charge into the Ministry of War with such momentum, how can the Cheng family’s people not keep an eye on you? As long as you appear uninterested in the power of the Ministry of War and only enjoy fighting, in their eyes, you won’t be seen as threatening their interests. Naturally, they won’t bother dealing with you,” Yue Chen analyzed.

Huo Luo suddenly realized, then looked at Yue Chen and said, “What about your situation?”

“The Inspection Court is of the clean faction, so I can freely maneuver and strive to gain greater power as soon as possible,” Yue Chen said.

Chu Lishu nodded. “That’s right, but for now, I need to deal with the Ministry of Justice.”

The two already knew about the relationship between Chief Steward Ning and the Ministry of Justice. They also knew that Chu Lishu’s dealing with the Ministry of Justice was essentially dealing with Chief Steward Ning, and they had no objections to this.

Chu Lishu had already figured out a way to deal with the Ministry of Justice. By capturing two or three death-row prisoners who narrowly escaped execution, a chain reaction could be triggered, uprooting the operations behind the Ministry of Justice and Chief Steward Ning.

However, this required time and attention, which Chu Lishu and Lin Qingyang naturally couldn’t afford. But Yue Chen, who had entered the Inspection Court, was the perfect candidate.

Yue Chen smiled and said, “Simple. It’s just a matter of seizing the opportunity for merit that conveniently comes my way, enough to let me strut around in the Inspection Court.”

“Since I don’t have much to do at the Ministry of War either, I’ll go with you,” immediately responded Huo Luo.

Yue Chen frowned slightly, his expression inscrutable. “No need. Even if you don’t have much to do, you still need to keep up appearances. Besides, you won’t be idle once you leave the palace.”

Huo Luo didn’t catch on immediately and asked, “Do you have other tasks for me to do? Anyway, my injuries are minor. I can finish them first, and when you leave the palace, we can go together.”

Huo Luo instinctively thought that Chu Lishu and Yue Chen had other tasks to assign.

Lin Qingyang had been quietly observing, sensing that the atmosphere was becoming increasingly tense. He turned to Chu Lishu and asked, “Is there anything else?”

Chu Lishu glanced at Yue Chen and replied directly, “No.”

Huo Luo looked at Yue Chen in confusion, and Yue Chen explained, “Have you forgotten your mother’s instructions? After you leave the palace, you should accompany Miss Mo to Huzhou to pay respects to her brother first, and then…”

Huo Luo’s expression changed slightly, and then he spoke stiffly, “Yes, we should accompany her back together after rescuing her.”

Yue Chen waved his hand directly, saying, “I’m very busy.”

As a result, Huo Luo turned to Chu Lishu and said, “It won’t delay us for more than two days.”

Chu Lishu smiled, “I just asked you to do one thing, of course you can arrange the time freely.”

When Chu Lishu spoke up, Yue Chen’s excuse immediately fell apart.

After the two left, Lin Qingyang finally sighed heavily and said, “What’s going on? Why do they both seem so strange? Do they really… like each other?”

“One cleverly finds a way out only to be outsmarted, while the other charges straight ahead looking for an entrance,” Chu Lishu said frankly.

Lin Qingyang listened, somewhat understanding but still confused. “So, are they… you know, involved? Could they end up getting tangled up and… What about that Miss Mo?”

Chu Lishu raised an eyebrow. “That’s their own business.”

He and Lin Qingyang also had feelings for each other but couldn’t openly be together yet. With Yue Chen and Huo Luo facing even more obstacles, it was unlikely they would have an easier time. Trouble was inevitable.

On the other side, Huo Luo had already followed Yue Chen into the room.

Before Huo Luo could say anything, Yue Chen directly took out a brocade box. In an instant, Huo Luo understood what it meant. His hands stiffened behind his back, showing no intention of taking it.

“Take it. We might need it soon, and it’s not appropriate for me to keep it here,” Yue Chen said directly.

Huo Luo was stunned. “You know the significance of this jade pendant, right? I will only give it away once in my lifetime.”

“That’s why I’ve prepared it for you. Don’t just leave it anywhere next time,” Yue Chen said, still smiling.

Huo Luo’s face instantly darkened, but Yue Chen pushed it towards him anyway. Huo Luo could only awkwardly catch it, feeling as if he had caught a burning iron, the pain spreading to his heart.

A sense of shame washed over Huo Luo, leaving him wishing he could disappear immediately.

Seeing Huo Luo’s expression, Yue Chen couldn’t bear to look anymore. He turned away from Huo Luo and said, “Your leg injury isn’t healed yet. Go rest, I’m tired too and need to lie down.”

Soon, the sound of footsteps leaving echoed behind him.

Yue Chen smirked, but the smile didn’t reach his eyes. From childhood to adulthood, there had never been anything that left him feeling so powerless and helpless. Indeed, Huo Luo was his nemesis.

Yue Chen understood Huo Luo’s struggles and probing. Did Huo Luo like him? Perhaps a bit, but Huo Luo had always been fond of women, and Yue Chen was well aware of that. Maybe Huo Luo hadn’t even figured out his feelings towards him until now. Sometimes, when a relationship is too close, mixed with multiple emotions and long-term dependency, it can lead to confusion.

Huo Luo’s confusion began with an accident.

During that time, he shamelessly took advantage of Huo Luo’s innocence, often crossing boundaries and doing things that led to misunderstandings. But Yue Chen was clear about his own feelings and knew that once he spoke up and agreed, Huo Luo would follow him.

However, Yue Chen worried. What if one day, Huo Luo realized everything was wrong? How would he turn back?

Yue Chen knew his own nature. If he didn’t get what he wanted, he could endure it for now and remain a lifelong friend by Huo Luo’s side. But once he got what he desired, once he tasted its sweetness, how could he let go? At that point, all sorts of schemes to deal with enemies would likely be directed at Huo Luo, deceiving and hurting him, and not allowing him to leave.

So now he would rather take drastic measures, to give himself an account and also to give Huo Luo a choice. He was forcing himself and also forcing Huo Luo.

Perhaps there would be an answer soon. Yue Chen was grateful that he could recognize Chu Lishu in time. At least when he might get hurt, there would be other things to do, so he wouldn’t be too painful.

As he was thinking, suddenly there was a loud noise at the door. Yue Chen turned around and saw Huo Luo returning, as if he were holding his breath. “I haven’t given you healing treatment yet, go sit on the couch.”

This time, Huo Luo didn’t reach out to hug Yue Chen, just supporting himself with his palms.

An awkward silence filled the room, and eventually Yue Chen slowly fell asleep, leaning back.

Huo Luo had forgotten that Yue Chen would fall asleep, so he quickly hugged him.

In an instant, the complex and uncomfortable emotions in Huo Luo’s heart were dispersed by the breath belonging to Yue Chen in his arms.

In fact, as soon as he returned this time, Huo Luo intended to have an open conversation with Yue Chen. He couldn’t understand Yue Chen’s behavior, but his animal-like instinct told him that Yue Chen had feelings for him. Naturally, he also had feelings for Yue Chen. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have the impulse to hug and kiss him. He always thought that there was an understanding between them, and naturally they would gradually be together.

Giving the jade pendant was not a sudden impulse; it was his determination. He wanted to prove to Yue Chen that this jade pendant would either be given to him in this lifetime or never given to anyone else.

But it was returned.

Does he not like me? Has it all been my misunderstanding?

Huo Luo couldn’t help but feel a sense of panic. He hugged Yue Chen tightly, like a child afraid of losing a treasure, his mind filled with endless anticipation. How wonderful it would be if they both loved each other! But… what if they didn’t? What should he do then? His heart was already in turmoil. Could he still sort it out?

When Yue Chen woke up, he was already in bed, and Huo Luo was gone. Although they were both in the palace thereafter, it was as if nothing had happened between them. One continued to tease the other intellectually, while the other remained frustrated and powerless.

Even the bystander Lin Qingyang began to have doubts.

When Yue Chen and Huo Luo left the palace, Lin Qingyang and Chu Lishu had just returned home.

Upon arrival, they sensed that the atmosphere was very different. Lin Qinglan had clearly lost weight. Upon seeing Lin Qingyang, she immediately pulled him aside to inquire in the study.

Lin Qinglan naturally wanted to ask about Marquis An Nan’s affairs.

Tomorrow, Marquis An Nan will be escorted out of the capital. Because the Ministry of Works has been dealt with, Marquis An Nan, who served as a deputy minister in the Ministry of Works, cannot escape punishment. Under Chu Lishu’s control, he was sentenced to exile in a cold and harsh place, barely saving his life. There is a chance for him to be released in the future. As for the other members of Marquis An Nan’s residence, their properties were confiscated, and they were sent back to their places of origin.

When news of this incident first broke, people outside thought that even County Princess Yawen and Lin Qingyang might be implicated. However, when Marquis An Nan’s residence was raided, they discovered that their names of those living in the other courtyard. It’s like they realized the situation and decided to cut off all ties.

Although the members of the Lin family’s branch managed to escape legal consequences, their reputation was still tarnished. Many believed that they had prior knowledge of certain events due to their connection to Lin Qingyang, allowing them to cut ties and avoid trouble promptly. Such ruthless behavior was deemed contemptible.

In her efforts to learn more about Marquis An Nan’s situation, Lin Qinglan occasionally ventured outside to inquire. However, she often faced ridicule and mockery from others. Moreover, she was initially unaware of the decision to sever ties with County Princess Yawen and Lin Qingyang, which caused her considerable distress.

“Sister, relax. Our reputation isn’t exactly stellar to begin with. Why should we care about what others think? Even if we excel here, do you think they’ll suddenly sing our praises? The least of our concerns should be other people’s opinions. Look, you and mother are both in good health now, and we’re not bearing the burden of Marquis An Nan’s residence anymore. Isn’t that great?”

“Second younger brother, it’s not about reputation for me, I…”

“Sister, I know what you want to say. I can only tell you that we have nothing to hide from them, so don’t worry too much about it.”

In fact, Yawen had said similar things to Lin Qinglan before, but for Lin Qinglan, it was a bit too overwhelming. Despite Lin Qingyang’s persuasion, Lin Qinglan, although saddened and not wanting to cause trouble for her mother and brother, could only speak up in the end: “Since father is leaving tomorrow, it’s only proper for us to see him off, both out of sentiment and courtesy.”

Lin Qingyang smiled and replied, “Of course.”

Not only did they go, but County Princess Yawen insisted on going as well.

The next morning, they arrived at the city gate in a carriage and immediately spotted Marquis An Nan in a sorry state, wearing shackles, looking as if he had aged ten years overnight.

Beside him, members of the Lin family were crying and complaining, while he himself stared blankly at the city, contemplating. Marquis An Nan, who had schemed relentlessly, betrayed his conscience, and committed countless misdeeds, probably never expected to end up in such a predicament despite his caution. He pondered when things had started to go wrong.

As the officials urged the prisoners to move along, their carriage finally caught up.

Until they reached a secluded spot, the carriage stopped. Lin Qingyang bribed the guards and bought some time. Lin Qinglan had nothing to say to Marquis An Nan, but she went up and offered some food and clothes as filial piety. Finally, Marquis An Nan looked up at Yawen, about to speak, when suddenly she slapped him hard.

Marquis An Nan was stunned, and Lin Qinglan was surprised and about to step forward, but Lin Qingyang stopped her.

Yawen approached the incredulous Marquis An Nan and said coldly, “I’ve never wronged you in my life, but you’re so heartless, you beast! It was my blindness that allowed you to deceive me. The Liu family people always settle their debts. Just you wait.”

Marquis An Nan’s pupils contracted instantly. He wanted to rush forward but was restrained by the chains, struggling but powerless to resist. He could only watch helplessly as Yawen left with their children. He realized what was happening, fear and anxiety began to gnaw at his heart, but there was nothing he could do.

The carriage slowly returned to the city and met the Lin family members who had just bid farewell to Marquis An Nan at the city gate. At first, the others didn’t recognize them.

But among the crowd, Lin Qingwei was dressed in commoner’s clothes, her head bare, and her face exposed. She kept looking around anxiously, and when she finally saw the carriage from the other courtyard, she rushed forward almost like a madwoman.

“Mother, mother, elder sister, elder brother, take me with you, take me with you…”

But the carriage didn’t stop at all. Before Lin Qingwei could catch up, the carriage drove straight through the city gate.

Lin Qingwei tried to chase after it, but she was stopped by the guards at the gate. They could no longer return to the city.

Lin Qingwei’s desperate cries attracted the attention of passersby, but the carriage gradually disappeared from view.

Inside the carriage, Lin Qinglan seemed to hear something and wanted to poke her head out, but Lin Qingyang quickly changed the subject.

Shortly after, Lin Qingwei would live as a peasant girl, stripped of her noble status, treated as an object to exchange for a bride price to be used by men in her family. It was then that she truly realized the true faces of her stepmother, Lin Qingxu, and stepsister, Lin Qingyao, but without a single relative to protect her. She could only waste her life unable to leave this impoverished area, longing to return to the capital to seek forgiveness from her mother and brother, yet unable to even leave the small town.

As for the procession of Marquis An Nan, shortly after leaving the capital, they encountered a landslide. Marquis An Nan’s body was never found, and the accompanying officials could only report his demise.

Upon receiving this news, the long-absent Liu Xiaowei finally returned.

That night, all the members of the Liu family, including County Princess Yawen, left for the night.

When they returned early the next morning, County Princess Yawen’s expression of daze and relief already explained everything. Afterward, the two families began discussing the marriage of Liu Jingchen and Lin Qinglan. Initially, Lin Qinglan was adamantly opposed, but with the assistance of both families and Liu Jingchen’s fervent declaration of love, Lin Qinglan finally relented and set a wedding date.

However, these are stories for another time.

…

Upon returning home at the same time, Huo Luo and Yue Chen received a warm reception. After all, these two troublesome kids had finally started doing something meaningful.

Everything went just as Yue Chen had anticipated. The Huo family intended to have Mo Jiahui stay with them. Taking care of the orphan of a deceased friend was a heartwarming tale, and the outside world couldn’t resist gossiping about whether it had anything to do with Huo Luo’s marriage. Even the Yue family was curious, teasing Yue Chen about whether Huo Luowas ready to settle down. There was no rush anyway; after all, Little Sister Huo had yet to grow up.

Madam Huo wanted Huo Luo to accompany Mo Jiahui back to their hometown to pay respects to her brother and take care of some matters before settling down in the capital.

Huo Luo initially wanted Yue Chen to accompany them, as it wouldn’t be appropriate for a man and a woman to travel alone. However, Yue Chen quickly found an excuse, claiming that he had discovered some eligible death row prisoners in the past few days that needed monitoring and couldn’t leave. With no other choice, Huo Luo stubbornly decided to bring Little Sister Huo along and also invited Lin Tangping. Since Lin Tangping had just taken over the affairs of the Ministry of Works and was about to oversee water conservancy project, he needed to travel south soon anyway. Thus, it became a party of four. When MadamHuo heard about this arrangement, she was so angry that she couldn’t eat, complaining that her son had a wooden head and didn’t appreciate her good intentions.

Despite the complaints, things went according to Huo Luo’s plan.

Yue Chen didn’t show much reaction to this and immediately got down to business. Soon enough, the deadline for the death row prisoners arrived. However, it was reported that one of them had committed suicide out of fear while in custody. While this would have been normal in the past, it now served as a convenient distraction for the Ministry of Justice. Following the usual procedure, the body would be wrapped in a mat and thrown into the chaotic burial mound north of the city. It was estimated that someone would be waiting there to collect the body and dispose of the dead prisoner.

Yue Chen conducted his surveillance and investigation, not expecting the matter to conclude so quickly. However, he found himself incredibly lucky when he discovered that the individual in question was temporarily held in a deserted house near the chaotic burial mound. To his surprise, he found not only the tracked dead prisoner but also two others, all being guarded by personnel from the Ministry of Justice.

It was evident that the Ministry of Justice couldn’t afford to have prisoners committing suicide too frequently, so they were collecting them slowly before handing them over to Chief Steward Ning.Seeing unfamiliar figures coming and going from the deserted house, Yue Chen sensed that either tonight or tomorrow morning, these people would be leaving.

The opportunity was rare, and it couldn’t be missed. However, at that moment, Chu Lishu only had one bodyguard with him. There was no other way, so he had to stay behind himself to keep watch. He instructed those skilled in martial arts to quickly deploy reinforcements to surround and capture the individuals.

Meanwhile, a prompt sounded in Lin Qingyang’s mind: 【Main Mission 2, Mission 13: Assist the male lead in completing the purge of the Ministry of Justice.】

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