Chapter 107: Divine Martial Great General, Gloriously Returns To Anzhou
The current situation put the Grand Tutor in a difficult position.
If he said that Lin Fan did it, that he broke into the Grand Tutor’s mansion and publicly beat him, that would be an act of disregarding law and order and showing no regard for the law. In that case, he would have to go all out against Lin Fan on this matter.
More importantly, Your Majesty was not on their side at the moment, but rather on Lin Fan’s side.
He wouldn’t gain anything.
Now, he truly understood that this fellow named Lin was lawless and showed no respect to anyone.
Do you dare to guarantee that he wouldn’t dare to beat you on the street?
Wouldn’t he dare to beat you in the hall?
Thinking of this, the Grand Tutor decided to swallow his anger. Earlier, during the morning court, he had indeed wanted other officials to relentlessly attack Lin Fan, but now he had changed his mind.
The Grand Tutor took a step forward and said, “Reporting to Your Majesty, Minister Zhang has mistaken. In my youth, I also enjoyed martial arts and sparring. My injuries were sustained during a sparring session and have nothing to do with Minister Lin.”
As soon as these words were uttered, the entire hall was shocked.
Minister Zhang was stunned.
Holy crap!
How did he change his mind again? But those who could attend the morning court definitely had no issues with their thinking.
Minister Zhang quickly said, “This minister is guilty. I hastily made a plea to Your Majesty without fully understanding the situation. I beg Your Majesty to punish me.”
The Emperor said, “Since it was a misunderstanding, let it be. However, you must be cautious in the future. Beloved Minister Lin is a pillar of the nation; do not let the hearts of meritorious officials grow cold.”
“This minister… remembers Your Majesty’s decree.” Minister Zhang kowtowed, his back already soaked with cold sweat. From this day forward, he vowed never to get involved in the matters between the Grand Tutor and Lin Fan again.
The civil and military officials of the Second Prince’s faction were somewhat disappointed, not expecting the Grand Tutor to endure such humiliation without further action.
They had already prepared to side with Lin Fan and directly confront the Grand Tutor’s faction.
It was a pity, truly a pity.
Seeing that the situation had calmed down, the Emperor’s expression turned solemn, and he gestured to a nearby eunuch.
The eunuch stepped forward and announced loudly, “Announce the Head of the Anzhou Public Security Bureau, Lin Fan, into the hall.”
Everyone’s gaze turned to the entrance, where they saw a tall figure walking into the hall with a smile. To the civil and military officials present, this young man was truly stealing the spotlight.
Lin Fan walked into the hall, cupped his fists, and bowed, saying, “This minister, Lin Fan, greets Your Majesty.”
“Rise,” the Emperor said.
Lin Fan straightened his body, his gaze playfully directed at the Grand Tutor beside him, and asked with a smile, “Grand Tutor, I thought you’d be a bit tougher. Are you not impeaching me anymore?”
The Grand Tutor took a deep breath, suppressing his anger, and forced out a smile, saying, “Minister Lin, what do you mean by that? When has this old official ever impeached you? You are a hero of the court, personally appointed as the number one in the world by Your Majesty.”
“Consider yourself sensible, you old dog,” Lin Fan said with a smile.
The Grand Tutor was truly enraged.
Lin Fan’s voice was not quiet; all the officials present heard it clearly.
But at this moment, no one dared to speak out, and everyone remained silent.
The Emperor, seated on the dragon throne, acted as if he hadn’t heard, and said, “All beloved ministers, Beloved Minister Lin has brought glory to the nation and his merits are for the benefit of the empire. I intend to reward Beloved Minister Lin greatly. Announce it.”
The eunuch, having received the signal, stepped forward, unfurled the imperial decree, and his voice, loud and clear, pierced through the entire great hall, announcing:
“By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: I have heard that those with virtue should be praised, those with talent rewarded, and those with great merit should receive ample compensation, for this is the constant custom of the nation. Now, Lin Fan, Head of Anzhou, is divinely appointed with loyalty and bravery, his talent and martial prowess unmatched. During the martial arts competition between the two nations, he accepted the mission in a time of crisis, his fists suppressing the northern barbarians, his strength holding up a giant cauldron, spreading our nation’s prestige throughout the land and enhancing my reputation across the four seas. His merits are immense and truly shine in the annals of history.”
As the eunuch read.
Everyone present held their breath, not daring to exhale, all eager to know what Lin Fan’s reward would be.
“I have decided to confer upon Lin Fan the title of Divine Martial Great General, First Rank.”
Without giving anyone a chance to react, the eunuch’s voice continued:
“And he is promoted to Commander of the Divine Martial Department. Effective immediately, the Divine Martial Department will be established, exclusively responsible for major cases nationwide, apprehending wanted criminals, and supervising all officials. It will report directly to me. The Divine Martial Department will be on par with the Three Judicial Offices, serving as our dynasty’s fourth judicial organ.”
When the words fell, the entire court erupted in uproar.
A white-haired old official immediately stepped forward, his voice trembling, “Your Majesty, absolutely not! Our judicial system has been in place for hundreds of years, with the Three Judicial Offices having clear responsibilities and checks and balances. Now, adding a fourth office with overlapping responsibilities will likely cause chaos.”
This old official stepped out immediately.
After the imperial decree was read, they were completely stunned.
This reward?
It was simply too great.
Originally, he only held the title of Loyal and Brave Colonel, a sixth-rank honor. Now, he was directly First Rank, the highest possible position for an official in the court. Any further advancement would involve honors and grace; to go beyond that would be equivalent to being made a prince?
Of course, being made a prince was impossible. After all, even the founding heroes, during their lifetimes, were only Dukes. After their deaths, when some suggested making them princes, the founding emperor refused.
This clearly indicated that making someone a prince was impossible.
However, now, this Divine Martial Great General was an honorary title without actual power. But who would have thought that Your Majesty would allow him to establish the Divine Martial Department, making him on par with the Three Judicial Offices, and a figure with real power? Moreover, the authority he held overlapped with that of the Three Judicial Offices.
This was one office encompassing the authority of three.
How could this be allowed?
Following this, another old official knelt down with a thud, “Your Majesty, although Minister Lin has made outstanding contributions, he is, after all, young. Granting him such great power so suddenly may not win over the masses. Furthermore, the Divine Martial Department’s authority is too extensive; if misused, it could become a national tumor.”
“Please reconsider, Your Majesty.”
Instantly, over a dozen old officials knelt on the ground, advising in unison.
They were determined to make His Majesty retract this reward.
The Grand Tutor stood to the side, his eyes lowered, remaining silent. However, a storm raged within his heart, as he clearly had not expected Lin Fan to hold such a position in His Majesty’s mind.
It was only their first meeting, and even though Lin Fan had fought for national dignity in the international arena competition, there was no need for such a heavy reward.
Even the civil and military officials of the Second Prince’s faction were advising against it. If this reward were to be finalized, Lin Fan would completely dominate the court.
If he supported another prince.
With his power and personal strength, the supported prince would undoubtedly soar. Not to mention, even the most useless Ninth Prince, if he received Lin Fan’s support, would instantly have the qualifications to contend with the First Prince and the Second Prince.
This was what they least wanted to see.
Lin Fan, standing there, said nothing, but his heart was also stirred.
He hadn’t expected the Emperor to give him such a generous reward.
It was beyond his imagination.
He had considered the emperor’s apprehension of royal power, given his strength and his rather arrogant and overbearing demeanor. Wouldn’t the Emperor fear that he might harbor ambitions of rebellion or seize control of the government?
Of course, Lin Fan had no interest in ruling the world.
Governing a country was not something one person could do alone, and he did not have such talent. He was very good at killing people; he could kill from day to night.
He wouldn’t even blink an eye.
His main focus was having the drive.
Besides, did he really think being an emperor was comfortable? Carrying the hopes of tens of millions of common people on one’s shoulders; did he really think it was like playing house?
Everything that happened in the court now was being recorded. The Emperor’s affectionate reward indicated how much he valued a person. If he truly had ambitions of usurping power in the future, he would be truly infamous for all eternity.
He did not want to become someone like the old Sima Yi.
It was precisely because of this old Sima Yi that the surname Sima had become associated with prejudice.
“My mind is made up. All beloved ministers need not say more.” The Emperor’s expression was serious, and he did not listen to anyone’s advice. He then looked at Lin Fan and said, “My Divine Martial Great General, are you not going to accept the decree?”
Just as Lin Fan was about to step forward.
The white-haired old official shouted, “Your Majesty, if you do not retract it, I will die on the spot in this Golden Palace Hall.”
Subsequently, other old officials echoed him.
“Please Your Majesty retract the reward.”
Facing these old officials who always contradicted his decrees at critical moments, the Emperor felt a headache coming on. A large part of his current poor health was due to them.
“This minister accepts the decree and expresses gratitude.” Lin Fan took the imperial decree without a word.
Then, as he turned, his robes fluttered, and his gaze, like lightning, shot towards the kneeling old officials. He said angrily, “You treacherous officials, rebellious officials! As subjects of Your Majesty, you not only fail to resolve Your Majesty’s worries but also dare to threaten and intimidate Your Majesty by relying on your seniority. If your wishes are not met, you threaten to die on the spot in this Golden Palace Hall.”
“Do you wish for Your Majesty to be known as a foolish emperor by later generations?”
“I, this Great General, am Your Majesty’s Divine Martial Great General, the divine martial spirit in Your Majesty’s heart. Since you all wish to die, then this Great General will fulfill your wishes. Henceforth, any infamy will be borne by this Great General.”
As the words fell, Lin Fan drew the Wild Goose Feather Dagger from his waist. With a clang, the gleaming blade of the dagger flashed with cold light.
Then, he walked step by step towards an old official.
Clang!
The blade of the Wild Goose Feather Dagger rested on the old official’s shoulder.
“Are you trying to make Your Majesty appear unjust?”
“Or do you truly wish to die?”
Lin Fan’s voice was very cold.
The kneeling old official, intending to force the issue with death, trembling, looked up at Lin Fan. He wanted to say, “You dare to kill me, try it!” But as he met Lin Fan’s eyes.
A sense of fear suddenly enveloped his heart.
Killing intent.
He saw intense killing intent in Lin Fan’s eyes, as if as long as he nodded, the knife resting on his shoulder would fall fiercely, severing his head.
The Grand Tutor said, “Minister Lin, drawing a weapon in the Golden Palace Hall is a bit too presumptuous. Do you have Your Majesty in your eyes?”
“Grand Tutor, you, a favored minister personally supported by Your Majesty, have not even addressed me as Divine Martial Great General up to this point. Does that mean you also believe Your Majesty has made the wrong decision?” Lin Fan looked at the Grand Tutor and asked.
The Grand Tutor’s expression stiffened. He had not expected Lin Fan to corner him like this.
The Emperor, sitting there expressionless, was actually feeling incredibly pleased. For years, no beloved minister had stood so steadfastly by his side.
Most of them formed factions and opposed his policies.
The Duke remained silent throughout, his gaze occasionally shifting between His Majesty and Lin Fan.
To be honest, the Duke noticed that His Majesty had changed greatly compared to his younger days.
If it were the younger Emperor, when things had developed to this point, he would have undoubtedly stopped them without a second thought.
But now, His Majesty was tolerating the development of events.
This also conveyed a message: His Majesty wanted to use Lin Fan’s hand to severely intimidate this group of old officials.
Or perhaps His Majesty was not as clear-headed and rational as before.
Now, he was more inclined to enjoy an emotional value.
He hoped someone would stand by him unwaveringly.
At this moment, Lin Fan’s gaze returned to the old official. “This Great General does not wish to say more. I will count to three now. Will you stand or not?”
Facing such a domineering threat, the old official nervously swallowed.
“One!”
Lin Fan spoke slowly.
The old official nervously looked at the Grand Tutor, then at his colleagues. At the same time, he felt the sharp blade of the Wild Goose Feather Dagger moving slightly closer to his neck.
“Two!”
Lin Fan increased his tone, his killing intent almost becoming tangible.
The kneeling old official’s palms were sweating, and he trembled with fear. At his age, he cherished his life more than anyone. Now that he had children and grandchildren, he only occupied this position to enjoy the power that came with it.
Moreover, the Emperor remained silent at this point.
It was clear he was condoning it.
This meant that his death would be in vain, and he might very well be killed as a warning to others.
At this moment, the cold blade touched his skin, and he deeply felt the stinging sensation.
“Three!”
Just as Lin Fan was about to swing his sword, with a thud, the old official finally could not bear the pressure and fainted on the spot, collapsing to the ground.
Lin Fan frowned slightly and turned to face the Emperor. “Your Majesty, may I have a cup of tea?”
A eunuch brought over some tea.
Lin Fan took the tea, held it in his mouth, grabbed the old official by the collar, and spat it out. The unconscious old official groggily opened his eyes.
He thought, Has the morning court finally ended?
Fainting from the pressure was a wise move.
But when he saw the situation before him, his pupils dilated, as if he had seen a ghost. Why was he still here?
“It’s good that you’re awake. I had just counted to three, and you fainted. Now I will count to three.” Lin Fan placed the knife back on his shoulder.
Huh?
This old official, who had intended to die as a martyr, was completely bewildered.
Was this necessary?
I fainted, and you actually woke me up to deal with me? Is this something a human would do?
Just as Lin Fan’s lips parted, the old official moved his limbs nimbly, crawled forward, and kowtowed profusely, “Your Majesty, this minister knows his mistake. This minister’s old eyes were dim, and he lost his reason. This minister will not advise further, no further.”
The Emperor said, “Beloved minister, rise.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
As for this old official, he vowed never to provoke Lin Fan again in his life.
Terrifying!
It was truly terrifying.
Lin Fan let out a cold snort, then looked at the other kneeling old officials. As soon as he took a step, he saw those old officials immediately get up and stand in the crowd, looking rather embarrassed.
They acted as if someone else had been kneeling there just now.
With all the old officials who intended to die as martyrs now standing up, the Emperor’s face revealed a smile. “Good, good. It seems all beloved ministers have no objections. In that case, let us adjourn. Beloved Minister Lin, please stay behind and accompany me for a walk in the Imperial Garden.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
The morning court dispersed.
The Emperor and Lin Fan both left.
Only a group of civil and military officials remained, looking at each other, staying in the court, unsure of what to say.
Suddenly, someone sighed, “From now on, our Divine Martial Great General will be the Emperor’s most favored minister. No one can contend with him.”
The Grand Tutor glanced deeply, then turned and walked outside, followed by a group of officials.
“You were going to die as a martyr, why didn’t you hold on? What if he really didn’t dare to kill you?”
“You also know it’s a ‘what if’.”
“At this point, can’t you all see? How much His Majesty dotes on this Divine Martial Great General? I saw it earlier; even if someone had truly killed someone, I don’t think there would have been any consequences.”
The officials whispered amongst themselves.
The Grand Tutor heard all these words.
Everyone understood that the Grand Tutor’s mood at this moment could not be good. The supremely powerful Grand Tutor was helpless against Lin Fan, which was a significant blow to the Grand Tutor’s prestige.
Just wait and see.
Many officials were opportunists. They gravitated towards the strong and disappeared like ghosts when one was weak.
…
Imperial Garden.
Lin Fan walked beside the Emperor.
The Emperor smiled and said, “My Divine Martial Great General, do a good job, and don’t disappoint me. All the civil and military officials are watching. I have never promoted anyone this quickly in my life, and you are the first.”
“Your Majesty, this minister will not disappoint you,” Lin Fan said solemnly.
The Emperor nodded with a smile.
Lin Fan said, “Your Majesty, there is something this minister does not understand.”
“Beloved Minister, please speak freely.”
Lin Fan said, “Why is Tuli Ming of the Mengye Country so powerful? How was he trained?”
Hearing this, the Emperor stopped and looked at Lin Fan with confusion.
“Beloved Minister, you are more powerful than him. Why do you ask how he was trained?” The Emperor could not quite understand.
Lin Fan said, “This minister is simply curious.”
The Emperor said, “I am not entirely clear about the specifics, but I heard that Tuli Ming was already unusual when he was in his mother’s womb. It is said that his mother, weighing over 200 jin, began to lose weight after becoming pregnant with him. After several months of pregnancy, his mother became emaciated, as if she were carrying a demon, absorbing the mother’s essence and spirit.”
“And before he was born, his mother died. Later, Tudan cut open her abdomen and delivered him. He didn’t undergo any training, but from a young age, his appetite was enormous, and he showed astonishing changes every month.”
Lin Fan listened intently, frowning in thought.
From the looks of it, this might truly be a case of exceptional talent. He could now confirm that there were extraordinary individuals in this world, but he had not yet figured out how they came to be.
The Emperor’s brother smiled and asked, “Beloved Minister, you are more powerful than Tuli Ming. How did you train?”
Lin Fan said, “Through arduous cultivation, accumulating day by day, I gradually gained my current strength.”
The Emperor stroked his beard, his eyes blinking. It was clearly a bit difficult for him to remain composed. When people like Qin Li, Tudan, and Tuli Ming, who possessed abilities beyond ordinary people, appeared, he had also wondered if it was possible to train such individuals.
He had even organized attempts, but they all ended in failure.
Training could indeed strengthen the body.
But reaching their level was clearly impossible.
“If Beloved Minister has an interest in this aspect, you can look for clues in the Imperial Library when you have time,” the Emperor reminded him, then changed the subject. “Beloved Minister, let me discuss some serious matters with you. Regarding the funds needed for the establishment of the Divine Martial Department, I will personally allocate them to you. I will also find a suitable location for you. Your task is to recruit personnel yourself and establish a standard for the Divine Martial Department.”
“This minister understands,” Lin Fan nodded. He knew this was a troublesome matter.
Recruiting people was the most troublesome.
But now that His Majesty had placed such high hopes on him, he could only brace himself and do it. Fortunately, from Yong’an to Anzhou, he had some confidants with him.
The Emperor nodded. “If you encounter any trouble, feel free to find me. Since I have delegated power to you, it is out of trust. If you encounter anything you don’t understand, you can ask the Duke more often.”
“Mmm,” Lin Fan nodded.
The Emperor’s eyes, though appearing clouded, subtly revealed a glimmer of light. He looked at the young and promising Lin Fan before him and couldn’t help but sigh.
Talented individuals were always someone else’s children.
If only this were his own child.
The Emperor was quite accurate in his judgment of people. Even if he knew some individuals harbored great ambitions, there was nothing he could do; the court needed such talent. At least, there would be no trouble in the immediate future, and they could solve many problems for the court.
The only drawback was that it would become increasingly difficult to deal with them later on.
But he always believed in one saying.
At a certain point, someone would appear to resolve the issue.
He had given Qin Li and the Grand Tutor such high positions. If the two of them joined forces, it would be enough to shake the foundation. But fortunately, they had not joined forces. Now, with Lin Fan’s appearance.
He believed that Lin Fan would be the powerful force to break this unfavorable situation.
“Beloved Minister, you can carefully consider the matter I mentioned to you earlier. As long as you make up your mind, I will always be willing,” the Emperor said with a smile.
“What is Your Majesty referring to?”
“My youngest daughter, the Eighteenth Princess, is quite good,” the Emperor said with a smile.
Lin Fan suddenly understood and then smiled, “Your Majesty, please allow me to think about it carefully.”
“Very well. After some time, you can return to Anzhou first to handle matters there properly. I have already prepared a mansion for the Divine Martial Great General for you in the Imperial Capital. I have arranged for people to renovate it, and you can move in once it’s done,” the Emperor said, handling all matters meticulously.
Lin Fan nodded. He naturally understood that the Emperor had already arranged for people to renovate his mansion even before the imperial decree was read.
Even if he hadn’t made trouble in the court today, the Emperor would not have allowed anyone to object.
“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Lin Fan said.
The Emperor looked at Lin Fan and said, “I’ve gotten a handle on your personality. Are you feeling constrained by being by my side?”
“Your Majesty, it’s not that. It’s just that I’m used to handling cases, and my tone of speech is rather rough and irritable,” Lin Fan said.
The Emperor waved his hand. “It’s fine. From now on, you can communicate with me as you do with others. I am in my twilight years, and you are my last gamble. I still hope you will be candid with me.”
“Alright, I understand,” Lin Fan said.
“Alright!?”
Hearing this, the Emperor couldn’t help but laugh heartily. “This is the feeling! Beloved Minister, you are now second only to me, above tens of thousands of others. I was young once too. When you return, a eunuch will accompany you. I have also prepared a gift for your sworn sister, and a gift for the blacksmith shop that makes your weapons.”
“Ah? There are also rewards?” Lin Fan was surprised.
The Emperor laughed. “It’s not a reward for you, why are you so surprised? You’ll know when the time comes. As the saying goes, ‘Returning home rich but not showing it is like walking in brocade at night.’ Everything I can do for you, everything I can give, I have given.”
Lin Fan fell silent for a moment, then looked up, his eyes shining. “Your Majesty, I will speak to you with all sincerity. I, Lin Fan, keep my word. I am never greedy for power. What I desire is to see corrupt officials who prey on the common people trampled by me. As for progress, it is also to provide a stable future for the brothers who rose with me from the bottom.”
“I swear to heaven, if in the future I…”
Before he could finish speaking, he was interrupted by the Emperor.
“Beloved Minister, you don’t need to swear to me. I unconditionally trust my judgment this time. I believe in you, and you will not betray me or this court.” The Emperor’s expression was solemn.
Lin Fan looked at the Emperor and said earnestly, “Thank you for Your Majesty’s trust.”
The weight of the word “trust” was immense.
The Emperor smiled. “Let’s go, take a walk with me.”
“Alright.”
…
Several days later!
Anzhou, Public Security Bureau.
“Prefect, we will not release these people.” Yang Ming, leading a group of brothers, blocked the entrance to the prison, confronting the Prefect directly.
Since the Head Constable was summoned to the capital, there had been no news.
At first, they thought there wouldn’t be any problems, but now, with no news at all, everyone had become uneasy.
At the same time, the Prefect had begun to exert pressure, leaving them in a passive position.
Prefect Zhao angrily said, “Are you truly so audacious as to defy my orders? Now that your Head Constable Lin has beaten an Imperial Censor and been summoned to the capital, he is likely already imprisoned. How long do you remnants intend to resist? I have been merciful to you. If I hadn’t arrested you all beforehand, I would have given you a chance to live. But now, it seems you truly court death.”
Yang Ming and the others looked grim, their palms already resting on their saber hilts.
Their Public Security Bureau had already descended into chaos.
Many constables had already given up resisting. These were individuals who had been dealt with one by one by Prefect Zhao. They all had families, and even if they didn’t think for themselves, they had to think for their families.
Prefect Zhao exploited this very point.
Yang Ming said nothing, but Xu Ming quickly drew his saber. “Without the Head Constable Lin’s orders, not a single prisoner in the jail can be released. If you force your way in, it will be a jailbreak. Fellow brothers, why are you still standing there? If you still consider Head Constable Lin as your superior, then guard the jail with us and await our superior’s return.”
Clang.
Wang Bao’an decisively drew his saber.
Qian Tao, Wu Yong, Lu Zhongtian, Ding Peng, Hong Hao, and others hesitated not at all.
Hong Hao roared, “Brothers, we followed Lord Lin on the righteous path. No matter what, the prisoners in the jail cannot be released. Even if the consequences are beyond our capacity to bear, my parents will always be proud of me.”
Swish!
Swish!
Constables drew their sabers one after another.
They were all recruited by their own Head Constable, but there were also many constables who lowered their heads and did not move, mainly because they had too many vulnerabilities and did not want to implicate their families.
Yang Ming looked at the situation before him and said, “Fellow brothers, I do not blame you for not drawing your sabers, because you still have families. But I hope you brothers will stand aside and not move. I do not like to see brothers draw weapons against each other.”
Prefect Zhao angrily pointed at Yang Ming. “Rebellion! I see you have truly rebelled. According to the rules, with your Head Constable apprehended in the capital, this Prefect will temporarily manage the Anzhou Public Security Bureau. Do you dare to defy my orders?”
As the constables drew their sabers, the yamen runners from the government office also drew their weapons.
Immediately, Prefect Zhao looked at Li Zhengdao. He knew this person; he had once sought connections through him and come to him. Prefect Zhao pointed at Li Zhengdao and said, “I am now promoting you to temporary Head Constable of the Public Security Bureau. Have them lay down their sabers, release the people in the jail, and hand them over to the yamen for interrogation.”
Faced with this move.
Li Zhengdao’s expression was complex. He looked at Prefect Zhao, then at Yang Ming and the others.
To be honest, at first, he also thought that Lin Fan going to the capital wouldn’t be a big deal. But as days went by, and there was still no news, Li Zhengdao’s heart began to panic.
In life, the wise adapt to circumstances.
Now, Prefect Zhao was promoting him to temporary Head Constable. Although it was only temporary and not yet recognized by the court, it at least represented progress for him.
Logically, he should have no reason to hesitate and side with Prefect Zhao.
Directly using his current status, he would order Yang Ming and the others to lay down their weapons.
But for some reason, Li Zhengdao could not make up his mind. His inner struggle was intense.
He desperately wanted to make progress.
With Lin Fan, he was only a Deputy Squad Leader. If he continued to side with Lin Fan, under Prefect Zhao’s manipulations, he would likely be completely implicated once the court’s decree arrived.
But if he sided with Prefect Zhao.
Not only would he be fine, but he could also advance. Even if he couldn’t become the Head Constable, it would at least be better than his current position.
Anyone would know how to choose.
Yang Ming and the others looked at Li Zhengdao. Their perception of Li Zhengdao was still based on their past impression: he wasn’t a good person, a flatterer who followed whoever gave him benefits.
Therefore, they had not expected Li Zhengdao to side with them.
But soon, something astonishing happened.
Li Zhengdao said, “Thank you for your kindness, Prefect. However, I think it’s better to wait for Head Constable Lin to return. Until the court’s decree arrives, Head Constable Lin is still the Head Constable of the Public Security Bureau. We must fulfill the orders he gave when he left.”
“If the Prefect insists on forcing his way in, then our Public Security Bureau can only resist.”
As these words were spoken.
Yang Ming and the others became excited. “Lord Li, well done! From now on, I, Yang Ming, will call you brother. You call me Squad Leader, and I’ll call you brother. We’ll each call each other what we call each other.”
Li Zhengdao glanced at Yang Ming, too lazy to bother with him.
“From now on”?
In the future, they might meet in the prison.
“Good, good, good! You are all remarkable. You insist on opposing me. Come, prepare yourselves. Anyone who resists will be executed on the spot,” Prefect Zhao said angrily.
The yamen runners also got ready. This time, Prefect Zhao brought a considerable number of yamen runners. Furthermore, because many constables were afraid and gave up resisting, the Public Security Bureau was at a disadvantage in terms of numbers.
Just then.
Dense footsteps were heard from outside.
“Make way, make way.”
A large number of soldiers appeared. They roughly pushed through the crowd, clearing a path, and then Commander Qin strode in with his hands behind his back.
“I heard there was a disturbance here and have come to maintain order,” Commander Qin said.
Prefect Zhao rejoiced in his heart. Although his feelings towards Commander Qin were not as friendly as before, the situation was tense, and he desperately needed reinforcements.
“Commander Qin, you’ve arrived just in time. These scoundrels are audacious and dare to try and kill me with their sabers,” Prefect Zhao said.
Commander Qin did not say much and waved his hand. “Confiscate the weapons of everyone present. I am here to maintain stability. Drawing weapons within the city is disrupting stability. Anyone who resists will bear the [Truncated: Max tokens]
“Someone, come and seize this commoner for me.”
At once, the Common People rose up in resistance, shouting curses.
“What are you doing?”
“What do you want?”
The common people pointed at the constables, their emotions running high, with a clear sentiment that if you dare arrest them, we will retaliate. For a moment, the constables exchanged anxious glances, unsure of what to do.
No one can make a move.
At this moment, the parents of the Public Security Bureau constables also learned of the matter and rushed over. Some came to see what their children were doing. Upon seeing their children confronting Prefect Zhao, they all shouted their approval.
But some parents, seeing their own children standing there with their heads bowed in surrender, felt ashamed and immediately began to scold. Facing their parents’ scolding, they also gritted their teeth, drew their swords, returned to their original posts, and fought alongside their brothers.
Suddenly.
Dense footsteps could be heard from outside.
“Move aside, everyone move aside.”
Just then, a large number of soldiers appeared. They roughly pushed the crowd aside, clearing a path, and Commander Qin came hurrying along with his hands behind his back.
“I heard there was unrest here, so I came to guard it,” Commander Qin said.
Prefect Zhao’s heart rejoiced. Although his feelings towards Commander Qin were not as friendly as before, the current situation was tense and urgently needed outside help.
“Commander Qin, you’ve arrived at a good time. This group of ruffians dared to draw their swords and attempt to kill me,” Prefect Zhao said.
Commander Qin did not say much and waved his hand, “Disarm everyone present. I am here to maintain stability. If you draw swords within the city, you are disrupting stability. Anyone who resists will bear the consequences.”
He did not stand with Prefect Zhao.
Nor did he stand on the side of the Public Security Bureau.
As the soldiers intervened, the government office’s men all put down their weapons, but those from the public security bureau held onto their sabers, not letting go. They were currently unaware of the situation.
With a saber in hand, they still have the right to speak.
But if the saber were put down, no one would know what the consequences might be.
Commander Qin frowned, seeing that the constables still hadn’t sheathed their swords, and said angrily, “What is your Public Security Bureau doing? The government office officers have all put down their swords, why haven’t you?”
“Commander Qin, Prefect Zhao led people to cause trouble. Our Public Security Bureau did nothing, so why should we sheathe our sabers?” Yang Ming asked.
“Are you questioning my orders, Commander Qin?” Commander Qin asked with displeasure.
What’s with the people from the Public Security Bureau? They’re all tougher than the last.
Have they all been made stupid by that Lin fellow?
Swish!
Swish!
The soldiers aimed their weapons at the constables of the Public Security Bureau, their menacing gazes clearly indicating that if they were not released, the consequences would be dire.
An official road not far from Anzhou.
Banners obscured the sun.
Imperial Palace Imperial Guards’ iron cavalry led the way, their black armor and sabers gleaming brilliantly under the sunlight.
In the procession, the large crimson banner embroidered with “Divine Martial” fluttered in the wind.
Lin Fan did not ride in the imperial sedan chair bestowed by the Emperor, but instead rode a treasured horse gifted by the Emperor, his head held high and chest puffed out, arriving at Anzhou in great majesty.
In the procession behind him, some carried the imperial gold token, some carried the imperial decree, some carried the Divine Martial Great General’s ceremonial robes and military attire, and further back, several people held the imperial plaque inscribed with the four characters ‘Number One Under Heaven’.
The scene was vast and imposing, truly magnificent.
As they were about to reach Anzhou, a follower immediately stepped forward, “Great General, your subordinate will go ahead to report, so that all officials of Anzhou can come out to respectfully welcome the Great General’s triumphant return.”
Lin Fan waved his hand, “No need. This general prefers to appear quietly, no need to report.”
“Yes.”
The procession continued forward.
Before long, the city walls were in sight, and by this time, the common people by the roadside were gradually increasing. When they saw such a grand display, they were all stunned in place.
In all their lives, they had never witnessed such a grand display.
“Ah… Master Lin.”
Suddenly, a common person spotted a familiar figure, who was none other than Master Lin.
Lin Fan, hearing the voice, looked towards the common people and nodded with a smile.
The common people stood with their mouths agape, their minds blank, completely unable to comprehend the situation before them. Why was Master Lin’s return so grand?
Of course, they had seen the Divine Martial on the large banner, but no one could understand the meaning of “Divine Martial.”
Instead, the plaque was quite eye-catching.
Number One Under Heaven.
After going to the Imperial Capital, how did Master Lin manage to get something like “Number One Under Heaven” back?
Although they didn’t understand, everyone knew that Master Lin was returning in glory, not that he had met with misfortune in the Imperial Capital.
Upon reaching the city gate.
The soldiers guarding the city gate stood lazily, bored. Suddenly, he turned his head and looked towards the official road. When he saw the formation over there, he immediately straightened his back. As the iron cavalry entered first, he immediately felt the sharp killing intent emanating from them.
These must have charged into battle.
At this moment, a follower shouted, “The Divine Martial Great General returns triumphantly to Anzhou, kneel to welcome him.”
Clatter!
The common people on both sides immediately knelt, not daring to look up, as they didn’t know where this procession came from. However, for them, these were definitely not people they could afford to offend.
“Fellow villagers, please rise, there’s no need to kneel,” Lin Fan said.
The common people heard the familiar voice, and some of the bolder ones looked up, only to see the majestic Lin Fan, and exclaimed, “Master Lin! Ah! Our Master Lin is back!”
As soon as this was said, it instantly stirred up a storm.
The common people immediately looked up.
Upon clearly seeing the person, they all cheered excitedly.
“Master Lin!”
“Master Lin!”
Facing the cheers of the common people, Lin Fan raised his hand and smiled, greeting them.
Going out for a trip was quite good.
Bringing back some honor.
It would also be good to give the brothers a little extra food.
Suddenly, a common person shouted, “Master Lin, hurry back and take a look! Prefect Zhao has taken people to the Public Security Bureau to cause trouble.”
Huh?
Lin Fan’s expression changed, and his smile receded. He hadn’t expected that Prefect Zhao would dare to cause trouble at his Public Security Bureau while he was away. He was simply tired of living. If he didn’t deal with you this time, he would write his name backward.
As Lin Fan arrived at the entrance of the Public Security Bureau, the accompanying common people grew in number.
And the common people gathered outside the Public Security Bureau naturally saw Lin Fan.
Suddenly, shouts echoed through the sky.
“Master Lin is back.”
