Chapter 104: Heading To The Capital, Who Would’ve Thought There’d Be Such A Chance For Great Merit
The Imperial City.
The morning sun was just rising.
The Golden Palace Hall was solemn and majestic.
The Emperor sat on the dragon throne.
The Grand Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial stepped forward, his voice high-pitched yet resonant, “If you have a memorial, present it. If not, withdraw from court.”
The words fell.
Zhang Peng of the Censorate responded, quickly walked to the center of the imperial road, raised his jade tablet high, and bowed deeply, “Your subordinate has a memorial, impeaching Lin Fan, the Head of the Anzhou Public Security Bureau, for three major crimes, each deserving death. I beg Your Majesty’s divine judgment.”
As soon as these words were spoken.
The officials present turned their gaze to Zhang Peng. They were unfamiliar with Lin Fan, having never heard his name.
The Emperor’s voice was calm, “Speak.”
Zhang Peng said, “Firstly, he disdained the national laws and publicly obstructed the investigation. Imperial Censor Wang Ren of the Censorate was inspecting Anzhou, and the local Head of the Public Security Bureau, Lin Fan, not only failed to cooperate but openly blocked him, treating the court’s laws as nothing.”
“Secondly, he was frenzied and beat the Imperial Censor.”
As he spoke, Zhang Peng suddenly knelt down and said loudly, “Your Majesty, Imperial Censors are Your Majesty’s eyes and ears, acting on behalf of heaven to patrol. The actions of the Head Lin Fan are not merely beating Imperial Censor Wang Ren, but trampling on the dignity of the court and disregarding Your Majesty’s divine might. This subordinate is heartbroken to hear of it.”
“Thirdly, Imperial Censor Wang, in order to uphold law and order, dispatched camp soldiers to the Public Security Bureau. That Lin Fan actually took action aggressively, and the constables under him obeyed his every command. Are such actions not akin to rebellion? If not severely punished, how can order be rectified? How can the world be awed?”
After speaking, Zhang Peng prostrated himself and did not rise. He was following the Grand Tutor’s arrangements, intending to utterly ruin Lin Fan.
The officials present exchanged glances.
When did such a formidable person appear in Anzhou?
He actually dared to beat an Imperial Censor.
This was truly lawless.
The Emperor’s expression was calm, showing no anger. Instead, he looked at the Grand Tutor and asked, “Grand Tutor, what are your thoughts?”
The Grand Tutor respectfully said, “Your Majesty, your humble servant has some understanding. Head Lin Fan has a violent temperament and is lawless. The incident of beating an Imperial Censor is unheard of. This trend must not be allowed to grow. According to the law, beating an imperial envoy is a crime equivalent to rebellion, punishable by extreme penalty, with his three generations of kin exterminated. Your humble servant agrees with Lord Zhang’s memorial, and requests Your Majesty to immediately issue an decree to apprehend Lin Fan and bring him to the capital for public execution as a warning to others.”
As soon as the Grand Tutor spoke.
The hundred officials in the hall whispered and chattered amongst themselves. After all, since the Grand Tutor had said so, most officials who sided with the Grand Tutor naturally gave their full support.
However, exterminating three generations of kin seemed a bit harsh.
What was Lin Fan’s background to provoke such words from the Grand Tutor?
And at this moment.
An old man in military attire stepped forward, “Your Majesty, your humble servant has a different opinion.”
“Oh?” The Emperor’s eyebrows twitched slightly, “Duke, please speak.”
The Duke said, “Your Majesty, according to what your humble servant knows, this Head Lin Fan, when in Yong’an, suppressed bandits and pacified the people. Both the Stone Dragon Mountain and Tianxian Island major bandit threats were quelled by him. The local common people have praised him. Later, he was promoted to Head of the Anzhou Public Security Bureau, where he made many contributions, and the common people universally praised him as an official who pleaded for them. For such an official to beat an Imperial Censor, there are likely many misunderstandings involved.”
As the Duke spoke.
The officials in the hall exchanged glances.
The situation was very wrong.
This was a contest between the Duke and the Grand Tutor.
But now they still had to see which side the Emperor was on. They racked their brains but could not figure out who this Lin Fan truly was, that a mere Head of Anzhou could draw out the Grand Tutor and the Duke.
Those who could hold official positions in the Imperial City all had their own intelligence networks.
But they truly did not know the other party’s origin.
Zhang Peng said, “Duke, merit is merit, and fault is fault. The matter of him beating the Imperial Censor is absolutely true. If not severely punished, how can the national law be upheld?”
The Duke completely ignored Zhang Peng’s tearful pleas and glanced at the Grand Tutor.
The Emperor’s gaze swept over the officials in the hall. Although he did not speak, all the officials quietly observed the Emperor’s expression. Although the current conflict was ostensibly about a mere Head,
it was now the Grand Tutor and the Duke speaking, existences they could not afford to offend.
The Emperor said, “The Duke speaks reasonably. Someone, immediately dispatch a fast horse to summon the Head of the Anzhou Public Security Bureau, Lin Fan, to the capital, to clarify this matter in my presence.”
Having said that, he nodded to the Grand Eunuch beside him.
The Grand Eunuch loudly announced, “Court is adjourned.”
The officials immediately knelt down, “We respectfully see off His Majesty…”
After the Emperor left, the Duke approached the Grand Tutor, “Grand Tutor, this is serious. You are secretly supporting the Mingwang Cult without the Emperor’s knowledge.”
The Grand Tutor calmly said, “Duke, what are you implying? This Grand Tutor does not support the so-called Mingwang Cult. This is deliberate framing and slander. This Head Lin Fan is arrogant and disregards the law; he will ultimately be a disaster.”
And at this moment.
The Grand Eunuch who escorted the Emperor returned, “Duke, His Majesty requests your presence in the Imperial Garden.”
“Hmm.”
The Duke nodded and took a deep look at the Grand Tutor as he left.
The Grand Tutor watched the Duke’s receding figure, frowning slightly. Since he learned that the Head of Anzhou, Lin Fan, had ruined his plans, he hadn’t intended to say much, directly sending the Censorate to suppress him on any pretext.
But who could have imagined that this brat would be so audacious as to beat the Imperial Censor he sent?
The only thing he couldn’t quite figure out was what kind of relationship this Head Lin Fan had with the Duke, to make the Duke speak up for him.
…
Imperial Garden.
“Your Majesty.” The Duke arrived at the pavilion and said respectfully.
“Ah, you and I are old friends. There are no outsiders here, so there’s no need for formalities. Sit,” said the Emperor, then coughed a few times.
“Your Majesty, are you alright?”
“It’s nothing, just an old ailment. You, you need to manage this wild girl. She even dares to hit an Imperial Censor, and even actively asked her aunt to save her life.” The Emperor shook his head helplessly.
He had watched Ning Yu grow up and treated her as his own daughter.
She had been wild and unruly since childhood, more mischievous than boys.
The Duke said, “Your Majesty, she has been spoiled. You say girls should be learned and virtuous, but instead, she spends her days with swords and spears, and insisted on going to Anzhou to be a constable. It’s truly a headache.”
The Emperor smiled and then asked, “Have you found out any news from that side?”
“We’ve found a little, but the clues are not many. The iron ingots from Yong’an were indeed sold privately, but it’s still uncertain who bought them,” the Duke said with a solemn expression.
The Emperor said, “Secretly manufacturing armor, who is attempting rebellion?”
The Duke remained silent, not responding. This topic was too sensitive. Although he had followed His Majesty for decades and his loyalty was evident, he knew that an Emperor never truly trusted anyone. Even he knew that.
He dared to say that the Emperor had definitely investigated him in secret.
Seeing the Duke’s demeanor, the Emperor smiled and said, “Do you think I don’t trust you at all?”
Hearing this, the Duke quickly stood up, “Your Majesty, your humble servant dares not.”
“Sit. We have known each other for decades. The Duke’s ancestors fought on the battlefield with the Taizu. They have always been loyal. If I don’t trust you, who else can I trust?” the Emperor said.
“Thank you, Your Majesty.” The Duke sat down, maintaining a respectful attitude.
His Majesty could be informal with him, but he dared not be informal with His Majesty.
The Emperor said, “In a few days, the envoy from Mengye Country will arrive. In recent years, Mengye Country has developed rapidly, with strong troops and horses. Their arrival this time is likely for another purpose.”
The Duke said, “Your Majesty, Mengye Country has wolfish ambitions and has always eyed our dynasty covetously. Especially in recent years, they have repeatedly sent troops to harass our borders, burning, killing, and looting. Especially Mengye Country’s Great General Tudan, relying on his innate divine power, constantly clamors to send troops and attack our dynasty. This envoy’s visit is probably to probe the situation of our dynasty.”
The Emperor fell silent, his brow furrowed. This was also a great headache for him.
The Great General of Mengye Country was very warlike.
His personal strength was terrifying.
Even more terrifying than Qin Li back then.
More importantly, war could not break out now, as there were internal troubles everywhere. How could he not know that the princes were vying for power and the Grand Tutor’s faction controlled the court?
Especially since his health was no longer robust, and he could collapse at any moment.
Once he collapsed, turmoil would inevitably occur.
…
At this moment.
Anzhou.
The constables of the Public Security Bureau had been in a state of panic during this period. Everyone felt as if the sky was covered by thick, dark clouds.
“Fellow villagers, what are you all doing here?” Lin Fan stood at the entrance of the Public Security Bureau, looking at the gathered commoners with helplessness.
Ever since he beat the Imperial Censor, commoners had spontaneously gathered here every day, doing nothing but sitting quietly, their eyes filled with worry as they looked towards the bureau.
“Master Lin, we are all worried. Is something going to happen?”
Some commoners showed concern on their faces.
They knew that Lin Fan had beaten an Imperial Censor, which was a serious crime. Some said it might lead to beheading.
Hearing this, the common people felt uneasy and fearful. No one wanted anything to happen to Lin Fan. To them, Master Lin was their pillar of support. Anzhou with Master Lin allowed them to live in peace, comfort, and security.
Lin Fan smiled, “It’s nothing. Go back to your businesses. I’ll be busy soon too.”
“Master Lin, what are you going to be busy with?”
Lin Fan said, “Isn’t the Imperial Censor still in our Anzhou? As guests, how can I, as the Head of Anzhou, lack hospitality? I plan to personally invite the Imperial Censor to have a taste of our Public Security Bureau’s specialty dish, whip-fried meat.”
The common people were stunned.
They stared with wide eyes, looking at Lin Fan in shock.
They never expected that Master Lin truly intended not to let the Imperial Censor off.
“Master Lin, you can’t beat him anymore.”
“Yes.”
The common people persuaded him, genuinely hoping that Master Lin could stay in Anzhou peacefully.
If he were truly arrested by order of the court.
They didn’t know how they could save Master Lin.
Lin Fan appeased them, “Dear fellow villagers, please rest assured, nothing will happen. Disperse now, don’t crowd around here. Those who need to be busy, go and be busy, don’t stay here.”
An old woman, stooped, walked up to Lin Fan, her withered hand holding Lin Fan’s, “Head Lin, you must not have any trouble. You are the Qing Tian (upright official) of our Anzhou. The peaceful life we have now is all thanks to you.”
“Look at Anzhou now. Where are the local ruffians causing trouble? Where are the sons of rich families bullying people?”
Hearing such sincere words, Lin Fan gently patted the old woman’s hand, “Old lady, please rest assured, I will be fine.”
Ning Yu, standing nearby, saw how beloved her master was by the common people, and she felt immensely proud and honored.
…
Prefect’s Mansion.
Prefect Zhao accompanied Imperial Censor Wang, and the two sat in the living room drinking tea, not recalling the events of that day at all.
Now, Prefect Zhao had no intention of leaving Anzhou.
He felt that Lin Fan was bound to die.
“Imperial Censor Wang, what do you think I should prepare if I go to pay my respects to the Grand Tutor?” Prefect Zhao leaned forward, his tone extremely respectful.
Now he was discussing matters of the Grand Tutor with Imperial Censor Wang.
Imperial Censor Wang told him that when they returned to the Imperial Capital, he would introduce him to the Grand Tutor. Upon hearing this, Prefect Zhao was so excited he almost jumped up.
What kind of person was the Grand Tutor?
Even as a Prefect, he couldn’t just meet him whenever he pleased.
For this reason, he naturally respected Imperial Censor Wang even more, to the point of wishing he could fawn over Imperial Censor Wang until his skin peeled off.
Imperial Censor Wang held his teacup and took a shallow sip, savoring the aroma of the tea, “What rare treasures has the Grand Tutor not seen? When you meet him, the only thing you need to prepare is a heart, a heart of absolute loyalty.”
Prefect Zhao quickly said, “I have that. If I meet the Grand Tutor, and he wants to see my heart, I will not hesitate to dig it out.”
Imperial Censor Wang smiled and nodded. This Prefect Zhao was indeed a sensible person.
And at this moment.
A voice that made them tremble with fear echoed,
“Prefect Zhao, Imperial Censor Wang, enjoying yourselves, are you? Drinking tea?” Lin Fan strode in holding a whip. In the vast Prefect’s Mansion, no one dared to stop him; they all hid far away.
Seeing the person who arrived, Prefect Zhao and Imperial Censor Wang’s faces changed drastically.
Prefect Zhao angrily said, “Lin Fan, you are already a criminal, how dare you show yourself!”
Imperial Censor Wang said nothing, but as he recalled what happened that day, his face turned ashen, and his gaze towards Lin Fan was filled with endless anger.
Lin Fan smiled, “Why wouldn’t I dare to appear? Isn’t it that I’m here now, wanting to invite Imperial Censor Wang to have a meal of whip-fried meat? Are you ready, Imperial Censor Wang?”
“You dare!!!” Prefect Zhao suddenly raised his voice, “Lin Fan, don’t be so lawless! The matter of you beating an Imperial Censor has already been reported to the court. Instead of finding a way to beg for mercy during this time, you dare to court death?”
Crack—!
Lin Fan flicked his wrist, and the tip of the whip, as if it had eyes, directly lashed onto Prefect Zhao’s waist.
“Ah!”
Prefect Zhao let out a scream, in pain he cried out.
At this moment, cold sweat beaded on Imperial Censor Wang’s forehead. He knew Lin Fan would absolutely act, not just talk. Honestly, he was already regretting why he stayed in the city. Even staying in the City Defense Barracks would have been safer than this.
Lin Fan’s gaze fell on Imperial Censor Wang, a smile playing on his lips.
Imperial Censor Wang stood up, his breathing slightly rapid, and involuntarily took several steps back. He knew that at his age, he might not be able to withstand a severe beating.
“Head Lin, I was only acting under orders,” Imperial Censor Wang said.
Lin Fan said, “Yes, I know. Therefore, I’m just here to whip you a bit. You just have to endure it.”
With the words spoken.
He directly took action.
In moments, piercing screams echoed from the hall.
Hearing these screams, the servants in the mansion trembled with fear. In their lives, they had never imagined that the Prefect could be bullied to such an extent.
At the same time, their fear of Head Lin reached its peak.
After an unknown amount of time.
Lin Fan, feeling refreshed, adjusted his clothes and stood at the entrance outside the hall, looking up at the sky, taking a deep breath, and left with satisfaction.
In the hall.
Prefect Zhao looked at the battered and bruised Imperial Censor Wang, lying on the ground with his clothes torn and covered in whip marks, and cried out heartbreakingly, “Imperial Censor Wang, are you alright?”
“Lin, I will not rest until I have avenged this!”
He rushed to Imperial Censor Wang’s side, wailing.
Several days later.
A fast horse sped along the official road. The rider was dressed in eunuch attire. The soldiers guarding the city gate naturally saw it at a glance and dared not stop him.
He naturally knew about the recent events.
Head Lin had beaten an Imperial Censor.
The court would naturally not stand idly by. He then looked into the distance, but after looking for a long time, he did not see a convoy. Logically, if the court intended to arrest Head Lin.
They would certainly not send just one eunuch.
They would definitely mobilize troops from the surrounding areas to surround the Public Security Bureau.
At this time, the person dispatched by Prefect Zhao also saw the eunuch and hurried away to inform the Prefect that people from the court had arrived.
Public Security Bureau.
Lin Fan frowned slightly, and the constables around him looked at the eunuch with trepidation.
When the eunuch announced that His Majesty the Emperor had summoned their lord to the capital, their hearts leaped into their throats. After much thought, they could not understand the current situation.
They didn’t arrest him on the spot.
Could it be that they wanted to lure their lord to the capital and then surround and capture him?
The eunuch said, “Lord Lin, please accompany me to the capital as soon as possible.”
The eunuch who came to deliver the message also curiously observed Lin Fan. This was his first time seeing Lin Fan. He had also heard about the court’s affairs.
This Head Lin was a fierce individual!
He had actually beaten an Imperial Censor.
Even the Duke had stepped forward to protect him.
“Alright, but please wait a moment, I need to give a few instructions.” Lin Fan said.
“Okay, please be quick.”
With that, the eunuch went outside the mansion to wait.
Qian Tao and others immediately surrounded him, “Sir, you can’t go, can you? If we get there, we might not be able to leave.”
Wu Yong said, “Yes.”
Ning Yu said, “Why are you so nervous? It’s fine. If the court really intended to punish my master, would they send a eunuch to deliver the message? Our Public Security Bureau would have already been surrounded by the army.”
Everyone looked at Ning Yu.
“Really?”
Ning Yu said, “I guarantee it. Master, right?”
Lin Fan nodded, “Yes, that’s right. While I’m away, you all guard the Public Security Bureau well. Everything should remain as it was. Not a single person in the prison is to be released, not even if the Heavenly King himself arrives.”
“Don’t worry, sir, we promise to guard the Public Security Bureau.” Everyone felt a little more at ease.
“Master, I’ll go with you,” Ning Yu said.
Lin Fan nodded, “Alright.”
He knew Ning Yu’s home was in the capital. Now that both her followers were gone, they must have been sent back by Ning Yu. It happened that he was unfamiliar with the place there, and with Ning Yu leading the way, it should save a lot of trouble.
When Lin Fan walked out of the Public Security Bureau.
He saw Prefect Zhao and Imperial Censor Wang at a glance.
“What?” Imperial Censor Wang’s mouth hung open in astonishment, “They’re not arresting him on the spot but summoning him to the capital? Eunuch, is there a mistake? He beat an Imperial Censor, he beat me!”
The eunuch frowned, “Lord Wang, this is His Majesty’s will. Are you dissatisfied with it?”
“No, no, your subordinate absolutely has no such intention.” Imperial Censor Wang quickly waved his hand. How would he dare to be dissatisfied with His Majesty’s will? If this eunuch reported him back, he wouldn’t even know how he died.
Prefect Zhao, standing nearby, looked at Lin Fan.
The current situation was not as he had imagined.
How could this be?
Why didn’t the court directly apprehend Lin Fan? Was the Grand Tutor incompetent?
Lin Fan smiled, “Imperial Censor Wang, is your back itching again?”
Imperial Censor Wang glared at Lin Fan, “Lin Fan, the eunuch is here, do you still dare to hit me?”
He was very unwilling now. This was not the outcome he wanted.
“I think you really have an itchy back.” Lin Fan snatched the whip from the eunuch’s hand and directly, in front of the eunuch, fiercely lashed Imperial Censor Wang with a whip.
“Ah…”
Imperial Censor Wang immediately fell to the ground, screaming.
The eunuch’s eyes widened, staring at Lin Fan in stunned disbelief.
No… I am the envoy of His Majesty, and I am here on the scene. You are not afraid at all, beating Imperial Censor Wang in front of me.
This…
To be honest, even after experiencing great storms, he was still shocked by the scene before him.
The common people stopped in their tracks, staring at the scene with wide eyes.
Prefect Zhao shouted, “Eunuch, you saw it, you saw it with your own eyes! He is lawless! He is beating an Imperial Censor right in front of you!”
For the Prefect, the world seemed to spin.
Heavens above.
Earth below.
Where did this guy come from? How could a person be so lawless to this extent?
The eunuch spoke to persuade him, “Head Lin, please hurry on your way. Don’t delay the time.”
“Alright, just a moment. I’ve never seen a madman like Imperial Censor Wang who uses a chicken feather as an arrow. If I don’t whip him properly today, I won’t have the spirit to travel,” Lin Fan said as he whipped him.
Eunuch: …!!!
He now had some understanding of this Head Lin.
He was indeed arrogant and inconsiderate.
A moment later.
Lin Fan handed the whip back to the eunuch, “Eunuch, let’s go.”
The eunuch took the whip, glanced at the continuously wailing Imperial Censor Wang lying on the ground, and for a moment, didn’t know what to say.
Soon, three horses headed out of the city.
The Imperial Capital.
The center of all power in the world.
Lin Fan was very curious about it. He wondered if he could meet the Grand Tutor this time. He really wanted to meet the Grand Tutor and have a friendly spar.
Several days later.
“Master, this is the Imperial Capital, it’s a big place, isn’t it?” Ning Yu said with a smile, her expression relaxed. Arriving in the Imperial Capital was like arriving on her home turf.
Lin Fan looked at the tall and majestic city walls from afar and nodded.
The eunuch said, “Head Lin, please stay at the guesthouse for now and do not wander around freely. Await Your Majesty’s summons at any time.”
Ning Yu said, “My master will not stay at the guesthouse. He will stay at my home. When His Majesty summons, come directly to the Duke’s Mansion.”
The eunuch was slightly stunned. The Duke’s Mansion?
In the vast Imperial Capital, there were countless powerful officials, but if one spoke of a Duke, there was only one. Thinking of this, the eunuch bowed slightly, “May I ask who you are?”
Ning Yu said, “Am I so unknown now? You don’t even recognize Ning Yu. How did you get into the Imperial Palace?”
The eunuch was astonished.
Lin Fan, standing beside her, looked at Ning Yu with surprise. He knew Ning Yu’s background was not simple, but he hadn’t expected her family to be so formidable.
Duke.
That was not something anyone could have.
It belonged to the great families that existed from the founding of the dynasty and had been passed down to the present.
Ning Yu chuckled at Lin Fan, “Master, I didn’t intentionally hide it. I was afraid that if I revealed my identity, Master would show me respect, and that’s not what I wanted.”
Lin Fan rolled his eyes at Ning Yu.
He didn’t want to talk about her anymore.
Soon, the three entered the city. Lin Fan led his horse, looking around. The Imperial Capital truly lived up to its name; it was indeed prosperous. The roads were wide, and the common people living here, from their clothing, could tell that they were much better off than those in Anzhou.
Not long after walking, the eunuch immediately left to report back.
“Ning Yu, tell me about your family situation,” Lin Fan asked.
Ning Yu smiled and said, “Master, my maternal grandfather is the Duke. My father married into the family, but even though he married in, I still take my father’s surname.”
“Oh…”
Lin Fan nodded.
As they walked, they heard someone sighing.
“Alas, the barbarians from Mengye Country are truly fierce. They have actually won three consecutive matches. If they lose again, we will have no face left.”
“Yes, yesterday in archery, the shooter from Mengye Country was accurate from a hundred paces.”
“And the one who carried the giant cauldron. When our Lord Qin was young, it was rumored he could lift two to three hundred jin, but that fellow actually lifted a cauldron weighing over three hundred jin. Who can compare to that?”
Listening to the common people’s discussions.
Lin Fan looked at Ning Yu, only to find that Ning Yu had already grabbed a commoner and was inquiring about the situation. Upon hearing that their dynasty had lost three consecutive matches, Ning Yu’s face turned dark with anger.
“Master, Mengye Country is bullying us. This is clearly trying to make us lose face.”
Suddenly, Ning Yu thought of her master’s terrifying strength and her eyes lit up.
“Master, why don’t you go up and teach Mengye Country a harsh lesson?”
Lin Fan said, “What’s going on? Which country is this Mengye Country?”
He truly knew nothing about other countries. However, upon hearing that the other party could lift a cauldron weighing over three hundred jin, he was quite curious. Could it be that, like the Saintess, they possessed special abilities?
Ning Yu said, “Master, Mengye Country is our neighboring country. For hundreds of years, there have been disputes, and countless battles, big and small, have occurred. Now they have sent an envoy to say they want to compete with us, and we haven’t won a single match. It’s too hateful.”
“Then let’s go and see,” Lin Fan said.
At this moment, the training ground outside the Imperial Palace had already gathered an unknown number of people. The common people in the city had surrounded it three layers deep, some even climbed onto the rooftops, watching from afar.
On the scene.
The Emperor’s expression was grim. Looking at the arrogant faces of the Mengye Country envoys, he wished he could drag them all away and have them beheaded.
The princes, princesses, and consorts of the Imperial Family were also watching from the high platform.
At this moment, everyone held their breath.
The three consecutive defeats yesterday had already significantly dampened their spirits. Now, they desperately needed a victory.
On the arena.
The eunuch announced loudly, “Next, we invite General Qin Xiang to the stage. He will face Tuli Ming from Mengye Country.”
The common people at the scene cheered.
“General Qin, crush him!”
“General Qin, go for it!”
The common people had high hopes for Qin Xiang, after all, his father was Qin Li.
Ning Yu said, “Master, Qin Xiang’s father is Qin Li, the Left Commander of the Five Military Headquarters. He is proficient in eighteen kinds of weapons and is very powerful. It seems this match is in the bag for us.”
Lin Fan looked at the figure who appeared on the arena. Although not broad-bodied, he had a strong presence. However, in Lin Fan’s eyes, he was nothing special, easily capable of being defeated with one punch.
But when Tuli Ming stepped onto the stage, his formidable physique shocked the onlookers. They all gasped, thinking, this is not human, it’s clearly a bear!
Broad-shouldered, wide-bodied, and very tall.
Qin Xiang already looked sturdy, but compared to Tuli Ming, he seemed quite small.
“Ah… Tuli Ming seems to be the son of General Tudan of Mengye Country. I heard this guy has immense strength and can eat a whole cow for one meal,” Ning Yu exclaimed in surprise.
Lin Fan narrowed his eyes slightly. He noticed that Tuli Ming’s breathing was heavy, and the air he exhaled was hot.
A master. This is a master.
On the viewing platform, the Emperor’s expression was grave.
The Mengye Country envoy beside him smiled and said, “Respected Your Majesty, this match is very exciting. One is the son of your country’s God of War, and the other is the son of our Mengye Country’s Great General. Who do you think is stronger?”
The princes and princesses said, “It must be Qin Xiang who is stronger.”
The envoy said, “Is that so? Then we shall wait and see. Tuli Ming eats a whole cow for one meal and can lift a cauldron weighing over three hundred jin. Even our Great General Tudan says he is not as good as his son. Could it be that your young General Qin has surpassed his father as well?”
As soon as these words were spoken.
The princes and princesses instantly fell silent.
They were all stunned by the envoy’s words.
Eating a whole cow for one meal?
This is a monster, isn’t it?
At this moment, on the arena, Qin Xiang looked at his opponent with a solemn expression. Although they hadn’t started fighting yet, he could already feel an immense pressure bearing down on him.
He tightened his grip on his halberd, his eyes constantly scanning his opponent, hoping to find a flaw.
Tuli Ming held two iron hammers, clanged them together, producing a dull booming sound, and grinned, “Kid, don’t get smashed into a meat patty by me later.”
Qin Xiang said nothing.
He knew this battle could not be lost.
Otherwise, it would be a complete loss of face for the court.
Without further thought, Qin Xiang let out a roar and struck Tuli Ming fiercely. With a bang, Tuli Ming casually swung a hammer. Sparks flew from the collision, and the deafening roar startled the surrounding common people, who covered their ears.
Qin Xiang’s expression changed drastically. The impact sent a searing pain through his tiger’s mouth. The opponent’s strength was even more terrifying than he had imagined.
Just as he was about to use hit-and-run tactics to wait for his opponent to reveal a weakness, he felt his vision go black. The opponent swung his hammer towards his head.
Qin Xiang quickly retreated.
With a bang.
The iron hammer collided with the ground, causing the floor tiles to crack and a deep pit to form.
“This…” Qin Xiang’s eyes widened, his breathing becoming rapid. If he hadn’t dodged that hammer strike just now, the situation would have been unimaginable.
The people in the stands all showed expressions of terror.
As if seeing a ghost.
Everyone held their breath for Qin Xiang.
The envoy laughed, “Our Tudan’s strength is immense, even our Great General admits he is no match. For Young General Qin to win is basically impossible. Now that you’ve seen our Tudan’s strength, I believe surrendering is the wisest choice, otherwise, you might very well lose your life.”
The envoy’s words made everyone present look extremely displeased.
At this moment, on the arena, Tuli Ming said with a smile, “You’re quite quick to dodge, but if you keep hiding, you’ll truly be a coward. Don’t you dare clash with me?”
Qin Xiang was not provoked by the other party’s words. Instead, he circled the opponent, then took the initiative, swinging his halberd horizontally towards the opponent’s lower body.
Tuli Ming seemed to have seen through Qin Xiang’s intentions. He suddenly lifted his foot and stomped down, pinning the halberd firmly under his foot.
Qin Xiang’s expression changed. He wanted to pull out the halberd but was horrified to find it so firmly stuck that no matter how much force he applied, it wouldn’t budge.
“Can’t pull it out, can you? Haha…” Tuli Ming laughed heartily.
“Ah…” Qin Xiang suddenly exerted force, but Tuli Ming suddenly lifted his foot, causing Qin Xiang to stumble and roll several times, looking very disheveled.
“Hahaha…”
Tuli Ming laughed.
The envoy said with a smile, “Your country’s Young General Qin is truly quite amusing.”
The Emperor’s face was ashen. He clenched his fists and remained silent, but anyone could see that His Majesty was furious, completely provoked by the envoy.
The surrounding common people looked towards the arena with unease.
Even though they greatly hoped Qin Xiang would win, the current situation seemed very unfavorable.
Qin Xiang was also extremely angry at this moment. He roared, furiously swinging his halberd. Facing this incoming strike, Tuli Ming paid no mind, also roaring and smashing down with his hammer.
With a *bang*.
The immense force directly shook the weapon from Qin Xiang’s hand, sending it flying. At the same time, Qin Xiang’s tiger’s mouth cracked, and blood gushed out. He looked at Tuli Ming in terror.
A monster, what kind of monster is this?
How can there be such terrifying power?
Instantly, the scene erupted in an uproar. All the common people covered their mouths, not daring to breathe, and some even covered their eyes, afraid to watch what would happen next.
Tuli Ming bared his teeth and walked step by step towards Qin Xiang.
Qin Xiang couldn’t help but retreat backward.
His breathing became very rapid. He felt immense pressure and knew that if this continued, he would surely die.
“I surrender!!!”
Qin Xiang shouted loudly.
The scene fell silent.
All the common people lowered their heads and sighed.
The Emperor looked at Qin Xiang with deep disappointment in his eyes. Qin Xiang seemed to sense His Majesty’s gaze and lowered his head in extreme shame, but he had no choice; if he didn’t surrender, he would be beaten to death.
Tuli Ming said proudly, “Get lost. The arena is not for cowards to stand on.”
Qin Xiang clenched his fists, extremely unwilling, but he couldn’t win, and being unconvinced was useless.
“Hahaha…” Tuli Ming laughed unscrupulously, “Who else? Could it be that this vast country doesn’t even have one capable person? Or are you all weak? Is there anyone who dares to come and face me?”
The common people began to curse.
But these curses had no effect on Tuli Ming.
The envoy said, “Your esteemed Majesty, your subjects don’t seem to accept defeat. Since our Tuli Ming has won, he should be welcomed. May I ask if Your Majesty could applaud and acknowledge Tuli Ming’s strength?”
The Emperor’s breathing was heavy, his chest heaving. But as the ruler of a nation, he naturally had to show magnanimity. Just as he was about to casually clap a few times, he heard an angry voice.
“Who says there isn’t.”
Looking up, he saw Ning Yu striding onto the arena, pointing at Tuli Ming and saying, “Big oaf, what are you showing off about? You’re just a bit stronger, acting like you’re the best in the world. Do you even know about ‘there’s always someone better’?”
As Ning Yu entered the stage.
The people from the Imperial Family’s side stared with wide eyes. They immediately recognized who had entered the arena.
“Ning Yu!!!”
“How has this wild girl returned?”
When the Emperor saw Ning Yu, he was also surprised. He then looked at the Duke, who also showed a look of astonishment, and then shouted, “Ning Yu, stop fooling around and come down.”
Ning Yu waved to the stands and then looked at Tuli Ming.
Tuli Ming sized up Ning Yu and said with a smile, “Little lady, you are truly brave to dare to challenge me. What, do you want to try my hammer? I’m really afraid I’ll smash you flat with one blow. If anything, I should strip off your clothes and have a good time.”
“You scoundrel, Master, he’s insulting me.” Ning Yu cried to Lin Fan below the arena.
Lin Fan shook his head and walked step by step onto the arena. He glanced at Tuli Ming, then rubbed Ning Yu’s head, “Watch from the side for now. Your master will beat him for you.”
“Okay, Master. Make sure to smash his mouth.” Ning Yu said fiercely, clenching her little fists.
The people from the Imperial Family were stunned. In their impression, Ning Yu was a wild girl who didn’t fear anyone. Who was this man? He was rubbing Ning Yu’s head, and she didn’t resist at all.
The Emperor looked at the Duke, as if asking if Ning Yu had found a sweetheart.
Tuli Ming looked at Lin Fan and said with a smile, “Little brat, state your name. I never hit unknowns.”
Lin Fan did not reply.
It was Ning Yu, standing beside him, who raised her head and said loudly, “Listen carefully, the one standing before you is Lin Fan, the Head of the Public Security Bureau of Anzhou Prefecture, who is also my Master. When my Master smashes your mouth later, don’t say you didn’t know who did it.”
As soon as these words were spoken.
The Emperor suddenly froze. This was the Lin Fan who beat up the Imperial Censor?
The Princes and Princesses began to whisper amongst themselves.
“Head of the Public Security Bureau of Anzhou Prefecture, Lin Fan? Do any of you know him?”
“I do. A while ago, this person was impeached for beating an Imperial Censor in Anzhou.”
“Huh? He’s that fierce?”
At this moment, the Emperor’s expression was very solemn. He didn’t know much about Lin Fan, but he knew Ning Yu well. He knew that this girl wouldn’t be so arrogant without confidence.
Could it be that her Master, the Head Lin Fan, truly had the strength to defeat the opponent?
Thinking of this, he spoke, “Lin Ai Qing, do you have the confidence to win against him?”
Lin Fan knew it was the Emperor speaking. With so many people present, he had to give face. “Replying to His Majesty, how do you wish for me to win?”
The Emperor was momentarily stunned. “What does Beloved Minister mean?”
Lin Fan replied, “Win instantly, a single punch kill. Exchange a few moves, kill on the spot. Play around, torture to death.”
Emperor: …
Officials: …
Common People: …
Everyone present was stunned, staring blankly at Lin Fan.
Those words were simply too arrogant.
But it had to be said, the words were bold and domineering.
The oppressive atmosphere from before had completely vanished, replaced by utter exhilaration.
“Exchange a few moves, but don’t kill him. Our guest should not have his life taken.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Lin Fan replied.
