Chapter 92: Head Of The Anzhou Public Security Bureau, Loyal And Brave Colonel, Lord Lin Arrives!!!
In the Chief Officer’s office.
Lin Fan sat there, his gaze calmly assessing the two people standing behind Ning Yu, seeing anxiety and urgency in them.
“Ning Yu, who are these two?”
Lin Fan asked, his voice steady.
Ning Yu said, “Master, they are from the Pingcheng County Public Security Bureau and said they have important matters to report.”
“Oh! So they are colleagues.” Lin Fan became interested. Since he took office, he hadn’t encountered colleagues from the public security bureaus of subordinate counties coming to Anzhou Prefecture.
Could they be here to offer bribes and pay homage?
Mao Xiang felt Lin Fan’s scrutinizing gaze, and a pressure he couldn’t see enveloped his entire body, as if he were being stared at by a lurking tiger. He couldn’t help but become more respectful, stepped forward, cupped his fists, bowed, and said in a loud voice:
“Your subordinate, Mao Xiang, Squad Leader of the Pingcheng County Public Security Bureau, along with Official Constable Yi Chuan, pay respects to Chief Officer Sir!”
Yi Chuan also quickly bowed, his head lowered deeply.
Despite the Chief Officer’s young age, his dignity was truly terrifying. The mere act of looking at them made them feel as if they were being stared at by a fierce beast.
“Mm, no need for such ceremony, please sit.” Lin Fan looked at Ning Yu. “Pour them two cups of tea.”
Mao Xiang immediately put on an expression of being deeply flattered.
Lin Fan looked at Mao Xiang before him.
His impression of the man was not that of someone here to pay homage. Based on his appearance, clothing, and the aura he exuded, Lin Fan felt he wasn’t that kind of person.
As the Chief Officer, he was also learning to judge people by their first impression.
“You’ve traveled all the way from Pingcheng County. What is the matter?” Lin Fan cut straight to the chase.
As soon as he finished speaking.
Mao Xiang suddenly sprang up from his chair, then with a thud, knelt on one knee, cupped his fists, looked up at Lin Fan, and said with a choked voice:
“Chief Officer Sir, your subordinate has come risking his life, and pleads that you restore justice to Pingcheng County and uphold righteousness!”
Seeing this, Yi Chuan also hastily got up from his seat and followed suit, kneeling down.
“Get up, both of you. Speak while seated.”
Lin Fan frowned slightly. He hadn’t been in office long, and a squad leader from a subordinate county had come with someone. This indicated there must be a tremendous injustice involved.
A squad leader already held a significant position in the county town.
In the public security bureau, second only to the Prefect.
They held real power.
If even a squad leader with real power was forced to appeal, how dire must the situation be in Pingcheng County?
Mao Xiang and Yi Chuan thanked him repeatedly and sat back down in their chairs.
Ning Yu brought two cups of tea and placed them on the table, saying, “Speak your minds. My Master is just and strict. As long as you speak the truth and there is truly an injustice, he will naturally not ignore it.”
Mao Xiang and Yi Chuan nodded their thanks.
“Sir, there is an injustice, a tremendous injustice! Your subordinate is useless, lacking the ability to contend with them. There was no other way, so I had to resort to this desperate measure and come to Anzhou Prefecture to seek your help.” As Mao Xiang thought of the situation in Pingcheng County, he felt deeply pained and distressed.
“Desperate measure?” Lin Fan shook his head. “No, this is your best course of action. To stubbornly try to resolve something you cannot solve on your own is foolish. As the Chief Officer, what is the purpose of my overseeing eight counties in this Prefecture? It is naturally to resolve matters that you cannot.”
“Speak, what exactly happened?”
At this moment, he genuinely wanted to know what had occurred.
Mao Xiang organized his thoughts and explained in the clearest language possible, “Sir, the situation is as follows: in our Pingcheng County, there was a Han family, a renowned benevolent household. Master and Madam Han were charitable, they built bridges and paved roads, sponsored the poor, and held great prestige among the common people. The young master of the Han family was also a virtuous person. He married Madam Han and they had a son and a daughter. Their family was harmonious. But a month ago…”
He recounted the events one by one.
Lin Fan listened intently and gained a general understanding of the situation.
The local public security bureau and county office both believed that Madam Han had poisoned her husband and in-laws for the family property. And this family had once recognized a godson.
Now, he had stepped forward, claiming to seek justice for his godparents and godbrother.
He demanded that Madam Han be sentenced to death, and in return, he would take in the two children.
The implication was clear: he intended to seize the entire Han family fortune.
“Sir, Madam Han is innocent. Your subordinate has collected much evidence. Madam Han is virtuous and kind, filial to her in-laws, and considerate to her husband. It is impossible for her to commit such a heinous act. However, the local Prefect and County Magistrate do not agree. In fact, your subordinate has even been threatened.”
“Your subordinate is naturally not afraid of threats, but their power is too great, and your subordinate cannot stand alone. Now, Madam Han will be tried in three days. Your subordinate truly had no other choice but to come to Anzhou Prefecture to report this.”
“I implore you, Sir, to uphold justice.”
Having said this, he took out the collected evidence from his bosom and respectfully handed it to Lin Fan.
Lin Fan took the evidence, flipped through it, and asked as he read, “What is the background of this so-called godson?”
“Replying to Sir, this person is called Zhu Hao. He was once a local ruffian in Pingcheng County, doing nothing of consequence. One day, he saved the elder Madam of the Han family, recognized her as his godmother, and from then on, he received help and became a local bully in Pingcheng County.”
When Mao Xiang mentioned the person, his eyes were filled with disgust. It was clear this individual had committed many wrongdoings in Pingcheng County.
Ning Yu said from the side, “Master, I have seen this kind of situation before. This is clearly framing and slander, intending to make the Han family childless, so that an outsider can seize the family property.”
“As Madam Han, the daughter-in-law of the Han family, with a son and a daughter, she had no worries about food and clothing. Why would she poison and kill them?”
“In my opinion, this is clearly a collusion between Zhu Hao, the Prefect, and the County Magistrate. If Squad Leader Mao hadn’t persisted, no one would have heard their pleas, and they would have succeeded.”
Ning Yu clenched her fists. “Master, your disciple is willing to volunteer and go to Pingcheng County to seek justice for Madam Han.”
Lin Fan looked at Ning Yu.
Her analysis was indeed sound.
“Very well, since you have such determination, I will send you. Lead several constables and Squad Leader Mao to Pingcheng County. You must handle this matter properly and leave no loose ends.” Lin Fan said.
“Yes, Sir. Your subordinate guarantees to handle this case properly.” Ning Yu straightened her back and vowed confidently.
At this moment, she did not call Lin Fan “Master” but “Sir,” indicating she was going in her capacity as a Clerk of the Anzhou Public Security Bureau.
Lin Fan was not worried about Ning Yu facing any danger in Pingcheng County.
Some time ago, when he was at the Yong’an Brothel, he sensed he was being watched. After leaving Yong’an and arriving in Anzhou Prefecture, he still felt he was being watched.
He didn’t pay much attention to it.
This was not surveillance on him.
It was likely protection for Ning Yu.
Mao Xiang and Yi Chuan exchanged glances, filled with joy. The Clerk personally intervening meant Madam Han had hope. Although they had hoped the Chief Officer would personally investigate, they understood. The Chief Officer was busy with countless affairs, how could he go to Pingcheng County?
…
Three days later, the Pingcheng County Office.
The atmosphere in the courtroom was somber.
The County Office and Public Security Bureau jointly held a trial. The County Magistrate sat before the highest case tablet, the Prefect sat at the tablet on the left, and Ning Yu sat at the tablet on the right.
Mao Xiang stood behind Ning Yu, his back straight, his gaze meeting the eyes of the Prefect opposite and the County Magistrate above without flinching.
The Prefect and the County Magistrate swept their displeased gazes over Mao Xiang, emitting barely audible snorts from their noses. They had truly not expected Mao Xiang to go to Anzhou Prefecture and bring an official with him.
Initially, they had indeed felt some panic.
But when they saw that it was only a young female Clerk who had arrived, the stone in their hearts was largely lifted.
Moreover, the evidence in this case was complete, and even Madam Han herself had confessed and signed.
They truly didn’t believe anyone could overturn this case.
Even if the Heavenly King himself descended, it would be useless.
The gate of the yamen was blocked by common people who had heard the news.
The Han family had an excellent reputation in Pingcheng County, and Madam Han’s virtue was known to all. Most common people did not believe she could commit such evil deeds, and today they all hoped for a just outcome.
“Official Ning, do you think we can begin the court session?” the County Magistrate asked with a forced smile.
Regardless, she was a Clerk from Anzhou Prefecture, and the courtesy due to her should be given.
Of course, in their Pingcheng County, dragons must coil and tigers must crouch. If you want to bare your fangs, you don’t have the ability. Not to mention this was a tigress.
Ning Yu ignored the County Magistrate, her gaze fell upon Madam Han, who was kneeling at the hall, her figure thin and frail.
“Madam Han, lift your head,” Ning Yu said.
Madam Han lifted her head with a dull expression, her eyes covered in despair, showing no sign of hope for survival.
Ning Yu said sternly, “I am a Clerk of the Anzhou Public Security Bureau, and by order of Chief Officer Lin, I am here to re-examine the case of your Han family. You need not fear. If you have any grievances, you may state them boldly, and I will ascertain the truth and uphold justice for you.”
She spoke with an imposing and powerful demeanor.
But even so, Madam Han’s expression did not change. Her eyes remained vacant, she didn’t even blink, and then slowly lowered her head again.
This made Ning Yu’s heart skip a beat. She felt something was wrong. Madam Han’s expression was not right. If she were truly innocent.
Upon learning that Anzhou Prefecture was involved, regardless of the outcome, she would surely cry out her grievances.
How could she have such an expression?
Thinking this.
Ning Yu continued, “Madam Han, I am the Chief Official appointed by Anzhou Chief Officer Lin to investigate this matter. I have arrived here and investigated your situation. Everyone praises you as a virtuous wife and good mother, respecting the elders and the worthy. I do not believe you are capable of committing such a grave crime. Speak of any grievances you have. The previous statements to the public security bureau and county office can be disregarded.”
After saying this.
“Official Ning!” the Prefect beside her couldn’t help but interject, “This… this is not in accordance with the rules, is it? The defendant has already confessed and signed…”
“Insolent!” Ning Yu glared at him. “When I am handling a case, who are you to speak? If I find that you have framed someone, none of you will escape.”
The Prefect’s face turned from green to white.
He hadn’t expected this Clerk Ning to be so short-tempered, as if she had eaten gunpowder. Moreover, it was evident from this that she intended to completely overturn the case for Madam Han.
Such an intention was written all over her face.
The onlookers secretly applauded. It seemed this official truly intended to overturn Madam Han’s case and was not colluding with the Prefect and the County Magistrate.
This gave them hope.
The County Magistrate, seeing this, quickly tried to smooth things over, with a forced smile. “Official Ning, please calm your anger. The Prefect was just anxious. However, this case has complete human and material evidence. After repeated verification by us, it was finalized, and there is absolutely no possibility of framing. We hope you will see through it.”
“Hmph, whether it’s framing or not, I will judge for myself.” Ning Yu snorted and no longer looked at them. “Bring the witnesses.”
The County Magistrate suppressed his inner displeasure and anger and said, “Announce the witnesses into the hall.”
“Announce the witnesses…”
One announcement followed another.
A moment later, led by the constables, three witnesses were brought into the hall. Upon entering, the three witnesses immediately knelt down, awaiting questioning.
The County Magistrate pointed to one of the male witnesses and said to Ning Yu, “Sir, this is Physician Liu Qing from the Medical Hall. He personally sold the medicine to Madam Han.”
“Liu Qing, lift your head.” Ning Yu ignored the County Magistrate and looked at Liu Qing, deliberately lowering her voice to be deep and stern.
Liu Qing trembling lifted his head and looked at Ning Yu.
Ning Yu said, “I am a Clerk of the Anzhou Public Security Bureau, and by order of Chief Officer Lin, I am here to investigate this matter. If you dare to speak nonsense, fabricate falsehoods, or frame someone, you should know the severity of the consequences, do you understand?”
“Under… understand.” Liu Qing stammered, his heart in a panic.
“Tell me, are you sure Madam Han came to your Medical Hall to buy medicine?”
“Replying to Sir, yes, Madam Han bought three large bags of arsenic from my hands.”
“Hmph!” Ning Yu snorted and said, “But as far as I know, there is not a single bit of arsenic missing from your Medical Hall. The invoice for your arsenic purchase clearly states it. Could it be that your remaining arsenic appeared out of thin air?”
Liu Qing said, “Sir, the arsenic in my Medical Hall has always been difficult to sell. It’s old stock, and some of it isn’t recorded on the invoice.”
Ning Yu looked coldly at Liu Qing and then at a maidservant from the Han family. “Wang Cuicui, you said you personally saw your Madam strangling her father-in-law to death, is that correct?”
Wang Cuicui nodded repeatedly. “Sir, yes, I saw it with my own eyes. When I discovered her, she was also trying to kill me to silence me.”
“Are you sure you saw it with your own eyes?” Ning Yu questioned.
“I saw it with my own eyes. I wouldn’t dare to lie.”
At this moment, the County Magistrate and the Prefect appeared very calm.
Not panicked at all.
It was as if everything was under their control.
At this moment, the last witness was about to speak, but Ning Yu interrupted him.
“Be quiet! I haven’t asked you anything yet, and you’re speaking up. Or do you want to recite what you’ve memorized to me?”
Ning Yu unleashed all the presence and dignity she had learned from her Master.
Don’t think she, as a Clerk, can’t conduct an interrogation.
She had learned real skills.
The Prefect said, “Sir, this case has been jointly tried by our Public Security Bureau and the County Office for nearly a month. The testimonies of all witnesses have remained unchanged, and the evidence is conclusive.”
Ning Yu frowned, displeased. “Did I ask you to speak?”
The Prefect, having been repeatedly reprimanded by Ning Yu, lost face but couldn’t truly argue with her, so he could only bow his head with a dark expression, cursing inwardly.
That slut.
Mao Xiang, standing behind Ning Yu, was full of admiration. As expected of someone by the Chief Officer’s side, her presence was indeed powerful. Though she was a powerful dragon, she had managed to suppress the local snakes.
Madam Han’s case had hope of being overturned.
No… there was definitely great hope.
Ning Yu looked at Madam Han, her tone softening, and said gently, “Madam Han, do you have anything to say? One should not wrongly admit guilt. If you did it, admit it. If you didn’t, do not admit it even if beaten to death.”
She felt she had acted so forcefully.
Madam Han should understand.
She was here to overturn her case.
You should choose to believe me.
Speak of any grievances you have, don’t be afraid of them. If anything happens, I, Clerk Ning Yu, will support you.
However, upon hearing what Madam Han said next, Ning Yu was completely stunned.
“Sir, I did it. I poisoned my in-laws and husband. I did it all.”
As these words were spoken.
There was a clamor at the scene.
The common people whispered to each other in disbelief.
Ning Yu even rose abruptly. “Madam Han, you must not speak carelessly or falsely confess. Think clearly.”
Even Mao Xiang looked at Madam Han with a bewildered expression.
You were crying out your innocence earlier, how has it turned into this?
The Prefect and the County Magistrate exchanged glances, a smile in their eyes, looking at Ning Yu. The implication was clear: a young girl, who knew nothing, truly thought that by being a Clerk of the Anzhou Public Security Bureau, she could suppress them on Pingcheng County’s territory?
It was a joke.
Madam Han let out a desolate cry. “I killed them. I deserve to die. I deserve to die.”
The County Magistrate said, “Sir, you see, you hear. Madam Han has already confessed. The evidence is conclusive. We absolutely cannot easily believe someone’s one-sided words. In Pingcheng County, the Prefect and I are very rigorous in handling cases. We will not act rashly without absolute evidence.”
At this moment, Ning Yu clenched her fists.
Her mind was racing through various possibilities.
Why would Madam Han confess so easily?
Her trip to Pingcheng County was genuinely based on investigation and interviews. The murderer could not possibly be Madam Han. Where did things go wrong to make Madam Han willing to bear the guilt of murder?
Suddenly.
A loud voice came from outside.
“Anzhou Public Security Bureau Chief Officer, Loyal and Brave Colonel, Lord Lin has arrived—!!!”
This announcement, like a clap of thunder from clear skies, instantly exploded throughout the county office.
Whoosh!!!
The common people gathered at the gate looked behind them, and then parted like a receding tide, clearing a path.
Ning Yu, inside the hall, was stunned at first, then a look of immense joy bloomed on her face.
Master is here, there is hope.
The County Magistrate and the Prefect, who had been somewhat arrogant and calm, were struck as if by lightning. They sprang up from their seats.
Their faces instantly turned pale, their eyes filled with shock, disbelief, and deep panic. They looked towards the entrance in unison, their bodies trembling slightly.
Under everyone’s gaze.
Lin Fan’s expression was stern, as if covered in frost. He held a young child by each hand, his steps steady and powerful, walking step by step into the courtroom.
His tall and upright figure, his imposing and tranquil bearing, gave everyone present an invisible, powerful sense of oppression.
For some reason, the common people felt that this Chief Officer Lin was no ordinary person, giving them a strong sense of security.
Inside the hall.
“Master…” The first moment Ning Yu saw Lin Fan, she showed a wronged expression. She had failed, unable to accomplish the task.
Lin Fan gave her a reassuring look, a faint smile curved on his lips, and he said in a low voice, “Well done. Your presence was sufficient, but the details were still lacking.”
“Master, what details?”
Ning Yu was confused, but when she saw the two children her Master was holding, the point she couldn’t understand became completely clear.
“Mom…”
The two children hadn’t seen their mother for a long time. At this moment, seeing their mother kneeling in the hall being bullied, they immediately broke free from Lin Fan’s hands, crying out and rushing into Madam Han’s embrace.
Madam Han, who had already confessed and whose heart was filled with despair, held her two children tightly. Hearing her children call out “Mom” repeatedly, Madam Han cried out, “Sir, I am wronged, I am wronged.”
“They threatened me with the children. If I continued to cry out my innocence, they would kill my children.”
At this moment.
Lin Fan no longer lingered. He walked step by step towards the highest case tablet.
The County Magistrate and the Prefect hurried forward, their waists bent almost at a ninety-degree angle, their voices trembling.
“Your subordinate pays respects to Captain Sir.”
“Get out of the way.” Lin Fan said coldly. He walked to the highest case tablet, lifted his robe, and sat down steadily. His gaze fell on the two men. “Get aside for me. I will personally handle this case.”
The Prefect and the County Magistrate lowered their heads, exchanged a secret glance, and felt panic in their hearts.
How could they dare to disobey?
They could only stand aside, awaiting the next developments.
When Lin Fan sat in that position, everyone suddenly felt as if the light in the hall had brightened. The plaque of “Ming Jing Gao Xuan” (An ancient Chinese saying meaning “a just and upright official”) hanging above seemed to radiate a dazzling brilliance.
Bang!
Lin Fan picked up the gavel and slammed it onto the case tablet, like a thunderous roar that startled everyone present.
“Madam Han, who told you to not plead innocent and threaten to kill your children?” Lin Fan asked.
Madam Han said, “Replying to Sir, it was Zhu Hao.”
Lin Fan looked at the County Magistrate and the Prefect and questioned, “Where is Zhu Hao? Why is he not in the hall?”
The County Magistrate broke out in a cold sweat and forced himself to answer, “Replying to Sir, Zhu Hao is not related to this case, so he is not present in the hall.”
He was truly awed by the Chief Officer before him.
His presence was too strong.
It was as if he were facing a mountain, pressing down on his heart, making it difficult to turn over, even making breathing difficult.
“Go and bring him here,” Lin Fan said.
“Replying to Sir, Zhu Hao already left Pingcheng County yesterday. Your subordinate does not know where he is?” The County Magistrate could only stubbornly hold on, hoping to evade.
“Is that so?”
A mocking smile appeared on Lin Fan’s lips.
“Yes, yes,” the County Magistrate could only respond with gritted teeth.
The pressure from the previous Clerk Ning was nothing compared to the current Chief Officer.
If one had to say.
Clerk Ning’s pressure made him feel anger.
But facing the Chief Officer, he truly feared that in his fear, he might reveal the truth.
Lin Fan no longer looked at him, but raised his voice towards the outside of the hall, “Bring Zhu Hao up.”
The County Magistrate was about to say that Zhu Hao had indeed left, but he quickly realized that these words were not directed at him. When he turned to look at the entrance, he saw Zhu Hao being forcibly escorted in by two constables.
Xu Ming kicked Zhu Hao’s knee, forcing him to his knees on the ground.
At this moment, everyone saw that two of Zhu Hao’s fingers were broken, and blood was flowing profusely, unable to be stopped.
The County Magistrate and the Prefect exchanged glances.
Not good.
This Chief Officer’s methods were very overbearing; he had already used severe torture privately.
At this moment, Lin Fan picked up the gavel and slammed it hard onto the case tablet.
With a bang.
The gavel shattered.
The case tablet was split into pieces by the force, wood chips flying everywhere. This scene left everyone dumbfounded.
“Zhu Hao, tell me the truth, what exactly happened?” Lin Fan asked sternly.
Zhu Hao, already terrified to the point of extreme fear, with both physical and mental suffering, could no longer endure.
“Sir, spare my life! I know I was wrong, I know I was wrong! It was the County Magistrate and the Prefect who induced me to do this. They coveted the Han family’s fortune and told me to poison and harm them.”
“Sir, spare my life!”
Zhu Hao cried.
The Prefect and the County Magistrate’s faces changed drastically, and they said angrily, “Zhu Hao, you are slandering us! You are talking nonsense!”
Qian Tao and Xu Ming stepped forward, slapped the two of them, and then kicked their knees, forcing them to kneel in the hall with a thud.
“Sir, spare our lives!”
The Prefect and the County Magistrate turned ashen, knowing there was no hope. They were completely finished.
“You group of dogs! As parental officials of Pingcheng County, instead of serving the people, you collude with ruffians, commit murder for profit, frame innocent people. If I do not punish you severely, how can I live up to the expectations of the tens of thousands of people in Pingcheng County?”
Lin Fan rebuked sternly, severely deterring everyone present.
“Guards.”
Qian Tao and Wu Yong stepped forward to receive the order.
“Arrest the County Magistrate, the Prefect, and the main culprit Zhu Hao, and escort them to Caishi Mouth immediately for execution!” Lin Fan’s voice was cold and ruthless, directly sentencing them to death.
He had too many matters to deal with in Anzhou and no time to slowly wear down these insignificant officials.
Cutting the Gordian Knot quickly and making an example was the most efficient method.
Kill them directly and be done with it.
Qian Tao and Wu Yong immediately stepped forward.
The Prefect and the County Magistrate were so terrified they collapsed to the ground.
“Sir, spare our lives! Lord Lin, you cannot do this! I am an Imperial Official. To kill me requires the approval of the Prefect! You are overstepping your authority and acting against the rules!”
The County Magistrate struggled desperately, letting out pig-like screams, trying to make a final plea.
“Rules! Rules! Your head looks like a rule! Take them out and behead them!” Lin Fan waved his hand, not wanting to hear their wailing and howling, which annoyed him.
The common people looked on in shock.
They hadn’t expected this Chief Officer Lin from Anzhou to be so capable, decisive, and overbearing.
He was going to have the County Magistrate and the Prefect beheaded.
This was an incredible situation in their eyes. Some had never witnessed such a scene in their lives.
“Squad Leader Mao.”
“Your subordinate is here.”
“Pingcheng County cannot be without a leader for a day. I now appoint you as the Prefect of the Pingcheng County Public Security Bureau. You will be in charge of the entire county’s public security. I hope you will perform your duties diligently and not let me down, nor the expectations of the common people.” Lin Fan said solemnly.
Mao Xiang respectfully said, “Thank you, Sir, for your patronage. I, Mao Xiang, swear to the heavens that I will dedicate myself wholeheartedly to maintaining the public security of Pingcheng County. If I fail, I am willing to present my head to you.”
“Mm.” Lin Fan nodded and then pointed to the three witnesses with pale faces. “These three individuals who gave false testimony will be severely punished according to the law. Remember, governing a region and maintaining public security sometimes requires a heavy hand.”
“Yes, your subordinate understands.”
At this moment, Mao Xiang was filled with righteous indignation and boundless energy.
Killing the Prefect was acceptable, as the Chief Officer had the authority. As for the County Magistrate, his execution required the Prefect’s approval. However, he had witnessed in Anzhou how the Chief Officer and the Prefect clashed and argued fiercely. If he hadn’t seen it with his own eyes, he wouldn’t have believed it.
Lin Fan looked at Madam Han. “Madam Han, the truth has now been revealed, and your injustice has been cleared. However, the dead cannot be brought back to life. I hope you can be strong and raise your children. If you encounter difficulties in the future, you can seek help from Prefect Mao.”
Thud!
Madam Han, with her two children, knelt down together. “Thank you, Sir, for clearing my name.”
The common people watching also applauded and cheered.
“What about pleading for the people, and so on.”
…
Public Security Bureau.
Lin Fan considered this an impromptu inspection of the subordinate counties.
The constables were stunned upon learning that the Prefect had been taken away and executed by Chief Officer Lin. They looked at Chief Officer Lin as if he were a ferocious tiger.
Trembling, they dared not approach.
Even when approaching, they kept their heads down, not daring to look directly at him.
Lin Fan patrolled with his hands behind his back, Mao Xiang accompanying him respectfully the entire way.
“Prefect Mao.” Lin Fan said in a calm tone, “You need to conduct a thorough investigation within the Public Security Bureau. All those with impure character or who were too deeply colluded with the former Prefect are to be removed without regard for their background. If anyone dares to cause trouble for you, tell them to come directly to Anzhou Prefecture to find me, and say that all of this is my decision.”
“Yes, Chief Officer Sir.” With the support of Chief Officer Lin, Mao Xiang felt he could act freely, unlike before when he was restricted.
Lin Fan asked, “Are there any mountain bandits causing trouble around Pingcheng County?”
Since he was already here, it was better to resolve some matters at once, to avoid future trouble.
Mao Xiang quickly replied, “Sir, please investigate. Thirty li northeast of the county town, there is a mountain stronghold called Black Wind Stockade. These bandits are quite rampant, often descending the mountain to rob passing merchant caravans and harass nearby villages. The common people suffer immensely.”
“Black Wind Stockade, hehe.” Lin Fan smiled. “Are the County Magistrate and the Prefect involved with the Black Wind Stockade?”
Mao Xiang thought for a moment and said, “Your subordinate is not very clear about this, but I have heard that the Black Wind Stockade has some connection with the Mingwang Cult, though I am unsure of its truth.”
Mingwang Cult.
Isn’t this the Mingwang Cult that has the Mingwang Hall outside Anzhou?
If they collude with mountain bandits.
What else could they be but an evil cult?
“I am busy with my affairs. This visit is partly because I was worried about Ning Yu’s inexperience in her first trial and wanted to see how she was doing. Secondly, I wanted to personally understand the situation in the subordinate counties.” Lin Fan’s tone carried a hint of seriousness. “It seems there are quite a few problems.”
“Master…” Ning Yu, standing beside him, was so moved she was about to cry.
This was her Master’s concern for her.
Mao Xiang lowered his head and said, “Sir, please rest assured. After I take office, I will strictly enforce the law and rectify the bureaucracy. I will not let such a heinous incident happen again in Pingcheng County.”
Lin Fan nodded. “Remember, the constables need to be well-trained. Motivate their spirits and energy. Also, the gangs in the city need to be frequently warned. Tell them it’s best not to oppress the common people. If they do, I will suppress them fiercely. If you encounter trouble you cannot resolve, notify me, and I will handle it personally.”
“Yes, Sir, your subordinate understands.” Mao Xiang nodded.
“Go, summon all the constables. I will take you to Black Wind Stockade.” Lin Fan knew that to make the constables here understand what they could and could not do.
He had to deeply deter them with his strength.
After this incident, Mao Xiang was someone he had personally promoted.
How many constables in the Public Security Bureau respected Mao Xiang now was unknown. After all, they had followed the Prefect before. Even though the Prefect was dead, there were certainly many constables who did not obey Mao Xiang behind his back.
Mao Xiang worried, “Sir, with the current const [Truncated: Max tokens]
Those mountain bandits from Black Wind Stockade are all ruthless individuals.
The constant fighting all year round was by no means comparable to the constables.
Lin Fan did not speak.
Ning Yu beside her said, “Clerk Mao, what are you thinking? My master is bringing you over not to help, but to broaden your horizons. You mustn’t misunderstand this.”
Huh!?
Mao Xiang blinked, somewhat unable to comprehend the meaning of what Clerk Ning had said.
But he still obeyed the sir’s words and summoned all the constables from the Public Security Bureau.
It wasn’t long before over thirty constables gathered together.
Lin Fan stood before them with his hands behind his back, his gaze falling upon them. He frowned slightly, “You stand without proper posture and appear dispirited. What are you like, like this? How can you protect the common people of Pingcheng County like this?”
The constables present didn’t dare to breathe, their bodies tense and backs straight.
……
Black Wind Stockade.
They occupied the territory of Pingcheng County, preying on Pingcheng County’s merchant caravans and surrounding villages. When supplies ran low, they would lead their men down the mountain to loot.
Life passed quite comfortably.
At this time, inside the hall.
The Stockade Chief of Black Wind Stockade was a rough, burly man with a face full of coarse flesh. Now, his eyes greedily gazed at the silver ingots placed before him. These silver ingots were arranged on a tray, with each piece being fifty taels.
There were twenty pieces in total.
The Stockade Chief looked at the man dressed in ordinary clothes and asked with a smile, “What do you mean by this?”
The man said, “Stockade Chief, this silver isn’t the main point. We just hope the Stockade Chief can provide convenience. In the future, if we see our Mingwang Cult’s mark in villages where we’re spreading our teachings in Pingcheng County, we hope the Stockade Chief will show leniency and not disturb them.”
The Stockade Chief laughed, “With just a thousand taels, you want us at Black Wind Stockade to see your Mingwang Cult’s mark and just retreat? You’re underestimating us too much. If everyone believed you, what would we eat?”
The man calmly replied, “Stockade Chief, you’ve misunderstood. This thousand taels is just a token of our appreciation. If the Stockade Chief agrees, I will personally bring a thousand taels of silver to the Stockade Chief every six months. Moreover, if you encounter any without our Mingwang Cult’s mark, the Stockade Chief can do as he pleases.”
Every six months?
This made the Stockade Chief fall into thought. The thousand taels before him was a substantial amount; sometimes it took months of raiding to get that much.
Moreover, he had some understanding of the Mingwang Cult.
Their strength was quite considerable.
He heard that there was already a Mingwang Hall in Anzhou.
Just as the Stockade Chief was contemplating asking for a bit more, with a bang, the tightly shut main door was kicked open.
Startled, the Stockade Chief looked towards the entrance.
He saw a young man holding a saber, with an iron rod on his back, appearing at the doorway. Upon clearly seeing the person’s attire, the Stockade Chief immediately recognized him.
A constable from the Public Security Bureau.
“Guards! Guards!” the Stockade Chief shouted loudly.
Lin Fan said, “No need to shout. By the time you closed the doors to block out the sound, those mountain bandits were already gone.”
At this moment, seeing the saber dripping with blood, the Stockade Chief felt a chill in his heart. Without a word, he grabbed the cleaver behind him, held it in front of him, and prepared to fight.
Lin Fan walked step by step towards the interior. The Stockade Chief roared, leaped over the table in front of him, and swung his saber at Lin Fan.
*Slash!*
A cold glint, swift as lightning, flashed past.
The Stockade Chief only felt a blur before his eyes. Before he could understand what happened, he felt the world spinning, then his vision was pressed tightly against the ground, his consciousness faded into darkness, and finally, he vanished without a trace.
The man sitting there, with his mouth slightly agape, stared at the scene in front of him in astonishment.
Lin Fan walked up to the man and casually picked up the cloth from the table used to cushion the silver, wiping the bloodstains from his Wild Goose Feather Dagger.
Then, with a *snap*, he placed the cold blade on the man’s shoulder.
“To be able to sit there under these circumstances, your composure is quite good,” Lin Fan said, looking at him with a half-smile. “Tell me, what shady big business were you two discussing?”
His gaze swept over the piles of silver on the table, at least several hundred taels.
The man forcefully suppressed his shock, raised his head, and tried to maintain his composure as he met Lin Fan’s gaze. “Sir Constable, I am an envoy from the Mingwang Cult. I came here hoping to convert the Stockade Chief with our cult’s philosophy of compassion, urging him to lay down his butcher’s knife and be kind to others.”
“Is that so? By using silver to convert him?” Lin Fan asked with a smile.
“The silver isn’t mine. I was using the core tenets of our Mingwang Cult to persuade him. You are a constable from the Public Security Bureau, correct? We have a Mingwang Hall in Anzhou, and the Prefect there is very supportive of our Mingwang Cult. Would you be interested in meeting the Prefect?” the man said calmly.
Not showing the slightest panic.
The more so at this moment, the less one should panic.
“Thank you, I have a grudge against Prefect Zhao, so I don’t need an introduction. However, I’m curious, what are you Mingwang Cult members doing here?” Lin Fan asked.
The man’s expression remained unchanged, sticking to his usual rhetoric. “Naturally, to spread the compassion of the Ming King, to spread good thoughts and blessings to…”
“Spread your ass.”
Lin Fan cursed angrily and slit the man’s throat with a single stroke.
He detested people who spoke empty words and grand pronouncements; they gave him a pounding headache.
Those who could run errands all the way to Black Wind Stockade couldn’t possibly be important cult members.
He certainly wouldn’t get anything out of them by questioning.
At this moment, Mao Xiang, Qian Tao, and others also entered.
For Qian Tao and his group, this scene was all too familiar.
But for the constables from Pingcheng County, they had been gaping with their mouths wide open the entire time, watching it all unfold in utter disbelief.
Those mountain bandits, whom even they feared, were treated by Chief Lin like chickens being slaughtered, caught and killed with a single strike, never needing a second.
Was this the strength a person could possess?
Qian Tao walked up to Lin Fan. “Sir, the heads of those bandits outside have already been collected and loaded onto the carts.”
“Mmm,” Lin Fan nodded, pointing at the two corpses on the ground and the silver on the table. “Load the heads of these two as well, and take all this silver back to be confiscated.”
The Public Security Bureau was short on funds everywhere, and the spoils from bandit suppression should not be wasted.
As for the other supplies plundered from the mountain stronghold.
“Prefect Mao, the remaining items in the stronghold are yours. Consider it as adding to your resources. Organize yourselves properly.”
Since they had come all this way, they couldn’t let them leave empty-handed.
Mao Xiang was immediately filled with gratitude.
“Thank you, Chief Officer!”
