Chapter 108: Returning In Splendor, The Crowd Is Stunned, Endless Joy And Sorrow
Inside the Public Security Bureau.
Swords were drawn, tension was high.
Yang Ming and the others felt the pressure increase.
Prefect Zhao’s pressure made them restless. Although they had followed Lin Fan for a long time and learned much of his essence, this essence was based on absolute strength.
Without absolute strength, everything else was just talk.
Now that Commander Qin had arrived and demanded they lay down their weapons, they knew that once they did, they would completely lose their bargaining chip against Prefect Zhao.
“Hurry up and lay down your weapons,” Commander Qin roared.
Just as Yang Ming and the others were unsure how to resolve the situation, cheers erupted from outside the prefecture.
“Master Lin is back!!!”
When those cheers reached the Public Security Bureau.
The expressions of all the constables present changed instantly.
The previous unease and awkwardness vanished without a trace, replaced by excitement and fervor.
“The Chief is back, the Chief is back.”
The constables straightened their backs. At this moment, they finally understood how important Chief Lin was to them. As long as the Chief was here, their backs, which had been bent under pressure, naturally straightened again.
If we were to say who was the most uncomfortable right now.
It would naturally be Prefect Zhao.
His excited and arrogant expression disappeared, replaced by one of shock. What… what kind of situation was this? He had beaten an Imperial Censor and was still alive?
Was the Imperial Court this shameless?
He had beaten an Imperial Censor!
Prefect Zhao looked back at the entrance. The expressions of the Common People didn’t seem like a lie. This detestable Lin Fan had truly returned safely.
Commander Qin was also embarrassed.
Not good, I came at the wrong time.
He swore that his arrival was definitely not to help Prefect Zhao; he was just here to maintain stability, nothing more.
But now, he just wanted to ask, would this Lin fellow believe him?
“Brothers, Master is back, let’s go out to welcome him,” Yang Ming shouted excitedly, then looked at the stunned Prefect Zhao, “The prisoner is locked in the prison. If you want to rob him, go ahead.”
Instead of blocking him as before, they made way generously, with a playful look in their eyes, clearly no longer as nervous as before.
Prefect Zhao stood rooted to the spot, not daring to move. He then glanced at Commander Qin and, without a word, walked out with a cold expression. He really wanted to see what this Lin fellow was up to.
When he arrived outside.
He was stunned.
Staring with wide eyes, he looked blankly at the scene before him.
As the prefect, he had seen his share of spectacles, but this formation was far from ordinary. His gaze fell upon the Iron Cavalry in armor, each one imposing and exuding a murderous aura, clearly elite among elites.
His gaze shifted to Lin Fan, who was now on horseback, looking down from above, a smile on his lips.
“How… how are you still alive?” Prefect Zhao blurted out without thinking.
“How dare you!”
The Eunuch who had followed the entire way let out a sharp reprimand, “You, a mere Prefect of Anzhou, why do you not kneel before the Divine Martial Great General?”
Eunuchs who had navigated the Imperial Palace were incredibly adept at reading situations. Although he didn’t know the local situation in Anzhou, he had kept the words of the Common People in mind after entering the city.
Prefect Zhao of Anzhou, taking advantage of the Divine Martial Great General’s absence, had actually led people to cause trouble at the Public Security Bureau.
Wasn’t this courting death?
“Ah?”
Prefect Zhao was stunned, his mouth slightly agape, his mind filled with the Eunuch’s words.
Divine Martial Great General?
What was this?
The Eunuch said with displeasure, “You Prefect are audacious and reckless. This is the Divine Martial Great General personally appointed by His Majesty. You are the Commander of the Divine Martial Department, and you still dare not kneel?”
Prefect Zhao’s mind went blank, his thoughts muddled. But as the Eunuch’s angry shouts exploded in his mind, he instantly snapped back to reality.
*Thump!*
His knees buckled, and he knelt down decisively, lowering his head, only wanting to know where he was right now.
“This subordinate pays his respects to the Divine Martial Great General!!!” Prefect Zhao called out, his voice trembling.
“Hmph!” The Eunuch snorted, dismounted, and walked straight past Prefect Zhao to the steps. He respectfully unfurled the Imperial Decree, cleared his throat, and raised his voice, “By the mandate of Heaven, Emperor, decree: I hear…”
The Eunuch read the contents of the Imperial Decree aloud again in Anzhou.
Prefect Zhao and Commander Qin grew increasingly terrified as they listened.
The Common People exchanged glances. Although they didn’t understand some of the words, they understood that this was His Majesty’s recognition of Master Lin.
The Best Under Heaven!
Divine Martial Great General!
Ranked First Class Official!
Specially established Fourth Department, the Divine Martial Department!
These pieces of information so shocked everyone present that they found it difficult to breathe.
The Eunuch, having finished reading the Imperial Decree, walked up to Prefect Zhao and said, “You Prefect truly do not know what’s good for you. The Divine Martial Great General has returned to Anzhou, and you dared to act like this. After I return, I will inform His Majesty truthfully.”
Prefect Zhao completely panicked. “Mercy, Sir, mercy!”
The Eunuch dismissively waved his leg, preventing the Prefect from grabbing his pant leg.
Commander Qin, who had been standing the entire time, also snapped back to reality and quickly knelt. “This subordinate pays his respects to the Divine Martial Great General.”
The Common People also knelt. “Your humble subject pays his respects to the Divine Martial Great General.”
The constables of the Public Security Bureau also quickly knelt.
Lin Fan spoke, “Fellow Villagers, all the brothers of the Public Security Bureau, please rise.”
“Thank you, Divine Martial Great General.”
The Common People and constables shouted.
Prefect Zhao and Commander Qin also prepared to rise.
“Ah, who told the two of you to get up?” Lin Fan asked.
Prefect Zhao, who had just lifted his knees, was so startled by the question that he knelt back down.
He was truly panicked now.
Even confused.
How could this be? Things shouldn’t be like this. This person clearly committed a grave crime, so why, after a trip to the Imperial Capital, was he conferred the title of Divine Martial Great General and about to establish the Divine Martial Department, to be on par with the other three departments?
This was more than just soaring; this was reaching the pinnacle of power, holding immense authority.
Let alone a mere prefect like him, even the Grand Tutor of the court would have to respectfully address him as Divine Martial Great General.
At this moment.
The constables of the Public Security Bureau looked at their Master with sparkling eyes.
They all felt as if they were dreaming.
They never expected their Master to ascend to the heavens and become the Divine Martial Great General. They had heard the Imperial Decree just now; he was a Ranked First Class Official with real power.
Thinking about the pressure they had endured during the Master’s absence.
It now seemed that all of that would be gone forever.
If we were to say who was the most excited.
He had won the bet.
He had truly won this bet.
“Prefect Zhao, crawl over here. I, this General, am about to dismount,” Lin Fan said calmly.
Prefect Zhao was very quick, using his hands and feet to quickly crawl to the horse’s feet. Lin Fan smiled, dismounted, and stepped on Prefect Zhao’s back, forcing Prefect Zhao to grit his teeth and endure.
Lin Fan walked up the steps and faced all the Common People present, cupping his fists. “Thank you all, my fellow villagers, for your concern. His Majesty is a wise ruler and would not be deceived. Not only did he not blame me, but he also bestowed his grace.”
The Common People were ecstatic, cheering loudly.
“Yang Ming, what is the situation with Prefect Zhao?” Lin Fan asked.
Yang Ming replied, “Master, Prefect Zhao, taking advantage of your absence, brought yamen runners to the Public Security Bureau and demanded that we release the prisoners locked in the cells. We refused, so he threatened us.”
At this moment, Prefect Zhao was covered in sweat, dripping like rain, trembling. He opened his mouth several times, wanting to explain, but couldn’t utter a word.
Because what Yang Ming said was true.
He had indeed wanted to release the prisoners.
“Prefect Zhao, lift your head,” Lin Fan looked at Prefect Zhao intently. As Prefect Zhao raised his terrified face, a thunderous roar suddenly erupted in his ears, “You have immense audacity to dare to come to the Public Security Bureau to break into prison while I, this General, am away. Do you have anything to say?”
“Great General, I am wronged.” Prefect Zhao knew he was finished, with no hope left.
“Wronged your head!” Lin Fan roared. “Guards, arrest Prefect Zhao and send him to prison. Interrogate him at a later date and make him confess everything he has done.”
“Yes, Master.”
As soon as he spoke, the constables apprehended the kneeling Prefect Zhao.
“Great General, I am wronged, I am wronged!” At this moment, Prefect Zhao no longer shouted what he always used to: “I am an Imperial Official, you have no right to arrest me.”
But as the Imperial Decree was read out.
Lin Fan, as the Commander of the Divine Martial Department, had the responsibility to supervise officials, completely shattering Prefect Zhao’s perceived lifeline.
“Drag him away,” Lin Fan waved his hand.
Gradually, Prefect Zhao’s sharp screams grew fainter and eventually disappeared.
Lin Fan looked at Commander Qin and asked with a playful smile, “Commander Qin, what brings you here?”
Commander Qin swallowed nervously, then raised his head. “Great General, this subordinate learned that the Prefect had brought yamen runners to cause trouble at the Public Security Bureau, so I specifically came to maintain stability to prevent conflict.”
“Is that so?”
“Absolutely true.”
Lin Fan smiled, “Whether it’s true or not isn’t decided by you, but by me. You and this Prefect Zhao are birds of a feather. I’m too lazy to listen to your explanation. Guards, arrest him.”
“Yes.”
The constables walked towards Commander Qin.
The soldiers who had accompanied Commander Qin exchanged glances, wavering.
This scene was naturally noticed by Lin Fan. “Insolence! Do you intend to rebel?”
Hearing this.
The soldiers dared not move.
Commander Qin struggled. “Lord Lin, what offense have I committed? I came to maintain stability, I did nothing wrong.”
Lin Fan waved his hand, unwilling to listen to another word of nonsense.
After all the necessary arrests were made.
Lin Fan walked into the Public Security Bureau, followed by the constables. The Eunuch quickly had his men move the Emperor’s gifts inside.
The Common People had been gathered at the entrance, discussing amongst themselves.
“Look at this grandeur. Our Anzhou finally has a prominent figure!”
“Yes, the first moment I saw Master Lin, I knew he was no ordinary person. The Best Under Heaven, Divine Martial Great General. If it weren’t for Master Lin, the highest official I’d have seen in my life would have probably been the prefect.”
“Do you think our Master Lin will leave Anzhou?”
As soon as this was said.
The lively scene instantly fell silent.
The Common People stared at each other.
They had never thought they would feel such reluctance to see an official leave.
“Perhaps Master Lin won’t leave.”
“Are you stupid? Didn’t you hear the Imperial Decree just now? Divine Martial Great General, Ranked First Class Official, and the establishment of the Divine Martial Department. Could he stay in Anzhou?”
“…”
The Common People sighed.
…
Inside the Public Security Bureau.
Lin Fan called all his confidantes to the office.
“Deputy Chief Li, well done! This is beyond my imagination.”
When he learned from Yang Ming that Li Zhengdao had also chosen to confront the prefect, he was astonished. After all, Li Zhengdao was very much someone who understood that wisdom is the better part of valor.
Li Zhengdao said with a smile, “Master, what are you saying? I am a soldier you trained. If I don’t follow you, who else would I follow?”
Lin Fan smiled and shook his finger.
Li Zhengdao also smiled. He couldn’t describe how exhilarating he felt. He could only say that he was utterly comfortable. If there weren’t so many people present, he would have truly wanted to roar out loud.
“Alright, let’s talk about serious matters,” Lin Fan said.
Everyone immediately became serious.
Lin Fan said, “You have all heard the contents of the Imperial Decree just now. His Majesty trusts me and has ordered me to establish the Divine Martial Department, which will be on par with the three departments as the fourth. Its scope of responsibility is vast, naturally requiring many personnel. You have all followed me for a long time, so you are my own people.”
No one interrupted.
Everyone held their breath.
They knew that what their Master was about to say was very important, concerning each of their futures and paths.
“I once said that as long as I rise, I will never fail any brother. I keep my word here, so I have decided to take you all with me to the Imperial Capital,” Lin Fan said.
As soon as these words were spoken.
Everyone’s faces flushed with excitement, and they all clenched their fists.
Especially Qian Tao, Wu Yong, and Ding Peng. They were originally mere small-time gang members, insignificant figures, but since following Brother Lin.
They had never imagined that their lives could be so rich and colorful.
Starting from the very bottom, they could also go to the Imperial Capital following Brother Lin’s footsteps.
This was something they couldn’t imagine.
Nor did they dare to imagine.
Ning Yu said, “You guys are truly lucky this time, your ancestors’ graves must have smoked. His Majesty will not interfere with the affairs of the Divine Martial Department, nor will he assign anyone to it. This means that once you arrive at the Divine Martial Department in the Imperial Capital, you will be among the first elders. In the future, as long as you perform well, I won’t dare to promise too high a rank, but at least starting from the fourth rank.”
The cake Lin Fan had thrown out was already quite large.
Now, Ning Yu’s words were like a bomb, directly blasting everyone until they were burnt outside and tender inside, their minds dizzy, unable to react.
Li Zhengdao stood there, clenching his fist, his eyes filled with a dazzling light.
He secretly vowed.
He must work hard.
“Master, how many people will we take to the Imperial Capital this time?” Yang Ming asked.
Lin Fan said, “That’s not urgent for now. Regarding the number of spots, I need to think carefully.”
He naturally couldn’t take everyone with him.
He needed to leave capable people behind to manage things locally.
To promote him to Chief, managing a prefecture and eight counties.
Since the Divine Martial Department’s scope overlaps with the other three departments, it should take over from them. How can the authority within the jurisdiction of our Divine Martial Department be encroached upon by other agencies?
Night.
In the mansion.
The Ninth Prince painstakingly prepared a meal. With Lin Fan’s permission, he could also sit at the table to eat. In the past, he would enthusiastically introduce the dishes.
But now, he sat at the table with his mouth agape, his food untouched.
He seemed to be under a spell of immobility.
Ning Yu ate her meal, observing his expression, and couldn’t help but chuckle inwardly.
But suddenly, she thought of a possibility.
Now that her Master was so trusted by His Majesty and was being heavily relied upon, it was no secret how diligently those princes had visited before her Master left the Imperial Capital.
Their intentions were clearly written on their faces.
The throne, I want to sit on it.
But her Master had little interest in them, not even bothering to acknowledge them.
Now, the Ninth Prince was bowing and serving his Master tirelessly. What if, in the end, the fruit of the throne was reaped by the Ninth Prince?
The First Prince had the Grand Tutor’s support, but the Grand Tutor, in front of her Master, could only suffer in silence.
What was the point of immense power?
My Master doesn’t care about power, only about strength.
“Little Jiu, what’s wrong?” Lin Fan saw that Huang Xiaojiu was distracted and reached out to touch his forehead. “You don’t have a fever. Why are you just sitting there without eating?”
The Ninth Prince snapped back to reality, startled, and shook his head. “No, I was just thinking about something.”
“It’s good if you’re fine. Also, get ready. You’ll be returning to the Imperial Capital with me in a while. Your cooking skills are excellent and suit my taste very well. In a few years, I’ll find you a suitable girl in the Imperial Capital, a virtuous and beautiful one, and arrange your marriage.”
“Ah?”
“Hmm? Is there a problem?” Lin Fan asked.
The Ninth Prince quickly shook his head. “No, no.”
For the Ninth Prince, everything that was happening completely surpassed his imagination.
He was just a Chief, so how did he become the Divine Martial Great General after going to the Imperial Capital? And he was to establish the Divine Martial Department and serve as Commander. Others might not understand, but he could.
This was His Majesty’s complete trust and delegation of power to one person.
*Pfft!*
Ning Yu couldn’t help but laugh out loud. Seeing her Master’s questioning gaze, she quickly said, “Master, you even arrange marriages for people working in your mansion?”
Lin Fan smiled. “Of course. Your Master has always been friendly to his own people.”
Ning Yu said to the Ninth Prince with a half-smile, “Little Jiu, see how good your Master is to you, he’s even arranging your marriage for you. I have a friend I’m familiar with in the Imperial Capital, the daughter of Official Qiu. I heard she’s beautiful and gentle. I’ll try to introduce you.”
“Although your status might not match hers, my Master is now the Divine Martial Great General, holding a high position and great power. You are benefiting from it, so I’m sure it won’t be a problem.”
The Ninth Prince, who was about to pick up his bowl and chopsticks, twitched his mouth. The image of a square face weighing one hundred and seventy to eighty pounds flashed in his mind.
Sister, please don’t mess with me.
I’m scared.
…
Several days later.
Yong’an County.
Ever since Master Lin appeared in Yong’an County, the lives of the Common People had been very stable.
The local ruffians had disappeared.
The current Loyalty Hall, although still a gang in Yong’an, was managed very strictly by the gang leader Wang Changhai. There was also a supervision team to investigate if anyone was bullying the Common People.
Once such a person was found, they would not only face severe punishment within the Loyalty Hall but would also be sent to the Public Security Bureau afterward.
Near the city gate, at a roadside stall.
A merchant from another place who had come to Yong’an did not go to any restaurants to dine. Instead, after entering the city, he asked the stall owner for a bowl of wonton at a nearby stall.
It wasn’t very busy now, and seeing that the customer wanted to chat, the stall owner sat down beside him.
“The security in your Yong’an is truly excellent,” the merchant from another place exclaimed.
The stall owner smiled and said, “Naturally. This is all thanks to Master Lin. When he was the Squad Leader here, he carried out a purge of the gangs in the city. Now you don’t have to fear encountering mountain bandits when you come to Yong’an, right?”
The merchant nodded. “Yes, I really don’t fear them anymore. I haven’t encountered any. This Master Lin is truly an extraordinary person. After he was transferred to Anzhou as Chief, he ordered the Public Security Bureaus of the eight counties to suppress bandits, and the bandit problem in our area has also decreased significantly. The only pity is that Master Lin couldn’t cleanse the gangs in our area. Although those gangs are much more restrained than before, conflicts still occur.”
The stall owner said, “Be content.”
“Indeed, we should be content.”
Seeing that another customer had arrived, the stall owner stood up and said with emotion, “I wonder when Master Lin will come back to see us. Everyone misses him dearly.”
If we were to say which Common People missed Lin Fan the most.
It would naturally be the Common People of Yong’an.
Love me, love my dog.
The Common People also respected Wang Changhai very much.
Suddenly.
A dull sound of horseshoes came from outside the city gate, vast and mighty, as if an army of thousands was approaching.
It instantly captured everyone’s attention.
As the Iron Cavalry first appeared in their sight, the surrounding Common People were captivated and couldn’t look away. Following that, there was a grand banner, imposing and majestic.
The words “Divine Martial.”
The Common People were very confused.
But they also understood that whoever was arriving in Yong’an was definitely a truly important figure.
When Lin Fan, riding a horse, appeared, the Common People who saw him rubbed their eyes as if they couldn’t believe it. Then, they heard Lin Fan’s voice.
“Fellow Villagers, I’m back.”
As soon as these words were spoken.
The Common People who were near the city gate parted their lips slightly, and then erupted in earth-shattering cheers.
“Master Lin is back.”
A wave of sound spread out.
The Common People went completely wild, roaring and shouting.
The merchant eating wontons at the stall also stood up, looking at that figure with burning eyes. The stall owner immediately put down all his work, squeezed into the crowd, and waved his arms with the crowd.
“Master Lin, Master Lin…”
Lin Fan waved his hand at his fellow villagers, “How have you all been? I’ve missed you all dearly.”
“Master Lin, we miss you too.”
“You’ve come back to see us.”
The Common People followed the procession.
All the Common People put down everything they were doing, not even caring about their own stalls.
The accompanying Eunuch took in the scene around him.
He had not expected the Divine Martial Great General to be so beloved by the Common People.
This showed that when the Great General served in Yong’an and Anzhou, he had truly dedicated himself to the people wholeheartedly. Otherwise, how could he have received such treatment?
Gradually.
More and more Common People joined the procession.
Some Common People saw that the area was very lively and didn’t know what was happening, but driven by curiosity, they moved closer. When they saw Lin Fan.
All curiosity and indifference vanished without a trace.
It all turned into frenzied shouts and celebrations.
In a teahouse.
Qin Si drank his tea, looking very distressed. The tasks Lin had assigned him had yielded no progress so far, mainly because Yan Yushu was too cunning, making it impossible to investigate.
“Fourth Master, yesterday another one of our brothers was dragged into an alley and beaten. It’s too hard to track and investigate,” Peng Chang said helplessly.
Qin Si said with a cold expression, “I don’t care if it’s difficult or not. If Master Lin gave the order, even if he were beaten until his parents didn’t recognize him, you must still track and investigate. Do you know how long Master Lin has been gone? I haven’t submitted anything yet. Do you know what Master Lin will think of me?”
Suddenly.
A subordinate rushed frantically to the teahouse’s upper floor.
“Fourth Master, Fourth Master…”
The subordinate’s voice was urgent. By the time he reached Qin Si, he was clutching his waist and gasping for breath.
“Did you find anything?” Qin Si’s eyes lit up.
“No…”
Qin Si’s spirits, which had just been lifted, fell again. Just as he was about to scold the subordinate for making a fuss without finding anything, what the subordinate said next completely stunned him.
“Fourth Master, Master Lin is back! Master Lin is back!” the subordinate said.
Qin Si suddenly stood up, his face full of joy. “He’s back! Where is he?”
“He’s at Big Ox Blacksmith Shop. There are too many people, I can’t even get close,” the subordinate said. Thinking of the scene, he was deeply shocked. Just as he was about to tell Fourth Master that the entourage accompanying Master Lin this time was extraordinary, Fourth Master was already gone.
“Fourth Master, wait for me!” Peng Chang, still on the second floor, called out loudly to Qin Si, who was already on the street, grabbing the railing.
…
Big Ox Blacksmith Shop.
The apprentices in the shop stared blankly at the scene before them.
They had just been forging iron when suddenly, a large group appeared, and Common People were crowding towards them. They didn’t know what was happening, but when they saw the Iron Cavalry, their hearts skipped a beat.
The visitors were extraordinary.
It wasn’t until Lin Fan appeared that they opened their mouths. Of course, they recognized this as Master Lin.
He was also a customer of their blacksmith shop.
The Master Craftsman had personally forged an iron rod for him.
The Eunuch said, “Where is your Master Craftsman? Have him come quickly to receive his reward.”
The apprentices looked behind them. The Master Craftsman was resting, but an apprentice had already gone to call him. Soon, the Master Craftsman arrived, led by an apprentice, trembling and with a look of panic.
Upon seeing Master Lin, the Master Craftsman smiled, and Lin Fan also smiled.
“Are you the Master Craftsman here?” the Eunuch asked.
The Master Craftsman quickly replied respectfully, “This humble subject is.”
“Receive the decree.”
As soon as these words were spoken.
The Master Craftsman and the apprentices all knelt down.
The Eunuch read from the Imperial Decree: “By the mandate of Heaven, Emperor, decree: Yong’an Big Ox Blacksmith Shop, for forging the Divine Weapon Silver Rod for the Divine Martial Great General, aiding his might on the arena, is hereby conferred the title ‘The Best Blacksmith Shop Under Heaven’, awarded with one hundred taels of gold, and a royal plaque. Respect this!”
As soon as he finished speaking, an attendant brought the imperial plaque to the Master Craftsman.
At this moment, the Master Craftsman and the apprentices, who were kneeling there, were stunned and couldn’t come to their senses for a long time.
The words they had just heard still echoed in their minds.
The Best Blacksmith Shop Under Heaven?
Huh?
This was even bestowed by His Majesty.
“What are you standing there for? Receive the decree,” the Eunuch urged.
The Master Craftsman suddenly came to his senses and, trembling, respectfully accepted the Imperial Decree. “This humble subject thanks Your Majesty for your boundless grace.”
Immediately after, the Master Craftsman knelt heavily before Lin Fan. “Master Lin, you are my benefactor!”
The Master Craftsman’s wish was simple: he hoped the Big Ox Blacksmith Shop would be remembered throughout history. He had never expected it to happen so suddenly.
Lin Fan smiled and said, “Rise. Ultimately, it’s your blacksmith shop’s excellent craftsmanship. I find this Silver Rod very easy to use.”
“Master Lin, it’s good that you’re satisfied,” the Master Craftsman said, tears streaming down his face, his complexion flushed with excitement as if he might faint at any moment.
The surrounding Common People were very envious.
The Eunuch said, “Great General, it’s time to go to your Sworn Sister’s place.”
“Mm.”
Lin Fan nodded.
…
Royal Mansion.
Living room.
Wang Changhai had guests at his home. The guests were relatives of Wang Shi, similar to a cousin relationship; Wang Shi’s mother and the other woman’s mother were sisters.
But in this era, once a woman married, they went their separate ways, and it was uncertain when they would meet again.
“Cousin, Cousin-in-law, although my Changhai is the Gang Leader of Loyalty Hall, he is not the villain you might think,” Wang Shi quickly explained to her cousin and cousin-in-law when she saw her husband’s displeased expression.
She hadn’t expected her cousin, whom she hadn’t seen for many years, to visit so suddenly.
She later learned that her cousin’s husband, who was an official, had been promoted to a Sixth Rank Official and was going to be a Prefect in another prefecture, so he was passing through Yong’an.
Although they hadn’t seen each other for many years, familial ties remained. Wang Shi was naturally very enthusiastic, but who would have thought that this cousin and cousin-in-law would arrive with such an air of superiority?
She repeatedly lectured her husband, her words expressing disdain for the gang.
Although not so obvious, everyone understood the meaning.
My cousin said, “Cousin, cousin-in-law, you don’t understand. A gang is just a gang. After my husband took office as a sixth-rank prefect, the first thing he had to do was to warn the local gang leader.”
Wang Changhai, sitting there, felt extremely uncomfortable, as if sitting on pins and needles.
Damn it.
He had wanted to leave long ago, but it couldn’t be helped. She was, after all, his wife’s cousin. He could endure it, and he would endure it.
“Thank you for your concern, cousin and cousin-in-law. I, Wang Changhai, understand that, but our Loyalty Hall has an excellent reputation in Yong’an,” Wang Changhai said.
My cousin shook her head, “Reputation isn’t determined by you. It depends on the local parental official. My husband only needs to say one sentence to your county magistrate, and the Loyalty Hall will be disbanded, and if your cousin-in-law says to arrest you, you won’t be able to call for help.”
Damn it.
Wang Changhai took a deep breath, suppressing his anger. He finally understood. They were here to show off.
He really wanted to tell them, why are you showing off in front of my wife?
My sworn brother is the General Class of Anzhou, awarded the title of Loyal and Brave Colonel, also sixth rank. He is very respectful to my sister. Why do you have to show off like this in front of us?
But he thought better of it.
No matter what, this cousin-in-law is a sixth-rank prefect. He can’t cause trouble for Lin Fan.
At this moment, my cousin felt very smug.
She had deliberately come to show off. Her husband’s promotion to sixth rank was not easy. They had sent their daughter to that high-ranking official as his sixth concubine.
“My cousin is right,” Wang Changhai said.
My cousin was very satisfied with her cousin-in-law’s attitude.
When she passed through Yong’an, she remembered her mother’s words: “Everyone says your aunt lives a better life than me. Your mother accepts that, but no matter what, you must compare yourself to your mother.”
For this reason, she had come specifically to see.
After all, her husband was a sixth-rank prefect. The county magistrate of Yong’an had to salute when he saw her husband.
Wang Shi didn’t want her husband to continue staying in the living room, so she took the initiative to say, “Cousin, cousin-in-law, I’ll take you to tour the city. Changhai still has matters to attend to at the gang.”
My cousin was displeased, “Cousin, we’ve already come. What’s more important for your cousin-in-law than being with us? Not to mention that the county magistrate will also accompany us later, and when my husband speaks with the county magistrate, he can ensure your cousin-in-law’s safety in Yong’an.”
As soon as she finished speaking, speak of the devil, and he shall appear.
The county magistrate hurried in.
“County Magistrate Zhou, why did you come so quickly?” my cousin asked, without a smile, as if questioning a subordinate.
In her mind, after she asked this question, County Magistrate Zhou would respectfully explain.
But who could have imagined…
As soon as County Magistrate Zhou entered the room, he bowed with a smile, clasping his hands, “Madam Wang, congratulations.”
Wang Shi was confused by County Magistrate Zhou’s actions.
“County Magistrate Zhou, what is there to congratulate?”
Before County Magistrate Zhou could speak, my cousin interjected, “Cousin, it must be a cause for celebration that you have such a cousin-in-law.”
County Magistrate Zhou glanced at her, ignored her completely, and said, “Madam Wang, Lord Lin, he has returned.”
“Ah!” Wang Shi suddenly stood up, “My brother has returned?”
Wang Changhai, who had been holding back his anger, also stood up excitedly. He hadn’t expected Lin Fan to return. It was truly wonderful, truly wonderful.
Just as Wang Shi was about to go out to welcome him, a loud voice called out.
“Sister, I’m back.”
Lin Fan strode into the courtyard. His voice arrived before he did.
“Brother, why have you returned?” Wang Shi asked with surprise and joy. She hadn’t seen Lin Fan for a long time and missed him dearly.
“Haha…” Lin Fan chuckled, “Sister, there’s a happy event.”
“Brother, are you married?”
“No, that’s not it. It’s your happy event,” Lin Fan said.
Wang Shi was puzzled.
At this moment, everyone in the hall had also come to the courtyard. Wang Changhai looked at Lin Fan with a smile, standing silently to the side, just watching his wife chat with Lin Fan.
My cousin and cousin-in-law walked over.
“Cousin, who is this? Please introduce them,” my cousin asked with a smile, but she was sizing up Lin Fan from head to toe.
Lin Fan also looked at her, “Sister, who is this?”
Before Wang Shi could speak, my cousin said, “I am your sister’s cousin. This is my husband, a sixth-rank prefect. Since you are my sister’s sworn brother, you must call me cousin.”
“What nonsense are you talking about? I asked who you are, not your husband’s official rank. Are you showing off in front of my sister?” Lin Fan frowned, displeased. He then looked at Wang Changhai, “Are they here to show off?”
Wang Changhai nodded with a wry smile.
After receiving an accurate answer, Lin Fan couldn’t help but laugh in exasperation. He came back to share joyful news with his sister, and yet some scoundrel had nothing better to do and triggered this foolish incident.
My cousin and cousin-in-law’s expressions changed. They clearly hadn’t expected this brat to be so lawless.
“Cousin, your sworn brother is too arrogant,” my cousin said indignantly.
Wang Shi wanted to explain, but Lin Fan directly stopped her, “Sister, you don’t need to say anything. Leave it to me.”
He then looked at them.
“Where is your prefect from?” Lin Fan asked.
My cousin smiled, “My husband is the prefect of Yandu Prefecture.”
Lin Fan couldn’t be bothered to listen. “You two, kneel down for me now.”
The prefect, who had been silent, suddenly became angry and glared at him.
My cousin became even more enraged. “You scoundrel, how dare you say such rebellious words? Do you dare to make my husband, a dignified sixth-rank prefect, kneel? Are you truly not afraid of death?”
Lin Fan snorted, “Sixth-rank prefect? You were, but you are no longer. Allowing people like you to hold such important positions is simply a disaster for the local common people. You still want to be an official? I’ll send you home to farm.”
My cousin was so angry she laughed. “Haha, and you think you can?”
Lin Fan didn’t bother to look at them again. He raised his hand and gestured, and the eunuchs and others who had been waiting at the door slowly entered.
Lin Fan took Wang Shi’s hand. “Sister, the surprise will come later. To be honest, I don’t know yet, but I think it won’t be bad.”
As the eunuch appeared.
The prefect’s face suddenly changed. He clearly hadn’t expected a eunuch to show up.
“Your Excellency, this is my sister. Please read it,” Lin Fan said.
The eunuch smiled and brought out the imperial decree. When the prefect saw the imperial decree, his heart suddenly became flustered. Why would there be an imperial decree here? He couldn’t help but look at Lin Fan, not knowing who this person truly was.
“Wang Shi, receive the decree.”
Wang Shi quickly knelt to receive the decree.
The eunuch cleared his throat. Upon seeing the content of the imperial decree, his eyes narrowed slightly, but he quickly recovered and announced loudly, “By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Divine Martial Great General Lin Fan, loyal and brave for the nation, with great contributions to the state. Considering his sworn sister Wang Shi, gentle and virtuous, and her meritorious assistance, she is hereby conferred the title of First Rank Imperial Lady. She is granted ceremonial robes and enjoys corresponding emoluments. Respect this!”
Lin Fan, upon hearing the content of the imperial decree, was also shocked.
He hadn’t expected His Majesty to directly confer the title of First Rank Imperial Lady.
This was something he had never anticipated.
“Wang Shi, receive the decree,” the eunuch said gently, not daring to rush.
The person before him was the sworn sister of the Divine Martial Great General.
He dared not offend her.
“Sister, what are you stunned for? Receive the decree,” Lin Fan said with a smile.
The kneeling Wang Shi’s eyes widened, utterly astonished. She felt extremely confused at the moment.
What First Rank Imperial Lady?
But she still stood up and received the imperial decree. The eunuch then handed over the complete ceremonial robes, “First Rank Imperial Lady, this is a scarlet, wide-sleeved robe and a jade-inlaid crown with five phoenixes. In the future, for major court ceremonies, you will be notified in advance and must wear these ceremonial robes to the palace for worship. This is His Majesty’s favor towards the General.”
Wang Changhai, standing beside her, was stunned.
He rubbed his eyes and patted his head, it wasn’t a dream.
No, what in the world happened?
My wife is just an ordinary woman, how did she become a First Rank Imperial Lady?
“Brother, what’s going on?” Wang Shi asked.
Lin Fan smiled and said, “Sister, His Majesty has appointed me as the Divine Martial Great General, ranked first class. And you are my sister, so you naturally deserve to be conferred a title. Thus, you were awarded the title of First Rank Imperial Lady. Henceforth, even a second-rank official must pay their respects to you.”
*Plop!*
The prefect collapsed onto the ground, his face ashen.
“Your Excellency, this man claims to be the prefect of Yandu Prefecture, a sixth-rank high official. This General now wants to remove him from his post. Is that alright?” Lin Fan asked with a smile.
The eunuch said, “The General is joking. You are the Commander of the Divine Martial Department, responsible for supervising all officials. Your authority is within the court. Whether to remove him from his post is naturally up to you.”
Lin Fan looked at him and said with a smile, “Sixth-rank prefect, go home and farm.”
The other party came to his senses and quickly knelt before Lin Fan. “Great General, I was blind. Please spare my life.”
He then stood up and slapped my cousin fiercely, “You slut, why aren’t you kneeling and begging for mercy?”
My cousin was dazed by the slap but understood that she had truly provoked someone powerful this time.
“Cousin, please, help me speak.”
Wang Shi didn’t know what to say for a moment.
She herself hadn’t even recovered from the shock.
Lin Fan said angrily, “Shut up. I’m only removing you from your post, which is already a favor because of my sister. As the Commander of the Divine Martial Department, I am also responsible for supervision. If I truly wanted to deal with you, you wouldn’t escape a death sentence. Get lost!”
“Otherwise, if you try to leave again, you won’t be able to.”
As soon as he said this.
The prefect, seemingly unwilling, dared not linger. He scrambled and slunk away.
