Chapter 87: The People’s Choice, Heart Of The Masses, You Have To Die
“Hahaha… little lady, where are you running? Cooperate with me, and I’ll make you feel good.”
Broad daylight, a place with people coming and going.
Two burly, bare-chested ruffians openly grabbed a plainly dressed girl, spewing filthy words and acting without restraint.
The girl was scared pale, struggling and crying desperately, but her strength was no match for the ruffians, and she was soon dragged to a nearby cloth stall.
One ruffian swung his arm, sweeping the cloth from the stall to the ground, then pressed the girl onto the stall.
The other ruffian held a cleaver, his eyes fierce and menacing as he raised it to warn the surrounding common people.
“What the hell are you all looking at?”
“Sirs, please let her go, she’s still young.” The girl’s father begged, but the knife-wielding ruffian kicked him to the ground. “Shut your damn mouth or I’ll chop you.”
“Dad… save me.” The girl cried out.
The surrounding common people trembled and said, “If you do this, we’ll report you to the officials. The newly appointed Head of the Public Security Bureau won’t let you off.”
The knife-wielding ruffian laughed wildly without restraint. “Won’t let us off? Hahaha, that’s hilarious. The Public Security Bureau has no constables left now. Who’s going to catch us? Who dares to catch…”
Whoosh!
A sharp sound cut through the air.
Before anyone could react, a streak of silver light shot like a meteor. The knife-wielding burly man seemed to sense it and turned to look.
But this glance was his last.
Pfft!!!
An iron rod pierced the knife-wielding ruffian’s chest, going straight through, the rod tip embedding into the ground at an angle.
The sudden scene stunned everyone.
They stared in a daze.
The ruffian tearing at the girl’s clothes was startled awake by the sound of his accomplice falling.
He jerked his head up and saw the horrifying sight of his accomplice impaled through the chest by the iron rod, instantly scaring him out of his wits.
He turned his head in panic and saw a constable in dark constable uniform holding a gleaming saber, walking step by step toward here.
Constable…
The ruffian hadn’t expected a constable to appear here. He was startled, quickly picked up his accomplice’s dropped cleaver, gripped it tightly, and pointed the saber tip shakily at Lin Fan, roaring bluffingly.
“Don’t come any closer.”
Lin Fan approached step by step, his cold eyes and frost-covered face exuding an indescribable sense of oppression, like a heavy mountain pressing down on the ruffian’s heart.
Feeling this pressure, the ruffian swallowed hard, his hands and feet trembling. With a clang, the cleaver fell from his hand as he looked at Lin Fan standing before him.
“I…”
Pfft!!!
Silver light flashed. Lin Fan held the saber in one hand and swung it swiftly. The Wild Goose Feather Dagger traced a beautiful yet deadly arc, its icy blade precisely slicing across the ruffian’s throat.
A line of bright red blood instantly appeared on the ruffian’s neck.
The ruffian clutched his neck desperately with both hands, eyes bulging, gurgling from his throat, body convulsing a few times before crashing to the ground.
Lin Fan didn’t even glance at him. He walked to the iron rod, gripped it with one hand, pulled it out, held it horizontally in front of him. Qian Tao immediately stepped forward, wrapping the iron rod with cloth and wiping off all the blood on it.
Lin Fan slung the iron rod on his back, looked at the surrounding common people, then at the pale, frightened girl, walked up to her, and gently patted her trembling head.
“Don’t be afraid.”
His voice was gentle, as if it had magic. The girl slowly lifted her head, tears in her eyes, and saw Lin Fan’s resolute, handsome, reassuring face.
The fear in her heart began to fade, her heaving chest gradually calming.
“I am the Head of the Anzhou Public Security Bureau, Lin Fan. Who says no one is in charge? Who says you can act without restraint? Whoever dares to do evil on my turf, I’ll send them to their next life.”
He wasn’t saying this just to the girl.
He was also saying it to the common people present.
The surrounding common people looked at the scene, briefly stunned before erupting in wild joy, exchanging glances filled with hopeful delight.
“Chief Lin!!!”
“Chief Lin!!!”
The common people shouted.
The girl said, “Thank you, Lord Lin.”
“Mm.” Lin Fan smiled.
Qian Tao and Wu Yong loaded the two bodies onto the cart.
This was the fourth body.
They knew Brother Lin was going on a killing spree today. Someone was deliberately causing trouble to create turmoil, to harm Brother Lin and make the common people lose faith in the Public Security Bureau.
But to them, this was overreaching and courting death.
“Let’s go. Today, this official wants to see how many people want to die.” Lin Fan raised his voice, killing intent boiling. The current situation wasn’t sweep away black and eliminate evil; it was counter-terrorism.
In counter-terrorism mode, no evidence needed, no words needed—just kill on sight.
……
Teahouse.
Huang Shan held a woman, sipping tea.
A subordinate stood nodding and bowing before him, reporting.
“Big Brother, rest assured. The brothers have all gone out and will guarantee to turn Anzhou upside down, making it impossible for chickens or dogs to rest in peace!”
The reporting subordinate’s face was full of excitement and agitation. He’d never experienced such lawlessness, where anything goes.
In the past, they could be arrogant too, but they had to watch their influence. If they went too far, it would put those sirs in the Public Security Bureau in a tough spot, so they usually held back.
But today was different.
Big Brother said to go wild, just don’t cause deaths.
Afterward, they’d be sent away to hide for a while, and once things settled, they could swagger back.
“Mm, good.”
Huang Shan smiled broadly. Unlike gangs with legitimate businesses, his group of subordinates specialized in extortion, forcibly collecting protection fees, running gambling dens, usury, and so on in Anzhou.
He made a lot, but most of the silver went to honoring those officials.
Especially the four squad leaders of the Public Security Bureau, who took the most.
No choice—his operations were too outrageous. Without the Public Security Bureau turning a blind eye, he couldn’t continue.
Suddenly.
A panicked, sweating subordinate stumbled in, gasping for breath, face white as paper.
“B-Big Brother! Something happened! Big trouble!”
Huang Shan frowned, extremely displeased, cursing, “What happened? Making a fuss, if you don’t explain clearly, I’ll beat you.”
The subordinate shuddered in fear, voice trembling with a sob, stammering, “D-Dead… dead people! So many dead!”
Huang Shan tensed up, angrily shouting, “Damn it! Didn’t I say no deaths? Who’s the lunatic killing randomly? Which bastard?!”
“N-No, Big Brother!” The subordinate waved his hands frantically, tears welling up. “It’s the Public Security Bureau, that new Chief Lin. He killed people. He killed so many of our brothers.”
He had seen it with his own eyes, a scene he’d never forget.
Saber light flashed.
His boastful comrades dropped instantly, turning into cold corpses.
“What did you say?”
Huang Shan felt like struck by lightning. He shoved the woman in his arms away, shot to his feet, eyes bulging, staring deadly at the subordinate, unable to believe his ears.
He lunged forward, grabbing the subordinate’s collar, nearly lifting him off the ground.
“Say that again, you saw it yourself?!”
“Big Brother, I saw it myself. That Chief Lin has gone mad killing. Anyone causing trouble in the city, he kills without a word, saber in hand, no questions asked.” The subordinate hurriedly said.
At that moment.
The bustling street outside the teahouse suddenly fell silent, eerily quiet, as if muted.
Huang Shan told a nearby subordinate to check the street situation. He needed to get the facts straight. He’d sent his subordinates to cause trouble to pressure the current Public Security Bureau, not to die.
His subordinates were all strong and skilled fighters.
Clang.
Huang Shan irritably turned to look. The subordinate he’d just sent to check had collapsed to the floor, face ghost-white, teeth chattering, unable to stand.
“Useless!” Huang Shan cursed. “I told you to check what’s happening outside. Why are you sitting on the ground? Seen a ghost?”
The terrified subordinate stiffly turned his neck, eyes panicked, raised a trembling hand pointing downward, voice quivering.
“B-Big Brother, down there, down there…”
“Damn it! Can’t even speak clearly? Scared shitless?” Huang Shan was furious at his cowardice, kicked him over. “Useless thing.”
Cursing, he strode to the fence, frowning impatiently, looking down at the street.
Just one glance!
Just one glance!
Huang Shan froze as if instantly frozen in place.
His pupils contracted sharply then dilated wildly, blood draining from his face, mouth unconsciously agape.
The street outside the teahouse.
Formed a vacuum zone, surrounding common people keeping far away. At the center, right at the teahouse door.
A constable in dark constable uniform holding a blood-dripping Wild Goose Feather Dagger, blood droplets from the saber tip falling onto the blue bricks with soft drips.
The constable looked up, expressionless, staring at the second floor. Beside him was the parked cart, stacked with bodies, blood seeping from the gaps onto the ground, forming a pool in moments.
The bloody smell in the air seemed to drill into his nostrils.
The constable moved, stepping into the teahouse.
On the second floor, Huang Shan retreated repeatedly in fear, eyes on the stairwell.
Tap! Tap! Tap!
Dull, slow footsteps approached, growing nearer and clearer.
First came the black rod tip, then the indifferent, merciless eyes.
Huang Shan knew who he was: the newly appointed Head of the Anzhou Public Security Bureau.
At that moment, a chill shot from his soles to his head, limbs ice-cold, blood as if stopped, no warmth.
“Chief Lin, do you need something?”
Huang Shan asked tremblingly. Though used to domineering in Anzhou, the scene terrified him—the bloodied blade emanating terrifying killing intent, and the bodies on the cart below.
He knew this Chief Lin had truly gone mad with killing.
He wasn’t playing by the rules at all.
In his mind, the plan was: chaos in the city, Public Security Bureau short-staffed, common people complaining, forcing Chief Lin to personally reinstate the dismissed constables.
But who knew this Lin would go on a killing spree, bringing bodies right to his door.
Lin Fan glanced at Huang Shan—just that look pierced him like ten thousand arrows, heart in chaos, nearly suffocating.
Swish!
Lin Fan rested the Wild Goose Feather Dagger on a subordinate’s shoulder. “Did he arrange these troublemakers in the city?”
The subordinate with the blade at his neck trembled, shaking his head. “I don’t know.”
Pfft!
One slash to the throat.
No warning, no second question.
The subordinate clutched his neck, looking incredulously at Lin Fan, blood spilling through his fingers. He collapsed with a thud, lifeless.
Lin Fan glanced at Huang Shan again and walked toward another subordinate.
Seeing this, the subordinate couldn’t stay calm. His knees buckled, he knelt begging, “Spare me, sir! Spare me! It was all Huang Shan. He arranged it. It has nothing to do with me, really.”
Lin Fan stopped before him. “Who told your big brother to do this?”
The subordinate didn’t know who, but feeling the icy blade on his neck sobered his mind like never before.
“Sir, it was Qi Bantou and them. Huang Shan is close to them, always sending gifts. It must be him standing up for those guys, so he caused this.”
This subordinate hadn’t actually seen Huang Shan go to Qi Lianhai and them.
But to survive.
He had to say it.
“Good. Remember what you said. Hear me?”
“Yes.”
The subordinate nodded repeatedly.
Huang Shan racked his brains on how to resolve this. He knew of Lin Fan but not much. Now, this guy was ruthless, tougher than the four squad leaders, even the Prefect and Commander Qin.
But thinking of the Prefect and Commander Qin’s power.
Huang Shan decided to gamble. Pretending calm, “Chief Lin, I don’t know them. He’s talking nonsense. Anyway, you need evidence, right?”
In his line, you had to be stubborn.
As long as stubborn, they couldn’t pin you. At worst, a beating.
Lin Fan stood before Huang Shan, chin-jerked toward the street, tone flat:
“Go, jump down from the second floor.”
“Ah?” Huang Shan’s face stiffened. “Ch-Chief Lin, you’re… joking, right?”
“Jump.” Lin Fan’s voice was cold.
Huang Shan saw he wasn’t joking. He backed up steps, looked down—over four meters, sure to hurt.
“Chief Lin, I was just drinking tea here. You want me to jump, I…”
“Jump.”
Just one word.
Laden with undeniable terrifying oppression, as if not jumping meant the blade next second.
Facing this threat.
Huang Shan gritted his teeth, vaulted over, jumped. On landing, his legs twisted. He screamed, clutching them.
The watching common people were stunned.
Like seeing a ghost.
They all knew Huang Shan. Who was the worst in vast Anzhou was debatable, but most hated? Definitely Huang Shan.
But none expected him forced to jump from the teahouse.
Lin Fan appeared at the second-floor fence, tall and imposing, instantly drawing all eyes.
Sunlight on his dark constable uniform and icy blade, like plated with majestic, domineering glow.
His gaze swept the dense crowd below, voice booming across every corner.
“Fellow villagers, some know me, some don’t, but it doesn’t matter. What matters is, I came to Anzhou as Head of the Public Security Bureau to sweep away these oppressors of the people.”
“The grievances and injustices you’ve suffered will all pass.”
He suddenly raised his hand, pointing at the blood-scented cart, voice turning resounding like thunder.
“From now on, whoever dares commit crimes in Anzhou, disrupt order, bully the good—this is their fate.”
The common people at the scene were stunned.
They’d heard such words many times; every sir loved big talk. But words backed by action? Never seen.
After brief silence, an excited voice rang from the crowd.
“Master Lin, I believe you. I’m your fellow villager from Yong’an.”
Lin Fan nodded at his fellow villager.
Low-key!
……
Restaurant.
The four squad leaders gathered.
“What did the doctor say?” Qi Lianhai asked.
“Internal injuries, need medicine. Damn, that kick hurt. Thought I was dead.” Bald Squad Leader rubbed his still aching abdomen, growing angrier.
Another squad leader sneered, “You survived, but that Chief Lin is close to death.”
Bald Squad Leader laughed, “I know. Huang Shan’s subordinates are all tough. They don’t hold back bullying. I think that Lin will roll out soon. Dare fight us? Doesn’t know whose side we’re on. The Prefect tried kindly to pull him, but he didn’t appreciate it. Asking for trouble.”
Qi Lianhai said, “Talk is talk, but don’t spread certain words.”
“Don’t worry, Brother Qi, we’re not idiots.” Bald Squad Leader said.
At this point, a follower arrived.
Qi Lianhai asked, “How’s the Public Security Bureau?”
The follower said, “Lots came, all wanting to sign up as constables. Squad Leader, if he keeps this up, the brothers can’t come back.”
“No worry. Tell the brothers to relax. The Public Security Bureau is ours, always will be. No one can take it.” Qi Lianhai said confidently.
With Huang Shan’s group causing chaos, the Prefect would surely report up. Then Lin Fan would be deemed incapable of managing Anzhou security. Best case, demoted; worst, fired.
Demotion or firing, same to them.
Once Lin Fan lost power there, they’d squeeze him as they pleased.
And then.
Another follower rushed in. “Squad Leader, bad news. That Lin is killing spree in the city, wiped out the troublemakers. Even Huang Shan caught, sent to Caishi Mouth for immediate execution.”
The drinking, eating squad leaders froze.
Clearly not expecting this turn.
Qi Lianhai gravely asked, “Did Huang Shan act personally?”
“No, that Lin found Huang Shan himself, captured him directly, sent to Caishi Mouth. Lots of common people gathered there.” The follower said.
He was shocked, never seen such domineering style.
Captured Huang Shan without trial, straight to death sentence.
This abused power infinitely, ignored process. Public Security Bureau cases needed written docs to Prefect for death penalty approval before execution.
Rules were rules.
But in practice, often skipped.
Qi Lianhai said, “Clever Lin. First used this to break the deadlock, dismissed us to establish authority in Anzhou. Now beheading Huang Shan to win popular support. Damn, no wonder he rose fast from Yong’an. Has real methods.”
“Brother Qi, what now?” Bald Squad Leader asked.
Qi Lianhai shook his head. “Nothing we can do. We’re nothing now. Can only see how Prefect and Commander Qin handle it.”
……
Caishi Mouth.
“Chief Lin, what do you mean? What crime did I, Huang Shan, commit?”
Huang Shan panicked. This wasn’t a good place, and common people gathering—this was beheading scene?
Lin Fan didn’t speak, just smiled.
As for jailing and interrogating Huang Shan?
No need.
Though he could dig out instigators through Huang Shan, the shock of beheading him publicly before common people was far greater.
Huang Shan let subordinates cause chaos.
Making common people panic.
And their trust in Public Security Bureau low, even thinking all colluders.
Thus, he had to strike with thunderbolt means.
Swiftly imprint his determination to sweep away black and eliminate evil deep in common people’s hearts upon arriving in Anzhou, letting them know massive changes coming to Public Security Bureau.
Lin Fan saw enough common people gathered, slowly raised hand, gestured down.
The whispering, discussing crowd instantly quieted.
“Fellow villagers, I am Lin Fan, Head of the Anzhou Public Security Bureau. Arrived yesterday, thought the constables here elite of elites. But who knew…
They were maggots in the latrine, greedy, corrupt, negligent, colluding with bullies, treating law as nothing. I am deeply disappointed and ashamed.
So, I dismissed the four squad leaders and all constables.
They don’t deserve to be Anzhou constables, don’t deserve to work under me.”
His voice boomed with power, spreading far.
Common people watched the figure on stage intently.
Very dazzling.
“Today’s marketplace incidents, you’ve heard. But rest assured, those vicious criminals are killed by me. People’s safety is my top priority. Whoever acts lawlessly, I’ll make them eat dirt below.”
He pointed at Huang Shan.
“Him, Huang Shan, no stranger. Anzhou bully, colluding with certain maggot officials, thinking amulet protects him. But justice exists, heaven watches. How can he do evil?”
“Today’s marketplace was his doing, trying to challenge Public Security Bureau authority. Say, kill or not?”
Kneeling Huang Shan panicked wildly.
He looked terrified at Lin Fan, never imagining this.
“Kill! Kill! Kill!”
Common people shouted hoarsely.
Their gazes at Huang Shan full of fury. Many stall vendors sold little all day yet paid him protection fees, stall fees, etc.
“Popular support.” Lin Fan looked at Huang Shan. “Should you die?”
Huang Shan roared, “This is abuse of power! No evidence, yet chop my head? I refuse! Even as Head, you have no right.”
“Hehe! Naive.”
Lin Fan walked behind Huang Shan with the Wild Goose Feather Dagger. Feeling its chill, Huang Shan begged.
“Lord Lin, don’t kill me. I know secrets, willing to expose them. Just spare my dog life.”
Huang Shan looked around for familiar faces.
Pfft!
Lin Fan swung down. Huang Shan’s head rolled, eyes wide staring ahead.
“Well killed!!!”
The crowd erupted, cheers tearing the sky.
Watching cheering common people, Lin Fan knew this step perfect. Only by boosting Public Security Bureau trust could he advance next matters favorably.
What he faced weren’t just street punks.
He faced Prefect and Commander directly.
Lin Fan nodded to Qian Tao and Wu Yong, collected body, left.
Under common people’s gaze, left vegetable market toward Public Security Bureau.
……
Public Security Bureau.
In the courtyard.
Ning Yu sat there, eyes on examinees below. Two hundred took the law exam; luckily, Public Security Bureau courtyard spacious enough.
Ding Peng, Xu Ming, and Yang Ming patrolled for cheating.
Lu Zhongtian held examinees’ ID info, checking and weeding out unqualified.
When Lin Fan arrived, exam ended.
“Chief Lin.”
Xu Ming and others saw Lin Fan, immediately respectful.
Exam-taking common people looked at Lin Fan respectfully greeting. First time seeing him; they’d only heard tales.
Especially Chief Lin decisively dismissing all Public Security Bureau constables—they admired utterly.
Law exam requirements straightforward: no background check, only clean record and sense of justice. Anyone could join.
Young people thought this Chief Lin visionary, bold, wanting to change Anzhou Public Security Bureau.
Lin Fan smiled, nodding to law exam common people.
Ning Yu rose from bench, ran to report: “Master, two hundred three took law exam.”
“Good.” Lin Fan smiled, surprised so many first batch.
Original Public Security Bureau had ninety-five.
Too few, he thought.
Anzhou large area, big population. Ninety-five maintain what order?
Lin Fan to desk, exam papers piled. Picked one randomly. Law questions not hard, rote memory. He’d memorized law perfectly, could cite any case page and line verbatim.
Lin Fan to over two hundred examinees. “All want to join Public Security Bureau?”
“Yes.”
Examinees chorused.
Lin Fan nodded satisfied. “Good, full of vigor. Public Security Bureau needs vigor. But first batch recruits about one hundred; half eliminated.”
Suddenly, Lin Fan saw in crowd a boy seemingly only five feet tall.
“How old are you?” Lin Fan asked.
“Eighteen, sir.”
“Your build and height unsuitable. Go home. Public Security Bureau faces dangers; you can’t handle.”
“Sir, I refuse.”
“Oh, how so?”
Boy pointed at Ding Peng. “Why him constable? I challenge him one-on-one.”
Lin Fan looked back at Ding Peng. Indeed, not tall, about five-foot-something, looked dazed and slow, seemed timid.
Indeed, neighbors saw Ding Peng timid, quiet, barely speaking.
“Ding Peng.”
“Here.”
“Spar with him.”
“Yes, Chief.”
Ding Peng deep breath, walked to boy, nodded. Valued by Brother Lin was his fortune. He vowed total loyalty; Brother Lin’s orders were do-or-die.
Boy roared, charged like calf, hugged Ding Peng’s waist, tried tripping him.
But Ding Peng worked Jili Wharf, built strength hauling, clashed often with Fierce Tiger Gang, fought much, gained skill.
Ding Peng grabbed boy’s waistband, flung him aside. Boy ate dirt.
But Lin Fan surprised: boy unafraid, charged desperately at Ding Peng again.
Flung flying, tripped repeatedly.
Boy disheveled but unyielding, kept charging fiercely.
“Stop.” Lin Fan said.
Ding Peng retreated, stood straight.
Boy wiped face dust. “Sir, I can still fight. I refuse.”
Lin Fan smilingly approached, wiped his face dust. “Good kid, misjudged. Ruthless, spirited. Name?”
Boy stunned.
Stunned by Chief Lin’s actions.
Never thought such big figure wipe his face.
To him, such gentleness, such glory.
“Sir, I’m Wang Gou’er.” Boy neck stiff, loud.
Lin Fan: “Wang Gou’er… who named you?”
Boy: “A teacher. Orphan, loved learning, sneaked to listen. He named me.”
Lin Fan patted shoulder. “Fits kid, but you’re adult now. Inappropriate. I’ll name you?”
“Please grant name, sir.”
“Wang Bao’an, protect home and people. Like?”
Wang Gou’er blinked, muttered name, eyes reddened. “Thanks for name, sir. I’ll be Wang Bao’an.”
“Good. Don’t know your law score, but your grit earns special admission.” Lin Fan smiled.
Happiness too sudden.
Wang Bao’an eyes reddened. “Thanks, sir. I’ll work hard, never disappoint.”
He knew Wang Gou’er mocked by some, but it was only name from childhood teacher.
That teacher let him sneak-learn, was his benefactor.
So never changed.
Now Lord Lin renamed him properly—this care unprecedented.
Ning Yu’s two followers exchanged glances.
Shock in their eyes.
Lin Fan truly skilled.
Anyone could see Wang Gou’er now his diehard. Obvious one-track mind.
Once loyal, life-or-death.
Lin Fan selected on spot, reviewed papers, kept one hundred; rest over hundred dejected, disappointed.
Lin Fan comforted, said Public Security Bureau would recruit more, chances remain.
Selected ones thrilled, excited.
“Quiet.” Lin Fan said.
All eyes on Lin Fan.
Lin Fan: “Public Security Bureau now staffed. Officially operational. Qian Tao, Wu Yong, Xu Ming, Yang Ming, step forward.”
Four stood before Lin Fan.
Lin Fan: “From now, you four squad leaders, each lead twenty-five.”
“Yes, sir.”
Four responded loudly.
Never dreamed Brother Lin promote them squad leaders.
Unthinkable.
“Ding Peng, Lu Zhongtian.”
“Here.”
“You now deputy squad leaders, assist four squad leaders with Li Deputy Squad Leader.”
“Yes, sir.”
Two loud.
Lu Zhongtian nearly cried—promoted just like that?
Li Zhengdao blinked confused. Bro, how…
I worked hard for deputy at bureau level.
You appoint four squad leaders one word.
…Hurts.
“Master, me?” Ning Yu expectant, cared not for post, just follow master learn proper Public Security Bureau constable.
Lin Fan: “You now Public Security Bureau clerk, handle paperwork. Okay?”
“Yes, master.” Ning Yu head high, responded.
Ning Yu’s two followers sighed inwardly—miss thoroughly charmed by Lin Fan.
Lin Fan nodded to Qian Tao etc.: “Take them change clothes now. Huang Shan has many subordinates active in city. Catch all. Resistance? Execute on spot.”
“Yes.”
Under Lin Fan’s arrangements, new constables rushed inside to change. Public Security Bureau pace shockingly fast.
Watching vigorous constables, Lin Fan smiled.
Li Zhengdao to Lin Fan: “Chief Lin, checked accounts—little silver. Need treasury funds, but needs Prefect approval. Without, monthly subsidies for so many constables no small sum.”
He knew no promotion to squad leader meant not yet insider.
Now, Li Zhengdao wanted to say: I obey you too, can be your man.
So, proactive work.
Show Lin Fan his determination.
“Deputy Squad Leader Li, good reminder. Other ways to get silver?” Lin Fan asked.
New one hundred constables, post-entry commoner constables, no salary, just pitiful subsidy barely for living.
To live better, squeeze common people.
But Lin Fan wouldn’t allow, nor let brothers live miserably.
Subsidy?
No, salary.
He’d pay official constable salary for stable life.
Other places he ignored.
His brothers must have worries eased, welfare system. Though invincible himself, if brother died suddenly, pensions etc. must plan.
He knew Imperial Court had no clear rules for Public Security Bureau constable sacrifice pensions—up to local officials.
Some got nothing.
Even if, just grain, coffin.
To him, utter mess. Risk life for that? Regardless system or reasons, he didn’t care.
He judged by modern values.
Month without one tael, no pension on death—who risks?
Li Zhengdao: “If bandits nearby, hit big families for aid funds. Best if Prefect approves treasury silver.”
“Hehe…”
Lin Fan laughed.
He and Prefect not openly broken, but covertly nearly so.
Get him approve treasury silver.
High difficulty.
But… he liked challenges.
Willing or not, he’d make him.
