Chapter 101: Commendation From Headquarters, Shocking Everyone, I, Lin Fan, Deeply Felt The Allure Of Power
“Master, the Grand Tutor is now an old official of three dynasties, the head of civil officials, with immense power and influence. His disciples and former subordinates are spread throughout the realm, their connections deeply entrenched, making him very difficult to provoke.”
Ning Yu’s brows furrowed when she mentioned the Grand Tutor, clearly not having a good impression of him.
“Is he a good person?” Lin Fan asked.
Ning Yu shook her head without hesitation, her tone firm, “He is absolutely not a good person. He almost has his way in court, acting with extreme arrogance and tyranny. Those who follow him prosper, and those who oppose him perish. In the entire court, I’m afraid there aren’t many officials left who dare to openly defy his will.”
“Oh.”
Lin Fan pondered, thinking that since it was involved with an evil cult, it was definitely not a good person.
Ning Yu said, “Master, the competition among the princes in the Imperial Court is very fierce. This Grand Tutor supports the First Prince, while the Grand Tutor and Grand Protector support the Second Prince. Previously, the Ninth Prince, whom the Ximen Family backed, was the Second Prince’s full brother.”
Lin Fan was not very interested in the internal conflicts of the Imperial Family.
He now had a new goal.
He only wanted to understand what the Saintess’s methods were all about.
…
Several days later.
Anzhou was peaceful. Lin Fan’s daily routine consisted of leading training sessions and then returning to the Public Security Bureau to increase the proficiency of skills on his status panel.
At this moment, in the Chief Officer’s office.
“Sir, this is a recent summary of the mountain bandit activities in the vicinity of the eight counties under Anzhou Prefecture.”
Xu Ming respectfully placed a compiled document in front of Lin Fan.
“After investigation, most of the mountain bandits are just small groups of about ten people, unable to pose a significant threat.
Currently, the only large bandit stronghold that can be considered of scale and posing a significant threat is the Wulong Valley bandit group, which has entrenched itself within Qingping County.
The terrain there is treacherous, and it’s a vital route to neighboring prefectures, making it difficult to attack but easy to defend.”
Xu Ming was reporting the situation.
During this period, the Sir had ordered a thorough investigation of banditry within the territory. The public security bureaus of each county had also successively sent in simplified reports on bandit suppression, which also included official documents requesting commendations for constables who performed exceptionally and achieved great merit.
“Hmm, let me see.”
Lin Fan looked carefully. The Wulong Valley bandits were located in Qingping County, only about a hundred li from Anzhou. The local public security bureau had attempted bandit suppression several times, but with little effect.
He decided to personally lead a team to suppress the bandits.
Such a formidable presence would not be tolerated within Anzhou.
Lin Fan committed the bandit situation recorded on paper to memory and looked up at Xu Ming, “What are you holding in your hand?”
Xu Ming handed over the commendation document in his hand. “Sir, this is an official document from the Changyang County Public Security Bureau. When the public security bureau there was clearing out mountain bandits, a constable named Zhao Hu bravely killed four bandits and, in order to save a child, stood in front of the child and had his arm severed by a bandit.”
“Ah? Is that so? Hurry and show it to me.” Lin Fan took the document and read its contents carefully, sighing, “Truly a valiant constable. This Changyang County Prefect is not bad; he didn’t claim the credit for himself.”
“Xu Ming,” Lin Fan immediately instructed, “such a brave individual as Zhao Hu must be heavily rewarded. Announce it throughout the prefecture, and meticulously record his deeds and merits in his performance evaluation file, to honor his achievements and inspire future generations.”
“Yes, Sir. Your subordinate will attend to it immediately,” Xu Ming nodded and accepted the order.
Lin Fan thought for a moment, then stood up and said, “Wait, I’ll write the commendation order myself. Prepare the ink and brush.”
A moment later, the ink, brush, paper, and inkstone were ready on the desk.
Lin Fan picked up the brush and stood before the desk, pausing for a moment in thought. Then, with a flick of his wrist, the brush tip, fully saturated with ink, landed steadily on the paper, and he began to write.
“Changyang County Constable Zhao Hu…”
Xu Ming, standing nearby, watched with admiration. This was the first time the Sir had personally written a commendation order for someone.
Soon, Lin Fan handed the completed commendation order to Xu Ming. “Have someone make a few copies and distribute them to each county. Also, prepare yourself and bring some men with me to Changyang County to visit this hero of Changyang County.”
“Yes, Sir,” Xu Ming turned and left.
It was truly rare to find such a constable dedicated to the people within Anzhou Prefecture nowadays. He would definitely commend and publicize him properly.
Promote him as a role model.
…
The next day.
Changyang County.
Zhao Hu’s doorway was already packed with neighbors.
They whispered amongst themselves, their faces filled with surprise and regret.
No one expected that the usually amiable and upright Zhao Hu would suffer such a tragedy while suppressing bandits, having his arm severed.
In these times, how would a strong laborer survive without an arm?
Wouldn’t he become useless?
Inside the house, the atmosphere was heavy.
Zhao Hu’s face was as pale as paper. He lay weakly on the bed, the stump of his right arm, wrapped in thick bandages, throbbing with unbearable, bone-chilling pain. He gritted his teeth tightly, and fine beads of cold sweat appeared on his forehead.
“My son, what will you do now that you’ve lost your arm…” Mother Zhao sat by the bedside, her rough hands tightly gripping her son’s intact left hand. Looking at his empty right arm, she wept tears of heartache.
Zhao Hu forced a smile, “Mother, it’s alright. It’s just an arm, nothing major.”
Hearing this, Mother Zhao’s heart twisted even more. She could only turn her face away and silently wipe her tears.
“Father, doesn’t it hurt?”
Zhao Hu’s seven-year-old son, Zhao Xiaoshan, lay by the bedside, his large eyes wide, timidly looking at the faintly darkening bandages soaked with blood. His small face was filled with worry and fear.
Zhao Hu took a deep breath, using all his strength to prop up half of his body. He extended his intact left hand and gently stroked his son’s head.
“It doesn’t hurt, silly boy. For your father, this little injury is nothing. It doesn’t hurt at all.”
Zhao Hu’s wife was a typical simple woman, dressed in patched coarse cloth clothes, standing by the side and silently weeping.
Even though Zhao Hu was a constable who served the government.
Their family’s life was even less affluent than that of some common people.
This was solely because Zhao Hu was too upright and incorruptible, never condescending to collude with those who oppressed the people and profited from their positions. He lived solely on his meager salary and subsidies each month, thus their family was naturally impoverished.
At this moment.
There was a commotion at the doorway, and three people arrived.
Zhao Hu looked up and saw that the child being protected in the middle was the child he had risked his life to save.
This family of three entered the small room and, without a word, all knelt before the bed with a thud.
“Benefactor, thank you for saving my child. You are the benefactor of our family.”
Their child had been abducted by mountain bandits, and they were asked for money to ransom him. Just when they didn’t know what to do, no one expected that the constables from the public security bureau would go to suppress the bandits.
And they had rescued their child.
Especially when they heard that Constable Zhao Hu had shielded their child with his own flesh and blood, taking a bandit’s knife and losing his arm.
Beyond their gratitude, there was more heartache.
“Oh, oh, get up, get up, please don’t do this, absolutely not.”
Zhao Hu endured the severe pain and hastily leaned out of bed, struggling with his single arm to help them up. “This is my duty. Since I wear this uniform and receive this salary, protecting the safety of the people is my responsibility. I cannot accept such a grand gesture from you.”
Afterward, Zhao Hu patted the child’s head and rubbed it. “Kid, you must not run outside the city carelessly in the future. It’s very dangerous.”
“Okay,” the child nodded.
At this moment, Zhao Hu saw his colleague appear with a stern face.
“Brother Zhao.”
The colleague who arrived was Wang Zhong. He was a commoner constable in the public security bureau and had always worked under Zhao Hu. Zhao Hu had been an official constable for ten years but had never been promoted.
Forget the position of Squad Leader, he hadn’t even become a Deputy Squad Leader.
“Please sit first,” Zhao Hu said.
Wang Zhong grunted softly and moved a small stool to sit by the bed. His gaze was fixed on Zhao Hu’s wound, his chest heaving. He felt an immense sense of injustice and worthlessness on Brother Zhao’s behalf.
After a long while, after seeing off the grateful family of three, Wang Zhong could no longer suppress his anger and complained indignantly, “Brother Zhao, the Prefect is truly a bastard.”
“Be careful, don’t speak nonsense,” Zhao Hu said.
Zhao Hu’s wife lowered her head, her hands twisting the hem of her clothes restlessly.
Although she was a woman of the household, having been with Zhao Hu for so many years, she was well aware of the intricacies within the public security bureau.
The current Prefect was greedy and insatiable. He had long been extremely dissatisfied with Zhao Hu’s uncooperative attitude and his constant habit of investigating and seeking justice for common people, which harmed his interests. He had been ostracizing and suppressing him openly and covertly for a long time.
Fortunately, Clerk Chen in the prefecture was Zhao Hu’s long-time friend and had always done his best to mediate and protect him, allowing Zhao Hu to barely keep his job.
Wang Zhong, however, didn’t care about any of that and remained indignant.
“Brother Zhao, he treats you like this, and you still don’t allow me to speak? This bandit suppression was successful, and it has nothing to do with him.
What else did he do besides bossing people around from the rear?
Now that Brother Zhao is injured in the line of duty, severely wounded like this, not only has he shown no intention of awarding or compensating him, but he hasn’t even shown his face or uttered a word of comfort.
If it weren’t for Brother Chen preemptively finding a way to submit the commendation document directly to Anzhou Prefecture, I think he would have wanted to claim all the credit for this bandit suppression for himself.”
“Sigh…” Zhao Hu sighed softly.
How could he not know how much the Prefect disliked him?
But there was nothing he could do.
If he had to say whether he regretted it, he naturally didn’t regret it at all.
Ever since he joined the public security bureau and became a constable, he had never thought of being afraid.
Meanwhile, within the Changyang County Public Security Bureau.
The Prefect, nearly fifty years old and slightly stout, was glaring at Clerk Chen with a dark and grim expression.
His chest heaved violently, clearly indicating he was extremely angry.
This Clerk Chen had acted without his permission, unilaterally deciding to send the commendation document by express horse to Anzhou Prefecture.
Moreover, he only found out now that his name wasn’t even mentioned in that document.
“Clerk Chen!” The Prefect slammed the desk, “Do you still have any respect for me as the Prefect in your eyes?”
Clerk Chen’s expression was calm. He bowed slightly, his tone neither humble nor subservient, “Sir, why do you say that? When has your subordinate ever dared to disrespect you?”
“Good, you dare to argue!” The Prefect trembled with anger, pointing at his nose and scolding, “Then I ask you, what is the matter with that commendation document? Why isn’t my name on it? You must remember, I am the Prefect of the Changyang County Public Security Bureau. Without my approval, where did the bandit suppression operation come from? Who gave you the authority to act unilaterally and dare to report above me?”
Faced with the Prefect’s outburst, Clerk Chen calmly replied, “Sir, this bandit suppression operation was initiated by Zhao Hu upon learning of the rampant bandits. He personally led his men, and now, in saving a child, he is severely injured. If the commendation document does not mention him, who else should it mention?”
Upon hearing this, the Prefect laughed with anger. “Clerk Chen, I know you are long-time friends with Zhao Hu and want to protect him, but do you really think you can protect him? Do you really think that once your commendation document reaches Anzhou Prefecture, it will be taken seriously?”
“There are rules in the Public Security Bureau. If one is injured in the line of duty and becomes disabled, unable to perform their current duties, they must leave the Public Security Bureau with their full salary.”
As the Prefect spoke these words.
Clerk Chen’s eyes widened in anger, and he said, “Sir, if you truly intend to do this, do not blame your subordinate for reporting this to the Anzhou Public Security Bureau.”
Faced with Clerk Chen’s threat, the Prefect did not take it to heart at all.
At this moment, outside the Changyang County Public Security Bureau.
A series of urgent and orderly horse hooves approached from a distance.
A group led by Lin Fan reined in their horses, exuding an imposing aura, instantly attracting the attention of the surrounding populace. People stopped to watch, whispering and speculating about the origins of this formidable group.
The constables on duty, hearing the commotion outside, came out to investigate.
The first thing he saw was Lin Fan, seated atop a steed.
The constable instinctively looked up slightly and met Lin Fan’s calm gaze. His heart inexplicably tightened, and he felt an invisible pressure washing over him, causing him to gasp for breath.
“S-Sir, who are you?” The constable dared not delay, stepping forward and cautiously asking, his tone clearly tinged with awe.
Lin Fan replied, “Lin Fan, Chief Officer of the Anzhou Public Security Bureau.”
“Ah!!!” Upon hearing this, the constable’s eyes widened instantly, and he took a sharp breath. He then immediately bowed deeply, his voice trembling with nervousness, “Your… your subordinate greets the Chief Officer!”
“Mm,” Lin Fan responded faintly, dismounted cleanly, and said, “Take me to see your Prefect.”
“Yes! Yes! Sir, please follow your subordinate!”
The constable quickly stepped aside to lead the way, his palms sweating.
For a low-ranking constable like him, the highest official he usually saw was the County Magistrate. This person before him was the Chief Officer in charge of the entire Anzhou Public Security Bureau, the superior of his superior.
Moreover, the imposing aura he exuded made him afraid to even breathe too loudly.
As they entered the office, the local constables looked at Lin Fan and his group with confusion. However, some who were knowledgeable saw the uniform Lin Fan was wearing and immediately bowed respectfully.
That was the military uniform of the Chief Officer of the Public Security Bureau.
They hadn’t expected such a high-ranking official to visit their Changyang County.
At this moment, Clerk Chen, who had just come from the Prefect’s office, felt extremely heavy-hearted.
He and Prefect Hu had just had a heated conflict, almost completely falling out.
His heart was filled with worry for Zhao Hu’s future, seeing the Prefect’s determination to seize this opportunity to have Zhao Hu kicked out of the Public Security Bureau.
Just as he was feeling troubled, he looked up.
He happened to see a group of people walking towards him.
His gaze instantly froze, and he stared intently at the uniform of the person in the lead and the iron rod he carried on his back.
The Chief Officer of the Anzhou Public Security Bureau!
Lord Lin!
As a clerk, Chen Hai could not fail to recognize this military uniform that represented the highest authority of the Anzhou Public Security Bureau.
His heart trembled violently. Without time to think, almost instinctively, he hurried forward, overtaking the leading constable, and stopped about three steps away from Lin Fan, bowing deeply, his voice filled with uncontrollable excitement and respect.
“Your subordinate, Chen Hai, Clerk of the Changyang County Public Security Bureau, greets the Chief Officer!”
Lin Fan’s gaze fell on him. Seeing his respectful demeanor, he nodded slightly, revealing a faint smile.
“Mm, good.”
Clerk Chen straightened up, his mind in turmoil.
Why had Chief Officer Lin personally come to Changyang County?
Could it be… could it be because of the commendation document I submitted?
But as soon as this thought arose, he forcefully suppressed it. A mere commendation document for a constable, was it enough to warrant the Chief Officer’s personal visit?
This seemed highly illogical.
He suppressed his suspicion and quickly said, “I apologize for not welcoming your arrival, Sir. Please forgive my negligence.”
Lin Fan waved his hand, “It’s alright. I came in a hurry and didn’t send word in advance. I saw the commendation document your public security bureau sent, and I came specifically for this matter. Where is that hero, Zhao Hu, now?”
Hearing this, Clerk Chen’s heart trembled violently.
He hadn’t expected that they had indeed come because of the commendation document.
An indescribable surge of joy and excitement instantly dispelled the gloom in his heart, making it almost impossible for him to control his facial expression.
He forcefully steadied his mind.
“Replying to the Sir, Zhao Hu is recuperating at home due to the severity of his injuries.”
“Good,” Lin Fan nodded. “My primary reason for coming here is Zhao Hu. Go, summon your Prefect. I have some questions to ask him in person.”
“Yes, your subordinate will go immediately.”
Clerk Chen was very excited, feeling that there was a turning point in this matter.
When he returned to the Prefect’s office, the latter was still simmering with anger. Seeing him return, he snorted coldly and said sarcastically, “Why have you come back? Have you thought things through?”
Clerk Chen now felt confident. He simply smiled faintly, his tone neither humble nor subservient, “Prefect Hu, Chief Officer Lin of the Anzhou Public Security Bureau has personally arrived at our office and is currently in the front hall, ordering you to meet him immediately.”
“Ah!!!” The Prefect was greatly shocked and abruptly stood up. “You said the Chief Officer has arrived.”
“That’s correct.”
Clerk Chen replied.
The Prefect, at this moment, could no longer bother arguing with Clerk Chen. He frantically tidied his official robe, smoothed his hair, and almost stumbled out of the office, completely leaving Clerk Chen behind.
When he arrived at the front hall, panting, he saw Lin Fan seated at the head of the table, calmly sipping tea.
He quickly took a deep breath, suppressed his panic, and walked forward with small steps, bowing deeply, his voice exceedingly respectful.
“Your subordinate, Hu Tao, Prefect of the Changyang County Public Security Bureau, greets the Chief Officer.”
Lin Fan looked up at him and frowned slightly. His first impression of this Prefect was not good; he felt he had the aura of a corrupt official.
Clerk Chen also walked in from outside at this moment, standing respectfully at the side of the hall.
Lin Fan put down his teacup and said with a smile, “This bandit suppression operation was very well done. I was very pleased to learn of it. However, our hero Zhao Hu had his arm severed by these bandits, which causes me great pain. Let me ask you, did the public security bureau offer condolences to Zhao Hu immediately?”
Prefect Hu’s initially excited heart trembled at this moment. He hadn’t expected Chief Officer Lin to come about this matter. He had just argued with Chen Hai, precisely to have Zhao Hu expelled from the Public Security Bureau.
Prefect Hu’s mind raced, and he was about to brazenly fabricate a lie about having already offered condolences, attempting to get away with it.
However, before his lips had even moved and before he could utter a sound, Clerk Chen beside him had already spoken first.
“Replying to the Chief Officer, there were no condolences offered.”
As soon as these words were uttered.
Prefect Hu’s face turned pale, and his heart pounded. He glared at Clerk Chen with displeasure.
Are you trying to get me killed?
Lin Fan, whose face had been wearing a slight, gentle smile, suddenly turned somber.
He narrowed his eyes, his gaze like two cold arrows. With a loud bang, the sturdy tea table beside him was shattered into pieces by his palm, sending splinters flying.
“What is going on?” Lin Fan’s voice suddenly rose, filled with thunderous fury. “Could it be that your Changyang County Public Security Bureau is so impoverished that you cannot even afford to offer condolences to a hero who was injured in the line of duty and lost an arm to protect the people?”
He stood up abruptly, glaring down at the trembling Prefect Hu, pointing at him angrily.
“As the Prefect, what have you done?”
He could tell at a glance that this Prefect was not a good person, and this Clerk Chen’s behavior was quite peculiar, clearly showing strong dissatisfaction.
“Sir, I… I…”
Prefect Hu was so terrified by the frightening aura that his legs went weak, and he stammered incoherently. Cold sweat poured down his forehead like a waterfall, his heart pounding so hard it felt like it would explode.
Clerk Chen said, “Chief Officer, please see clearly. Not only did our Prefect Hu not offer any condolences or compensation to Zhao Hu, but he secretly discussed using this opportunity, on the grounds that Zhao Hu’s severed arm made him unable to perform his subsequent duties, to kick him out of his Public Security Bureau position, retaining only an honorary title and a meager monthly salary.”
At this moment, Lin Fan took a deep breath and said angrily, “How audacious! Do you truly have such intentions?”
*Plop!*
Prefect Hu’s legs buckled, and he quickly knelt down, trying to argue, “Sir, I have no such intentions. How could I do such a thing? I…”
His mind was now completely blank.
He hadn’t expected Clerk Chen to be so ruthless.
This was directly selling him out.
Clerk Chen said respectfully, “Chief Officer, your subordinate, risking his career today, will formally report Prefect Hu Tao. During his tenure, he has engaged in corruption, favoritism, and extortion from merchants and common people, enriching himself. The people of Changyang County dare not speak out against him, though they are angered. Now that the Chief Officer has personally arrived, your subordinate implores you to investigate thoroughly and dismiss this harmful element to rectify the atmosphere and bring peace to the people.”
Prefect Hu was completely flustered. He pointed at Clerk Chen, furious.
“Chen Hai, you… you have such a vicious heart! You are slandering me! You are framing me! Please, Chief Officer, do not believe his one-sided account.”
Prefect Hu was on the verge of tears.
He hadn’t expected Chen Hai to be so good at delivering the final blow.
He had even exposed his entire past.
“First, strip him of his clothes and apprehend him. After I have offered condolences to Zhao Hu, I will deal with you.” Lin Fan waved his hand, and Xu Ming immediately stepped forward, forcibly stripping off Prefect Hu’s clothes regardless of his pleas.
The commotion here naturally attracted the attention of many constables.
Although they did not dare to watch in the hall, they could hear the Prefect’s pleas.
They looked at each other in bewilderment.
No one had expected Lin Fan to apprehend the Prefect so quickly upon his arrival.
This speed was simply too fast.
…
Zhao Hu’s home.
“Alright, stop talking about these things. Whatever the outcome, I, Zhao Hu, accept it,” Zhao Hu advised, hoping Wang Zhong would not dwell on the matter.
He was mainly concerned that Wang Zhong, being young and impetuous, might get into unnecessary trouble by seeking justice for him.
Wang Zhong stood up, looking resentful. “Brother Zhao, I’ll head back then. Take care of your injuries, and I’ll come again tomorrow.”
“Mm, go,” Zhao Hu nodded.
As Wang Zhong’s footsteps faded, Zhao Hu looked at his mother and wife, who were filled with worry, and forced a relaxed smile. “Don’t worry, it’ll be fine. The sky won’t fall.”
Suddenly.
Wang Zhong, who had just left, returned. He stood at the doorway, one hand on the doorframe, his chest heaving. His expression was as if he had seen a ghost, filled with shock, excitement, and disbelief.
“What’s wrong? Why the rush?” Zhao Hu was surprised.
Wang Zhong swallowed hard, pointed outside, and spoke with a tremor due to his excitement, “Brother… Brother Zhao, the Chief Officer of the Anzhou Public Security Bureau, Lin, has personally come to see you.”
A commotion!
Zhao Hu’s eyes widened instantly, his mind went blank, and a buzzing sound filled his head.
Anzhou Chief Officer?
Such an important figure had come to visit him personally?
Before he could gather his thoughts, a tall figure appeared at the doorway. Lin Fan, dressed in the Chief Officer’s military uniform, exuded an imposing aura.
Startled, Zhao Hu stepped forward, about to bow, but Lin Fan steadied him.
“Our Changyang County hero doesn’t need to bow.” Lin Fan looked at the bloody bandages, his heart aching as well.
Mother Zhao and Zhao Shi stared blankly at the young man.
Although they didn’t know how high Lin Fan’s rank was or how many people he managed, they understood that this young man was a leader.
“Sir, your subordinate is not a hero. Your subordinate merely did what he should have done,” Zhao Hu said respectfully.
He held Lin Fan, the Anzhou Chief Officer, in immense admiration.
He had heard stories about him.
While serving in Yong’an, he had led bandit suppression efforts with remarkable achievements. After taking on the position of Chief Officer, he had even issued notices requiring public security bureaus in various counties to conduct bandit suppression, all of which were actions beneficial to the common people.
“Good, my primary purpose for coming here is to visit you. Your deeds have reached the General Office, and I am proud of you,” Lin Fan said softly.
After speaking, he looked at Xu Ming behind him and nodded slightly.
Xu Ming took out the commendation order and announced loudly, “Anzhou Public Security Bureau Commendation Order: Today, Zhao Hu, Constable of Changyang County, with his loyalty and courage, and exceptional bravery, encountered fierce resistance from mountain bandits during the encirclement and suppression operation. The bandits, in their ferocity, attempted to kill a child, and the situation was extremely critical.
Zhao Hu, facing danger without fear, stepped forward to protect the child, taking a blow from the bandit. Unfortunately, he lost an arm. His act was moving and awe-inspiring.
This Office has decided:
First, to reward Zhao Hu with one hundred taels of silver to aid in his recovery and settle his household.
Second, to promote Zhao Hu to the position of Squad Leader in the Changyang County Public Security Bureau.
Third, to record a major merit, to be inscribed in the county annals and lauded for generations to come.
We hope all constables in our prefecture will take Zhao Hu as an example, diligently perform their duties, and uphold justice.
Lin Fan, Chief Officer of the Anzhou Public Security Bureau!”
Xu Ming’s voice was loud and clear, and the people outside could hear it clearly and distinctly. They hadn’t expected the Anzhou General Office to commend Zhao Hu.
The most resonant part they heard, which echoed in their minds, was the reward of one hundred taels of silver.
Such wealth!
They had never seen so much in their lives.
At this moment, Zhao Hu stood stunned, his mouth agape, disbelieving what he had heard. Only when Chen Hai nudged his shoulder, reminding him, did he fully come back to his senses.
The immense joy and sense of honor overwhelmed his composure. His eyes instantly reddened, his voice trembling uncontrollably. He bowed and said, “Thank you, Sir, thank you, General Office. Zhao Hu will do his utmost to live up to your expectations!”
Lin Fan showed a gratified smile. “Rest well and recover. I hope you will continue to strive and serve the people in the future.”
“Yes, your subordinate understands,” Zhao Hu said with renewed vigor.
At this moment, Wang Zhong clenched his fists excitedly. He hadn’t expected Brother Zhao to receive such commendation from the General Office, not only being rewarded with silver but also promoted to Squad Leader.
Excellent, this is truly wonderful.
Lin Fan looked at Mother Zhao and said gently, “Zhao Hu is a model for all constables in the prefecture and deserves to be praised and promoted. We must carry forward Zhao Hu’s spirit so that everyone understands that the constables of our public security bureau serve the people.”
Zhao Hu, standing beside him, blushed at the praise from the Sir.
He hadn’t expected the Sir to praise him so highly.
At the same time, he felt that everything he had done was worthwhile.
His actions had been noticed by the Sir.
“Sir, this bandit suppression was not solely my credit. Those brothers also fought on the front lines. Your subordinate wishes to distribute the hundred taels of silver to those brothers.” Zhao Hu said.
Lin Fan replied, “No need. Keep this silver for yourself to improve your life. As for the other constables, I will personally commend them.”
“Yes.”
At this moment, Zhao Hu felt full of energy, wishing he could immediately return to the public security bureau and rush to the front lines.
Not long after, there was movement outside.
Upon learning that the Chief Officer Lin of the Anzhou Public Security Bureau had arrived, the local County Magistrate could not wait and immediately brought his officials.
When the common people saw the County Magistrate, they began to whisper amongst themselves.
“Huh? Even our County Magistrate is here. What kind of high-ranking official is the Chief Officer inside?”
“Ah? Even our County Magistrate is here. Just how high-ranking is this Chief Officer?”
“I don’t know, who knows? But he must be very important. Didn’t you see our County Magistrate running here?”
“I say, Brother Zhao has turned misfortune into fortune this time, right? Not only did he get silver, but he was also promoted to Squad Leader.”
At this moment, the County Magistrate approached Lin Fan and respectfully said, “Your subordinate, the County Magistrate of Changyang County, greets the Chief Officer.”
Lin Fan looked at the County Magistrate and nodded. “Mm, Changyang County has produced a hero this time. As County Magistrate, you should promote him well. And the constables who participated in the bandit suppression should be properly rewarded.”
The County Magistrate said, “Yes, yes, Sir, you are right. Your subordinate will certainly promote and reward them well.”
Faced with the Chief Officer before him, and Lord Lin, who had been awarded the title of Loyal and Brave Colonel, he, a mere ninth-rank official, dared not refuse.
Although Lin Fan was the Chief Officer of the Public Security Bureau and could not control civil officials like them, his rank was significant. If he were not treated well and it came to Lin Fan’s attention, Lin Fan could simply mention it to the Prefect in Anzhou, and this County Magistrate might be dismissed.
Of course, he didn’t know that Prefect Zhao now harbored thoughts of killing Lin Fan.
Lin Fan looked at the County Magistrate before him and gently patted his shoulder. “Do a good job. The County Office and the Public Security Bureau are complementary. When I return, I will put in a good word for you with Prefect Zhao. Heh heh.”
The County Magistrate was overjoyed and repeatedly said, “Your subordinate will definitely do a good job and will not disappoint you.”
Afterward, Lin Fan offered some encouraging words to Zhao Hu, then left Zhao’s house and returned to the Public Security Bureau to visit the constables who had participated in the bandit suppression.
The County Magistrate accompanied him the entire way, showing utmost respect, as if treating him like a revered elder.
“Clerk Chen, I will not interfere with the matter concerning Hu Tao. I am now promoting you to Prefect of Changyang County and entrusting you with full responsibility.”
At this moment, Lin Fan deeply felt the [Truncated: Max tokens]
Each carrot has its own hole.
To be promoted from Clerk to Prefect, the original Prefect’s position must become vacant.
“Yes, sir, I will absolutely not disappoint you,” Chen Hai said excitedly.
The county magistrate beside him was extremely envious.
He really wished Prefect Zhao was here, and then to see that he had done a good job as county magistrate and transferred him to Anzhou Prefecture as an official. If he were truly transferred to Anzhou Prefecture, even if he was still a ninth-rank official, he would feel like his ancestors had smoked blessed clouds.
Prefectural officials are inherently half a rank higher than county officials.
Of course, he also didn’t expect Hu Tao to be taken down so quickly. Thinking of his own corruption, he broke out in a cold sweat, but he was somewhat relieved thinking that Lord Lin was from the Public Security Bureau.
Can’t manage him for the time being.
The county magistrate at the side said, “Sir, you must be tired from your journey. Why don’t I host a welcoming banquet for you? Our Changyang County has a restaurant with unique characteristics. Would you grace us with your presence?”
Lin Fan smiled and said, “Thank you for your kind offer, County Magistrate, but as an official, I still have important matters to attend to and cannot stay long. If there’s an opportunity in the future, I will certainly try it. In the future, I will have to trouble you further for the Public Security Bureau, as the Public Security Bureau is poor.”
The County Magistrate nodded repeatedly, not daring to utter a single word of refusal.
He also hoped that Sir would put in a good word for him with Prefect Zhao.
At the city gate.
The County Magistrate personally saw them off.
“Sir, have a good journey.” the County Magistrate said respectfully.
Lin Fan smiled and nodded, then looked at Chen Hai, “You must work hard. I am promoting you to Prefect, and I do not wish to hear in the future that you use the power in your hands to oppress the people. Otherwise, I will personally come and take your head.”
This is someone he personally promoted.
If he were truly a corrupt official, then he would be disgraced.
Chen Hai respectfully said, “Sir, please rest assured, this subordinate will certainly act for the people and for justice, and will absolutely not do such things as oppressing the people.”
“Mm, that’s good. After you take office, you must personally unearth the old cases. If anyone was wrongly accused, you must clear their name,” Lin Fan said.
“Yes, sir, this subordinate understands.”
From their brief interaction, Chen Hai had a slight understanding of Chief Lin’s character. He was an official who truly served the people. Thinking that their Anzhou Prefecture had such a Chief Officer.
He was also full of vigor.
Lin Fan nodded, waved his hand, and led the crowd away quickly.
The County Magistrate watched the receding figure and couldn’t help but sigh, “Clerk Chen, this Chief Officer is truly a heroic figure.”
“That’s right.”
Chen Hai very much agreed with these words.
In his eyes, this Chief Officer was very dazzling, like a blazing sun.
…
Several days later.
Qingping County, Wulong Valley.
The mountain bandits occupying this place were notorious locally and a source of fear for countless merchant caravans passing through.
At this time.
Inside the cages where people were held, a group of naked Common People looked fearfully at the surrounding mountain bandits.
They had never expected to be captured by bandits.
Among this group, a Young Man squatted in the cage, using his hands to cover his vital areas, his face completely bewildered as he looked at everything before him.
He had not expected the mountain bandits within Anzhou to be so overbearing.
As the Ninth Prince, when had he ever suffered such a humiliating disgrace? He regretted it immensely now, wishing he had asked Mr. Yang to bring people to escort him.
It was just that he thought the outside might not be very dangerous.
So he casually packed a few things and quietly left Zhuoming Prefecture.
It was smooth sailing at first, traveling leisurely through mountains and waters into Anzhou, enjoying life. When he arrived at Wulong Valley, he marveled at the valley’s magnificent and breathtaking craftsmanship.
Who would have thought that, with a *whoosh*, an arrow landed in front of him, and then he saw a group of vicious bandits emerge with knives, and then… they brought him here, stripped him of all his clothes, and robbed him of all his possessions.
At this moment, some mountain bandits’ gazes fell upon him.
“This kid has delicate skin and tender flesh, he looks like the young master of a wealthy family.”
The more the mountain bandit thought about it, the more likely it seemed. He hurried to find the Leader to report the situation.
Not long after.
The Leader walked over and waved his hand, “Bring him out.”
Immediately, some bandits opened the cage and roughly dragged the Ninth Prince out. They even playfully patted the Ninth Prince’s buttocks and said with a laugh, “Leader, he’s quite springy.”
The Leader came before the Ninth Prince, let out a cold laugh, grabbed his wrist, and examined his hand carefully. There were no calluses, clearly indicating it was not a hand used for labor.
“Speak, where are you from?” the Leader asked.
The Ninth Prince said, “Replying to the Leader, I am from the direction of Zhuoming Prefecture.”
“What did you come here to do?”
“I came to visit a friend.”
As the Ninth Prince, he acted very humbly at this moment. He did not want to act arrogantly because he was a prince.
He dared not let these bandits know his true identity.
Otherwise, it would surely be a dead end.
Kidnapping a prince meant a dead end.
Killing a prince and concealing the truth might mean no trouble at all.
The Leader said, “Tell me, what does your family do, and how much do you think your life is worth in silver?”
“Leader, my family is in business and has a lot of silver. As long as you don’t kill me, I’ll pay whatever amount you ask.”
“Whatever amount? Can you afford ten million taels of silver?”
“Yes.”
The Ninth Prince nodded without thinking, saying he could.
*Slap!*
The Leader slapped the Ninth Prince across the face.
“Damn it, you dare lie to my face? You can afford ten million taels of silver, do you think your father is the Emperor?”
Uh…
My father is indeed the Emperor.
