Chapter 40 The Deepest Funeral

Chapter 40 The Deepest Funeral

Chapter 40 The Deepest Funeral

In the next few days, Liu Qing was hospitalized in Jiangcheng People's Hospital.

Li Le is still in danger of death. These two villagers, who have been separated from each other since birth, stand on equal sides of the scale only when facing death.

Liu Qing lacks many things that ordinary people are born with, but she has a deeper maternal love than others.

Li Le was still in danger of death after the operation that day and had been in a coma in the ICU for several days.

Liu Qing's ward is also in the same building. Sometimes when Du Yu and others come to visit Liu Qing, they will meet the Wang family.

They looked much more haggard. Wang Xiaocui lost her former beauty. She was thin, had dark circles under her eyes, and her voice was hoarse. Li Le's uncle gave up his project in another city to run the family, and was worried about his nephew in the ward.

When the Wang family learned that Liu Qing was also admitted to the hospital with her mother's insurance money, they came to the ward to make a scene. They hated Liu Zhuhua and also hated this silly Qing who was unwelcome in the village.

After all, in a sense, Liu Zhuhua killed Li Cheng and caused Wang Xiaocui's family to be destroyed.

Fortunately, Du Yu stepped in in time and ensured that Liu Qing received the proper treatment in the name of the serious crime team...even though he actually had no such obligation.

The insurance money from Liu Zhuhua in Du Yu's hand was getting less and less, but he felt that the bank card was becoming more and more important.

On this day, Xu Yiqing received a call from Du Yu, saying that the provincial police leader was coming to Jiangcheng for inspection.

If three or fewer people died, it was considered a normal accident, and such cases could be resolved at a meeting in the city. If three to ten people died, it was considered a major accident, and it had to be reported to higher authorities.

A fire that killed six members of a family, accompanied by rape, coercion, illegal occupation of land and other vicious incidents, must have the province involved, and such an inspection was expected.

However, the people who came were not special commissioners, but the provincial leadership team who personally walked around, which really gave people a sense of pressure.
Xu Yiqing arrived at the Criminal Police Brigade early and was waiting outside the meeting room.

He asked, “Why did you call me?”

Du Yu pursed his dry lips and said, "The leader read the report of the entire case. Because it involves a fugitive suspect [accomplice], I also included the photo we found in Liu Qing's home in the report."

Xu Yiqing saw his apology and patted his shoulder to comfort him: "This is your duty, Lao Du. Besides, I have nothing to fear from my own shadow. If you think this is harmful to me and hide it, and it is discovered later, you really can't explain it even if you have a mouth."

Du Yu breathed a sigh of relief and was very happy: "It's enough that you can understand me. Don't worry, I am on your side, and I believe you are innocent."

After the meeting, the director of the Jiangcheng Public Security Bureau came out of the conference room with a notebook in his arms and a sullen face, like a student who had just been scolded by his teacher.

He saw Xu Yiqing head-on, his expression eased slightly, and his hand that was about to close the door stopped.

"Go in." The director made way and whispered to Xu Yiqing, "Don't glare at your boss like you did when you were young! If you have something to say, say it another way. The meaning is the same but the effect is completely different. As the saying goes, don't hit someone who smiles at you..."

Xu Yiqing nodded, "I understand, Director Fu."

Director Fu was stunned, sighed, scratched his head, and finally said nothing.

Du Yu saluted and said, "Goodbye, Director."

Xu Yiqing walked in and looked around the U-shaped table in the conference room. There were a few people sitting there scattered around.

But the flowers on these people's shoulders are not low, and when they sit there, they feel oppressive.

"Comrade Xiao Xu, we meet again."

"Hello, leaders."

Xu Yiqing took his seat. He still had some impression of some of the leaders in front of him.

When he insisted on overturning his brother's verdict, he had quarreled with them... At that time, Xu Yiqing's calm temperament was still mixed with some youth and honesty.

At that time, Xu Yiqing had expected that he might be expelled because of this and would not be able to work as a forensic doctor in the future. Fortunately, one of the respected people stood up and expressed his understanding of Xu Yiqing. At the same time, in view of Xu Yiqing's excellent grades and the support of his master, he was not punished.

The old leader also came today, looking older than many years ago.

At that time, he just looked a little old, but still very energetic. Now his hair has turned completely white, with only a few black hairs left stubbornly hidden by the years.

The old leader said: "I have read the case report. The identification department said that the photo was not a forgery."

Xu Yiqing said, "But I really don't remember taking that photo."

The old leader said: "The person who died in the fire is in the photo. He was involved in many criminal cases and corruption and bribery."

Xu Yiqing still denied: "I really don't remember."

Several leaders looked at each other.

In the end, the decision is made by the old leader.

He said: "A photo alone can't explain much, but this is very unfavorable to you. Of course, before saying this, I want to commend you on behalf of the province and thank you for your contribution to Jiangcheng over the years."

The old leader stood up, and he stood up too, so no one was left sitting there.

He walked up to Xu Yiqing, slowly raised his hand and saluted. Xu Yiqing was a little flattered and saluted in return.

This is the respect that a leader who was a criminal police officer has for forensic scientists.

Xu Yiqing is already thirty-six years old and no longer young and energetic. He knows that sometimes sudden praise from leaders is not a good thing.

"Now that I've finished complimenting you, it's time to talk about the real reason I called you here. Comrade Xiao Xu, you're also a member of the public security system. You should know that public officials cannot be involved in any unclear relationship with criminal cases."

"I hope the reports against you will stop here. You are the top forensic doctor in the country. If you really can't do it, you should be transferred to another place." The old leader still cherishes talents. He said, "Go to my place, stay away from these disputes, and you can better display your abilities."

How many police officers dream of such an olive branch?

Xu Yiqing shook his head without hesitation.

It is impossible for him to leave. His home is in Jiangcheng, his friends are in Jiangcheng, and his soul is here.

The old leader sighed, then put on a serious expression: "Then find out the truth as soon as possible. I don't want the next report I receive about you to be controlled and investigated by our own people."

After saying that, several leaders packed up and left.

They still have a lot of things to do, so they will have to go back after a meeting in Jiangcheng.

After the leaders left, Du Yu joked with Xu Yiqing who came out of the conference room: "I saw it all just now. You are really capable to make such a high-ranking official salute you, Lao Xu."

Of course this is a joke.

He knew Xu Yiqing's abilities very well.

As a partner for many years, Du Yu was sincerely happy that Xu Yiqing was recognized by the provincial leaders... This showed that others had seen and remembered the practical things Xu Yiqing had done for Jiangcheng over the years.

Xu Yiqing spread his hands: "The leaders have also said that there won't be a next time. If there is a next time, I'm afraid I will be forced to leave Jiangcheng... or even be investigated."

Du Yu was silent for a long time, then said, "I think it's good for you to be transferred. You will be safer away from the trivial matters. Besides, you are still young. Jiangcheng is too small. Thirty years old is just the beginning for our industry..."

Before Du Yu finished speaking, Xu Yiqing glanced at him with an expression that said "I still don't understand you" and raised his eyebrows slightly: "Tell the truth."

"I will cry to death if you transfer me away."

Du Yu knew that he was not the type to persuade others, so the whole paragraph collapsed and he looked sad.

"Let alone the fact that we've been friends for so many years, I'm sure I'll be reluctant to let you go. If you were transferred, how many criminal police officers in Jiangcheng would collapse? Without you, they'd be like losing their backbone. To be honest, Lao Xu, you're more awesome than me in the eyes of these people."

Xu Yiqing waved his hand, indicating that the topic ended here. If he wanted to ensure that he could continue to work as a forensic doctor in Jiangcheng until his death, he had to find out the secret behind the photo and give an explanation to his leaders.

It also gives an explanation to the desire for the truth in my heart.

"Is there any new progress on the people in the photo?" Xu Yiqing asked.

Du Yu snapped his fingers and led him to the office: "Really! Now we live in a big data society, and the intranet system is really useful. In the past, if you wanted to find someone based on a photo alone, it would be like looking for a needle in a haystack!"

When they entered the office, the logistics clerks were shocked, thinking that the leader came for a surprise inspection. They had heard that someone from above would come today.

When they saw clearly that it was Du Yu and Xu Yiqing, they all breathed a sigh of relief.

Those who were secretly smoking in the cubicle were even more worried, but they looked at Xu Yiqing, then at the cigarette butts they had just hidden behind them, and put out their cigarettes tacitly.

"I think this person is most likely the one in the photo." Du Yu sat at his workstation, pulled a chair over for Xu Yiqing, then clicked the mouse a few times to pull up a person's household registration document.

The photo was placed in the evidence bag and on Du Yu's desk. Xu Yiqing picked it up for comparison and nodded: "Yes, they look a bit similar." He turned around again and saw Du Yu looking at him with hopeful and worried eyes. After a slight pause, he understood what Du Yu meant.

"No impression." Xu Yiqing shook his head: "I can say for sure that I don't know this person."

Du Yu's first reaction was relief, but then he realized that such words would be even more disadvantageous to Xu Yiqing.

If Xu Yiqing really had taken such a photo before, no matter whether it was a photo of an event or a party, it is reasonable that he would not remember the people who were present at the time after so many years.

But Xu Yiqing insisted that he had no recollection, and the photo was not fake, so things became very tricky.

Of course, there was another reason he felt was unfavorable—

Everyone who can be found in the photo has had a bad ending. Only Xu Yiqing is fine and can stand here and chat with him.

Du Yu said: "We know this person, he is missing."

"Missing?" Xu Yiqing also frowned.

In today's society, disappearance may very likely mean death, especially if it is caused by an accident.

"This person is called He Yunke. He is 38 years old, married with two children, and is also from Jiangcheng. Two years ago, he was studying in another city, and the year before last, he moved back to Jiangcheng with his family."

Du Yu said: "His family reported He Yunke missing half a year ago, but they haven't found him to this day."

Xu Yiqing murmured to himself: "Half a year ago... even earlier than the Li Yueyue case."

"Yes." Du Yu nodded: "And what's even more coincidental is that this person is the deputy director of Fumei Company in our Jiangcheng, and is one of the persons in charge of Fumei Company's development in Jiangcheng."

"Fumei Company?" Xu Yiqing was puzzled. This was the first time he heard the name of this company.

Du Yu said seriously, "I'll tell you a little bit and you'll understand. This company is going to develop and build a factory in Baxia Village."

Xu Yiqing was stunned, and many doubts emerged in his mind.

An old photo that I have no recollection of. Many of the people in the photo with me are now either dead or missing.

Now this missing person is related to Li Cheng.

This is too much of a coincidence.

Du Yu said: "I asked Zhou Shi, and she analyzed that there might be a deeper purpose behind the fire in Baxia Village, which is why the [accomplice] helped Liu Zhuhua."

Xu Yiqing nodded: "[Accomplice] has no reason to help Liu Zhuhua, so it is possible that her real purpose is to use Liu Zhuhua to get rid of Li Cheng."

After a pause, he felt something was wrong: "Why did the [accomplice] help Zhao Xiaomeng kill Li Yueyue?"

Du Yu's expression was solemn, and he sighed deeply: "So there may be a bigger secret behind this, far more than just serial murders... And unfortunately, Lao Xu, this matter has also involved you."

He took the photo in the evidence bag from Xu Yiqing and put it in front of Xu Yiqing's face for comparison.

One is experienced and steady, deeply trapped in a vortex; the other is restrained and sharp, but also hides a huge mystery.
-
The sixteenth day of the first lunar month is the first day after the Lantern Festival.

Bad news came from Jiangcheng People's Hospital——

Li Le and Liu Qing are both dead.

Both men died on the same day.

The hospital corridors were filled with the crying and wailing of the Wang family. They cursed everything, including the world and the hospital.

Du Yu was the only one outside Liu Qing's ward. It was so quiet, so quiet that it made people feel sad.

Du Yu silently signed the discharge procedures... He didn't even see Liu Qing, who was currently lying in the cold morgue, waiting for cremation procedures.

On the day of the funeral, three members of the task force were present.

It was not yet fully light, and the distant sky was gleaming with paleness.

According to the custom of Baxia Village, the funeral should be held in the early morning and the burial should be completed before noon. Then the host family will host a banquet for all the villagers who have contributed to the village.

Li Le's funeral was grand and due to the tyranny of the Wang family, most of the villagers in Baxia Village went to help. The white flags and paper money could be seen from a long distance away.

The funeral music was tragic and the sounds of firecrackers were mixed in with the crying, but the sadness that was too obvious to express in words made it impossible to arouse sympathy.

Du Yu stood in front of Liu Qing's old house in silence, watching the huge funeral procession going further and further away.

Xu Yiqing walked up to him, took a deep breath, and said softly, "If you want to smoke, go ahead."

So Du Yu took out a pack of cigarettes from his trouser pocket, lit one for himself, then took out three and stuck them on the ground of the Liu family's old house.

He said, "I will wait until the smoke is gone before I leave. I can't let this house burn down again."

He was waiting for the funeral team to be called.

The bodies of Liu Qing and Liu Zhuhua had been cremated, and the two urns were now placed on the police car behind him.

When the masters who had agreed to perform the funeral arrived, he would hand the urn to them and let them bury the mother and son of the Liu family in the ancestral tomb in the village.

After a lifetime of suffering, he at least wanted Liu Zhuhua and Liu Qing to return to their roots.

When the three cigarettes in front of the house were burned out, Du Yu stepped on the cigarette butt, picked it up, and saluted towards the old house.

He hasn't spoken much since he signed the cremation procedures for Liu Qing. Xu Yiqing knows that this loyal and righteous man also feels sympathy and sadness for the fate of the Liu mother and son.

They are really suffering.

Du Yu is a staunch materialist, but at this moment he hopes that the mother and son can live happily in the next life, and that Liu Qing can say to Liu Zhuhua that he loves her.

Zhou Shi has a woman's unique sensibility. She placed the bunch of white chrysanthemums in her arms in front of the house.

The first bouquet of flowers Liu Qing received was at the end of his life.

Xu Yiqing felt that something was missing, and after thinking about it, he suddenly realized it. He squatted down and picked a handful of foxtail grass from the side of the dilapidated house, and solemnly inserted it into the bunch of chrysanthemums.

That is Liu Qing's favorite flower.

Soon, the funeral masters arrived in a van.

To Du Yu's surprise, there were many different types of cars following the van.

He knew everyone who got off the bus.

They were all police officers and criminal police under his command, most of whom were responsible for this case.

They visited Baxia Village and Jiangcheng for investigation. Du Yu pieced together the experiences of Liu Zhuhua and her son from the bits and pieces they told.

Du Yu was stunned: "You guys..."

He clearly didn't make any call, but half of the police officers from the Criminal Police Brigade came.

No one said much, the atmosphere was quiet and solemn, and everyone came spontaneously to see Liu Qing off for the last time.

Li Le's funeral was coming to an end. The Wang family members walked back crying, and the villagers also came back carrying their tools.

They were surprised to find that an even more spectacular team was starting from one end of the village and heading towards the Liu family's old grave.

The Jiangcheng criminal police, led by Du Yu and Xu Yiqing, carried the ashes of Liu Zhuhua and Liu Qing in silence.

There were no loud gongs, drums, or firecrackers, no huge procession, and no villagers seeing him off.

It is just like the portrayal of Liu Zhuhua and Liu Qing’s life.

So those villagers who still had some sympathy for Liu Zhuhua and Liu Qing turned around and followed silently at the end of the team when Du Yu and his group passed by.

In this way, the farewell procession stretched very long.

As long-lasting as Liu Zhuhua’s maternal love.

(End of this chapter)