Chapter 85: First Arrival In Anzhou—a Total Mess, Clashing Head-on Right Away
Several days later.
Anzhou Prefecture.
The official road became wide, and carriages, horses, and pedestrians were endless.
From afar, Lin Fan and the others saw the majestic and towering city walls of Anzhou Prefecture. The grayish-blue bricks exuded majesty under the sunlight, far more imposing than the walls of Yong’an.
The common people, seeing these people on horseback wearing constable uniforms, were all frightened and made way. Children were held tightly by their parents, and merchants instinctively pulled their baskets closer, not daring to approach.
Lin Fan saw this situation.
He was very displeased with this.
Thinking of the situation in Yong’an, the common people treated them as one of their own.
Now, were the things piled behind the carriage gifts?
No… those were not gifts, they were the recognition of the common people towards their Public Security Bureau.
Although the common people were afraid, they couldn’t help but steal glances at the group.
The person at the forefront stood tall and straight like a pine tree, astride a steed, wearing a dark constable uniform, with an iron rod on his back, and the scabbard of the wild goose feather dagger at his waist reflected a cold and hard sheen in the sunlight.
They only felt that this person was powerful, domineering, and had an outstanding aura.
It was obvious at a glance that he was no ordinary person.
Definitely a big shot.
When Lin Fan’s gaze fell upon them, the common people were so scared that they lowered their heads, not daring to meet his eyes.
Seeing this scene, Lin Fan sighed softly in his heart.
Not good.
Extremely not good.
However, since he had come to Anzhou, he naturally had to thoroughly filter the murky waters of Anzhou until they were completely clear.
“Master, we’ve arrived at Anzhou Prefecture. Why isn’t the local prefect leading the officials to welcome us? And those guys from the Public Security Bureau, do they really not know their superior has arrived?” Ning Yu pouted, very displeased.
She felt that the officials in Anzhou Prefecture were truly unacceptable.
They didn’t even come to welcome them.
Lin Fan smiled, “There’s no need. Whether they come or not is irrelevant. We didn’t inform them either. Let’s take this opportunity to see how the local public security is.”
Ning Yu said, “Hmph, now that Master is here, the days of those scoundrels who harm the common people are numbered. I’ll have to skin them alive.”
Li Zhengdao, standing beside them, felt pity for the people of Anzhou.
Your good days are truly over.
Wu Yong and Qian Tao watched curiously. They had always stayed in Yong’an and had never traveled far. They had to admit that a prefecture was a prefecture.
The city walls were truly tall and magnificent.
Even the road beneath their feet was not comparable to Yong’an.
As expected of a prefecture.
Just as they were about to enter the city gate, a clamor and noise attracted their attention.
At the city gate, a guard stopped an old farmer with white hair, carrying a vegetable basket on a carrying pole, and shouted impatiently, “You have no money, why are you entering the city? Don’t you know you have to pay a vegetable selling tax to enter the city?”
The old farmer’s face was full of sorrow, his clothes were tattered, and he pleaded with folded hands, “Military officer, please be kind, let me in first. Once I sell this basket of vegetables and get some money, I’ll pay you on my way out, alright?”
“Nonsense!” The soldier’s eyes widened, becoming even more barbaric. “If you have no money, get lost! Did I set this rule? If I let you break the rules, how can I still do my job?”
Saying that, he even kicked over the vegetable basket next to the old farmer.
“Oh, my vegetables.”
The old farmer’s voice trembled with heartache. He hurriedly crouched down and tremblingly tried to pick the vegetables back into the basket, but the soldier snorted, raised his foot, and stomped on them, crushing the fresh vegetables to pulp.
The surrounding common people watched from afar, their faces filled with indignation, yet not a single person dared to step forward to speak a word of justice, daring to be angry but not to speak.
Do you really want to eat a club?
Clop, clop, clop…
Clear and steady hoofbeats approached from afar and finally stopped beside the soldier.
The soldier was enthusiastically stomping when he suddenly felt the light dim and an invisible pressure descended.
He looked up in confusion and immediately met a pair of ice-cold eyes.
Lin Fan sat upright on his horse, his body as steady as a mountain. He lowered his eyes, his gaze like two invisible cold blades, fixed on the soldier’s face.
The soldier was startled by this gaze, feeling an indescribable fear. Especially since the other person was wearing a constable uniform and had a saber at his waist; he was definitely not an ordinary person.
Thinking of this, the ferocity on the soldier’s face instantly disappeared, replaced by a fawning smile, and his waist unconsciously bent a few inches.
“Sir… Sir, what are your orders?”
After speaking, the soldier immediately turned to the old farmer with an unkind tone, shouting, “Hurry up and get out of the way, make way for these lords.”
He didn’t know who these people were.
But he understood one thing: these people were not someone he could afford to offend.
“Sir, please come in.” The soldier said humbly.
“Pick them up.” Lin Fan said coldly. Seeing the soldier stunned, he couldn’t help but raise his voice, “I told you to pick them up.”
The soldier was bewildered and stood there in a daze.
Xu Ming dismounted and walked up to the soldier, then slapped him twice.
“My lord told you to pick up the old farmer’s vegetables, are your ears deaf?”
As his lord’s confidant, Xu Ming had long since perfected the art of observing expressions and discerning intentions. He understood what his lord meant with just a glance or a word.
Qian Tao and Wu Yong exchanged glances.
This needs to be learned.
Truly needs to be learned.
Those who stay by Brother Lin’s side are all capable individuals.
The soldier covered his face, looking at the person before him in disbelief. He hadn’t expected to be slapped. He wanted to say something, but when he met those cold, chilling eyes.
His heart trembled.
Without any intention of defiance, he crouched down and picked the vegetables back into the basket.
The surrounding common people watched curiously. Seeing the soldier get slapped twice, their mood instantly brightened.
Some people muttered softly.
“Good job.”
……
Lin Fan said, “Who told you to bully the common people? Do you still have any law in your eyes, any principles as a soldier?”
The reprimanded soldier lowered his head, not daring to speak.
But in his heart, he was cursing Lin Fan to death.
Damn it.
Where did this guy come from, so fond of minding other people’s business, and so fond of putting on airs in front of the common people, acting like a righteous official fighting for them.
Even our Commander didn’t act as ostentatiously as you.
Of course, he definitely wouldn’t dare to say that out loud.
“Sir, I know I was wrong.” The soldier admitted defeat.
Lin Fan said, “Take out the money and compensate this old farmer. If you have any power, use it for the common people. I think you’re tired of living.”
The soldier quickly took out broken silver from his pocket.
The old farmer was also scared and dared not accept it, “Too much, too much.”
Lin Fan looked at the old farmer and said gently, “Old sir, please accept it. This is his compensation to you. If he dares to trouble you afterward, come to the Public Security Bureau and find me. I’ll skin him.”
Xu Ming put the broken silver into the old farmer’s hand and said, “Old sir, this is the newly appointed Head of the Anzhou Public Security Bureau, Master Lin Fan. If you have any problems, come to us, and we will definitely uphold justice for you.”
The soldier standing by clearly heard this and was shocked.
Head of the bureau?
Ah, the Public Security Bureau has a Head of the bureau appointed, wasn’t this usually handled by the Assistant Prefect?
The old farmer was so grateful that he was about to kneel and kowtow. Xu Ming quickly held him up, “Old sir, my lord does not wish to see you kneel in gratitude. My lord said that fighting for the people is our responsibility.”
“Thank you, sir, thank you, sir.”
The old farmer repeatedly expressed his gratitude, picked up his basket, and looked back three steps at a time.
Lin Fan glanced coldly at the soldier, reined in his horse, and entered the city, heading towards the Public Security Bureau.
From this incident, it could be seen that the situation in Anzhou had many problems that needed to be rectified.
Horse after horse passed in front of him, making the soldier afraid to even raise his head. When Ning Yu passed by, she snorted, expressing her dissatisfaction.
After the group left.
The soldier looked up and wiped the sweat from his forehead. Seeing the schadenfreude in the eyes of the surrounding common people, he was so angry that he wanted to curse them out, but he decided against it. He could only hold his anger in.
……
The horses were moving slowly.
Lin Fan suddenly remembered something and asked Ning Yu, “Ning Yu, where is your other attendant? Didn’t he escort Director Wang back here? Where did he go?”
“Master, he’s here, but he doesn’t know we’ve arrived yet,” Ning Yu replied.
Lin Fan pondered, if this merit wasn’t divided, it was likely that Ning Yu’s attendant had warned the local prefect. Although he wasn’t sure.
But it was probably true.
Suddenly.
A commotion ahead, mixed with a woman’s terrified cry, suddenly came, instantly breaking the noise of the marketplace.
Lin Fan was attracted by the commotion and looked ahead.
He saw a young woman with disheveled hair and disheveled clothes, stumbling out of a restaurant. Her sleeve was torn, revealing several obvious scars on her arm, and her face was filled with despair and terror.
“Don’t run, stop!”
With two fierce shouts, two thugs rushed out of the restaurant and tried to grab the woman without explanation, their actions crude and overbearing.
The surrounding common people all made way.
On the second floor of the restaurant, a young man in a brocade robe, with a slightly pale face, leaned leisurely against the railing, playing with a wine cup in his hand, a playful smile on his face. He shouted loudly:
“Bring her back for this young master. Run? If you want to escape from my Ximen Hai, in this vast Anzhou, no woman has been able to do so.”
As soon as Ximen Hai’s name was mentioned.
The surrounding common people, who had been whispering, instantly fell silent. Many people showed shocked expressions and instinctively took a few more steps back.
The woman, in a panic, like a drowning person grasping for a lifeline, grabbed the arm of a seemingly strong porter and pleaded:
“Brother, save me, please save me…”
She was a singer at the restaurant, but who would have thought that Ximen Hai would take a liking to her and try to rape her in broad daylight in the restaurant? She resisted with all her might and managed to escape from the restaurant.
But now, she truly didn’t know where to run.
She could only hope that the surrounding common people would save her.
The porter’s face turned pale, as if he had been burned. He quickly pried the woman’s hand off and said urgently, “Miss, please don’t ruin me. That’s young master Ximen. How could I, a commoner, offend him? I can’t help you, I really can’t.”
The woman’s eyes instantly dimmed, filled with despair.
It was obvious.
Ximen Hai’s notorious reputation in Anzhou was well-known.
Everyone knew about it.
“What audaciousness! In broad daylight, under a clear and bright world, such a thing dares to happen. This person’s audacity is even greater than He Sen’s.”
Lin Fan was enraged. He thought that He Sen’s act of raping someone in their home was already brazen enough, but he never expected something like this.
Before Xu Ming could make a move, Wu Yong and Qian Tao decisively dismounted and went to the woman’s side. The two thugs who were rushing over hadn’t even recovered before they were kicked to the ground by the two.
“Audacious!”
“Presumptuous!”
Wu Yong and Qian Tao’s brows were furrowed, their hands on their saber hilts. The authority that came with their constable uniforms instantly quelled the situation.
The woman, as if seeing a savior, cried, “Officer, please save me.”
Wu Yong turned his head, his voice softened but firm, “Miss, don’t worry. With us here, no one will dare to do anything to you.”
The two wicked servants bared their teeth and got up from the ground. Upon seeing that they were just two unfamiliar constables, they were not only not afraid but became arrogant again, pointing at Wu Yong and the other and yelling:
“Who are these nosy constables? Do you know our young master Ximen is watching from the restaurant? Who are you working for?”
“They are following me.”
Lin Fan slowly rode his horse forward, looking down from above, his indifferent gaze sweeping over the two, then he looked up and coldly at Ximen Hai, who was leaning on the railing on the second floor watching the show.
Ximen Hai held his wine cup and looked with curiosity. He found it quite amusing that in Anzhou Prefecture, there were actually constables who dared to interfere in his affairs.
Interesting.
Very interesting indeed.
“Hey, constable downstairs, do you know who I am?” Ximen Hai asked with a smile.
“I think you are a beast who doesn’t know when to die,” Lin Fan said.
“Hahaha…” Ximen Hai seemed to have heard the biggest joke and burst into laughter. “Interesting! Damn interesting! In this Anzhou territory, there’s actually someone who dares to call me Ximen Hai a beast? I think you don’t want to wear this uniform anymore, don’t want to stay in Anzhou!”
The surrounding common people heard this and became even more silent, looking at Lin Fan with sympathy and concern.
They hadn’t expected anyone to actually dare to oppose Ximen Hai.
He was the only son of Master Ximen of the Anzhou Chamber of Commerce, notorious for his arrogance and tyranny in Anzhou.
“Is that so?” Lin Fan said with a half-smile, his eyes growing colder. “It’s been a long time since anyone dared to tell me to get out of a place. You are the first.”
He no longer looked at Ximen Hai but turned to the woman and asked gently, “Miss, was the person upstairs trying to rape you?”
The woman’s eyes were teary, and she nodded forcefully, “Reporting to you, sir, yes… yes.”
“Good! In broad daylight, you dare to commit such a heinous crime. I think you don’t know what the law is.” Lin Fan snorted coldly and waved his hand, “Go, drag him down for me. Anyone who dares to obstruct will be considered an accomplice and executed on the spot!”
“Yes!” Qian Tao and Wu Yong cupped their fists and took the order. Without hesitation, they turned and rushed into the restaurant, heading straight for the second floor.
Ximen Hai on the second floor remained calm and composed, even tidying his clothes. He shouted down, “This lord, you better think carefully. It’s easy to arrest me, but it won’t be so simple to release me.”
A blatant provocation.
The surrounding common people sighed in their hearts.
Yes.
With the Ximen family’s power in Anzhou, they were not so easy to deal with. It was easy to invite gods but difficult to send them away. They seemed to have foreseen the subsequent events.
On the second floor, Wu Yong and Qian Tao grabbed Ximen Hai’s arms from left and right. Ximen Hai struggled impatiently, “Don’t touch me, you’re dirtying my clothes. I’ll walk myself.”
*Slap*—!
Qian Tao raised his hand and slapped him.
“Presumptuous.”
This slap stunned Ximen Hai.
Not to mention Ximen Hai, even the surrounding common people were stunned. This slap came too suddenly, catching everyone off guard.
“You… you dare to hit me?”
Ximen Hai covered his face, his fingers trembling as he pointed at Qian Tao, his voice changing due to extreme shock and anger.
*Slap*—!
Qian Tao slapped him again, then grabbed Ximen Hai’s hair and dragged him down from the second floor like a dead pig. He kicked him at the back of the knee, making him kneel on the ground with a thud.
“Sir, the person has been brought here.”
“Mmm.” Lin Fan nodded and looked at Ning Yu, “Do you know what crime it is in the law to rape a civilian woman in broad daylight?”
Ning Yu said, “A serious crime.”
Lin Fan said, “In the Criminal Law, Chapter 17, Line 1, rape is punishable by strangulation. Attempted rape is punishable by 100 lashes and exile for three thousand li.”
“Master, I understand.” Ning Yu suddenly realized. Her master was indeed a master, remembering the laws so clearly.
He remembered every page and every article with perfect clarity.
As expected of the most knowledgeable person in memorizing laws in Yong’an.
Lin Fan looked at Ximen Hai, “As the newly appointed Head of the Anzhou Public Security Bureau, I’ve encountered such an unforgivable crime right away. Good, good, then I’ll use you as an example, so that all the evil spirits and demons in Anzhou Prefecture can see that under this clear and bright world, your insolence will not be tolerated!”
“Arrest him and bring him back to the Public Security Bureau for trial at a later date.”
Qian Tao and Wu Yong immediately stepped forward, grabbed Ximen Hai’s wrists, and bent his arms behind his back.
Ximen Hai cried out in pain.
“Miss, please accompany us to the Public Security Bureau. Please recount the entire incident. Rest assured, I will seek justice for you.” Lin Fan said.
The woman was a little scared, “Sir, can I not go?”
She was afraid that what he was doing was just for show to the common people, and that he was actually in league with Ximen Hai. If she were to be tricked into the Public Security Bureau, she would be truly doomed.
“Miss, please don’t be afraid. I am officially appointed by the Imperial Court as the Head of the Anzhou Public Security Bureau, with the title of Loyal and Brave Colonel. Are the elders and fellow villagers present willing to accompany us to the Public Security Bureau to act as supervisors?” Lin Fan’s voice was loud and clear, and everyone present could hear him perfectly.
The common people exchanged glances, extremely surprised.
They couldn’t understand the situation.
Was this newly appointed official really going to deal with Ximen Hai?
“Sir, I am willing to go.”
“I am willing too.”
The common people echoed.
It wasn’t that they believed Lin Fan, but they wanted to know if it was true. Did this official dare to truly punish Ximen Hai?
Lin Fan nodded with satisfaction and then looked at the woman, “Miss, are you relieved now? I swear to heaven, if I show any partiality or pervert the law, may lightning strike me.”
In the end, the woman chose to believe Lin Fan.
Li Zhengdao looked at Ximen Hai, “Kid, you’re finished.”
You’ve actually thrown yourself at him.
You truly don’t know how terrifying Lin Fan can be when he gets angry.
Let alone you.
Even your father might be dealt with.
It’s just a matter of sequence.
……
Public Security Bureau.
As the group approached the entrance, they didn’t see a single soul. Looking up at the plaque, it was covered in dust, and even the color of the words ‘Public Security Bureau’ had faded considerably, making it look more like ‘Taiwanese Women’s Bureau.’
Damn it.
If they don’t even cherish their own signboard, how can they expect the common people to believe in the efficiency of the Public Security Bureau?
“Who is it?”
At this moment, a duty constable at the gate yawned and listlessly walked out. When he saw Lin Fan and the others, he was also stunned, mainly because they were wearing constable uniforms.
Lin Fan snorted, dismounted, and walked into the bureau without even looking at the other person, with his hands behind his back.
Wu Yong, who had been itching for a fight, walked up to the duty constable and slapped him twice, “Open your dog eyes! You don’t even know the new Head of the Bureau, Master Lin.”
The stunned duty constable stood there in a daze.
New Head of the Bureau?
He had indeed heard someone say that a new Head of the Bureau was coming.
Lin Fan didn’t see anyone in the courtyard, but he heard laughter from a room, which sounded very debauched. He walked to the door with a stern face. Just as he was about to push the door open, he heard a delicate female voice from inside.
*Bang*!
He changed his approach and kicked open the door.
The room was filled with a smoky haze. A group of constables, with their upper bodies bare, were embracing women, drinking, and playing dice, having a grand time.
Inside the room, everyone looked at Lin Fan in unison.
A drunken constable, with blurry eyes, walked over belligerently, “Who the hell are you? How dare you… dare to cause trouble here? I think you’re tired of living…”
*Bang*!
Lin Fan slapped him with great force, causing him to bleed from the mouth and his teeth to fly out. He collapsed heavily on the ground.
“Who gave you the nerve to drink and hire prostitutes in the Public Security Bureau? You’re truly lawless! No wonder I encountered a case of raping a civilian woman as soon as I arrived. With scum like you, it wouldn’t be unusual for you to commit murder in the street.”
Lin Fan berated them angrily.
His imposing presence dispersed the drunkenness of the people in the room. They all sobered up, quickly released the women in their arms, and stood there trembling.
“Get out.” Lin Fan said coldly to the women.
These women, not even having time to straighten their clothes, hurriedly fled the scene.
Lin Fan looked at the men, “Get to the courtyard and stand there.”
After saying that, he turned and left, wanting to see what the entire Public Security Bureau was up to in broad daylight.
Unacceptable, truly unacceptable.
After Lin Fan left.
The people in the room exchanged glances.
“Who is he?”
“I don’t know, but judging by his attire, he should be one of our colleagues. Could he be the one they say is coming to take over as Head of the Bureau?”
“Why did he come now, not sooner or later? He ruined our good time.”
“Speak softly, don’t let him hear. Hurry up and inform the Assistant Prefect. He should be the one to handle this.”
“Damn it, let him show off for a while. We’ll get rid of him sooner or later.”
They grumbled resentfully but still walked towards the courtyard.
At this moment.
Lin Fan arrived at an office. The door was not closed, and he saw a constable with his head lowered, perusing files in front of him, occasionally picking up his brush to write something.
Lin Fan walked very lightly, making no sound.
He stood behind the man and looked down to see what he was writing.
He looked closely.
He finally understood. The man was processing a case confession. However, these confessions kept changing, making it difficult to distinguish truth from falsehood.
The constable muttered, “How can this be? Twisting right and wrong, disregarding good and evil. Alas… how can I help you appeal the case?”
Lin Fan coughed lightly.
The other man was startled and stood up, looking at Lin Fan, “Sir, who are you?”
Lin Fan smiled, “I am the new Head of the Bureau, Lin Fan. I just arrived at the Public Security Bureau. What is your name?”
“Reporting to you, sir, my name is Lu Zhongtian.”
“Mmm, a good name. Like the sun at its zenith, like a roc spreading its wings, soaring high.” Lin Fan nodded. His anger had slightly subsided. At least there was someone doing their job.
But only slightly.
Lu Zhongtian was a little nervous and stood there helplessly.
“There are four squad leaders in the Public Security Bureau. Where are they?” Lin Fan asked.
Lu Zhongtian dared not lie and truthfully replied, “Sir, the four squad leaders haven’t arrived yet.”
“Haven’t arrived? What time is it, and they still haven’t arrived?” Lin Fan was furious.
Lu Zhongtian lowered his head, like a child who had done something wrong, and didn’t know how to respond. The four squad leaders rarely came to the Public Security Bureau in the past; they usually only came when there was something important.
“What about the others?”
“Some are out on patrol, and some haven’t come either.”
Lin Fan gritted his back teeth, his jaw bulging. “Tell me, how many people are there in total in the Public Security Bureau?”
“There are ninety-five people in total.”
“Mmm, first gather in the courtyard. I want to see how many people there are.”
“Yes.”
Lu Zhongtian felt that this Head of the Bureau was very young but had great presence and exuded a strong sense of pressure, as if facing a fierce tiger in the mountains. Even when not angry, he possessed an aura of natural authority.
In the courtyard.
There were only eight constables in total. They stood there, their eyes fixed on Ximen Hai not far away.
At this moment, Ximen Hai was kneeling on the ground, under guard. Every time he cried out, someone would slap him, making their hearts jump and tremble with fear.
This was the only son of Master Ximen of the Anzhou Chamber of Commerce.
What exactly was going on?
The official had just taken office in Anzhou and had already apprehended Ximen Hai. Was he not afraid of being unstable and being brought down by the united forces of Anzhou?
Lin Fan looked at the common people outside the bureau and beckoned, “Come in and watch.”
The common people had clearly seen the prostitutes leave earlier. What could they think?
Of course, it was disappointment.
The Public Security Bureau was responsible for managing the public security of a prefecture and maintaining stability and harmony in the city. Yet, they were treating it as a place for prostitution. Damn it, was this because they had no money to find an inn, or what?
Embarrassing.
It’s not that playing is forbidden.
But there should be appropriate places.
The common people exchanged glances, and then some bolder ones walked in and stood by the wall, observing.
Meanwhile.
Master Ximen was completely stunned when he learned that his son had been arrested and brought to the Public Security Bureau. Without thinking, he rushed to find the prefect. From the servants who were with Ximen Hai, he learned that the one who arrested him was the new Head of the Public Security Bureau.
He knew about this Head of the Bureau, as Cao Liang was their man. However, the prefect warned him not to get involved in this matter, and he thought the same.
So he allowed Lin Fan to execute Cao Liang.
Prefect.
Hall.
Prefect Zhao, Assistant Prefect Shang, and Commander Qin were gathered together.
“Brother Zhao, that Lin Fan from Yong’an has already entered the city. He attacked my man as soon as he arrived. I think he’s here with ill intentions. We need to be careful, lest he ends up getting rid of us.” Commander Qin said.
Prefect Zhao sighed, “Alas, I didn’t expect this merit to not be blocked, but instead, it fulfilled him. He was favored by the Imperial Court and transferred to Anzhou, and even awarded the title of Loyal and Brave Colonel. This instantly makes his official rank equal to ours. It’s impossible to suppress him by rank.”
Assistant Prefect Shang, standing beside them, said, “With both of your excellencies here, this humble subordinate believes he cannot cause any major trouble. Whether a dragon or a tiger, under the might of your two excellencies, they will all have to lie low.”
The Prefect and the Commander exchanged glances and smiled.
What he said was indeed true.
They had been rooted in Anzhou for many years, and their network of relationships was already unbreakable. It was a dream for an outsider to tear apart the net they had woven, not even worth considering.
“That’s what you say, but we cannot be careless. Our Head of the Bureau Lin, Colonel Lin, is no ordinary person. His methods are extremely overbearing. The mountain bandits of Stone Dragon Mountain and the sea bandits of Tianxian Island were slaughtered by him. Brother Qin, wouldn’t you agree?” Prefect Zhao looked at Commander Qin, seemingly asking for his opinion, but in reality, he also knew some of the situation.
That is, the sea bandits of Tianxian Island had a connection with Commander Qin.
Commander Qin smiled and remained silent.
His men had died on Tianxian Island.
Suddenly.
Hurried footsteps were heard.
Master Ximen rushed in, “Prefect Zhao, save me.”
“Brother Ximen, why are you here?” Prefect Zhao asked with a smile.
Master Ximen said, “Prefect Zhao, Commander Qin, something has happened. The new Head of the Bureau, Lin Fan, arrested my son in the street. He’s now being taken to the Public Security Bureau. You two lords must help me.”
Prefect Zhao frowned slightly upon hearing this.
He knew about Ximen Hai.
A spoiled and arrogant young man who, relying on the influence of the Anzhou Chamber of Commerce, acted tyrannically and caused many troubles in Anzhou.
“What offense did he commit?” Prefect Zhao asked.
The Lin surname had already killed Cao Liang in Yong’an. If he came to Anzhou and still intended to cause trouble, this was not what they wanted to see, nor what they wished to see.
After all, the benefits brought by the Anzhou Chamber of Commerce were unimaginable.
Master Ximen said, “He just casually flirted with a young girl in the street.”
“Did he really just flirt?”
“In broad daylight, with people all around, what else could he do besides flirt?” Master Ximen said.
Commander Qin said, “If it were someone else flirting, I might believe it. But your son, Ximen Hai, what wouldn’t he do? I think it’s highly likely he was trying to rape her in public.”
Master Ximen was embarrassed and speechless.
Prefect Zhao stood up and said, “Regardless, we should go and meet this Colonel Lin. Remember, there is a woman by his side whose background is extraordinary. She is from the Imperial City. You have all seen his attendants, holding a gold and jade token, which is enough to indicate the woman’s distinguished status. But don’t show it; pretend you don’t know.”
To be honest, Prefect Zhao and the others really did not want Lin Fan to be transferred to Anzhou.
completely disrupted their rhythm.
It would be good for the Public Security Bureau to be managed concurrently by Assistant Prefect Shang.
What a pity…
…
Public Security Bureau.
In the courtyard, more and more constables stood around, occasionally looking towards the entrance, hoping to see the person they wished to see.
Lin Fan saw their expressions. He walked around them, looking as he walked, and stopped before a constable. He grabbed the man’s wrist and saw a barely perceptible bloodstain on his finger.
“Where did this blood come from?” Lin Fan asked.
“Sir, I… I don’t know.”
“You don’t know, or you don’t want to say?”
“I really don’t know.”
“Hmph, were you oppressing the common people in the city and hit someone?”
“No, no.”
Lin Fan let go of his hand and walked over to another constable. The man was thin, with sunken eyes, and looked dejected. Lin Fan gently pushed him, and the man stumbled, nearly falling face-first.
“With such a weak body, how can you be a constable? Have you been spending all your time in a brothel, smelling of rouge?”
The thin constable trembled and quickly steadied himself, standing at attention.
He dared not speak.
Every footstep he made sent shivers of fear through the constables present.
Less than half the number of constables had arrived here so far.
The remaining half were nowhere to be found.
Just then, there was movement at the entrance. A middle-aged man strode in. When he saw Lin Fan, his face immediately broke into a smile, “You must be Chief Lin, I presume. Your subordinate, Qi Lianhai, greets you, Chief.”
“Squad Leader Qi.”
“Yes.”
“Hmph, a fine squad leader, arriving only now. Where have you been?” Lin Fan asked coldly.
Qi Lianhai’s smile faded. He could tell that Chief Lin seemed to have a significant grievance against him, but he endured his anger and explained, “Chief, you may not know, but a murder case recently occurred in the city. I led men to investigate. Upon learning of your arrival, I hurried back.”
“Is that so? You don’t look like it. You reek of alcohol. Drinking and dining in broad daylight. What do you think the Public Security Bureau is? As a squad leader, instead of setting an example, you’re breaking the law you’re supposed to uphold. I don’t think you want to be a squad leader anymore,” Lin Fan rebuked him furiously.
Hearing this, Qi Lianhai’s face turned grim.
He felt somewhat embarrassed.
He hadn’t expected Chief Lin to be so disrespectful, reprimanding him in front of everyone.
A follower of Qi Lianhai, a constable, voiced his displeasure, “Sir, our squad leader was just investigating the murder case. You can’t…”
*Slap*—!
Lin Fan raised his hand and slapped the man, sending him flying.
“Do you have a place to speak? You insolent wretch,” Lin Fan said coldly. “Xu Ming, strip his clothes and throw him out of the Public Security Bureau.”
“Yes, Sir.”
Xu Ming immediately stepped forward and roughly stripped the man of his clothes. Despite the man’s struggles, he didn’t stop. He then dragged him to the door and shoved him out.
Qi Lianhai’s expression grew even darker. This was no longer a mere reprimand; it was a blatant slap to his face.
“Sir, there’s no need for such severe punishment. He just spoke the truth. Why are you so angry?” Qi Lianhai asked Lin Fan without fear.
Although the other man was a Chief and his superior, he was a man of Assistant Prefect Shang, and also aligned with the Prefect. If it came to a contest of power, he didn’t believe Lin Fan could contend with the Prefect.
“What? Do you have an opinion?” Lin Fan asked indifferently.
“I wouldn’t dare. Your subordinate was merely asking.”
Qi Lianhai suppressed his anger.
Lin Fan snorted and said, “Before coming here, I still held a sliver of hope for you all, thinking that no matter how bad things were, they couldn’t be rotten to the core. But now, look at yourselves. Each of you is like maggots in a cesspit. If the beam above is crooked, the ones below will also be crooked. It’s a complete mess.”
The constables being reprimanded remained silent.
Qi Lianhai clenched his fists, exerting force, his knuckles turning white.
This was a blatant insult to him.
It belittled him to worthlessness.
“There are ninety-five people in the Public Security Bureau, and only eight are present. Even with those arriving one after another, it’s still only half. Where are the rest? Are they all dead?”
Lin Fan was very displeased with these constables.
He decided to clear out everyone except Lu Zhongtian, who had arrived first, and then re-examine them according to the law under his supervision, recruiting a new batch of constables.
As for guiding them to the right path, it was unnecessary.
He didn’t have the time to teach them.
Besides, these people were all part of “their” faction. Even if they could be useful, he wouldn’t dare to use them. To build his own team, he had to make drastic changes.
“Colonel Lin, why didn’t you have your messengers inform me in advance when you arrived at Anzhou Prefecture, so I could have led the officials to welcome you?” Prefect Zhao appeared.
Upon seeing the newcomer, Qi Lianhai let out a sigh of relief and then kept sending pleading glances towards Assistant Prefect Shang.
Assistant Prefect Shang said nothing, only nodding his head.
The meaning was clear: do your job, and leave the rest to the Prefect.
Lin Fan saw the newcomer and didn’t recognize him, but he had spoken with Li Zhengdao on the way.
“Thank you for your kind intentions, Prefect Zhao, but it wasn’t necessary. I’ve just arrived, and I need to see what the Public Security Bureau is like in normal times. But unfortunately, it’s a complete mess,” Lin Fan replied.
Prefect Zhao smiled, “Precisely because of this, we need someone like Colonel Lin to rectify things. They’ve become accustomed to slacking off. For a long time, there was no Chief here, so Assistant Prefect Shang had to manage concurrently. But Assistant Prefect Shang is busy with many matters and doesn’t have much leisure time to manage the Public Security Bureau. Now that Colonel Lin is here, the security of Anzhou will surely improve.”
“Oh, right, let me introduce you. This is Commander Qin.”
Prefect Zhao quickly pulled Commander Qin forward.
Commander Qin cupped his hands, “I’ve long admired Colonel Lin’s reputation. The matter of suppressing bandits on Stone Dragon Mountain and Tianxian Island was truly done brilliantly and well.”
Lin Fan smiled, “It’s nothing, eliminating harm for the people is only right.”
“Well said,” Commander Qin replied.
Just then, Prefect Zhao saw Ximen Hai kneeling and looked surprised, “Colonel Lin, what’s going on with young Master Ximen?”
Lin Fan said, “He was attempting to rape a common woman on the street, which I witnessed. I apprehended him and am preparing to hand him over for severe punishment.”
Prefect Zhao exclaimed angrily, “Ximen Hai, you are truly audacious! You dared to rape a common woman. Do you truly have no regard for your life?”
“Prefect, I’m wronged! I didn’t rape her. At most, I took a little advantage. I had no such intention,” Ximen Hai, seeing the Prefect’s look, immediately understood and shouted his innocence.
He would admit to impropriety.
But as for rape, he knew he absolutely could not admit to it, even if beaten to death.
Prefect Zhao leaned close to Lin Fan and whispered, “Colonel Lin, I know a bit about this Ximen Hai. He’s a bit of a dissolute young man, but he shouldn’t have this much audacity. Is there some misunderstanding here? How about we try to resolve this amicably? Let Ximen Hai compensate the woman who was molested. What do you think?”
Lin Fan looked at Prefect Zhao and suddenly smiled, “What? Does Prefect Zhao want to protect him?”
Prefect Zhao was slightly taken aback.
That statement seemed a bit off.
This fellow might not be willing to give face.
