Chapter 105: Number One In The World!!!
Arena.
Lin Fan remained calm, his expression unchanged as he looked at Tuli Ming before him.
The so-called Mengye Country is referred to as barbarians.
At this moment, Tuli Ming clashed his two iron hammers together, emitting a dull, piercing roar. His expression was ferocious, and his eyes gleamed with ferocity as he stared at Lin Fan.
“Kid, you’re even more arrogant than Qin Xiang just now. I went easy on him, but I won’t go easy on you. I’m going to smash you into meat paste.”
Tuli Ming exhaled through his nose, and two streams of hot air could be clearly seen puffing from his nostrils.
This is something an ordinary person could not do.
The person’s internal body temperature must be extremely high, and the energy required for his body’s functions is immense. Indeed, I underestimated this world; there are masters here.
But this kind of master is different from the masters he had imagined.
The masters he imagined could fly through the air and dive into the earth, capable of crushing mountains with their fists, and could mobilize their cultivated power with every move. However, the masters he encountered now were clearly more like individuals who, due to their innate talent and without any systematic cultivation, naturally possessed great strength.
At this moment, everyone held their breath.
The Emperor clenched his fist tightly within the sleeve of his dragon robe. National dignity must not be trampled by barbarians. As long as you can win, I will surely reward you greatly. Let alone having beaten an Imperial Censor, even if you tear down the Imperial Palace, I can attribute it to my beloved minister’s impetuousness after drinking and absolve you of blame.
The Grand Tutor, seated beside him, had a placid expression, but a somber gloom churned in his eyes.
It’s not important that he hasn’t met Lin Fan.
What’s important is that he wants Lin Fan dead.
It would be best if he were killed by Tuli Ming. At that time, the Duke could be impeached for his failure to discipline his daughter and for allowing someone to fight on the stage without authorization. The loser would not be an individual’s life,
but the face of the entire nation.
Voluntarily stepping forward was inherently a thankless task.
Qin Xiang was personally nominated by the Emperor, so his loss was just a loss. At most, it would only disappoint the Emperor, not incur punishment.
People from the Prince’s and Princesses’ factions were whispering amongst themselves.
“This Chief Lin Fan isn’t even as sturdy as Qin Xiang. Can he really do it?”
“Who knows? It’s like this anyway; might as well try anything.”
“This is Ning Yu’s master. I trust Ning Yu’s judgment.”
A naive princess said.
The surrounding common people had long been seething with anger. Now, as long as they could win, no matter who it was, they would be their hero.
“Chief Lin, go for it!!!”
“Chief Lin, beat up this Mengye barbarian!”
“We can’t lose, we really can’t lose.”
The cheers of the common people at the scene grew louder and louder.
The envoy from Mengye Country completely disregarded Lin Fan, smiling at the Emperor and saying, “Your Majesty, your country’s successive fighters are truly unfair. But it’s okay, who made our Tuli Ming born with divine power? He is the most outstanding and formidable rising star of our Mengye Country. A war of attrition is a mere trifle for him. It’s just that I fear this person’s life might be forfeit.”
“Because Tuli Ming is extremely angry now. If anyone fails to entertain him during the match, he will fly into an extreme rage.”
The envoy boasted shamelessly.
When he was ordered to lead the delegation, the King of Mengye had instructed him to thoroughly crush the opponent’s dignity, preferably by having Tuli Ming fight Qin Xiang and disable him on the spot.
After all, intelligence between the two countries was mutually gathered.
Among the older generation, there was Qin Li, and among the younger generation, there was Qin Xiang.
But now, the envoy was completely at ease. This younger generation was nothing special. If Tuli Ming had been serious just now, he would have completely torn Qin Xiang to shreds in at most five moves.
The Emperor was truly displeased by the envoy’s words and said sternly, “The match hasn’t even begun, who will win or lose is still uncertain. What’s the rush?”
The envoy stroked his beard and smiled, “Your Majesty speaks wisely. Then let us wait and see.”
The Emperor’s chest heaved with anger, and he couldn’t help but cough. The nearby eunuch hurried to attend to him, but the Emperor waved him away, forcing himself to stand strong and stare intently at the arena.
On the arena.
Lin Fan extended his hand and beckoned Tuli Ming with his finger.
“You can begin. Two moves, just two moves. After two moves, you’ll be lying down completely,” Lin Fan said, his voice booming and reaching everyone present.
The sound shook the surroundings, and the crowd erupted in excitement.
Although they hadn’t made a move yet.
Their aura was fully displayed.
Qin Xiang, who had been defeated earlier, sat there with a grim expression, quietly drinking tea. Upon hearing these words, he couldn’t help but look at Lin Fan.
So arrogant?
Only after fighting him would one know Tuli Ming’s terror.
This guy was simply a human monster.
His strength was too immense.
Even his father, Qin Li, had never given him such a sense of pressure.
Just as Qin Xiang was stunned, Tuli Ming on the arena was completely enraged by Lin Fan. With a roar, he swung the iron hammers in his hands and smashed directly at Lin Fan. The force and speed were even more terrifying than before.
Everyone straightened their backs abruptly, gazing intently.
Boom!
A violent roar echoed, and rolling smoke billowed up. Tuli Ming, swinging his hammers, leaned forward, his sturdy physique’s muscle lines stretched to their limit.
Everyone’s ears buzzed as if thunder had exploded beside them.
But they didn’t have the mood to care about their ears.
They only wanted to know if Lin Fan was still alive.
That person was their country’s only hope.
The smoke dissipated.
A blurry figure gradually appeared in everyone’s sight. As the smoke completely cleared, Lin Fan was seen standing with his hands behind his back, looking at Tuli Ming with a calm expression.
“Ah!!! It’s okay, he withstood it!”
The common people cried out in surprise, letting out deafening cheers.
The Emperor, who had been extremely nervous, suddenly breathed a sigh of relief. He had almost been scared to death.
Tuli Ming’s expression changed slightly. He widened his eyes, disbelieving that his hammer strike had been dodged by the opponent, who was even standing on his hammer.
“One move, one more move,” Lin Fan said.
“Damn it… Get off my hammers,” Tuli Ming roared, trying to lift his hammers. However, he found that the hammers he was stepping on wouldn’t budge, no matter how much force he exerted.
Impossible.
Tuli Ming roared, his backside splitting, trying to flip Lin Fan, who was standing on the hammers, to the ground. Even though his veins bulged and his gums were almost grinding to dust, he couldn’t move Lin Fan at all.
“Your strength is too weak,” Lin Fan said, shaking his head.
Facing such insulting words.
Tuli Ming was truly driven mad. In his entire life, no one had ever dared to say his strength was weak. Now, not only had someone dared, but they had done so in front of so many people.
At this moment, the eunuch, who had been silent due to his country’s continuous losses, cleared his throat with his duck-like voice and exclaimed excitedly, “Excellent! Chief Lin is standing on Tuli Ming’s hammers with both feet. Tuli Ming, who is hailed as the number one military general of Mengye Country, has used all his might but cannot lift these iron hammers weighing over forty pounds.”
“This alone is enough to show that our Chief Lin’s strength is clearly above that of Young General Tuli Ming.”
“Look at Tuli Ming’s ferocious, red eyes. Look at his arms covered in bulging veins. This is more than just all his might.”
This eunuch knew how to perform and how to please the Emperor.
See.
He caught a glimpse of the Emperor’s smiling face and hearty laughter. He had spoken right to the Emperor’s heart.
Progress is in sight.
“Shut up for me,” Tuli Ming roared.
The eunuch was unfazed and continued, “Look, Young General Tuli Ming is enraged by shame. This is the incompetent roar of someone unable to budge our Chief Lin even slightly. This is understandable. How could someone from the northern barbaric lands comprehend the might of a great nation?”
The common people raised their arms and cheered.
“Well said, absolutely right.”
“Haha, satisfying, truly satisfying.”
“Look at our Chief Lin, his face isn’t flushed, his heart isn’t pounding, which means he’s handling it with ease, without any effort.”
The murmurs of the common people were like pouring oil onto a bonfire, completely igniting Tuli Ming’s fury.
“Die for me!”
Tuli Ming was enraged and directly swung his other hammer, smashing it down. Facing this strike, Lin Fan raised his hand, clenched his fist, and swung out. With a bang, his fist collided with the iron hammer.
A startling roar sounded.
The iron hammer visibly dented.
The penetrating force spread, causing Tuli Ming’s hand to split, making him lose his grip. The iron hammer flew to the side, smashing heavily onto the ground.
Tuli Ming’s eyes widened, as if he had seen a ghost.
He was stunned by what he saw, completely oblivious to his continuously bleeding hand.
One punch?
Sent his hammer flying?
“The two moves are finished,” Lin Fan said softly.
Now, everyone was staring in stunned silence. Those who had been seated in the viewing stands all stood up, witnessing the scene with horror.
Bare-handed block?
They couldn’t believe it and looked at Lin Fan with scorching gazes, followed by even greater joy. The prowess displayed by those two hammer strikes was simply astonishing.
At this moment, Lin Fan looked at the shocked Emperor and said, “Your Majesty, the two moves have concluded. Can I end this match that feels like toying with children now?”
Originally, when he arrived at the Imperial City, he had many thoughts. No matter how great the resistance, he would absolutely not back down; if he was going to do it, he would do it fiercely.
But who would have thought that when he was drowsy, someone would offer him a pillow? He actually had an opportunity to showcase himself.
The arena match between the two nations, seemingly a clash of fists and feet, was in reality a matter of national dignity and glory. It was not a triumphant return after a battle between a thousand armies, but it was no less glorious than such a return.
His question to the Emperor about ending the match now was conveying a signal to the Emperor, a signal that would make the Emperor immensely joyful.
The Emperor smiled and said, “Beloved minister, you have worked hard. Since that is the case, let us end it. As Chief, you handle important matters. To compete with children is indeed a hardship for you.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Lin Fan smiled. Suddenly, his expression turned serious. He clenched his fist, pulled his right arm back, and punched out fiercely. The speed was so fast that the naked eye could not follow it. The fist had not yet arrived, but its wind roared forth.
The punch struck Tuli Ming’s abdomen. With a “poof,” a visible wave of white energy spread out. Tuli Ming’s abdomen caved in and contorted. In an instant, the entire person was launched like a cannonball, flying dozens of meters before crashing into the table where the envoy was sitting, and with a bang, smashing heavily onto the ground.
Waa!!!
Tuli Ming’s eyeballs seemed about to burst. He opened his mouth, and blood gushed out.
His caved-in abdomen was terrifying and could not be restored. The envoy beside him watched this scene, dumbfounded, his mind blank.
Suddenly.
He snapped back to his senses and screamed.
“Tuli Ming, Tuli Ming…”
The envoy was scared.
Truly scared.
He hadn’t expected the outcome to be like this. Tuli Ming, who was undefeated, had been reduced to this state with a single punch.
No matter how he shook him, Tuli Ming remained motionless.
The envoy said, “Your Majesty, was it necessary to be so ruthless?”
The Emperor was taken aback by the envoy’s words. What? Is there something wrong with your brain? A match between nations is like this, and you ask if it was necessary to be so ruthless?
He really didn’t know how to answer.
Lin Fan declared loudly, “Envoy of Mengye Country, His Majesty has already shown leniency. If Your Majesty hadn’t told me to finish quickly after a couple of moves and not to take his life, with my usual personality, he wouldn’t have flown to your side, but I would have blown him up on the spot, leaving no corpse.”
Upon hearing this, the Emperor’s liking for this Chief Lin Fan, whom he had only heard of, grew. So young, not only so outstanding and bringing honor to the court, but also giving him so much face.
A treasure, this minister.
Have I, by chance, discovered a treasure minister?
With this thought, the Emperor said, “Envoy, my beloved minister has already held back. How can you say my beloved minister was ruthless?”
“You, you…” The envoy was so angry he was speechless and could only glare furiously at Lin Fan.
The Emperor said, “Summon the imperial physicians quickly to examine Tuli Ming’s condition.”
Soon, the imperial physicians waiting at the scene hurried over.
After a careful examination.
“Imperial Physician, what is Tuli Ming’s condition?” the Emperor asked.
The imperial physician announced loudly, “Replying to Your Majesty, Tuli Ming’s injuries are extremely severe. He is barely holding on to life. His internal organs are displaced and shattered. All his bones have been shattered by the force of Chief Lin’s punch. Even if he survives, he will likely be crippled for life.”
The Emperor’s heart pounded. He hadn’t expected his beloved minister to be so powerful that a single punch could inflict such severe injuries.
Immediately, he said, “Quickly, use the three-hundred-year-old ginseng I’ve treasured to sustain Tuli Ming’s life.”
“Yes.”
The surrounding officials cried out in unison, “Your Majesty is benevolent!”
The envoy’s mouth hung slightly open, looking at everyone present with a face full of grief and indignation. “You injured him, and yet you act like the good guys. You bunch of sons of bitches!”
And at this moment.
The common people at the scene finally recovered and began to wail with all their might.
“Chief Lin!”
“Chief Lin!”
The cries were like a tidal wave, continuous and unending, truly deafening and earth-shattering.
Lin Fan looked at the envoy and said, “Envoy of Mengye Country, I haven’t had my fill yet. Do you have anyone else? Don’t hide them. Come up together and let me see what other tricks your Mengye Country has.”
At this moment, the envoy looked at Lin Fan with eyes filled with boundless anger.
He knew that none of his people could defeat Lin Fan.
It wouldn’t matter who stepped forward.
“You win, you win. Why must you be so aggressive?” the envoy said.
Lin Fan smiled, “When have I ever been aggressive? It’s just that your people from Mengye Country are too uninteresting. Take Tuli Ming, for example. I thought he was supposed to be very powerful, but in my opinion, he’s just so-so.”
“You…” The envoy’s face turned extremely pale.
He clenched his fists.
And at this moment.
Lin Fan’s gaze swept around, and soon, his attention was drawn to a bronze cauldron not far away. He then said, “Your Majesty, may I know how heavy that bronze cauldron is?”
The Emperor looked at the bronze cauldron and smiled, “This cauldron weighs over thirteen hundred catties. It’s a bronze artifact crafted by a dynasty in ancient times. Why do you ask, beloved minister?”
Lin Fan said, “Today is the day of the competition between the two nations. As I have just arrived in the capital, I would like to show Your Majesty a little skill, and also leave a challenge here. From now on, if any barbaric nation wishes to compete, they can try to lift this object. Only those who can move it will be qualified to challenge.”
With that, he strode towards the bronze artifact.
Everyone present heard this and was stunned.
What?
What did he just say?
He said he was going to lift a bronze artifact weighing over thirteen hundred catties.
Don’t be ridiculous.
That’s not something a human can lift.
“Master, go for it!” Ning Yu shouted, feeling incredibly proud. She lifted her head high, her meaning clear: she wanted everyone to look closely. This was her master, and how impressive was that?
“Ah?”
The Emperor was astonished, shocked, and stared intently at Lin Fan.
Ning Yu’s maternal grandfather was the same. When Ning Yu brought her master to the arena, he had wanted to reprimand her, thinking such a thing was foolish.
But soon, what happened next completely shocked him.
At this moment.
Lin Fan walked up to the bronze cauldron, reached out, and grabbed the edge. Countless common people present opened their mouths slightly, staring intently, not daring to breathe too deeply. In their eyes, this was something no one could possibly accomplish.
“Lift!”
Lin Fan roared, and with a mighty heave of one hand, his arm muscles bulged. Amidst the gasps of the common people, the bronze cauldron was astonishingly lifted with a single hand.
Ah!!!
The common people were horrified, and the scene erupted in an uproar.
Everyone was shocked beyond words.
What shocked them even more was that Lin Fan actually tossed the bronze cauldron upwards. The giant cauldron rose, and he then grabbed its foot and, holding it aloft with one hand, lifted it over his head.
“Not human!!!”
Someone exclaimed.
Lin Fan, holding the bronze cauldron aloft, walked step by step towards the viewing stands. Each step was heavy, and the paving stones beneath his feet cracked under the immense pressure.
At this moment, no one could tear their gaze away from Lin Fan.
The princesses of the imperial family’s eyes sparkled. Some covered their small mouths, others their chests. Having lived in the palace, when had they ever seen such an imposing man? And moreover, he was very handsome.
At this moment, their hearts fluttered with affection and longing.
“Good, good, good! My beloved minister is truly peerless in the world, invincible under heaven.”
The Emperor’s face was flushed with excitement. The joy he felt now was exactly the same as when he first learned he would ascend the throne.
Lin Fan walked step by step towards the envoy. As Lin Fan approached, the envoy felt an immense pressure bearing down on him. He looked up at Lin Fan in terror.
Lin Fan looked down at him, and then at some of the competitors who were beside the envoy. They had all won their matches, but now they all lowered their heads, not daring to make eye contact with Lin Fan.
In this way, Lin Fan, holding the bronze cauldron with one hand, walked around the viewing stands. He took in the appearances of the imperial family members. When he reached the princes’ side.
Some princes actively showed favor, calling him “Chief Lin, mighty and domineering.”
Passing by the princesses’ area.
This group of imperial princesses exchanged meaningful glances. If not for their status requiring them to maintain decorum, they might have screamed incessantly.
When he passed by the Duke, the Duke smiled, and Lin Fan naturally returned the smile. After all, he was Ning Yu’s maternal grandfather, and it was only polite to be courteous.
As for reaching the Grand Tutor.
The Grand Tutor deeply understood that Lin Fan’s influence was now firmly established, and the Emperor would undoubtedly favor him greatly. More importantly, his own strength was terrifying, countless times more so than Qin Li.
As the saying goes, “He who understands the times is a wise man.”
“Chief Lin, divinely mighty and invincible,” the Grand Tutor said, licking his lips and with a smile.
“Old dog,” Lin Fan cursed.
Grand Tutor: …?
His curse was not quiet, and everyone present heard it clearly.
The Grand Tutor’s expression changed instantly.
Embarrassment, anger, and all sorts of emotions were evident.
Clearly, he hadn’t expected this young man to be so arrogant, showing no respect at all, not even understanding basic human relationships. Didn’t he understand the principle of being one way on the surface and another in private?
Moreover, I am the Grand Tutor.
Ranked first class official.
Wielding great power.
You truly show no respect at all.
The officials present lowered their heads and exchanged glances. The officialdom was like a battlefield; no change could be overlooked. Sometimes, a seemingly distant storm could actually engulf you.
This person was merely a Chief. In terms of official rank, he couldn’t compare to them.
But after this incident.
The situation was different.
Therefore, for these officials, it was imperative to maintain distance from Lin Fan and absolutely not to offend him. If the Grand Tutor instructed them to do anything, they should avoid it if possible.
At this moment, the Emperor naturally also heard Lin Fan curse the Grand Tutor as an old dog. He merely smiled and said nothing.
A moment later.
Lin Fan returned to the training ground and placed the bronze cauldron on the ground. The cauldron’s foot landed with a dull thud, and he then cupped his fists towards the surrounding common people.
The shouts of the common people had never ceased.
Lin Fan looked at Ning Yu and asked with a smile, “Master, how was I?”
Ning Yu nodded frantically, “Master, you were amazing.”
The Emperor said, “Beloved minister Lin, come here.”
Hearing the Emperor’s voice, Lin Fan went to the viewing stands. The Emperor, beaming with joy, walked up to Lin Fan, took his hand, and patted him solemnly, “Today, beloved minister, you have truly brought honor to the court.”
Lin Fan said, “It is my duty to share Your Majesty’s burdens.”
The Emperor was overjoyed, “Good, well said, worthy of being my beloved minister.”
Then, the Emperor surveyed the civil and military officials and the gathered populace, his voice resounding, “Today, I have personally witnessed our dynasty possess a pillar supporting the heavens and a beam holding up the sea.”
The words echoed across the training ground, and everyone stared intently.
The civil and military officials who knew the Emperor well understood that he was about to bestow rewards upon Lin Fan. Although the most important reward, an official post, might require further deliberation, there would certainly be some honorary benefits beforehand.
The Emperor continued, “Beloved minister Lin, hear my decree. Today, beloved minister Lin has brought glory to the nation. I bestow upon you the title ‘Number One Under Heaven’.”
“Thank you for Your Majesty’s favor,” Lin Fan said.
The common people cheered.
“Number One Under Heaven!”
“Number One Under Heaven!”
The cheers came in wave after wave.
This was considered a universally acknowledged title of “Number One Under Heaven.” Lin Fan accepted it calmly, as it seemed no one could truly defeat him.
The Grand Tutor was also relieved. “Number One Under Heaven” was merely an empty title and posed no significant threat to him.
Ning Yu was beaming with pride, “Heh heh, Number One Under Heaven. If my master is Number One Under Heaven, then I, Ning Yu, can also be called Number Two Under Heaven.”
The Emperor continued, “I will also bestow upon beloved minister Lin a Gold Token inscribed with ‘Unparalleled National Scholar’. From this day forward, within the borders of our dynasty, all officials at all levels shall treat the Gold Token as if they see me personally and must cooperate fully without delay.”
The Grand Tutor frowned slightly.
A Gold Token?
As if I were present.
This was somewhat unacceptable for the Grand Tutor. Did that mean that if this fellow brought the Gold Token to me, I would have to respectfully defer to him?
Of course, he knew that the Emperor was in a very good mood now and that the rewards would continue, but judging by the situation, it seemed the true rewards had not yet arrived.
“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Lin Fan said.
The Emperor, holding Lin Fan’s hand, said, “Beloved minister, the rewards are far from over. After I return to the palace, I will think carefully and will certainly not disappoint you.”
“Your Majesty, these rewards are enough for me.”
“Not enough, this is just the beginning. I am not a foolish ruler. Since beloved minister is so talented and loyal to the country, how can I disappoint beloved minister and the common people?” The Emperor was now thinking about how to bestow rewards. The main issue was that many positions were already filled, and those with low ranks and no real power were naturally out of the question.
Someone this powerful and so loyal to me, if I don’t promote him properly, then my reign as emperor would truly be over.
The Duke, observing the Emperor’s favor towards Lin Fan, understood that this young man was likely to soar to great heights. Knowing the Emperor’s personality, he would likely reach the pinnacle of power.
There were many such examples in the Imperial Court.
For instance, Qin Li, the Left Commander of the Five Military Headquarters, demonstrated his bravery at a young age and was personally promoted by the Emperor. He is now the foremost military official, but over the years, he has become somewhat arrogant due to excessive favor and doesn’t pay much attention to the Emperor.
However, he held a high position and wielded great power, with too many trusted subordinates. Any move would trigger extremely terrifying chain reactions. Therefore, the situation was maintained in a state of balance.
“Beloved minister, come with me to the palace. I wish to have a good chat with you. Tonight, there will be a grand banquet to celebrate beloved minister.” the Emperor said.
Lin Fan smiled, somewhat bewildered by the Emperor’s enthusiasm. How eager he was to win me over to his side.
He could understand this.
The martial prowess I displayed was simply unreasonable; who wouldn’t be dazed?
If we were to say who was the most dejected at the scene right now.
Besides the envoy, it was Qin Xiang.
At this moment, he was like a transparent person, completely ignored.
…
Inside the palace, in the Imperial Study.
Lin Fan sat upright, looking around curiously. The Duke sat there, also staring intently at Lin Fan. The Emperor’s gaze remained fixed on Lin Fan.
“I never expected your background to be like this, beloved minister…” The Emperor chatted with Lin Fan, asking about his family and how he gradually became the Chief of the Anzhou Public Security Bureau.
Lin Fan naturally painted a somewhat tragic picture of his past.
Orphaned, living on the streets, raised by multiple families. Later, he went to Yong’an, joined a local gang to make a living, then studied law diligently, passed the examination for the Public Security Bureau, and became a commoner constable.
He only had a sworn sister who had greatly helped his career.
This was not entirely untrue.
It was indeed so.
His sworn sister provided financial support and connections, finding people and pulling strings to help him secure that position. Otherwise, it might not have been his turn.
“Your sworn sister is truly an extraordinary woman,” the Emperor praised.
How could he not know that it was very difficult for someone from a low-status household to join the Public Security Bureau? No matter how well they studied the law, that position would certainly not be available to someone from a low-status household.
“She is indeed extraordinary,” Lin Fan said with a smile.
The Emperor said, “That girl Ning Yu is fortunate to be by your side.”
Lin Fan said, “Ning Yu enjoys being a constable and likes to learn from me. She is diligent and righteous, truly a rare and excellent disciple.”
The Emperor asked, “Have you married, beloved minister?”
“No,” Lin Fan shook his head.
Hearing this, the Emperor pondered for a moment, “Beloved minister, I have a group of daughters, all of whom are knowledgeable, well-mannered, and exceptionally beautiful. Especially my eighteenth daughter, who is my apple of the eye. She is also of marriageable age this year…”
Lin Fan blinked.
Emperor, don’t do this.
I’m very good at reading law. Isn’t “marriageable age” also sixteen? She’s still underage… Wait, in this world, people can marry after fourteen.
“What do you think, beloved minister?” the Emperor asked with a smile.
The Duke, standing beside him, had completely understood. The Emperor truly intended to win Lin Fan over completely, even willing to offer his eighteenth princess in marriage.
The crucial point was that this eighteenth princess was also Ning Yu’s cousin.
This would tie Lin Fan to their Duke’s mansion.
With this in mind, the Duke understood that the Emperor was showing immense favor to their family as well.
Lin Fan said, “Thank you for Your Majesty’s kind intentions. I appreciate it, but I have no intention of getting married yet. Especially today, seeing those people from Mengye Country, I feel they have wolfish ambitions and must be eliminated. If Your Majesty intends to send troops against Mengye Country, I am willing to be the vanguard.”
“Hahaha…” The Emperor laughed and looked at the Duke, “Duke, do you see? My beloved minister hasn’t even had me solve his marital issues, and he’s already thinking of alleviating my worries.”
The Duke smiled, “Your Majesty, Chief Lin, despite his young age, has the heart to serve the country. This old minister deeply admires him. Since Chief Lin has arrived in the capital, he will naturally stay for a period. Why not let Ning Yu take the eighteenth princess to accompany Chief Lin around the capital? Young people, after all, need to cultivate their feelings.”
“Hmm, the Duke makes sense,” the Emperor said with a smile.
Lin Fan felt helpless. Who liked teenage girls? If he liked anyone, he preferred them to be a bit more mature, not fully ripe, but ripe where it mattered.
The Duke asked, “Chief Lin, why did you beat up the Imperial Censor in Anzhou?”
Lin Fan said, “To tell Your Majesty and the Duke the truth, that Imperial Censor deserved to be beaten. He came to Anzhou and acted tyrannically, looking down on everyone. He even led troops into the Public Security Bureau and demanded that I release people without asking any questions. Those were people I painstakingly captured. The common people cheered when they were arrested. If I had truly released them, wouldn’t that have disheartened the common people? Moreover, this Imperial Censor came on the orders of the Grand Tutor, intending to put me to death.”
The Emperor and the Duke exchanged glances.
Good heavens.
This young man truly said whatever came to his mind and never concealed his thoughts when it came to serving as an official. Others would likely not have mentioned the Grand Tutor.
Lin Fan continued, “Near Anzhou, there is an evil cult called the Mingwang Cult. It deceives the common people, draining their wealth and even causing families to be broken and lives ruined. When I found out, I stepped in and eradicated this evil cult. But who would have thought that this evil cult was supported by the Grand Tutor?”
“If it were anyone else, they would fear the Grand Tutor and truly turn a blind eye. But when have I, Lin Fan, ever been afraid? When soldiers come, I’ll block them; when water comes, I’ll dam it. As long as I believe it’s right, I’ll deal with it regardless of who is behind it.”
Speaking of this topic, Lin Fan completely unleashed his true nature.
Speaking of this topic, Lin Fan completely unleashed his true nature.
Unleash that overbearing, arrogant aura to its fullest.
I will not hide anything from you, wearing a false mask.
The Emperor and the Duke are both astute people.
How can one not see that this is Chief Lin’s true nature.
No wonder he was impeached for assaulting the Imperial Censor.
If I didn’t have this strength, I would have been gone long ago.
The Duke said, “With the Grand Tutor’s support, could there be some misunderstanding?”
“Misunderstanding? What misunderstanding, I think it’s just… sorry, I’m used to speaking like this.” Lin Fan was a little embarrassed; his previous pretense of being proper had all been exposed.
The Emperor laughed heartily, “No matter, my beloved minister, you truly have a genuine spirit, far better than those pedantic civil officials. I am deeply pleased, as it shows you do not consider me an outsider.”
Lin Fan pursed his lips, feeling somewhat speechless.
He could say… Your Majesty, when I first came to the Imperial Capital, I actually thought of blowing myself up directly to you.
And now you say you don’t consider me an outsider.
It’s truly hard to bear.
“Your Majesty, your subject has studied the law diligently and deeply understands its importance, as it is the foundation of the nation and cannot be shaken. The Common People have profound faith in the fairness of the law. As the Head of the Public Security Bureau, I must naturally abide by the law and uphold it. Regardless of who has broken the law, I must punish them severely according to the law,” Lin Fan said.
Previously, he boasted of being the number one person in Yong’an for reciting the law.
Now, he dared to claim to be the number one person in Anzhou for reciting the law.
“Well said, my beloved minister,” the Emperor nodded with great satisfaction.
When a person finds another person pleasing to the eye and agreeable, they will find sense in whatever they say, no matter what it is.
…
The gathering place for princes and princesses.
Ning Yu was surrounded by a group of people.
“Sister Ning Yu, how did you get to know your Master?” a young princess asked with great curiosity.
Ning Yu took a big bite of an apple and said casually, “As for how I met my Master, it’s a long story. Back then, I was appointed Prefect in Yong’an, right? As soon as I arrived, I saw my Master. I was immediately captivated by my Master’s charisma. Without a second word, I poured tea, knelt down, and kowtowed to acknowledge him as my Master. It was all done in one go, no hesitation whatsoever.”
“Wow, Sister Ning Yu, someone as capable as you also knelt down so readily?” the young princess was very surprised.
Ning Yu said, “Capable? Can they be as capable as my Master? Let me tell you, my Master’s performance today was just not fully satisfying. Do you know about the Bandits from Stone Dragon Mountain and Tianxian Island?”
“No.”
“Listen carefully. Those Bandits are all extremely wicked individuals, numbering in the thousands. I’ve calculated it; there are at least a thousand of them. The local Public Security Bureau and County Office were truly helpless. But my Master, alone and on horseback, with the Iron Rod behind him, you see it, right? It weighs sixty catties. With one man and one rod, he swept through the entire scene. Thousands of Bandits had their heads rolling, crying and begging for mercy, but it was no use.” Ning Yu lied about the numbers without batting an eye, aiming for maximum impact.
Hiss~
The princes and princesses all gasped.
They were born into a royal family and had been well protected since childhood, having never witnessed true danger, and could hardly imagine how wicked the Bandits could be. But hearing that Lin Fan alone killed a thousand people sent shivers down their spines.
“Tch, you’re exaggerating,” a Prince said disbelievingly.
Ning Yu looked at him, “Little Six, don’t say Sister Ning Yu didn’t warn you. If my Master were to run into you on the street, you’d be stuck in prison until you died. Do you believe me?”
This Sixth Prince was unruly and would often act like a tyrant in the Imperial Capital, showing extreme arrogance.
“He’d arrest me? I am the Sixth Prince,” the Sixth Prince said, unconvinced.
Ning Yu sneered, “Sixth Prince? Let me tell you, my Master and I, between Yong’an and Anzhou, if you dare to go, you can see for yourself. Which of the Local Ruffians or sons of wealthy merchants there would dare to commit evil deeds? Anyone who misbehaves gets their head chopped off. I advise you to be honest. If you truly fall into my Master’s hands, no one can save you.”
The Sixth Prince said, “I don’t believe it.”
“Sixth Brother, you should believe it. I’ve found out. Ning Yu’s Master is truly formidable. He beat up Prefects and Imperial Censors as if they were insects. And you didn’t hear today, he even dared to call the Grand Tutor an old dog. The Grand Tutor sat there and couldn’t utter a word for a long time,” said the Eighth Prince.
Everyone then remembered the scene where the Grand Tutor was insulted.
Yes.
It was indeed like that.
…
Nightfall.
A banquet in the Imperial Palace.
The Emperor sat at the main seat, while Lin Fan and Ning Yu sat at the secondary seats, as Ning Yu now represented the Anzhou Public Security Bureau, not the Duke’s Mansion.
The civil and military officials present all had smarmy expressions as they came to toast Lin Fan, their flattery raining down on him like a storm.
“Master, that’s the First Prince, supported by the Grand Tutor.”
“That’s the Second Prince, supported by the Grand Tutor and the Grand Protector.”
Ning Yu whispered to Lin Fan, introducing the identities and backgrounds of the officials present. After introducing them all, she exclaimed that officials below the third rank couldn’t even sit in the hall; they were all outside.
At this moment, the First Prince and the Second Prince noticed Lin Fan looking at them.
The First Prince felt very distressed.
Mainly because Lin Fan had a conflict with the Grand Tutor, which made it difficult for him to make a move for the time being.
As for the Second Prince, he was extremely pleased.
Now that the Emperor favored Chief Lin and he was at odds with the Grand Tutor, the enemy of my enemy is my friend. With this thought, he stood up, walked to the Emperor, and respectfully said, “Father Emperor, today is a joyous occasion for the Imperial Court. This son wishes to toast Lord Lin with a cup of wine, to thank him for bringing honor back to our dynasty and making the Mengye Country retreat in embarrassment.”
“Indeed,” the Emperor nodded.
Then, the Second Prince took a wine cup from the plate held by an Eunuch, walked to Lin Fan, bowed, and said, “Lord Lin, this Prince toasts you.”
Lin Fan stood up, “Second Prince, you are too kind.”
“It is deserved.”
The Second Prince drank it all in one gulp. Even if he couldn’t win him over, he certainly couldn’t offend him.
Meanwhile, the Grand Tutor was not present at the scene.
It was said he was unwell and unable to attend. Everyone present knew the real reason, but they all thought the Grand Tutor’s absence was foolish.
Not only was it disrespecting Lin Fan, but more importantly, it was disrespecting His Majesty.
Even though the Emperor had a smile on his face and seemed unconcerned.
He was probably thinking of how to eliminate the Grand Tutor.
