Chapter 109: Express Delivery From Eight Hundred Miles: Border Military Report
Courtyard, very serene.
Lin Fan beckoned, calling Ning Yu to his side, and softly said: “Remember this person. When the Divine Martial Department starts operating, remind me.”
“Yes, Master.” Ning Yu nodded.
For such a minor figure, Lin Fan feared he might forget, so it was very necessary to tell Ning Yu in advance. Letting them go here was simply because he didn’t want to make things difficult for his sworn sister. After all, she was his cousin.
Moreover, disturbing his leisurely time with such a trivial matter was truly inappropriate.
Entering the hall.
Everyone was still immersed in shock.
Zhou County Magistrate was servilely attending at the side, his gaze toward Lin Fan filled with horror. He could hardly imagine that a former commoner constable had now become a first-rank official and a powerful official in the Imperial Court.
Although he didn’t know what the Divine Martial Department was, the mere fact that it was listed alongside the Three Judicial Offices as the fourth department was enough to show how immense its power was.
“Hall Master, you haven’t been out flirting lately, have you?” Lin Fan asked with a smile. “Things are different now. My sister has been enfeoffed as a first-rank imperial lady. This no longer represents just her, but also His Majesty. If you step out of line, it’s a capital offense.”
Wang Changhai waved his hands repeatedly. “No, absolutely not. I’m so busy I’m at my wits’ end.”
Wang Shi came back to her senses from the shock. “Brother, His Majesty giving such a huge reward—isn’t it asking you to risk your life? If that’s the case, no, you can’t take risks.”
To Wang Shi, even someone useless like her had been enfeoffed as a first-rank imperial lady, which was something she couldn’t wrap her head around no matter how hard she tried.
For ordinary benefits, she would only think it was an attempt to win her over.
But this kind of meteoric rise, crossing class boundaries—besides selling one’s life, she couldn’t think of anything else.
Lin Fan smiled and said: “Sister, don’t worry, it’s not what you think.”
After speaking, he shouted toward the courtyard.
“Qian Tao, Wu Yong, Yang Ming… all of you, come in.”
Hearing the voice.
Qian Tao and the others entered the hall, standing respectfully.
Wang Changhai looked at Qian Tao, Wu Yong, and Ding Peng; he naturally remembered them. They were formerly wharf workers, but now, at a glance, he was shocked to discover they had undergone earth-shaking changes, with a tremendous improvement in their spirit and demeanor.
If he had to describe it, they were more confident, more refined, even giving off an air of officialdom.
“You’ve been following me out for some time now. All of you, go home separately and reunite with your parents.” Lin Fan said.
This return was not just his own homecoming in glory.
For them, it was also a homecoming in glory.
Yang Ming’s family was considered wealthy in Yong’an. Previously at the Public Security Bureau, he was utterly ordinary, but now, after following Lin Fan, he had also reached a level unattainable by ordinary people.
Lin Fan serving as general class in Anzhou was equivalent to provincial department level, while Yang Ming as squad leader was equivalent to a full-time general team leader.
Now, even Zhou County Magistrate had to be deferential toward Yang Ming and the others.
Not to mention Lin Fan’s rocket-like promotion directly to first-rank official, wielding real power, becoming second only to one person and above tens of thousands. Naturally, Yang Ming and their statuses had risen with the tide.
Extraordinary.
Once they joined the Divine Martial Department, with the power in their hands to supervise officials and arrest criminals across the realm, third- and fourth-rank officials would see them like mice seeing a cat, trembling in fear.
“Yes, Sir.”
Yang Ming and the others were overjoyed, saluted, and then hurriedly left.
Wang Changhai watched their departing figures and sighed: “Wonderful, this is their fate.”
Who could have dared to imagine it, who would dare believe it?
Lin Fan smiled without speaking, instead turning to Zhou County Magistrate. “Zhou County Magistrate, have you been well-behaved during the time I was away?”
Zhou County Magistrate was terrified and obsequious. “Sir, this official has always heeded your teachings and truly loves the people like his own children.”
Lin Fan picked up the teacup, blew on the floating leaves, took a shallow sip, and calmly said: “Mm… Good that you’ve listened. My words to you remain the same: minor mischief, I won’t say anything, but if you dare act recklessly, I’ll skin you alive.”
Thud!
Zhou County Magistrate knelt in terror, kowtowing. “Sir, this official dares not.”
“Mm, get up. After all, you and I are old acquaintances.” Lin Fan said.
“Thank you, Sir.”
Zhou County Magistrate shakily rose, lifting his sleeves to wipe the sweat from his forehead. Facing the current Lin Fan, he truly felt immense pressure.
He knew the Lin Fan before him was now beyond his reach, an untouchable existence.
If not for the fact that the other had left from Yong’an.
As a mere county magistrate, a sesame official like him wanting to see such a figure would be as hard as ascending to heaven.
Zhou County Magistrate’s eyes darted furtively around, seemingly searching for someone. Lin Fan naturally caught this expression.
“Zhou County Magistrate, who are you looking for?” Lin Fan asked.
Zhou County Magistrate answered truthfully: “This official was wondering if Li Zhengdao has returned.”
Lin Fan smiled. “He didn’t come back this time. He stayed in Anzhou handling matters. To tell you the truth, I’m now pondering how to place him—whether to have him take the general class position in Anzhou or bring him to the Divine Martial Department in the Imperial Capital. It’s a headache.”
Hearing this, Zhou County Magistrate was stunned on the spot.
General class?
Divine Martial Department position in the Imperial Capital?
Both outcomes were unimaginable to Zhou County Magistrate.
He hadn’t expected Li Zhengdao to have such dog-shit luck.
If promoted to general class, he could accept that, but bringing him to the Imperial Capital was utterly unacceptable. Officials under the Emperor’s feet were not comparable to those in a small place like him.
There was a vast difference between the two.
And at this moment.
Outside the prefecture.
Qin Si, like the common people, waited outside. He was itching with anticipation, gazing at the iron cavalry clad in armor outside, and the majestic “Divine Martial” characters on the flags.
His heart felt as if a string had been plucked.
Ears filled with the common people’s chatter, mouths agape in shock.
“I just heard, that’s an imperial decree. Our Master Lin has been enfeoffed as Divine Martial Great General, first-rank official.”
“Envious. What good deeds did Wang Changhai do in his past life to marry such a wife and acknowledge such a sworn brother? Directly enfeoffed as a first-rank imperial lady.”
“What level is this first-rank imperial lady?”
“Too deep for you to understand. Simply put, from now on, our county magistrate has to wag his tail and fawn over Wang Shi.”
“Ah, this woman can have such high status?”
“You know nothing. I’d say the master craftsman at Big Ox Blacksmith Shop has vision, forging weapons for Master Lin for free. Now directly enfeoffed as the world’s top blacksmith shop, personally bestowed by His Majesty—ancestral glory.”
Qin Si was utterly shocked hearing this.
He truly hadn’t expected Master Lin to have reached such a status, followed by wild joy.
He was Master Lin’s lackey arranged in Yong’an to investigate Yan Yushu.
No… he wasn’t a lackey.
He was War Wolf.
For some reason, he felt his heart suddenly strengthen, an indescribable excitement surging.
Thinking of this.
He pushed through the crowd, wanting to enter the prefecture. But just at the door, the guarding iron cavalry’s gaze sharpened like knives, coldly saying: “Idlers not allowed entry.”
Stared at by the iron cavalry, Qin Si’s heart jolted, and he hastily said: “Big brother, I’m Master Lin’s subordinate. Please announce me—Qin Si requests an audience.”
The iron cavalry looked at Qin Si and said gravely: “Without the Divine Martial Great General’s orders, no one enters. Wait here.”
Qin Si was helpless, didn’t dare shout loudly, and could only pace in place.
Suddenly.
Footsteps came from inside the prefecture, and Yang Ming and the others strode out proudly, faces beaming with joy.
“Brother Yang, Brother Yang…” Qin Si shouted upon seeing Yang Ming, smiling at the iron cavalry. “He’s Master Lin’s subordinate, my acquaintance, my acquaintance.”
Yang Ming came outside the prefecture, saw Qin Si, and said in surprise: “How did you get here?”
Qin Si smiled obsequiously: “Brother Yang, I’m here to see Master Lin. These big brothers won’t let me in. Could you say something to let me through?”
Yang Ming said: “Wait first. Sir Lin is inside reminiscing with his sworn sister. It wouldn’t be good for you to disturb.”
“Yes, yes, then I’ll wait.” Qin Si nodded repeatedly with a smile.
Yang Ming said no more and hurriedly left; he was eager to get home.
……
Yang residence.
One of Yong’an’s merchants. In this era, as long as they didn’t provoke officials, life was relatively decent.
At this time.
Yang Ming’s parents were hosting out-of-town business friends.
“Brother Yang, your worthy nephew is truly outstanding. This commendation plaque records all sorts of merits—truly, a tiger father has no dog son.” Cheng Menxue said with a smile.
Yang Father smiled humbly: “Brother Cheng overpraises. This brat won’t inherit the family business properly and insists on being a constable. What can I do?”
Cheng Menxue said: “Where is he now?”
Yang Father sighed: “Wasn’t Master Lin transferred to Anzhou? He was taken along, and hasn’t sent a single letter back. Don’t know how he’s doing there.”
Pretending not to worry would be false.
Which parents don’t care about their children.
With a child away from home, parents’ hearts are always hanging, fearing bad news.
Cheng Menxue puzzled: “Master Lin? What background does this Master Lin have? To be assigned to Anzhou is impressive.”
Mentioning Lin Fan, Yang Father perked up. “This Master Lin is extraordinary, with extremely high prestige locally. You can curse the county magistrate outside and no one cares, but if you curse Master Lin, whether you return intact is unknown.”
“Ah… there’s such a person?” Cheng Menxue was astonished.
Among the officials he’d dealt with, none were beloved by the common people. Clearly, this Master Lin was a good official.
Yang Father smiled and nodded. Previously, he couldn’t understand his child becoming a constable, but now, with Yang Ming following Master Lin, he felt at ease and proud.
He only hoped his child would get better and better.
At this time, Yang Mother looked at Cheng Menxue’s daughter—proper appearance, refined lady. But since arriving, after a greeting, she sat with head down, looking sullen.
“Let’s talk about the children.” Yang Mother spoke with worry in her eyes.
The two families had arranged a child betrothal since young, ready to marry them when the time came. But now Cheng Menxue brought his child without mentioning the marriage, instead chatting idly, seemingly harboring something unspeakable.
Yang Mother directly asked about it.
Better than wild guesses.
Yang Father smiled: “Yes, yes, Brother Cheng, let’s talk about the children. Look, they’re of age. Shouldn’t we put the previously arranged marriage on the agenda? After all, these two know each other and get along well.”
“Sigh…” Mentioning this, Cheng Menxue immediately sighed: “Brother Yang, it’s difficult.”
Yang Father’s expression froze slightly, puzzled: “Brother Cheng, what do you mean?”
Cheng Menxue didn’t conceal: “The son of the local pacification commissioner has taken a liking to her, insisting I marry my daughter to him. If not, our Cheng family fears calamity. You know we Chengs have been merchants for generations, relying on the government. Offending them now, we’d have no foothold.”
“Ah…”
Yang Ming’s parents’ faces changed drastically, clearly not expecting this.
They were furious—not at Brother Cheng, but at the overbearing power of these officials.
“Dad, Mom, I’m back.”
Yang Ming’s voice came from outside.
The butler excitedly said: “Master, Madam, young master is back.”
With the voice.
The important people chatting in the living hall all turned sharply toward the courtyard, seeing Yang Ming in Anzhou squad leader uniform, saber at his waist, striding in proudly.
Now following Sir Lin, he had risen steadily, his confident demeanor exceptionally striking.
As Yang Ming entered the hall, he spotted Cheng Ling, betrothed to him since childhood. “Ling, how did you come?”
Immediately after, he saw Cheng Menxue and cupped his fists: “Uncle Cheng, hello.”
“Aiyou, worthy nephew.” Cheng Menxue looked embarrassed. The Yang Ming before him was a son-in-law he was quite satisfied with—refined and talented, without any young master’s vices.
Yang Father and Yang Mother exchanged glances, not mentioning the matter, instead smiling: “Son, how are you back?”
“I came back with Sir.” Yang Ming smiled, then expectantly: “Dad, Mom, Uncle Cheng, are you discussing my marriage with Ling? If you’ve decided, the child naturally listens to you.”
After speaking, Yang Ming lowered his head shyly, scratching it, eyes glancing at Ling. But after so long tempered under Lin Fan, he had his own way of reading expressions.
He saw at a glance that Ling’s state was off.
Then, as if sensing something: “Dad, Mom, Uncle Cheng, has something happened?”
Just as Yang Mother was about to speak, a commotion came from outside, and a pale-faced man shaking a paper fan swaggered in, followed by a group of saber-bearing, sturdy soldiers in plain clothes.
Seeing the arrival, Cheng Menxue’s face changed, and Cheng Ling stood by Yang Ming. “Brother Ming, he’s the son of our local pacification commissioner, the one forcing my dad to marry me to him, or destroy our family.”
Hearing this.
Yang Ming was furious, eyes blazing with fury, glaring at the man.
“Uncle Cheng, you brought my Ling here? Or is this the so-called childhood betrothal?” Wang Hao swaggered in, looked around, gaze landing on Yang Ming, especially his clothes, and laughed. “Turns out you’re a constable. This uniform looks like squad leader attire—not bad, some ability, but just a bit.”
“Allow me to introduce: this young master Wang Hao, my father is the Pingzhou pacification commissioner, a disciple of Left Commander Qin Li of the Five Military Headquarters, General Qin.”
This self-introduction usually packed a punch.
No matter where, even if someone didn’t give face to his father.
Hearing Qin Li, they’d still tremble.
After all, Qin Li was the top martial official.
Who dared offend?
Hearing the other’s background, Yang Ming’s parents were startled. Yang Mother tugged Yang Ming’s clothes, signaling not to act impulsively—the man behind him was someone even your Sir Lin couldn’t offend.
“Heh…” Yang Ming laughed. “You rely on such status to bully and do as you please?”
“Mm… you’re smart, indeed. This young master isn’t here to negotiate with you, but to tell you: Ling is mine, you can’t take her. Dare try, and you’ll regret it.” Wang Hao said arrogantly.
Yang Ming coldly: “As son of a pacification commissioner, who gave you the power to be so tyrannical? Truly lawless?”
Wang Hao waved his hand in Yang Ming’s face. “Don’t put it that way, but this young master gives you a chance. Go… call everyone you can within your power. This young master loves seeing others’ despair. Go, call people.”
“Son, let’s forget it.” Yang Mother pulled Yang Ming’s hand, shaking her head.
Yang Ming raised his hand, signaling mother to relax. “Good, good, truly arrogant. Son of pacification commissioner so domineering—hard to imagine how dark Pingzhou officialdom is. If my family Sir learns, first to deal with is your father.”
“Oh my, I’m so scared. Who is your family Sir? Can he come before this young master? I really want to know how impressive he is.”
“Is that so? So eager for this official’s methods?”
Suddenly, a mocking voice came.
Everyone turned toward the voice.
Lin Fan appeared leading the group. After leaving his sworn sister’s home, he didn’t rush to the Public Security Bureau to see Song Qing or back to his courtyard to visit Little Fatty, but came to the homes of the brothers he took to Anzhou, to chat properly with their parents, reassure them, let them know their children following me won’t suffer losses.
Who’d have thought arriving at Yang Ming’s home, before entering the hall, he’d hear such arrogance.
For this, naturally no need for more words.
No matter who you are, naturally satisfy you.
“Sir.” Yang Ming stepped forward to greet.
Lin Fan nodded. Once inside the hall, Yang Ming’s parents immediately came forward: “Sir Lin.”
“How have you two been?”
“Very well.”
“Good. Yang Ming is diligent and capable; this official likes him very much. This return is to visit everyone.” Lin Fan directly ignored Wang Hao.
Wang Hao stood there, looking at the scene, frowning slightly. “You’re his Sir?”
Lin Fan glanced at Wang Hao, gaze on the knife-bearing soldiers he brought. From their spirit, they weren’t constables or attendants, more like soldiers trained in the barracks.
“These soldiers from the barracks you brought?” Lin Fan asked.
Wang Hao laughed: “Naturally, all battle-hardened elite soldiers.”
“Such audacity. As son of pacification commissioner, without authority, daring to mobilize camp soldiers—outrageous. Men, take him down.” Lin Fan bellowed angrily, and the iron cavalry in the courtyard rushed in, drawing sabers sharply, stepping forward, subduing them in two or three moves.
The captured Wang Hao angrily: “You’re courting death. Do you know who my father is? Dare arrest me, I want you to…”
“Shut up.” The nearby eunuch scolded: “Audacious madman, before you stands His Majesty personally enfeoffed Divine Martial Great General, first-rank official. You, mere son of pacification commissioner, dare clamor against the Great General? You court death.”
Yang Ming’s parents’ eyes widened in shock.
Isn’t it…
What’s the situation?
Their child followed Anzhou general class, how did this Master Lin suddenly become Divine Martial Great General?
The clamoring Wang Hao was dumbfounded on the spot.
Ah?
Lin Fan to the eunuch: “Eunuch, Yong’an matters to resolve are done. Trouble you to take the iron cavalry, arrest his father with this one, send both back to the Imperial Capital for His Majesty to dispose.”
Eunuch: “Great General, since the imperial decree, Divine Martial Department is established. You hold commander of the Divine Martial Department authority, may act first and report later.”
“Is that so? Then drag to Caishi Mouth and behead.” Lin Fan waved casually.
“Yes, Great General.”
Eunuch acknowledged, waved, had iron cavalry act, directly dragged out to execute.
Wang Hao scared into wetting himself, crying: “Don’t kill me, my father is pacification commissioner, disciple of Qin Li, don’t kill me.”
“Wait.” Lin Fan spoke.
Wang Hao rejoiced, seemed effective.
Eunuch: “What further instructions, Great General?”
Lin Fan: “These soldiers, punish lightly. No need their lives. After all, His Majesty’s soldiers—kill one, one less.”
Eunuch: “Great General, so merciful.”
The soldiers Wang Hao brought all knelt, kowtowing and shouting: “Thanks Great General for not killing, thanks Great General for not killing.”
With the unwanted gone.
Lin Fan smiled again, looked at Yang Ming, patted his shoulder. “You brat, not introducing to this official? Who is this?”
Yang Ming shyly: “Sir, this is Cheng Ling, betrothed to me since childhood.”
Lin Fan looked at Cheng Ling, appraising, nodded satisfied. “Mm, not bad, matches you. Since childhood betrothal, marriage should proceed.”
“Hehe, all up to Sir.” Yang Ming played clever, letting Lin Fan take charge. After all, he was Sir’s confidant, first among them to marry—definitely grand and lively.
Lin Fan saw through Yang Ming’s little scheme.
Yang Father respectfully: “Sir, please sit.”
“Mm.” Lin Fan nodded, sat in the host seat.
Yang Father tensely accompanied, Cheng Menxue equally nervous. Knowing the identity, for a merchant like him, it was an unattainable connection.
But truthfully, he was secretly delighted. His son-in-law working under such a great figure meant huge benefits for Cheng family after marriage.
Lin Fan sipped tea, said: “In some days, Yang Ming follows me to Imperial Capital for post. I say hold the wedding there. After all, first among my confidants to marry—do it big, lively.”
Yang Ming’s parents exchanged glances, shocked, then: “All up to Sir.”
“Mm, rest assured, Yang Ming with me, future limitless.” Lin Fan said.
Yang Father nodded hastily, feeling ancestral grave smoking—no, even fire couldn’t burn out such fortune.
After simple chat, once Lin Fan left.
Yang Ming’s parents still felt dreamlike.
Yang Father pinched his arm, felt pain: “Not a dream.”
Yang Ming helplessly: “Dad, definitely not a dream.”
Yang Father hurriedly: “What institution is the Divine Martial Department Sir Lin mentioned? Never heard before.”
Yang Ming laughed: “Dad, it’s an institution His Majesty specially approved for my Sir to establish, fourth department alongside Three Judicial Offices, with authority covering them, reporting only to His Majesty.”
At these words.
Yang Ming’s parents and Cheng Menxue shocked repeatedly.
What immense power this institution must have.
Simply unimaginable.
……
Night fell.
For Yong’an common people, today was exceptionally joyful for all. Their Master Lin enfeoffed Divine Martial Great General, high position and power, pride of Yong’an.
Brothel.
Cleared tonight.
Qin Si strode proudly behind Lin Fan; his expression showed how proud and elated he was.
War Wolf!
Yan Yushu led all brothel girls to welcome, beautiful eyes flowing over Lin Fan.
Among them, four top courtesans gazed resentfully at Lin Fan.
That figure seemed ever more dominant, ever more alluring to them.
“Congratulations Master Lin, joy Master Lin, soaring to the peak of court.” Yan Yushu congratulated, inwardly shocked beyond measure. She’d never imagined anyone rising so fast, directly to Divine Martial Great General.
News spread fast; when it reached her.
She doubted her ears.
Lin Fan laughed: “Miss Yan, haven’t seen in a while, your sweet mouth still as before.”
Yan Yushu flirtatiously: “Praised by Master Lin, my honor.”
After speaking.
Yan Yushu led: “Master Lin, upstairs please. Shall I call the four top courtesans here?”
Lin Fan waved: “No need. Tonight just Miss Yan accompanies. Little Four, how much of the silver left here remains?”
“Master Lin, about one or two hundred taels left.” Qin Si hehed.
Lin Fan: “Good, tonight earn it back for you.”
The words meant nothing special.
Yan Yushu froze, knowing exactly what it implied.
But did she have room to resist now?
No.
Absolutely not.
With Master Lin’s current power, crushing her was like an ant.
The four top courtesans heard, looking at Lin Fan like resentful wives.
Such a heartless man.
Touch and deny.
Private room.
Lin Fan sat, Qin Si stood serving throughout, Yan Yushu beside Lin Fan, heart in turmoil, unsure of his intent.
But lately, Qin Si’s men supervised here; she naturally observed.
At this time, Lin Fan patted his thigh: “Come, sit on my lap, more intimate talk.”
Without waiting for Yan Yushu’s words, Lin Fan grabbed her wrist, pulled into his lap, plump buttocks pressing his thigh, feeling the fullness.
Thump! Thump! Thump!
“Miss Yan, your heartbeat seems fast.” Lin Fan teased.
Yan Yushu coquettishly: “Master Lin’s masculine aura overwhelms this little woman, naturally shy and racing heart.”
Lin Fan smiled silently, fingers lightly stroking her waist. To Yan Yushu, it was electric, but she kept her mind racing, knowing every coming word carried meaning.
“Miss Yan jokes well. When I left Yong’an, I had Little Four watch you. Can you tell me truthfully who is behind you?”
Lin Fan cut straight.
At this point, no need for roundabout.
Yan Yushu feigned confusion: “Master Lin, this concubine doesn’t know what you mean.”
Lin Fan smiled, hand suddenly up, pinching vital point. Yan Yushu frowned slightly in pain. “Your backer—Grand Tutor or Qin Li?”
“Some things no need to hide, better say openly.”
“Iron ingots incident unfinished. Four years, stolen ingots could forge nearly ten thousand sets of armor. Ten thousand soldiers in full-body armor, no one could stop.”
“This is rebellion.”
Qin Si serving in the room looked shocked, staring at Lin Fan.
Isn’t it… I hope Master Lin doesn’t treat me as outsider, but this is too much.
Can I hear this?
Maybe I step out—better not know too much.
Yan Yushu panicked: “Master Lin, this concubine truly doesn’t know what you mean. Just ordinary dust woman, leading sisters begging rice. This rebellion nonsense, I truly don’t know.”
Lin Fan withdrew hand, signaled Yan Yushu rise, picked chopsticks, clamped food, gestured Qin Si sit and eat.
“Miss Yan, Lin Fan doesn’t like bullying seemingly weak women. You say don’t know, then you don’t. Matters little if you tell.”
Words to this point, Lin Fan looked up, expressionless staring at Yan Yushu.
“But remember, once exposed and confirmed your involvement, brothel all beheaded, none spared.”
“Remember, this official gave you chance, you didn’t seize.”
At this moment, Yan Yushu felt deep killing intent from Lin Fan.
Not a threat.
Truly would leave none.
Yan Yushu felt heart gripped by giant hand, even beating difficult.
Moments later.
Lin Fan set down chopsticks, nearby Qin Si rose hastily, standing respectfully aside.
“Let’s go.”
Lin Fan rose toward private room door, Qin Si followed, Yan Yushu stunned long, then saw them off personally.
After sending Lin Fan off.
Yan Yushu entered hall, looked at sisters sitting, gaze dazed, at a loss. Four top courtesans came, supporting: “Sister, what’s wrong?”
Yan Yushu shook head, said no more, went upstairs.
Her heart now chaotic.
Mind replaying Lin Fan’s words.
For some reason, heart especially panicked, feeling indescribable, as if inner emptiness, utterly unsettled.
Vaguely, truly missed some opportunity.
Outside brothel.
Lin Fan turned, gazing at brightly lit brothel, sighed: “Truly don’t want Yong’an common people lacking this fine place.”
Qin Si: “Master Lin, continue supervising her?”
Lin Fan waved: “No need. For me, whether problem or not doesn’t matter. This step useful before, useless now.”
Previously wanted to know Yan Yushu’s backer for merit and progress, but plans change. One Imperial Capital trip to peak, gained position to confront those guys.
So, from mid-game, stepped into high game.
Thud!
Qin Si knelt before Lin Fan.
“What are you doing?” Lin Fan asked.
Qin Si dropped obsequious smile, serious: “Master Lin, I want to follow you. I have no merits, only obedient and loyal.”
“Follow me why?” Lin Fan smiled.
Qin Si: “Master Lin, I want to rise. Want facing nobles, not pointed nose as lowly thug unfit for upper levels. I know past deeds bad, but no choice, only direction. Now heaven let me meet Master Lin, don’t want old age regretting not bravely stepping forward.”
Sincere, full sincerity.
Qin Si’s determination to progress nearly tangible.
Lin Fan looked at kneeling Qin Si, neither rising him nor agreeing.
“You have ambition.”
“No, Master Lin, not ambition. Just unwilling mediocre life. Life demands roaming world, even if nothing gained, at least tried, no regret.”
Lin Fan looked at Qin Si in surprise.
Didn’t expect this guy to say such words.
Interesting indeed.
“Alright, first follow Wang Changhai.” Lin Fan walked ahead, voice carrying in night.
“Thanks Master Lin.”
Qin Si straightened kneeling, shouted at Lin Fan’s departing back.
“Thanks Master Lin for chance, Little Four eternally grateful.”
To Qin Si, Master Lin letting him follow Wang Changhai meant acceptance.
Back to courtyard.
Little Fatty in outer coat, stood at front gate holding lantern waiting. Seeing figure in distant darkness, hurried forward.
“Brother Lin…”
Little Fatty gazed excitedly at Lin Fan.
Lin Fan gently patted his shoulder. “Let’s go home.”
“Mm.”
Time flew.
In blink, days passed.
During Lin Fan’s time in Yong’an, he wasn’t idle, leisurely strolling city, fed by common people till somewhat fat.
But cultivation continued, stabilized.
Satisfied with personal panel data all aspects, just Guiyi Body Refining Method proficiency slow, still not beginner to date.
Full-body tempering, each proficiency point brought huge changes to his internal organs.
……
Imperial Capital, outside.
Whoosh!
Bang!
Huge boom echoed in sky outside city.
City gate soldiers saw, startled, shouted to comrades: “Quick, signal arrow, clear the way, clear fast.”
Don’t think guarding gate easy, much to learn.
Moments later.
Muffled swift hoofbeats da-da-da came.
In flash, messenger on fast horse whip, appeared at city gate, tossed token, shouted: “Eight hundred li urgent, border defense military report.”
Common people saw, showed puzzled looks.
They didn’t know what happened.
Soon, Imperial Palace gate, with messenger’s arrival, palace-guarding forbidden army saw city gate signal arrow long ago, opened gates.
At this time, Imperial Court in morning assembly.
His Majesty handling affairs. Of course, with Lin Fan absent, some officials raised objections to Divine Martial Department authority scope, hoping His Majesty adjust.
As for Divine Martial Department establishment, imperial decree propagated, impossible to change.
So hoped adjust Divine Martial Department power scope.
Can’t have one department covering Three Judicial Offices.
Then what need for their Three Judicial Offices?
Suddenly.
Urgent voice from outside hall.
“Eight hundred li urgent, border military report.”
Forbidden army dared not block.
Imperial Court border defense major, none could block.
Messenger exhausted rushed into hall: “Your Majesty, border defense military report.”
“Quick, present.” Emperor urgently.
Eunuch hurried down, took military report. Messenger who brought it collapsed, forbidden army carried for doctor.
Emperor hastily opened military report, read carefully.
Hall’s civil martial officials’ gazes on His Majesty’s face, deducing from expression if border report good or bad.
As His Majesty face darkened.
They knew this border report very bad.
“Your Majesty, what happened at border defense?” Grand Tutor asked.
Emperor furious: “Damn Mengye Country, good, good, daring attack our border defense, garrison retreated, audacious bastards.”
Ministers exchanged glances.
Didn’t expect Mengye Country to attack. Perhaps because of grand competition, Lin Fan crippled Tuli Ming, enraging Mengye Country to revenge with troops?
Grand Tutor: “Your Majesty, who leads Mengye Country army this time?”
“Tudan.”
Words out, hall officials shocked.
They all feared Tudan.
Civil and martial alike.
Tudan, Mengye Country’s god of war existence.
Besides immense strength.
Also superb at troop deployment.
