Chapter 102: Imperial Inspector: Damn, Are All Officials Outside This Arrogant Now? Not Even Afraid Of Me
The Ninth Prince was dazed from the slap.
He had been born into the Imperial Family his entire life, naturally accustomed to being high and mighty. In the Imperial Palace, only a handful of people, at most double-digits, could dare to strike him.
But now, he was truly stunned by the bandit leader.
However, at this moment, even with his immense fury, he could only suppress it deep within his heart, daring not to show the slightest hint of it.
Because if he resisted, he would truly be killed.
The Ninth Prince slumped to the ground, clutching his face, and looked at the bandit leader before him with a wronged expression. He swore in his heart, “You just wait for me. As soon as I can return to Zhuoming Prefecture alive, I will have Battalion Commander Song bring troops here and chop all of you down.”
Wronged, helpless, sad.
One bandit said, “Leader, this kid’s glib tongue and sly demeanor suggest he’s not an honest person. I suspect he’s a pretty boy, living off women. I’m willing to take him back to my quarters and ‘discipline’ him properly. I guarantee he’ll be obedient afterward.”
The bandit speaking eyed the Ninth Prince’s fair, delicate, and tender body with greed, unconsciously licking his lips as if he had seen a rare beauty.
“What do you want to do?”
The Ninth Prince felt a chill crawl up his spine under the other’s naked, possessive gaze. Suddenly, a certain part of his body tightened, and he felt an indescribable fear.
The bandit chuckled, “Of course, I’m going to teach you a good lesson.”
The leader frowned. “Why do you have such peculiar tastes? But since you’re my subordinate, I’ll indulge your request. However, remember not to kill him. This brat should have some wealth; we need to squeeze him dry.”
“Alright, thank you, Leader!” The subordinate bandit was overjoyed at this, excitedly rubbing his hands together.
Just as he reached out to grab the Ninth Prince, a loud “bang” echoed, instantly drawing everyone’s attention.
The mountain stronghold’s gate, constructed from several thick logs riveted together, had been kicked open from the outside. The heavy door collapsed like paper, crashing to the ground with a thunderous roar, kicking up a cloud of dust.
The entire mountain stronghold fell into a deathly silence.
Everyone stared dumbfounded at the scene. For the bandits of Wulong Valley, they were utterly stunned.
Their own stronghold’s gate was made of logs, very heavy, extremely heavy. They never expected it to be kicked down so easily.
As the dust settled, a group of people in constable uniforms appeared at the entrance.
The leader’s pupils suddenly contracted, his face instantly turning grim. “Public Security Bureau constables?”
He recognized them immediately.
Yet, he found it hard to believe. The constables from Qingping County wouldn’t dare to come here and provoke them.
Furthermore, these constables looked completely unfamiliar.
Not a single familiar face among them.
Xu Ming shouted angrily, “Anzhou Public Security Bureau Chief Lin is here! You scoundrels, surrender immediately!”
With that, he drew his saber, staring fiercely at the group of mountain bandits.
The leader was stunned, his gaze shifting to Lin Fan with a complex expression. Then, he looked at his subordinates swarming towards them, carefully counting the number of constables present.
“One, two… ten. Hahahaha…”
By the end of the count.
The leader burst into laughter, pointing at Lin Fan. “Are you trying to laugh me to death? Only ten people dare to come to Wulong Valley to cause trouble for me? Fine, fine. Do you really think I’ll wet myself just because I see the Anzhou Public Security Bureau Chief?”
“My men, grab your weapons and cut them down.”
“Today, I want to see what the Anzhou Public Security Bureau Chief is capable of.”
The leader’s imposing aura was palpable, showing no regard for Lin Fan and his men.
The naked Ninth Prince stared blankly at Lin Fan, the man with the iron rod on his back. Was this the Anzhou Public Security Bureau Chief, Lin Fan?
The formidable figure Battalion Commander Song had mentioned?
“Sir, your subordinate is willing to lead the brothers in a charge,” Xu Ming volunteered. Every time they accompanied the Chief on official business and encountered a fight, it was usually the Chief who handled it personally.
This made Xu Ming feel inadequate. After the recent training under the Chief, he had gained some confidence in his ability to wield a saber and fight.
“No need. Don’t joke with your life,” Lin Fan waved his hand.
With that, Lin Fan slowly grasped the iron rod on his back. Without further words, he walked towards the bandits. The leader waved his hand, and a subordinate stepped forward, eager to impress him.
The first bandit to advance, holding a sharp cleaver, roared, “You constables, instead of living properly, you insist on seeking death in Wulong Valley. Then I shall grant your wish.”
Immediately, with a ferocious expression, he swung his cleaver down towards Lin Fan’s head.
With a “bang”!
An extremely muffled sound echoed.
Everyone’s eyes widened in shock as a mist of blood erupted. The bandit who had just brandished his cleaver with such ferocity was utterly obliterated by the blow of the rod.
The leader’s mouth hung slightly open, staring at the scene as if he had seen a ghost.
Was… was this something a human could do?
The naked Ninth Prince was stunned, frightened by the sight of the crimson spectacle.
He had seen it very clearly.
This Chief Lin had merely swung his rod gently, and the man had exploded on the spot. How was this possible? How much power was required to achieve such a feat?
The leader snapped back to reality, roaring with fury, “What are you all standing around for like idiots? Attack him, kill him!”
Such a brutal display had shaken the leader, who had lived by the saber and seen countless storms. But in his line of work, he always believed in one principle.
As long as the opponent was human.
They could be killed.
Before the mountain bandits could charge, Lin Fan, carrying his iron rod, took the initiative. He bent his knees slightly, and with a “bang,” the ground dented. He propelled himself upwards, and in the astonished gaze of a mountain bandit.
The tip of the iron rod magnified infinitely in the bandit’s eyes.
“Bang!”
The bandit’s head suffered a heavy blow and exploded from the impact of the rod. Blood splattered, and the air was thick with the scent of gore.
“Ah?”
The leader’s mouth hung slightly open, witnessing everything before him, unable to accept the situation. He had never seen anything like this; it was a one-sided slaughter.
“He’s not human, this guy isn’t human.”
Some of the bandits were completely terrified. Their faces turned ashen, and they screamed, dropping their weapons and retreating. They then turned and fled, no longer possessing the courage to confront Lin Fan.
Lin Fan narrowed his eyes, his gaze coldly sweeping over a cleaver dropped by a bandit at his feet. With a seemingly casual flick of his ankle, he kicked it.
“Whoosh—!”
The cleaver shot out like a projectile from a powerful crossbow, swift as lightning, slicing through the air.
“Thwack!”
The dull thud of sharp metal piercing flesh echoed.
The fleeing bandit’s body stiffened abruptly. He looked down in disbelief at the bloody tip of the blade protruding from his chest. Then, he collapsed to the ground, convulsed twice, and was silent.
“Bang!”
“Bang!”
Only the rumbling sounds of the iron rod striking echoed through the vast bandit stronghold.
It was the sound of explosions created by Lin Fan swinging his iron rod. After an unknown amount of time, the scene was a complete mess.
Among the bandits, the only one still standing was the leader, whose legs trembled violently like a sieve, his face ashen. He stared in horror at Lin Fan, the Anzhou Public Security Bureau Chief, holding a blood-stained rod, who looked like a demon descending.
He never imagined that his proud subordinates would be defeated so easily.
“Clang!”
As Lin Fan’s gaze fell upon him, the leader shuddered. His saber dropped to the ground, his eyes filled with terror.
“Are… are you human or ghost?”
The leader stammered, his teeth chattering. He had truly never seen such a terrifying being.
Lin Fan remained silent, weighing the iron rod in his hand a few times. He aimed it at the leader and threw it forcefully.
“Whoosh!!!”
The iron rod transformed into a streak of light, piercing the leader’s chest. The powerful momentum even lifted the leader’s body off the ground. Like a pinned fly, it slammed into the earthen wall behind him with a deafening thud, pinning him firmly.
The leader’s body convulsed violently. His mouth gaped open, and blood gushed from it like a fountain. He seemed to want to say something, his eyes filled with unwillingness and fear, but he merely moved his lips twice before letting out no sound. His head tilted, and he was utterly lifeless.
Lin Fan walked expressionlessly to the wall, gripped the end of the iron rod, and with a slight pull, yanked it out with a “pop.”
Xu Ming hurried forward, wiping the blood off the iron rod with a cloth.
Having followed the Chief for so long, they were accustomed to his methods. However, no matter how many times they witnessed it, the spectacle never failed to shock them.
“What are you all standing around for?” Lin Fan glanced at his somewhat dazed subordinates. “Hurry up and release the innocent common people who were abducted by the mountain bandits.”
The accompanying constables snapped back to reality and immediately opened the cages where the common people were held.
The imprisoned common people emerged tremblingly.
When they saw the scene of carnage within the mountain stronghold, like a hellish purgatory, their faces turned deathly pale.
Some, with weaker constitutions, doubled over and vomited violently on the spot, their stomachs churning so much that they almost threw up bile.
At this moment, Lin Fan’s gaze fell upon the Ninth Prince, who was still slumped on the ground.
He was completely naked, his skin fair and delicate. It was obvious he was a pampered young master, accustomed to a life of luxury and comfort, who had never experienced hardship.
“You’re alright. I am Chief Lin of the Anzhou Public Security Bureau, here specifically to suppress bandits. As a young master from a wealthy family, why didn’t you bring any escorts when you went out?” Lin Fan asked.
The Ninth Prince seemed to have lost his soul, remaining frozen in place, staring blankly at Lin Fan.
Lin Fan shook his head, thinking how detestable these bandits were.
A perfectly fine young man had been scared into such a state.
As the Anzhou Chief, he felt the heavy burden on his shoulders. Banditry must be eradicated; all mountain bandits must be rounded up.
To create a safe environment for common people traveling outside.
Lin Fan decided to give the Ninth Prince some time to recover. As he turned to leave, the Ninth Prince’s voice called out from behind him, “Chief Lin, are you the upright and incorruptible Chief Lin that the outside world speaks of, like an incorruptible official in the living world?”
“Hmm!?” Lin Fan stopped and turned back, a look of confusion on his face. “You’ve heard of me?”
The Ninth Prince nodded eagerly. “Of course, I’ve heard of you. I admire you greatly. The outside world says that Chief Lin is a hero in the hearts of the people of Anzhou. It’s even said that what you did when you served in Yong’an is something I deeply respect.”
For the Ninth Prince, two versions of himself appeared in his mind.
The proper Ninth Prince: “All under heaven is the King’s land. I am the Ninth Prince of the Imperial Family, of noble birth and lofty status. How dare a mere Chief disrespect me? I must curb him severely.”
The sycophantic Ninth Prince: “A great power is right before me. Hold on tight, hold on with all your might! Once I grasp this, who will dare to bully me from now on?”
“Haha!” Lin Fan chuckled, secretly pleased. He said humbly, “It’s just rumors, not to be believed, not to be believed.”
“No, it’s absolutely not a rumor!” The Ninth Prince’s gaze became incredibly sincere, fixed on Lin Fan, his expression so serious it was as if he were swearing an oath. “I observe Chief Lin. You have an extraordinary appearance, a distinguished bone structure, a noble bearing, and an unparalleled aura. You are unlike an ordinary mortal. When dealing with these wicked mountain bandits just now, your single step contained immense power, and your movements were accompanied by the grandeur of wind and thunder. Every gesture possesses the supreme majesty of thunder and lightning.”
“Ordinary people might be considered dashing simply by having sword-like eyebrows and starry eyes, but they lack the spirit of Chief Lin’s radiant and magnificent countenance that pierces the heavens. I can guarantee that Chief Lin will surely become a distinguished figure in the future.”
After the Ninth Prince’s barrage of praise, he felt an unprecedented sense of exhilaration and clarity, even a hint of addiction.
These words were things he had heard others say when flattering the First Prince, and he had stored them away. He never thought they would be useful.
Lin Fan was amused by the Ninth Prince’s words.
“You certainly know how to talk,” Lin Fan said with a smile.
The Ninth Prince shook his head. “Sir, these are all the words from the bottom of my heart. If there’s even half a lie, may lightning strike me.”
“Alright, you’ve praised me to the heavens and declared me unparalleled,” Lin Fan waved his hand, but he did enjoy conversing with eloquent people. “By the way, where are you from?”
“Sir, I am from Zhuoming Prefecture. I was traveling for leisure, and I wanted to see Chief Lin’s true appearance in Anzhou with my own eyes. Who knew I would be captured by mountain bandits? If not for Chief Lin’s timely intervention, I wouldn’t know what terrible fate I would have suffered.” As the Ninth Prince spoke, he sniffled twice.
“Zhuoming Prefecture? I heard that’s the Ninth Prince’s territory. What do you think of him?” Lin Fan asked.
He had almost forgotten about Battalion Commander Song’s matter.
If it weren’t for the mention of Zhuoming Prefecture, he wouldn’t have paid it any mind.
Hearing this, the Ninth Prince’s heart skipped a beat. He fell into thought, carefully recalling the matters he had agreed to during his time in Zhuoming Prefecture.
“Sir, I am not very familiar with this Ninth Prince, but I have observed the lives of the common people in Zhuoming Prefecture. This Ninth Prince seems to be a benevolent prince who loves his people, having implemented many policies beneficial to them,” the Ninth Prince said, praising himself slightly, but not too excessively.
He dared not overdo it, lest Lin Fan discover his true identity was problematic.
Before he had seen Lin Fan with his own eyes, he had intended to approach Lin Fan in Anzhou and establish a casual relationship.
But now, he felt that this was no longer about casually improving their relationship.
It was about tightly clinging to a powerful figure.
In the past, he had been an inconspicuous nobody in the Imperial Palace. Anyone with Imperial blood could easily bully him.
Back then, he had also wanted to latch onto someone powerful, actively seeking out the Grand Tutor. But the Grand Tutor had been dismissive, considering him foolish and lacking any investment value.
As for his own elder brother, sending him to Zhuoming Prefecture was not for his protection or to keep him away from the center of turmoil. It was because he considered him foolish and a nuisance in the Imperial City.
Therefore, for the Ninth Prince, he had always lacked a sense of security since childhood.
Now, witnessing Lin Fan single-handedly sweep through Wulong Valley bandits armed with only a rod was deeply etched in his heart. His mind was filled with only one thought: to hold on tightly and never let go.
“Is that so? It seems this Ninth Prince isn’t so terrible after all,” Lin Fan commented.
The Ninth Prince asked curiously, “Sir, do you have any opinions about the Ninth Prince?”
“Not really. It’s just that a while ago, he sent someone to ask me to release the wicked young master of the Ximen Family. Such a wicked individual attempted to rape a woman on the street and committed countless other evils. How could I possibly release him?” Lin Fan said.
The Ninth Prince was stunned to hear this. Such an arrogant scoundrel, attempting to rape a woman on the street? Even as a prince, he wouldn’t dare to do such a thing. If word of this reached his Father Emperor, he would likely be beaten to death.
Growing up, the most frequent phrase he heard was that any act that harmed the reputation of the Imperial Family, even by a prince, would result in severe punishment.
At this moment, Lin Fan didn’t wish to elaborate further. “Hurry up and find some clothes to put on.”
It was then that the Ninth Prince realized he was still naked. The situation was indeed quite embarrassing. Fortunately, no one knew his true identity. After leaving Wulong Valley, he would definitely deny being stripped and humiliated there.
He had even almost been dragged into a room by a bandit with peculiar tastes. If such a thing had happened, he would have wanted to die.
Not long after.
The constables of the Qingping County Public Security Bureau arrived in a hurry, led by the Prefect.
When he came to suppress the Wulong Valley bandits.
He had sent people to Qingping County to notify the local Public Security Bureau, telling them not to just stand by idly. He wouldn’t clear out the bandits for hundreds of miles only for them to do the cleanup work.
“Your subordinate, Zhao Zheng, Prefect of Qingping County Public Security Bureau, pays respects to Chief Lin,” Prefect Zhao said, bowing respectfully as he approached. His gaze fell upon the scene, and his heart leaped with shock and fear.
It was a bloody mess.
There were dismembered limbs everywhere.
The Wulong Valley bandits had been annihilated.
Lin Fan calmly looked at him. “The bandits here have been eliminated by me, solving a major problem for your Qingping County. The bandits have resided here for a long time, causing chaos locally. I wonder what your Public Security Bureau and County Office were doing, showing no action at all. Did you really expect me to handle it personally?”
Prefect Zhao’s forehead broke out in a cold sweat, and he stammered, “Your subordinate is incompetent. Please forgive me, Sir.”
“Hmph!” Lin Fan snorted. “I won’t waste words with you. As the Prefect of Qingping County, you must strictly remember the contents of the official document I issued and properly manage the local gang organizations. I will send people to investigate in a while. If you are disingenuous, don’t blame me for showing no mercy.”
He couldn’t possibly micromanage the situation in all eight counties of Anzhou Prefecture; he could only intervene when major incidents occurred.
The majority of the responsibility fell upon the local Public Security Bureau.
All he could do was supervise.
“Yes, your subordinate will vigorously rectify the local gangs,” Prefect Zhao replied repeatedly.
Lin Fan said, “Do a good job. There are things I don’t wish to concern myself with, but you must remember one thing: if I ever hear that a common person has filed a complaint in Anzhou, your tenure as Prefect will end.”
“Yes, yes, your subordinate will definitely plead for the people and cleanse Qingping County of evildoing gangs,” Prefect Zhao felt as if a mountain were pressing down on him.
Even breathing was difficult.
The presence of this Chief Lin was overwhelming.
And the pervasive smell of blood in the air was incredibly pungent. The numerous bloody corpses undoubtedly demonstrated how overbearing and ruthless this Chief of Anzhou Prefecture was.
“Mmm.”
Lin Fan saw that his warning had been delivered and didn’t say any more.
“Clean up Wulong Valley. For the items plundered by these mountain bandits, you will record each one clearly. Keep two-tenths for your own Public Security Bureau, and send the rest to Anzhou. Do you understand?”
Prefect Zhao nodded quickly. “Your subordinate understands.”
Facing Chief Lin, Prefect Zhao had no other thoughts, behaving as obediently as a grandson.
“Also, your Public Security Bureau will properly register these common people and send them back.”
“Yes.”
Lin Fan nodded and left with the constables.
Not long after he left, the Ninth Prince found clothes and put them on, then rushed out to find Lin Fan, only to discover he had already departed. This made him slap his thigh in frustration.
I haven’t followed him yet.
At this moment, Prefect Zhao let out a sigh of relief, wiping the sweat from his forehead. Those short moments had felt like an eternity.
He kept Chief Lin’s words in mind.
He would definitely take action against the gangs in the city upon his return. If he didn’t, he could imagine how brutal Chief Lin would be when he turned his attention to him.
He looked at the surrounding bandit corpses, his breath catching in his throat with each glance, his hands and feet trembling violently.
……
Several days later.
Anzhou, Public Security Bureau.
“Crack!”
A crisp, sharp whip crack cut through the air.
As Lin Fan flicked his wrist, he retracted the long whip, and the panel’s data changed.
【Beginner Whip Technique Proficiency +1】
【Beginner Whip Technique（Perfection）】
【Beginner Whip Technique perfected, choose one whip technique to continue】
【Strength-based: Collapsing Mountain Whip Technique】
【Speed-based: Awakening Dragon Whip Technique】
【Skill-based: Heavenly Net Whip Technique】
Facing the three choices, Lin Fan already had an idea. First and foremost, he couldn’t forget the purpose of the whip technique, which was for interrogating prisoners.
A strength-based technique was naturally unsuitable. His own strength was already terrifying; why would he need a strength-based whip technique?
The same applied to speed-based techniques.
Therefore, the most appropriate choice was naturally the skill-based Heavenly Net Whip Technique.
The higher the skill level of the whip technique, the more methods he would have for interrogating prisoners in the future.
He decisively chose the skill-based option.
【Heavenly Net Whip Technique（Not yet started 0/1000）】
The moment he made the choice, Lin Fan felt as if the whip in his hand had come to life. An unprecedented sense of familiarity and control surged within him.
Where his mind intended, the whip tip would reach.
With this thought, he eagerly went to the prison.
Prison cell. Ximen Hai lay listlessly on the straw in the cell. Since his father was arrested and brought in, he had completely lost hope. He listlessly looked up at the person entering as he heard the sound of the door opening.
That one glance nearly sent Ximen Hai’s soul flying from his body.
“What do you want to do?”
If one were to ask who Ximen Hai feared the most.
It would undoubtedly be Lin Fan.
Lin Fan grabbed Ximen Hai and dragged him out of the cell. “What are you panicking about? I need you to test out something new.”
“Master Lin, please let me go! I truly know I was wrong. There are so many people in this prison, can’t you stop picking on me?” Ximen Hai wailed.
He had witnessed firsthand how Lin Fan would select a few people every day when he had nothing else to do, tie them to a rack, and whip them incessantly without asking any questions.
Regardless of what happened, at least ask something.
You ask nothing, you just whip. Who could endure that?
Lin Fan secured Ximen Hai to the rack, took a deep breath, twisted his wrist, and without a word, swung the whip. The whip in his hand whistled through the air, swift as lightning and at a cunning angle. In terms of skill, he found the precision of the impact to be extremely high; he could hit exactly where he wanted.
How to describe it specifically?
In any case, it was much better than the Beginner Whip Technique.
As for Ximen Hai’s screams, Lin Fan simply ignored them.
Lin Fan walked in front of Ximen Hai and asked with a smile, “Tell me, what did it feel like when I whipped you just now?”
At this moment, Ximen Hai was so whipped that his eyes were black, his throat dry, and his gaze vacant as he looked at Lin Fan. Although he didn’t speak, the meaning in his eyes was clear.
It was as if he were saying, “If you have the guts, let me whip you and see how it feels?”
Facing Ximen Hai’s silence, Lin Fan shook his head helplessly.
Just then.
Ning Yu hurried in from outside, her expression grave, even carrying a hint of anxiety. “Master…”
Lin Fan frowned upon seeing Ning Yu’s serious expression. “What is it?”
Ning Yu glanced at the surrounding prisoners, considering whether to speak outside. However, Lin Fan was indifferent. “It’s fine, speak here.”
Ning Yu said, “Master, the Imperial Inspector of the Censorate has arrived. He is already in Anzhou and is currently at the Prefect’s Mansion. I don’t think he has good intentions.”
“Oh?” Lin Fan’s eyebrows rose. Instead of being nervous, he revealed a playful smile. “It seems our Grand Tutor has finally lost his patience and is making a move against me?”
The prisoners locked in the cells, upon hearing this, suddenly perked up. The despair in their hearts was instantly illuminated by a ray of hope.
The Censorate has arrived?
That means someone will come to champion their cause.
“Lin Fan, your death is near, your death is near.”
“I am innocent, I want to see the Imperial Inspector, I am innocent!”
Lin Fan set the whip aside and walked out of the prison. To be honest, he wasn’t afraid of trouble at all; he was afraid of being bored all day, with nothing to do but increase his panel’s proficiency.
Now that the Imperial Inspector from the Censorate had arrived.
It meant there would be something to play with.
The Imperial Inspector, acting as the Son of Heaven’s representative, held extensive supervisory powers over local officials, with the authority to decide major matters and resolve minor ones instantly.
For any local official.
They were a terrifying existence.
It was akin to being invited for a “tea” by the disciplinary inspection department; who wouldn’t be flustered and chilled to the bone?
The official rank of an Imperial Inspector was not high, even half a rank lower than a Prefect. However, in terms of their authority, an Imperial Inspector could not be measured by their rank.
They were envoys sent by the Imperial Court.
Even a Prefect had to greet them with the etiquette of a subordinate official, and with a single word, they could strip a Prefect of their official hat and imprison them.
……
Prefect’s Mansion.
In the hall.
Prefect Zhao looked at Inspector Wang, who sat at the head of the table, with a thin face and a goatee. He was so excited that he was almost moved to tears, as if he had seen a savior descend.
“Inspector Wang, I have waited and longed for your arrival, and finally, I have you here,” Prefect Zhao’s voice was choked with emotion, his posture extremely humble.
If one were to describe Prefect Zhao’s current mood.
It could only be described as ecstatic.
The Mingwang Cult was taken down by Lin Fan, with the Grand Tutor backing him. Now, the Grand Tutor didn’t need to act personally; he only needed to instruct the Censorate to send an Inspector to easily apprehend Lin Fan.
Inspector Wang stroked his beard, a knowing smile on his face. “Prefect Zhao, from your appearance, it seems you have suffered greatly in this Anzhou.”
“Without deceiving you, Inspector Wang, I have been unbearably frustrated as Prefect. Do you know what an arrogant fellow our Anzhou Public Security Bureau Chief is? He simply disregards us. He has arrested countless merchants in the city, severely impacting local public order,” Prefect Zhao complained aggrievedly.
Inspector Wang said, “The Imperial Court sent me here because I heard that many things have happened in Anzhou recently, and an investigation into certain local officials is necessary. I will require Prefect Zhao’s assistance in due course.”
“Naturally. I will provide my utmost assistance. May I ask who will be investigated first?” Prefect Zhao asked knowingly.
He understood perfectly that Inspector Wang would not admit to being sent by the Grand Tutor, but would instead attribute it to the Imperial Court, which was politically correct.
“We will investigate the Public Security Bureau first. I have already instructed my confidant to use the Imperial Envoy’s seal to mobilize troops from the City Defense Barracks. We will first secure the Public Security Bureau, and I will thoroughly investigate the Public Security Bureau’s files, accounts, and other records,” Inspector Wang stated.
An Inspector’s authority was immense.
Traveling lightly with only a few confidants, upon arriving at their destination, they could use the imperial seal to mobilize all soldiers or yamen runners in the city.
Anyone who obstructed them would be considered to be acting against the Imperial Court, a grave offense.
“Yes, that’s exactly how it should be,” Prefect Zhao was overjoyed, as if he could already see Lin Fan’s tragic downfall.
During this period, he had kept a very low profile, rarely leaving his mansion, fearing an encounter with the surname Lin.
At this moment.
At the barracks.
Commander Qin looked at the Imperial Envoy’s seal in the Imperial Inspector’s hand and dared not obstruct him, allowing the mobilization of troops. He also understood that this was the Grand Tutor making a move, but it had nothing to do with him.
He did not want to get involved in this matter.
The primary reason was that this surname Lin was somewhat sinister.
It wasn’t just Prefect Zhao who wanted to bring Lin Fan down; even he harbored such thoughts.
But he only wanted to lie low.
He would never personally participate in such affairs.
……
Within the city.
The peaceful and harmonious common people were all drawn by the sudden appearance of a large number of soldiers.
“What’s going on? Why are there so many soldiers here all of a sudden?”
“I don’t know. Judging by the direction… it seems to be heading towards the Public Security Bureau?”
“Let’s go and see!”
The common people chattered amongst themselves, filled with unease.
When they saw that Prefect Zhao was leading the way, a sense of foreboding enveloped their hearts.
Who in the city didn’t know that Prefect Zhao and Master Lin were mortal enemies?
Now that he was leading so many soldiers to the Public Security Bureau, could anything good come of it?
……
Public Security Bureau.
Lin Fan was in the office, drinking tea and eating strychnine seeds.
Ning Yu paced restlessly. She had great faith in her Master’s methods, but the way things were played out in the Imperial Court was too complex. The Grand Tutor held a very high position and had many stratagems; with a slight command, countless people would scramble to serve the Grand Tutor.
The Imperial Inspector of the Censorate possessed absolute authority to supervise local officials, a systemic power that no local official could directly contend with.
Her greatest fear was that her Master would clash with the Imperial Inspector, leading the Imperial Inspector to return and lodge a complaint. If that happened, it would truly be a major incident.
This would be considered treason, akin to plotting rebellion, as the Imperial Inspector represented the Emperor’s prestige.
To strike an Imperial Inspector was akin to striking the Emperor.
If the Emperor’s wrath was incurred, thunderous retribution would follow.
The Three Judicial Offices would jointly issue the highest-level arrest warrant, and a nationwide manhunt would commence.
In that case, all the constables of the Public Security Bureau, and even those related to the Master, would be implicated.
Therefore, it could be said that the Imperial Inspector was cloaked in a protective garment that shielded them from confiscation of property and annihilation of their clan. Whoever [Truncated: Max tokens]
Therefore, it can be said that this Imperial Inspector is like a protective garment of family ruin and annihilation; whoever touches them will be unlucky.
“Ning Yu, don’t be nervous,” Lin Fan said with a smile.
Ning Yu said, “Master, how can I not be nervous? If this Imperial Inspector is too much, can Master tolerate him for a bit?”
She knew the Imperial Inspector was coming with great force.
After all, every Imperial Inspector is extremely arrogant and completely disregards the local officials, and they can arbitrarily and arrogantly beat local officials.
But the local officials could not lay hands on them.
Once we start, there’s no turning back.
“I tolerate him? He’s too bold,” Lin Fan said.
He never intended to put up with anyone’s temper. Whoever made him unhappy, he would immediately turn hostile. Let alone an Imperial Inspector, even the Grand Tutor, if he became arrogant in front of him, he would not say a word and would act directly.
Just then.
Movement came from outside.
“Chief Lin of the Public Security Bureau, come out and welcome Imperial Inspector Wang.”
The sound passed through the courtyard and clearly entered the office.
Lin Fan, who was in the office, stood up. “Let’s go and see what this Imperial Inspector, who has just arrived in Anzhou, wants to do.”
In the courtyard.
The constables stared in astonishment at the situation before them; a group of menacing soldiers, brandishing sharp weapons, had surrounded the public security bureau.
And that Imperial Inspector Wang, with his hands behind his back and his chin raised, surveyed everything in the Public Security Bureau with a critical and disdainful gaze.
Prefect Zhao straightened his back from the side.
He felt he had an Imperial Censor nearby.
He could also be a little tougher.
Soon, Lin Fan appeared, and Prefect Zhao immediately whispered, “Imperial Inspector Wang, this is Lin Fan.”
After speaking, Prefect Zhao cleared his throat and said loudly, “Lord Lin, this is Imperial Inspector Wang from the Censorate. Someone has reported you for corruption and lawlessness, disregarding human life, using torture to extract confessions, and claiming credit for others’ deeds.”
“What nonsense! Shut your mouth, Constable,” Lin Fan shouted in fury upon hearing this.
Prefect Zhao’s eyes widened in shock as he stared at Lin Fan. Good heavens, with an Imperial Inspector right in front of him, this man was still so arrogant. He looked at the Imperial Inspector with innocent eyes.
His meaning was clear.
Imperial Inspector, you see, this is a madman.
With you present, he shows no respect, which is enough to show how arrogant and presumptuous he usually is.
Imperial Inspector Wang frowned, looking quite displeased. He had never met Lin Fan before, nor had he heard of him. He was here to carry out the Grand Tutor’s orders: apprehend Chief Lin of Anzhou and find any excuse to kill or cripple him, never allowing him to live.
Now, seeing it for himself, he realized that this Chief Lin was indeed quite arrogant.
“How dare you! With this Imperial Inspector here, representing the Imperial Court and supervising officials, how dare you speak such wild words and publicly insult an Imperial Official? Do you still have any regard for the law? Do you still have this Imperial Inspector in your eyes?” Imperial Inspector Wang reprimanded angrily.
“You are the one who is audacious! As an Imperial Censor of the Imperial Court, you believe the slander of wicked people without investigation and falsely accuse this official of various groundless crimes. You speak of corruption and lawlessness, and disregard for human life; where is the evidence? Where are the witnesses and material evidence? As an Imperial Censor, can you just speak without basis?” Lin Fan roared.
Holy crap!
Imperial Inspector Wang was stunned. In all his years as an official, he had never encountered anyone so arrogant.
This man simply did not put him in his eyes.
Ning Yu’s mouth was slightly agape.
Master is so fierce.
Li Zhengdao felt his hands and feet grow cold. He had never experienced such a moment of terror in his life. He truly did not expect Lin Fan to confront an Imperial Inspector head-on.
He really wanted to ask, Chief Lin, don’t you understand the status of an Imperial Inspector?
You are confronting an Imperial Inspector like this.
Have you truly considered the consequences?
At this moment, Imperial Inspector Wang, filled with fury, pointed his finger, trembling with rage, “Good, good, how audacious you all are! How dare you do this? Guards, guards! Seize this madman for this Imperial Inspector.”
“Yes.”
The soldiers obeyed the order.
Clang!
Qian Tao, Xu Ming, Wu Yong, Yang Ming, and others instantly drew their swords and came to Lin Fan’s side, their eyes sharp, giving the impression that a fight could break out at any moment.
Lin Fan raised his hand, signaling them not to act on impulse, while also being deeply moved by their actions.
In this situation, they still dared to draw their swords and stand by his side.
This was not fearing their families being implicated.
“Are you trying to rebel?” Imperial Inspector Wang roared.
He hadn’t expected the local Public Security Bureau constables to be so brazen, daring to point their swords at an Imperial Inspector. “If I report this behavior of yours, you will all have your families confiscated and be executed.”
The situation was now very critical.
Prefect Zhao clenched his fists, inwardly cheering repeatedly. This was exactly how it should be; the greater the conflict, the better. It would be ideal if Lin Fan severely beat up the Imperial Inspector.
This was the scene he most wished to see.
Lin Fan looked at Imperial Inspector Wang and pointed at him angrily, saying, “F**k your mother! Believe it or not, before your family is confiscated and you’re executed, I’ll chop up your entire family. And that damn Grand Tutor, is he trying to use his power to bully me without reason or law? I’m telling you, if you don’t play by the rules, don’t blame me for not playing by the rules either.”
Prefect Zhao: …?
Imperial Inspector Wang: …?
Especially for Imperial Inspector Wang, he was genuinely bewildered, not just confused, but completely dumbfounded.
What, are all the officials outside this arrogant now?
Can they just curse and threaten an Imperial Censor from the Censorate as they please?
Do they have absolutely no sense of awe?
At this moment.
Ning Yu was pacing anxiously. She really didn’t want her Master to act impulsively and fall into the Grand Tutor’s trap.
Thinking of this.
Suddenly.
Ning Yu had a flash of inspiration and abruptly thought of a solution.
The only way to resolve the current conflict was for her to enter the fray herself.
Thinking of this.
“Imperial Inspector Wang!!!”
Imperial Inspector Wang frowned. When he looked to the side, his expression suddenly changed drastically. He saw Ning Yu rushing over, leaping forward, and kicking him in the abdomen.
“Get down for this Grandma…”
