Chapter 84: Departure, Taking Office, The Whole City Sees Him Off
Teahouse.
It was considered an essential daily stop for Qin Si.
“Head of the Anzhou Public Security Bureau, Loyal and Brave Colonel…” Qin Si sat there, muttering to himself, then looked at Peng Chang, “Peng Chang, Fourth Master here doesn’t understand the twists and turns of officialdom much. I’ll just ask you, what does Master Lin’s situation represent?”
Peng Chang looked at his Fourth Master.
He thought, when Master Lin was the Deputy Squad Leader, he had driven the big shots of Yong’an to collapse, arresting some, killing others.
Now he has become the Head of the Prefecture-level Public Security Bureau, and also holds the title of Loyal and Brave Colonel.
What does that represent?
It represents that he’s going to go on a killing spree.
But he wouldn’t say that, instead, he said with excitement, “Fourth Master, congratulations.”
“Oh? What is there to congratulate?” Qin Si asked knowingly.
Peng Chang analyzed, “Fourth Master, who doesn’t know now that you’ve turned over a new leaf because of Master Lin? After those common people you extorted and blackmailed received your compensation, everyone gave you a thumbs up, praising you as a prodigal son who has returned. There are already rumors among the common people that you are a loyal subordinate of Master Lin, and they, by extension, have a much better impression of you.”
If it were before he had any contact with Lin Fan.
Qin Si would have been furious.
Who the hell are you calling a subordinate?
But now… Qin Si was quite pleased with this. That’s right, I, Qin Si, am indeed a loyal subordinate of Master Lin.
Honored and proud.
Peng Chang continued, “Now Master Lin is like a dragon emerging from the sea, soaring to the heavens, transforming into a true dragon to roam the nine heavens. The Head of the Prefecture-level Public Security Bureau is a high official, managing the public security bureaus of multiple counties under the prefecture, and no one dares to offend him.”
“Not to mention the title of Loyal and Brave Colonel. This is personally bestowed by the Imperial Court. Although it is an honorary position with no real power, it is a genuine Sixth Rank Official. It is the Imperial Court’s recognition of Master Lin. In the future, if Master Lin achieves other great merits, it is even possible for him to be promoted to a General with real power.”
“At that time, as Master Lin’s subordinate, you, Fourth Master, will also ascend to heaven. In the entire Anzhou Prefecture, who would not give Fourth Master face, who would not call you Fourth Master Qin.”
Peng Chang spoke with passion, spitting as he did.
Subordinate?
This is the dog lord.
Qin Si was completely immersed in the perfect blueprint Peng Chang had described.
Listening to him made his blood boil.
His heart surged.
Qin Si nodded, “That makes sense. You’re right. I, Qin Si, must handle the matters Master Lin has instructed me to do well. I absolutely cannot disappoint Master Lin.”
At this moment, Qin Si was full of energy.
His whole body was filled with strength.
……
Brothel.
Yan Yushu breathed a sigh of relief when she learned that Lin Fan was to be promoted and transferred away from Yong’an.
She knew Lin Fan was a ruthless character.
Extremely difficult to deal with.
When he first brazenly fondled her top courtesans.
She thought Lin Fan was lustful and somewhat easy to deal with.
But soon, she realized that it wasn’t the case. His lust was just a disguise, and his fondling seemed more like a pastime he found for himself out of boredom.
What man could do that, facing national beauties, fondling them to the point of getting a physical reaction, but stopping in time and quitting when he said he would?
None. There is no such man.
If anyone claimed there was, they were simply lying; it was just a matter of having reservations.
“Sister Yan, when will he come again? I’ve prepared to sacrifice myself. All the sisters can’t stand being touched anymore. I don’t want to see my sisters humiliated.”
The Fire Top Courtesan volunteered, ready to offer herself and have a good time with Lin Fan to save her sisters from their misery.
“Put away your wicked thoughts. He won’t be touching you anymore.”
“Ah?”
The Fire Top Courtesan was confused.
Yan Yushu said, “He has been promoted by the Imperial Court to be the Head of the Anzhou Public Security Bureau, with the title of Loyal and Brave Colonel. He will assume his post within a few days.”
Lin Fan being transferred away was exactly what she wanted to see.
How could she not know that Qin Si had arranged for people to surround the brothel and monitor it?
But she couldn’t make any moves.
Otherwise, it would be a confession.
As Yan Yushu spoke these words, some courtesans felt relieved, finally able to avoid those terrifying claws, but some courtesans’ eyes showed disappointment.
Will there be no more in the future?
Yan Yushu saw the expressions of her sisters and felt helpless. They were all such flirty girls; had they really become addicted to being touched?
……
The next day.
Public Security Bureau, courtyard.
The constables were all present, their gazes filled with longing as they looked at their Squad Leader.
“For this new post, I will bring a few brothers with me. I already have a choice in mind for the personnel,” Lin Fan said, looking at everyone.
No one present would not want to go to Anzhou Prefecture with their Squad Leader.
“Yang Ming.”
“Squad Leader, I’m here.”
Yang Ming strode forward, stood with his back straight, and looked at his Squad Leader with bright eyes.
Lin Fan said, “You’ll come with me.”
“Yes, Squad Leader.” Yang Ming was overjoyed, clenching his fists. Since following Brother Lin, he had completely fallen in love with the feeling of being a constable.
It was a feeling he had never experienced before.
Lin Fan’s gaze fell on the faces of everyone present. Their expectant expressions made it difficult for him to choose for a moment.
Finally, his gaze landed on Xu Ming.
“Xu Ming.”
“Present.”
“You will also come with me.”
“Yes.”
Xu Ming and Yang Ming exchanged glances, their joy evident in their eyes.
“Wu Yong.”
“Squad Leader, I’m here.”
“You’re coming too.”
“Yes.”
Wu Yong had decided to follow Brother Lin for life. He felt extremely fortunate. If Brother Lin hadn’t promoted him, he would still be a low-level thug at the wharf.
He knew he wasn’t particularly capable; the only thing he could offer was loyalty.
He followed Brother Lin’s lead.
At this moment, Qian Tao, standing beside Wu Yong, was very nervous, his palms sweating, his mind a mess like a tangled ball of yarn, he couldn’t even find a loose end.
He wanted to follow Brother Lin to Anzhou, but reality wouldn’t allow it, because if he left, his mother would have no one to care for her.
Lin Fan walked up to Qian Tao and patted him on the shoulder, “Qian Tao, you should understand yourself. Your situation might make it impossible for you to go to Anzhou. You still have your mother at home who needs care. The journey would be a torment for her.”
To be honest, he thought highly of Qian Tao.
But one had to consider reality.
A mother at home means no distant travel.
Not to mention that this was a post in Anzhou Prefecture, and it might take a long time to return.
“Brother Lin, I understand. I know.” Qian Tao forced himself to cheer up and said bravely.
Lin Fan nodded. Just as he was about to speak, a voice came from the doorway. Looking over, he saw three figures.
Qian Tao’s second uncle appeared, with Qian Tao’s mother on his back, and his cousin following beside them.
“Mother, Second Uncle, why are you here?” Qian Tao asked in surprise.
Second Uncle said, “Tao, your mother insisted on coming. She wanted to speak with Master Lin.”
Lin Fan immediately stepped forward and asked gently, “Madam Qian, what is it? What has happened that requires you to come in person? If there’s anything, you could have had Qian Tao relay a message.”
Madam Qian extended her hand, and Lin Fan took it. Madam Qian slowly said, “Squad Leader Lin, you are my Tao’s benefactor. Last night, Tao told me that you are leaving Yong’an to take up your post in Anzhou Prefecture. He wants to go with you, but this child doesn’t have great abilities, yet he is very filial. Although he hasn’t said it, I know he can’t bear to leave me.”
“Madam Qian, you must take care of your health.” Lin Fan looked at Yang Ming, “Quick, bring a chair for Madam Qian to sit and talk.”
Yang Ming quickly ran inside and brought out a chair, while also placing a soft cushion on it.
Lin Fan helped Madam Qian and carefully let her sit down.
“Squad Leader Lin, you are a good person. It is the blessing of eight lifetimes that my Tao was able to meet you. If his father in heaven knew that he was following someone like you, Squad Leader Lin, he could rest in peace,” Madam Qian said, tightly gripping Lin Fan’s hand.
Lin Fan half-knelt in front of the elder woman, “Madam, Qian Tao is very good. He is diligent, proactive, and full of drive. I like him very much. But filial piety comes first. I hope he can stay in Yong’an and accompany you well, so that there are no regrets in the future.”
He was like this, and he had seen too many people regret not spending more time with their parents after they passed away.
Madam Qian said, “Squad Leader Lin, all parents hope their children will be successful and do not want to be a burden to their children. For him to follow you is the greatest fortune of his life. I don’t want to be a burden to my child. Therefore, I hope you can take him with you this time. I will be fine here; your second uncle will take me in and look after me.”
“Squad Leader Lin, this is my request. I hope you can take him with you.”
Madam Qian said with sincerity.
She knew that Squad Leader Lin valued her child greatly. Although she hadn’t read much, she also knew that it was not easy to encounter a benefactor in life.
As parents, how could they stand by and watch their child’s future be delayed because of their own circumstances?
Even if their own child was willing to give up this opportunity.
As a mother, she did not want her child to give it up.
Second Uncle, standing beside her, said, “Squad Leader Lin, she is my elder sister-in-law. I am strong and healthy. Taking care of my elder sister-in-law is no problem. Besides, Tao’s cousin will treat his aunt like his own mother. You don’t need to worry about these things.”
Lin Fan looked at Qian Tao.
Qian Tao lowered his head, tears slowly falling down his cheeks.
Lin Fan looked at the scene, a mix of emotions. The Qian Tao family were ordinary common people, from the lower class. They had only improved recently.
Everyone hoped for progress.
Parents also hoped their children would be successful.
He understood all of this.
Qian Tao was very capable in handling matters. When he was given tasks, he would complete them perfectly. He would need a loyal team around him in Anzhou who could get things done.
He naturally hoped Qian Tao could follow.
The main reason was that there were too many factors to consider.
Now that Qian Tao’s mother had personally come, what more could he say?
“Qian Tao, since Madam has said so, what are your thoughts?” Lin Fan asked.
Qian Tao looked at his elderly mother, then at Brother Lin, his heart filled with turmoil.
Madam Qian said, “Tao, mother doesn’t want to be a burden to you. If you choose to stay by mother’s side now, mother won’t be happy either. Mother hopes you can follow Squad Leader Lin, go out and make your own way, and abide by the law. That would be mother’s greatest comfort.”
*Plop!*
Qian Tao knelt before Madam Qian.
“Mother, I understand, but…” Qian Tao cried, wanting to say more but stopping.
Madam Qian stroked Qian Tao’s head, “Child, you are grown up now. You must forge your own path. Mother will be fine at your second uncle’s house. Just remember, when you are successful in the future, you must repay your second uncle well.”
“Understood, Mother.” Qian Tao nodded, then turned to his second uncle, “Second Uncle, I’ll have to trouble you with my mother. I will kowtow to you.”
*Bang! Bang! Bang!*
His head hit the ground with loud thuds.
Second Uncle quickly helped Qian Tao up, “Tao, don’t worry. As long as Second Uncle and your cousin are here, your mother will not suffer.”
Second Uncle assured him.
The Qian family had finally produced someone promising, so no one wanted to hold him back.
This included Second Uncle’s support for his nephew.
And also the hope that when his nephew became successful, he would help his cousin.
No matter the world.
Human relationships and etiquette have always been like this.
At this moment, Lin Fan gently patted Madam Qian’s hand, “Madam, don’t worry. If Qian Tao follows me, I will not let him suffer.”
“Squad Leader Lin, if he does something wrong, feel free to scold him. As long as he can be successful, I will be content. After I die, I will have the face to meet his father and grandfather below,” Madam Qian said.
“Yes, yes…”
Lin Fan nodded repeatedly.
He was taking the brothers from Yong’an out to make their way in the world, so he naturally had to take responsibility, lead them to progress, lead them to learn, lead them to higher peaks, and see the most beautiful scenery.
“Qian Tao.” Lin Fan spoke.
“Present.”
Qian Tao stood up, straightened his back, and was full of spirit.
“You will escort your mother home immediately. During this time, you will stay at home and accompany your mother, and await notice to take up your post with me.”
“Yes, Squad Leader.”
Qian Tao responded loudly.
After Qian Tao left with his family, the brothers present had red eyes, most of them thinking of their parents at home.
Finally.
The personnel were decided.
Xu Ming, Yang Ming, Wu Yong, Qian Tao, and Ding Peng.
A total of five people.
As for Li Dian Shi, he had been promoted and was not part of his conscription scope.
Before leaving Yong’an, he had to arrange everything properly.
……
Prison.
The people imprisoned here were dejected, mentally exhausted, and very haggard, with no spirit at all.
“Everyone, how have you been lately?” Lin Fan asked with a smile as he walked in.
The people imprisoned in this jail now were all captured by him personally.
Seeing Lin Fan appear, their eyes were filled with rage, as if they could spew fire at any moment, their hatred irrepressible.
Tong Wanguan’s voice was hoarse, “Master Lin, please spare me. I’ve told you everything I know. As long as you let me go, I will be a dog by your side from now on.”
“A dog? I find your shit too stinky,” Lin Fan said with disdain.
Tong Wanguan truly wanted to smash Lin Fan’s head, but he genuinely didn’t have the courage now, so he could only weep softly.
He, the dignified Hall Master of the Fierce Tiger Gang.
To have fallen to this fate.
Tragic.
“Lin, I’ll f*** your ancestors.”
It was He Sen’s roar again.
Lin Fan walked up to He Sen and pointed at his face, “He Sen, you’re quite stubborn. Don’t worry, before I leave, I will definitely let you have a good taste of what happened that night.”
After speaking, he looked at Yang Ming.
“Go, post a notice. Just write that the Wolf Fang Sky Rocket Cannon is invited to the Public Security Bureau to open the way for some stubborn people,” Lin Fan said.
“Yes, Squad Leader.” Yang Ming turned and left.
Hearing the Wolf Fang Sky Rocket Cannon, He Sen’s face instantly turned pale.
The scenes that happened that night flashed through his mind.
They were truly vivid.
Lin Fan didn’t say much more to them. Instead, he took out a whip and flicked his wrist. With a crack, the tip of the whip hit the ground, making a dull thud.
A moment later.
There were constant wails and screams in the prison.
The sound of the whip continued.
He was leaving, which meant that Chen Qingshan and the like would be beheaded. But before they were beheaded, his greatest wish was to whip them severely.
【 Beginner Whip Technique Proficiency +1 】
【 Beginner Whip Technique Proficiency +1 】
……
Now, Beginner Whip Technique had long since reached Great Accomplishment, and was only one step away from Perfection.
Night.
The prison was quiet. Those who had been whipped were extremely weak. The severe pain left their minds blank.
Heavy footsteps could be heard.
Everyone slowly raised their heads and opened their eyes, wanting to see who could still come at such a late hour.
They were very unconvinced.
Why whip them but not He Sen? This was unfair.
When they saw the person who appeared, everyone was slightly stunned, because the person who appeared was wearing a black leather apron around his waist, carrying a bulging bundle, and wearing a mask on his face.
They were not familiar with others.
But He Sen, seeing the person’s build, suddenly seemed to realize who it was.
*Clang!*
The masked man placed the bundle on the table with a *clang*, opened it, and a variety of strange tools appeared in everyone’s sight.
The masked man walked up to He Sen, circled him, and shook his head, “The smell is really too bad. Is this the smell of evil? I need to wash you properly, otherwise it will affect my performance.”
He took out scissors and, amidst He Sen’s struggling and cursing, cut off all his clothes.
“Stop, stop it for me,” He Sen shouted.
Chen Qingshan and the others were stunned, completely clueless as to what was happening.
The masked man ignored He Sen’s shouts, brought over clear water, took a cloth, and wiped He Sen’s body. As he wiped, he smiled and said, “Master Lin invited me, so of course I have to come. In my life, I hate those who commit rape, robbery, and abduction the most. Coincidentally, I’ve developed quite a few new things recently, so I can use them well on you. I hope you can feel it with your heart.”
After wiping him clean.
The masked man came to the table and calmly selected tools. He picked up the Wolf Fang Sky Rocket Cannon, which He Sen feared the most, examined it carefully for a moment, shook his head, and put it down.
He then picked up a special black iron rod, inlaid with dense convex and concave points, and these convex and concave points even had sharp spikes.
He nodded with satisfaction, walked up to He Sen, and let out a low laugh.
“What are you doing? What do you want to do?”
He Sen’s voice trembled, and he struggled violently.
The masked man walked behind He Sen, and an endless chilling fear, like a ferocious beast, completely swallowed He Sen.
“Ah…”
A shrill scream echoed, piercing the prison and breaking the dark night.
……
Two days later.
A group of common people gathered around a notice board. There was a notice just posted by the Public Security Bureau, densely packed with names, and behind each name were their crimes.
“Ah? They’re going to kill so many at once?” The literate common people were shocked, rubbing their eyes, finding it hard to believe.
“Speak! What does it say? It’s making me anxious to death.”
“I told you to study before, but you didn’t. Now you don’t even recognize the characters.”
The literate common people said, “Don’t rush, I’ll read it to you. These are all lists of people to be beheaded. Chen Qingshan of the Loyalty Hall, Ma Jiang, Huang Wei… and Liu Lao San of the Loyalty Hall, Tong Wanguan, Chang Rong, and also… the Hu family father and son.”
“Ah? The Hu family father and son are going to be beheaded?”
“Yes, their crimes are enough to warrant beheading?”
The literate common people said, “Don’t rush. It says here that the Hu family father and son are implicated in a murder case. Several servants who worked for the Hu family were beaten to death by the Hu family father and son and buried in the backyard. Now even their bones have been dug up. The evidence is conclusive, and beheading them is not unjust.”
The common people were shocked.
They never expected the Public Security Bureau to launch such a powerful strike.
“How many people are they going to kill?”
“As long as they committed a capital offense, any number is not too many. Master Lin is going to completely resolve the scourges in Yong’an before he leaves.”
“Yes, Master Lin is truly a just official in this life. It is truly Yong’an’s fortune to have an official like Master Lin who cares for the common people.”
“Let’s go, let’s go to the vegetable market. Don’t be late, or we won’t get a good spot.”
At this moment.
The crowd of common people gathered at Caishi Mouth was unprecedented. There were so many that it seemed as if the entire city’s populace had come. Not to mention how many people filled the streets, even the trees and rooftops were crowded with spectators.
There were more common people present this time than when Sun Xiao and the others were executed.
Soon, the constables brought the prisoners out.
Lin Fan led the team. As he appeared, the crowd of common people immediately shouted at the top of their lungs.
“Master Lin! Master Lin!”
“Colonel Lin…”
“Lin the Just.”
Facing the shouts of the common people, Lin Fan nodded at them.
Li Dian Shi and Zhou County Magistrate hurried over and bowed, “Colonel Lin.”
Things were different now.
Lin Fan now held the title of Loyal and Brave Colonel, his official rank far higher than theirs.
“Hmm.” Lin Fan nodded, came to the judgment table, and sat down. Ning Yu sat beside him, while Li Dian Shi and Zhou County Magistrate sat on either side.
They looked at the people on the execution platform who were about to be beheaded.
A mix of emotions.
They were all familiar faces.
They were once influential figures in Yong’an who could command the wind and rain. Now, what could these influential figures do? They were directly captured by Lin Fan, and only death awaited them.
Chen Qingshan and the others were truly panicked. They looked at the dark mass of onlookers.
Then they looked at the executioner holding the beheading knife, and their hearts were filled with fear.
“I’m wronged, I’m wronged!” Sun Yaozu cried continuously. Fear had contorted his features. He hadn’t been that afraid when he was imprisoned.
But now, appearing on the execution ground.
His fear erupted completely.
“Wuwu… Father, I don’t want to die, I really don’t want to die!” Hu Yu was so scared that sweat poured down his face, his body soaked. He was so scared that he wet himself on the spot, crying and begging for mercy.
As the young master of the Hu Residence, he was used to being tyrannical and doing whatever he pleased.
He had never imagined he would experience such a fate.
Now, the moment he was brought to the execution ground, he was truly panicked.
Master Hu roared at Lin Fan, “Lin, my ancestors were Martial Scholars, blessed by the Imperial Court. You cannot kill us, you cannot kill us…”
Throughout the scene, there were continuous pleas, wails, and curses.
Lin Fan sat there, gazing with a blank expression.
“Ning Yu, look, some people are still very stubborn even when facing death,” Lin Fan said.
Ning Yu replied, “Master, wasn’t that guy quite tough earlier? Why does he seem half-dead now? Has he been scared silly?”
“Who are you talking about?”
“He Sen.”
Lin Fan looked at He Sen and saw him kneeling there obediently, with his head bowed, motionless, as if he had indeed been scared silly.
“Heh, he’s indeed been scared silly,” Lin Fan chuckled.
He had invited the inventor of the Wolf Fang Sky Rocket Cannon to give He Sen a good lesson. Logically speaking, the Public Security Bureau needed talent, and that person was indeed talented. He had earnestly invited him.
But he was rejected.
He could understand.
After all, his preferences were not accepted or understood by the world, which was normal.
In the crowd.
Qin Si was watching. Seeing the familiar faces being escorted to the execution platform, he felt a surge of fear. He had turned back early, otherwise, he would have had a place on that platform.
Time ticked by.
For Chen Qingshan and the others, it was a torment.
At this moment, Chen Qingshan saw Wang Changhai in the audience.
“Wang Changhai…” Chen Qingshan’s hatred was boundless. He wished he could swallow Wang Changhai whole. It was all because of him that the Loyalty Hall had attracted such a guy. If it weren’t for Wang Changhai, how could their Loyalty Hall have ended up like this?
“Help Master, have a good journey,” Wang Changhai said.
“Go to hell, Wang Changhai! Even as a ghost, I won’t let you and that Lin go!” Chen Qingshan roared.
Wang Changhai shook his head.
What was the point?
But no matter what, he was still quite emotional. In a moment, with that single strike, many familiar people would become cold corpses.
Lin Fan looked up, checked the time, then picked up the vermilion brush. The tip of the brush landed on the execution list.
“The hour has come. Execute!!!”
After speaking, he drew a circle with his brush.
The executioner raised the beheading knife, roared, and brought the knife down, swinging it towards the back of the neck.
*Slash!*
Blood splattered.
A large head rolled on the ground.
“Execute!”
“Execute!”
Head after head fell, and blood stained the ground.
Ning Yu slightly turned her head, unable to watch directly.
“Ning Yu, straighten your gaze and watch carefully. If you want to continue working in the Public Security Bureau, you must face all of this with composure and courage. Evasion is not an option,” Lin Fan said.
“Yes, Master.”
Ning Yu took a deep breath and stared intently.
At this moment, the scene was silent. Everyone was stunned by the sight of heads rolling.
They had never witnessed such a scene before.
Just as the executioner’s knife was about to fall on He Sen’s head, he suddenly shouted.
“Lin, I f*** your eighteenth generation ancestors!”
*Slash!*
He Sen’s head rolled off, his eyes wide open, unresigned in death.
“Tough. You’re truly tough.”
Lin Fan genuinely admired He Sen. He didn’t expect that the private torture that night had only made him temporarily compliant, and he didn’t expect him to be so stubborn during the execution.
The execution was over.
The prison was completely emptied.
Li Dian Shi and Zhou County Magistrate trembled in their hearts, their hearts pounding uncontrollably.
They looked at Lin Fan.
Seeing Lin Fan calm and composed, facing the scene of rolling heads without any reaction, as if all of this were a trivial matter.
It made sense.
The mountain bandits of Stone Dragon Mountain and the sea bandits of Tianxian Island, so many people, were all killed by him alone. The scene before them, in the end, was just a minor event to him.
“They’re all dead. All dead.”
“The bullies who once ran rampant in Yong’an are all dead.”
“Long live Master Lin!”
The common people cheered in earnest, their voices like waves, surging one after another. At their peak, the roar of voices seemed to lift the roof.
Lin Fan stood up, walked to the execution platform, and faced the common people, saying loudly, “Fellow villagers, as a member of the Public Security Bureau, I will surely eradicate evil for everyone. The Hundred Day Operation has yielded much to date, but it also shows that the Yong’an of the past was truly very dark.”
“I promise here that the Hundred Day Operation will not end. It will continue indefinitely. After I leave, in my capacity as the Head of the Anzhou Public Security Bureau, I will appoint Song Qing as the Prefect of Yong’an, and he will continue to unreservedly carry out the Hundred Day Operation to sweep away black and eliminate evil.”
“Here, I warn all those who wish to do evil: no matter what your background or who your backing is, if you break the law, you will be severely punished.”
“If Prefect Song cannot resolve it, then I will personally resolve it.”
“I hope those who have such intentions will behave themselves and not think of making a comeback just because I am not here.”
“Let me tell you, that is impossible.”
Lin Fan’s words were resounding and decisive.
The common people cheered.
At this moment, in their eyes, Lin Fan was bathed in a dazzling radiance.
What was that?
It was the sun.
Yong’an had a considerable population. Although the Hundred Day Operation had been intense recently, wherever there were people, there would inevitably be conflict.
If the roots are not removed, the weeds will grow back with the spring breeze.
This weed of human nature cannot be cut down. As long as people live, it will sprout. And the only thing he could do was to keep the sickle ready, and any that dared to show their heads would surely be reaped.
……
The next day.
A horse carriage and several tall horses were parked outside the Public Security Bureau.
Many common people were gathered around.
At this moment, Lin Fan, having just finished the handover, walked out of the Public Security Bureau with everyone. The moment he stepped out, the surrounding common people did not cheer, but looked at him with deep affection.
Lin Fan stood at the entrance, his gaze slowly sweeping over all the common people present. Without a word, he could clearly feel their reluctance to see him go.
Lin Fan sighed softly and looked at Song Qing, “Squad Leader Song, I’ve explained everything that needed to be said. From now on, just do this. If you encounter anything you can’t resolve, write to me.”
“Yes, okay.” Song Qing looked at Lin Fan.
He thought of the first time they met.
At that time, Lin Fan was just a small leader at Jili Wharf, yet he aspired to become a constable in the Public Security Bureau. He had thought that if the Public Security Bureau could have one more constable with faith and determination, perhaps it could bring a different atmosphere to Yong’an.
But who could have imagined that in such a short time, the changes would be so rapid?
It was something he wouldn’t have even dared to dream of.
Song Qing grabbed Lin Fan’s arm, “Be careful. The waters in Anzhou are murky. Be cautious and absolutely do not get into trouble.”
“Don’t worry, I understand.”
Lin Fan nodded.
“Squad Leader, everything’s been put away,” Yang Ming said.
“Mm, let’s go.”
Lin Fan turned and mounted his horse. Yang Ming and the others also mounted their horses. How they felt now was naturally a mix of loss and reluctance, as Yang Ming and the others had lived in Yong’an for so long.
How could they not feel reluctant to suddenly leave their hometown?
“Depart.”
Lin Fan waved his hand.
They couldn’t go fast because there were too many common people seeing them off.
The constables who couldn’t accompany Lin Fan followed behind, and the road was blocked by common people, making their progress very slow.
Yang Ming and the others looked at the scene around them.
Their emotions were very complex.
They had never imagined a scene where common people would see them off.
Yang Ming wiped his eyes, feeling close to tears.
Qian Tao and Wu Yong secretly vowed to do their best and strive to become like Brother Lin, loved by the common people.
This street, which usually took only a few minutes to pass.
Today, it took nearly half an hour.
Suddenly.
A figure knelt by the roadside. Upon closer inspection, it was Liang Gui and his daughter, whom Lin Fan had helped before.
“Master Lin, thank you. When you have time, please come back and visit often!”
Lin Fan dismounted and helped Liang Gui and his daughter up.
“Are you feeling better?” Lin Fan asked, patting the little girl’s head and looking at Liang Gui.
Liang Gui was a rough man, uneducated, and couldn’t say flowery words, but everyone’s emotions were sincere.
“Master Lin, I’m much better. Thank you, Master Lin and that constable, for helping us, allowing my daughter and me to live well.”
The constable Liang Gui referred to was Xu Ming.
Xu Ming had helped him reclaim his house from his elder brother and sister-in-law, and had even given him money from his savings.
“That’s good. Live well. If you encounter trouble, don’t be afraid. Just go to the Public Security Bureau and find a constable. They will help you. If a constable bullies you, don’t be afraid either. Find a way to write to me. If I receive your letter, I will come back,” Lin Fan said.
Liang Gui cried. He hadn’t cried when he fought in battles, but now tears flowed uncontrollably.
“Master Lin, you must take care of yourself! When you’re away, remember to eat and wear more clothes. All the fellow villagers of Yong’an are thinking of you!”
“Okay, okay, I will, I will.”
Lin Fan smiled, then instead of riding his horse, he led it and walked forward.
As they walked.
Old Wang, the tavern owner, appeared with his son, carrying wine jars.
“Master Lin, please accept these. My son and I brewed them with the best grain. When you get to Anzhou, drink less of their wine there; it’s not healthy. If you want to drink, drink ours. I’ll send you wine from time to time,” Old Wang said with great reluctance, giving instructions.
“Shopkeeper Wang, there’s no need, no need!” Lin Fan tried to refuse.
“No, son, quickly move the wine jars to the carriage. Hurry!”
“Oh, okay, Dad.”
Wang Hao was very grateful to Lin Fan. If Master Lin hadn’t helped him, he would still be in prison, perhaps already beaten to death.
Seeing that he couldn’t refuse, Lin Fan could only say helplessly, “Shopkeeper Wang, you are too kind.”
“Master Lin, you say that because we’re strangers. You are the benefactor of my entire family! Without you, my family would be gone, and my son would be gone. How would I live on? You gave me a way to live!” Shopkeeper Wang said, about to kowtow to Lin Fan in thanks.
Lin Fan quickly supported him, “Don’t do that. As constables of the Public Security Bureau, these are our duties. Run your tavern well in the future, and when you have time to come back, I’ll come to your tavern for a drink.”
“Alright then, it’s a deal. I’ll be waiting for you.”
“Okay, okay.”
Lin Fan repeatedly agreed.
The common people followed them all the way to the county town’s city gate. And along the way, more and more people joined, and more and more people expressed their gratitude.
Some gave eggs.
Some gave poultry.
Some gave vegetables and fruit.
Lin Fan wanted to refuse but couldn’t. Only when the carriage was piled high and could hold no more did the common people reluctantly take back their gifts, even regretting not having given them sooner.
Ning Yu looked at her master with admiration.
She had never seen anyone who could win the hearts of the people so much, to be seen off by the entire city’s populace when leaving.
She secretly vowed to learn well from her master.
She also wanted to be loved by the common people.
The followers looked at Lin Fan with expressions of astonishment.
Their young lady’s master was truly an extraordinary person. Such popular support was hard to imagine. Only those who truly worked for the people could receive such treatment.
But this situation was also a double-edged sword.
On one hand, it showed that the things he had done were loved by the common people.
On the other hand, it was bad. Under imperial rule, how could such a widely beloved official emerge?
However… that day was still very far away.
At the city gate.
Zhou County Magistrate and Li Dian Shi were already waiting.
They had long been shocked by the scene before them.
A dense crowd of common people.
It was truly frightening.
They had been officials for so long, yet they had never seen such a scene. Let alone in Yong’an, even in other places, this had never happened.
Zhou County Magistrate stepped forward, “Colonel Lin, I wish you a smooth journey.”
Lin Fan smiled, patted Zhou County Magistrate’s shoulder, “County Magistrate Zhou, you should be more careful from now on. Corruption is not a good thing. I am currently serving in the Public Security Bureau, so I cannot deal with corruption. But if one day I am tasked with dealing with corruption and desperately need an appetizer, and I can’t think of anyone else, and at that time, if I happen to think of County Magistrate Zhou, it wouldn’t be good.”
As soon as he said this.
Zhou County Magistrate’s legs trembled.
“Colonel Lin, I won’t be corrupt anymore. I won’t be corrupt anymore. From now on, I will be honest and serve the people!” Zhou County Magistrate was truly scared.
The Colonel Lin before him knew him too well.
Moreover, Li Zhengdao would be under his command from now on. With Li Zhengdao’s understanding of him, wouldn’t it be a sure thing to catch him?
Lin Fan smiled, “Be a little less corrupt and do more for the common people. I’m not unreasonable. I can turn a blind eye sometimes.”
“Yes, yes, Colonel Lin, you are right.” Zhou County Magistrate nodded repeatedly.
It was still the same saying.
He truly did not wish for Zhou County Magistrate to be dismissed.
This guy was corrupt, but he had a bottom line. If the new appointee had no bottom line, he would have to come back to resolve it, and this back and forth would delay things significantly.
At this moment.
Lin Fan looked to the side. Yang Ming’s parents and family had come to see him off.
Yang Ming nodded repeatedly in front of his parents, seemingly listening to something. But it was clear that Yang Ming’s parents were very satisfied with their son’s achievements, their eyes full of relief and pride.
Yang Ming’s parents walked up to him and said respectfully, “Master Lin, we will trouble you in the future.”
“Don’t worry, I will take good care of Yang Ming.”
“Thank you, Master Lin.”
Wang Changhai and his sworn sister pushed through the crowd and appeared.
Lin Fan went to his sworn sister and spoke to her, and warned Wang Changhai not to act recklessly outside, which scared Wang Changhai into nodding repeatedly.
“Sister, when you encounter problems, don’t be impulsive. Be calm. You must remember that home will always be open to you.”
“Sister, you take care too.”
A long time later.
Lin Fan mounted his horse and cupped his fists at the common people who had come to see him off, “Fellow villagers, take care.”
After speaking, he turned and left.
He was afraid that if he stayed longer.
Emotions would rise, and it would be difficult.
Not long after he left.
Calls filled with emotion could be heard.
“Master Lin, you take care too!”
Lin Fan did not look back. With his back to the crowd, he raised his hand and waved. Bathed in the morning light, his tall figure, in the eyes of the common people, shone with a dazzling afterglow.
The common people did not disperse for a long time.
They continued to gaze intently until the figure gradually disappeared at the end of the distant road.
“Oh dear, let me through. Where is my Master Lin?”
Qin Si appeared.
He had gotten drunk last night and worked hard. When he woke up, the sun was already high. He was so anxious that he ran out without even fully dressing.
“Master Lin has left.”
“Oh my heavens, women have caused me to miss this important matter, Master Lin ah…”
Seeking monthly votes,
Recommending a book 《 Zhu Yuanzhang Transmigrates to Li Zicheng 》
