Chapter 115: Qin Li, You Better Engrave This General’s Words Deep In Your Heart
“Great General, how long will we have to kill?”
Wang Shi Guan had never witnessed such a scene; it could be described as a living hell. His fear of this Divine Martial Great General had now penetrated to the bone.
Those iron cavalry seemed to have transformed into puppets that knew only how to kill, committing no rape or looting, only swinging their blades with simple brutality. The terrified faces they saw received no mercy.
Lin Fan stood by the pond in the courtyard, letting fish food trickle through his fingers as he casually tossed it onto the water’s surface. Watching the fish scramble for food, his expression was calm and undisturbed. He said, “Naturally, we will kill until there are no Japanese people left in the city.”
Wang Shi Guan swallowed hard and shook his head, “Great General, I don’t understand. How can we ever finish killing the Japanese? This action will surely create a blood feud for generations, one that will be difficult to resolve for a hundred years!”
Lin Fan didn’t reply, but suddenly turned to look at him, a smile even appearing at the corner of his lips. “No, they won’t have the chance to remember this hatred. Three years. I only need three years, and I will completely erase the Japanese people.”
“What!” Wang Shi Guan’s face drained of color. He couldn’t understand why the Great General hated the Japanese so intensely; it exceeded the limits of his imagination.
Lin Fan tossed all the remaining fish food into the pond, clapped his hands, and his tone softened. “Alright, there’s no need to discuss this further. You are the historian; just record it truthfully.”
With that, he turned and left. Wang Shi Guan stared at Lin Fan’s receding back, unable to regain his senses for a long time.
Inside the room.
“General, this is the inventory of supplies compiled by your subordinate. I never expected this mere Toyotomi regime to have accumulated so much wealth.” Liu Canjiang placed the account book on the table, and the thought of the overflowing crates they had moved made him feel it was truly astonishing.
Lin Fan casually picked up the account book, flipped through a few pages, and then listlessly tossed it aside.
“How is the city’s pacification proceeding?” Lin Fan asked.
Liu Canjiang replied, “Everything is going smoothly. However, many Japanese people are using their familiarity with the terrain to hide and flee. There are many hidden passages within the city, and many Japanese have escaped through them. During this time, our soldiers have sealed at least six hidden passages.”
“General, do you need me to lead the soldiers out of the city to pursue and kill them?”
Liu Canjiang no longer had significant psychological trauma from slaughtering the Japanese. The main reason was that the number of compatriots sold into slavery there was far greater than he had imagined.
Putting aside other matters, in Heian-kyo alone, they found hundreds of compatriots after taking control of the area.
For these compatriots, the men were relatively better off, treated as laborers. They bore tattoos on their faces, a mark the Japanese used to signify their status, and even if they escaped, they couldn’t hide their identity as slaves.
As for the women, their fate was considerably more tragic.
When he saw these women, he was so enraged that he gritted his teeth, wishing he could completely exterminate the Japanese.
Lin Fan waved his hand, “No need. Let the soldiers deal with those inside the city. The sooner we finish, the sooner we can return. We’ve been away from the Central Plains for some time; it’s time to go back.”
Liu Canjiang said, “General, before Toyotomi Hide died, he sent letters to the various Daimyo requesting reinforcements. Are we not going to wait for the Daimyo to come and meet their deaths?”
Lin Fan laughed, “If they were coming, they would have arrived long ago. I suspect those Daimyo are hiding somewhere right now, trembling. In such a small land, how many soldiers can those so-called Daimyo possibly have? And how good can their equipment be? Do they dare to come?”
Upon hearing this, Liu Canjiang nodded in agreement. The logic was indeed sound.
Because Lin Fan led the charge in every battle, the Japanese had been killed into a state of terror, like stray dogs being easily routed by their iron cavalry.
This naturally gave Liu Canjiang the illusion.
That the Japanese were truly not very capable.
“You are right, General. I will urge them to speed up now.” Liu Canjiang said.
Lin Fan said, “Tell the soldiers that their performance this time has greatly pleased me. When we return, I will reward them according to their merits.”
“Yes, General.”
Liu Canjiang was filled with anticipation.
Soldiers joined the army primarily to make a living. If they could achieve great deeds and bring honor to their ancestors, that would be the best. However, from the current situation, achieving great deeds now seemed truly possible.
They were following the Divine Martial Great General, someone of such high rank and power. Even a tiny bit falling from his grasp would be enough for them to eat and drink well.
Several days later.
Soaring flames engulfed Heian-kyo, tongues of fire licking the sky, casting a deep red glow.
“What beautiful bonfire.”
On the plains not far away, Lin Fan reined in his horse and stood, gazing at the sea of fire. Even from a great distance, the scorching heat wave still washed over him.
Wang Shi Guan furiously scribbled down notes.
【Divine Martial Great General Lin Fan, conquered Japan’s Heian-kyo, and burned it. 】
Commander Li looked at the sea of fire before him, his gaze complex as he looked at Lin Fan and then at Wang Shi Guan. He truly hadn’t expected General Lin to be so magnanimous, allowing the historian to record events as they were.
A hundred years from now, a thousand years from now, when history is discussed, such a heavily emphasized stroke would be impossible to ignore.
“Soldiers! My lads!” Lin Fan turned his horse’s head, his voice resonating across the wilderness. “Return to the Central Plains!”
“Return to the Central Plains!”
The soldiers under his command echoed in unison, their voices like thunder.
They had endured the baptism of blood and fire and were already reborn. The murderous aura emanating from them was the nascent form of battle-hardened elite soldiers. Given time and rigorous training, they would surely become the most formidable forces in the land.
This trip to Japan had certainly satisfied Lin Fan’s desire for bloodshed.
Sweeping through Heian-kyo was merely collecting some interest. When he had nothing better to do later, he would bring his troops again to implement the plan to destroy Japan; he believed three years should be enough for the killing.
Moreover, the spoils this time were immense, with chests upon chests filled with gold and silver jewelry. Indeed, feeding the army through war made them richer the more they fought. Once one tasted the sweetness of victory, it was difficult for anyone to resist.
No wonder in his past life, some countries always sought to instigate conflict; as long as they could gain the upper hand, they could truly be well-fed.
Several days later.
As the soldiers departed by ship, the Daimyo who had received the news finally arrived. Seeing the still blazing, completely covered Heian-kyo, those Daimyo wept tears, kneeling there, shouting and crying out.
It was as if they were mourning the collapse of the Toyotomi regime, yet subtly, there seemed to be some excitement.
Especially one named Tokugawa, whose eyes were red with emotion.
If Lin Fan knew their thoughts, he would surely roar in anger, “What are you all happy about? In a while, you’ll be the ones I deal with.”
…
One day.
At the coastal wharf, warships appeared on the horizon. The Common People making a living at the wharf straightened their bodies upon seeing the vast fleet of warships and gazed into the distance.
Upon recognizing the flags, some Common People immediately cheered.
“They’re back, they’re back.”
This shout was like a pebble thrown into a lake, creating ripples. The Common People spread the news, and the wharf instantly became crowded. The families of the soldiers who had gone on the campaign—parents, sisters, wives, and children—rushed to the wharf with nervousness and anticipation, waiting.
How could there be war without casualties?
If there were no casualties, it wouldn’t be called war.
Qin Mansion.
“Commander, he has returned,” a confidant rushed in to report.
Qin Li was practicing in the courtyard. Upon hearing this, he slowly concluded his movements, let out a long sigh, and placed his weapon back on its rack. “How many returned? What are the casualties?”
The confidant shook his head, “We don’t know yet, the ships haven’t reached the wharf. However, given the cruel nature of the Japanese, he must have suffered losses. I think it would be good if even half of them returned.”
Qin Li narrowed his eyes, pondering. He naturally hoped that Lin Fan would be annihilated. Ideally, three thousand soldiers would suffer heavy losses. If that were the case, how could he show his face here?
“Let’s go, accompany me to welcome them.”
…
On the sea.
Lin Fan stood with his hands behind his back at the bow of the ship. As the coastline drew nearer, his thoughts became more active. The matters in Japan could be set aside for now; the next step was to thoroughly confront Qin Li.
“Wang Shi Guan, do you know about Qin Li asking the Emperor for six million in military pay?” Lin Fan asked.
Wang Shi Guan nodded, “Your subordinate knows.”
“Then I asked Qin Li to send back two million taels. Did Qin Li send it back?”
Wang Shi Guan shook his head, “General, when your subordinate left the Imperial Capital with Commander Li, Governor Qin had not yet sent back the two million taels.”
“Hmph, well done, Qin Li. Arrogant and prideful, showing no respect for Your Majesty. When we arrive, this Great General will have a good talk with Qin Li. Wang Shi Guan, you must record it truthfully.” Lin Fan said.
“Ah… Oh!!!” Wang Shi Guan was startled, then nodded.
For Wang Shi Guan, being a historian was indeed a high-risk profession, but if done well, one could truly achieve lasting fame; if done poorly, one would be mediocre and die of old age.
Every historian hoped to achieve lasting fame.
Because they were exposed to history and saw the names of historians remembered by later generations in the long river of history, they felt their blood boil.
The warships docked.
Lin Fan disembarked and saw many smiling Common People gathered around. He nodded to his fellow villagers and, under Liu Canjiang’s leadership, the soldiers began unloading chests of gold and silver jewelry.
“Congratulations on your triumphant return, General Lin,” Qin Li said with a smile.
He had been observing the warships, noting that the number of soldiers seemed to have decreased only slightly. More importantly, he noticed that these soldiers exuded a sense of killing intent.
This was a very rare demeanor.
It was also the essential spirit and bearing for those who wished to become elite soldiers and strong generals.
“General Qin, have you been waiting long?” Lin Fan asked.
Qin Li replied, “Upon learning of your return, I naturally had to come and welcome you quickly. General Lin must have gained a great deal from your trip to Japan.”
“Not bad,” Lin Fan said with a smile.
Liu Canjiang came forward and reported the situation, stating that all goods had been unloaded ashore.
Qin Li’s confidant stepped forward and looked at Liu Canjiang, asking, “Liu Canjiang, how was the harvest from this trip to Japan?”
Liu Canjiang remained silent, respectfully standing by Lin Fan’s side, his meaning clear: “This subordinate is a soldier under General Lin. Without the General’s permission, I will not respond to anyone asking.”
Seeing Liu Canjiang’s lack of propriety, the confidant’s face suddenly flushed with anger, and he was about to reprimand him when he saw Lin Fan squint and coldly snort, “What? Does my subordinate have to report to you?”
This reprimand from Lin Fan made the confidant’s face turn pale. He lowered his head in silence, not daring to be insolent towards Lin Fan.
Qin Li cast a deep glance at Liu Canjiang, then smiled brightly. “Great General Lin, please calm your anger. My subordinate had no ill intentions, merely asking out of curiosity.”
“Hmph, you impudent fellow, you have parents but no upbringing,” Lin Fan reprimanded.
Qin Li suppressed his anger. He had considerable opinions about Lin Fan’s words, implying.
If it were anyone else.
Qin Li would have slapped him long ago, but facing Lin Fan, the current Divine Martial Great General, Qin Li now had to yield.
“General Lin, your journey to Japan must have been arduous. Why don’t you return to your mansion to rest first? I have prepared wine and food to welcome you.”
Qin Li did not wish to entangle himself further with Lin Fan at the wharf.
He knew this person acted erratically and had a violent temper. If a conflict were to truly erupt, he would be the one to suffer.
Lin Fan waved his hand, “No need. His Majesty is still waiting for this Great General to report back. But before I leave, I would like to ask Governor Qin, did you receive His Majesty’s imperial decree to return two million taels of military pay?”
Hearing this.
Qin Li’s heart sank, but he maintained his composure. “General Lin, I did receive it. But as you know, coastal border defense is a matter of national importance. The soldiers’ living expenses are already very economical. It is truly impossible to return this military pay.”
“Is it impossible to return, or do you not want to return?” Lin Fan asked.
Qin Li replied, “It’s truly impossible to return. The military pay is insufficient, and the Japanese pirates are attacking, causing the soldiers’ morale to plummet. How can…”
Lin Fan interrupted his nonsense. “Enough, why are you talking such nonsense? Japanese pirates, Japan? Liu Canjiang, tell Governor Qin about our gains this trip.”
“Yes, Great General.” Liu Canjiang said, “This trip to Japan, under the Great General’s leadership, we flattened the Toyotomi regime and annihilated Heian-kyo. Currently, only those Daimyo in Japan still possess military power. The coastal border defense will have no pressure going forward.”
“What?”
Qin Li looked at Lin Fan in shock, as if he had heard something incredible.
Three thousand ordinary soldiers, though armored, had annihilated the Toyotomi regime?
Was he joking?
Toyotomi Hide was, after all, considered a resourceful and brave individual. Was he so easily destroyed?
“You don’t believe it?” Lin Fan asked with a smile.
Qin Li appeared somewhat embarrassed. “I believe it. How could it be false when the Great General personally led the troops on this expedition? Since that is the case, then the military pay should be returned. I will have someone personally send two million taels of military pay back to court, into the national treasury.”
“And also, the account book for the military pay expenses should be sent back with the military pay. I don’t think Governor Qin would refuse, would he?” Lin Fan said.
Upon mentioning the military pay expense account book, Qin Li’s expression became difficult to maintain. He said softly, “Great General, must it really be like this?”
Lin Fan did not answer Qin Li but looked at the historian beside him. “Wang Shi Guan, did you record what the Great General just said? I want him to hand over the military pay expense account book. His tone seemed displeased. Could it be he is afraid of being investigated for something?”
Wang Shi Guan beside him nodded.
Without looking up, he continued to record.
Qin Li frowned. It was then that he noticed there was not only a historian beside Lin Fan, but also a Commander of the Imperial Guard.
Only then did he fully understand.
Lin Fan had deliberately set him up.
Thinking of this.
Qin Li suppressed his anger and smiled, “Great General, please rest assured, the account book will be delivered to His Majesty along with the military pay.”
“Yes, and remember this, everything you have now was given to you by His Majesty. You must know how to be grateful. His Majesty is old, his health is not good. Don’t think that because His Majesty is old, you can bully the elderly. If you push me too far, I don’t care who you are, I’ll smash your head with a club. Do you understand?” Lin Fan said with cold eyes.
As soon as these words were spoken.
Qin Li’s anger surged furiously. He could not bear it any longer and said, “Great General Lin, what you are saying is as if you do not put me, this Governor, in your eyes at all.”
Before his words had even fallen, an incredibly powerful gust of fist wind rushed towards him!
Qin Li was greatly alarmed and hastily raised his hands to block, but heard a muffled thud. His arms felt as if they would break, and he was sent flying back like a broken kite, falling heavily to the ground. A sweet taste rose in his throat, and he spat out a mouthful of blood.
Lin Fan walked step by step towards Qin Li, his gaze indifferent.
“Listen to me. You had best engrave what I say firmly in your heart. Of course, if you can’t remember, it doesn’t matter. My methods will make you remember.”
Lin Fan’s condescending gaze from above made Qin Li’s heart tremble.
The surrounding Common People gaped, looking at the scene before them as if they had seen a ghost.
They never expected the Divine Martial Great General to be so overbearing.
“Governor…” Qin Li’s confidant cried out in alarm.
They never imagined that the Divine Martial Great General would act so decisively.
There was no warning or buffer time at all.
Wang Shi Guan furiously recorded, “Overbearing, truly overbearing. This is nothing like what I usually see.”
Commander Li watched this scene, so astonished he couldn’t speak.
Qin Li struggled to get up, his eyes burning with fierce flames. He was truly driven mad by Lin Fan, but he knew that confronting Lin Fan now would not end well for him.
The soldiers loyal to him behind him could not make a move, as any action would lead to trouble.
Lin Fan looked at Qin Li. “Deliver the military pay and the account book to the Imperial Capital as soon as possible. Don’t make this Great General wait impatiently, or I’ll have to come and retrieve them myself.”
With that, Lin Fan announced loudly, “All soldiers, heed my command! Return to the Imperial Capital with this Great General for your investiture.”
“Yes, General.”
The soldiers who had followed Lin Fan on this expedition had now become his devoted followers, their loyalty at its peak, completely won over by Lin Fan’s charisma.
After Lin Fan led the army away, Qin Li, who remained standing there, clenched his fists. He hadn’t expected to be publicly humiliated despite trying to avoid conflict at every turn.
However, he deeply felt Lin Fan’s strength.
It was truly terrifying.
That punch came too fast, its power too overbearing for him to resist. He could even tell that it wasn’t Lin Fan’s full strength.
Then how terrifying must the other party’s strength be?
The next day.
Yu Xin City.
This county town was very close to the coastal border defense. He did not rush to lead his troops back to the Imperial Capital but instead processed the captured merchants and the rescued Common People, most of whom lived in the villages and towns near Yu Xin City.
Walking on the official road, the road was pitted and uneven, making for an uncomfortable journey.
Lin Fan frowned. “Who built this official road? What are the local county magistrates eating? They don’t even maintain the official roads.”
Wang Shi Guan replied, “Great General, the Imperial Court’s finances are often tight, and the allocated silver is limited. As long as the official roads can be traveled on, there’s no need to make them too perfect.”
Lin Fan heard this and smiled. “Wang Shi Guan, shall we make a bet?”
“Bet on what?”
“I bet that this county magistrate is a corrupt official, embezzling funds. Most of the silver allocated by the Imperial Court was pocketed by him. And if we follow his trail, we might even have to commit widespread killing in the court.” Lin Fan said.
Wang Shi Guan remained silent, his meaning clear.
I will not bet with you.
Soon, they arrived at a village, Xinghua Town.
Quite a pleasant name.
“Zhang Quan, your home is here, isn’t it?” Lin Fan asked a man.
Zhang Quan looked much better, but the tattoo on his face could never be removed. He respectfully replied, “Replying to the General, this is where my home is. I was captured and taken away five years ago. I don’t know how things are at home.”
Seeing his anxious and fearful expression, Lin Fan comforted him, “Don’t be afraid. I will personally send you back and leave you with some extra money. You still have to live your life from now on, right?”
“Yes.”
Zhang Quan nodded. He deeply respected the Divine Martial Great General before him; he was his savior, and he had treated them very well.
As they entered the town, Zhang Quan’s steps gradually slowed. He was nervous about returning home and looked around. The villagers in the town also noticed these uninvited guests. Some frowned as they looked at Zhang Quan, thinking he looked familiar, but they didn’t dare to acknowledge him.
Finally, someone tentatively called out, “Zhang Quan?”
“It’s me,” Zhang Quan shouted excitedly, his voice trembling.
The other person was shocked. “Aren’t you dead? How have you come back?”
“I’m not dead, I was kidnapped to Japan.” Zhang Quan grabbed the other person’s sleeve, his voice hoarse. “Thanks to the Great General’s rescue… Where is my mother? How are my wife and the others?”
The other person’s eyes flickered, and his lips moved, eventually turning into a sigh.
Lin Fan frowned, taking in the other person’s expression. He inwardly sensed trouble; it seemed something bad was about to happen.
Zhang Quan stopped asking and ran madly towards the home he remembered.
Lin Fan rode his horse to the villager and asked sternly, “What exactly happened at his home?”
Seeing Lin Fan’s imposing demeanor, this villager knew he was a person of great importance and dared not conceal anything. “Replying to the General, Zhang Quan disappeared five years ago, and everyone thought he was dead. His wife took care of his elderly mother for two years. His mother, missing her son dearly, fell ill and passed away. His wife had no choice but to marry someone else.”
Lin Fan took a deep breath and turned to look at the merchant who had sold Zhang Quan. He pointed at him. “You bastard, you ruined someone’s family! If I don’t skin you, I’m not the Divine Martial Great General!”
The merchant pointed at by Lin Fan turned ashen, his face devoid of color. If he hadn’t been held by the soldiers, he would have collapsed to the ground.
When Lin Fan reached the door of Zhang Quan’s house, he saw him kneeling in the overgrown courtyard, his hands tightly gripping the yellow soil, wailing at the dilapidated house. “Mother! Your son is back, Mother!”
The courtyard was overgrown with waist-high weeds, and half of the eaves had collapsed.
However, from the remnants of the chicken coop, dog kennel, and that small patch of desolate vegetable garden, one could still imagine the warmth of past cooking fires.
Lin Fan said, “Zhang Quan, since it has already happened, regret is useless. You have no attachments now. Would you be willing to work for this Great General?”
Having a tattoo on his face meant he would inevitably be pointed at.
Now that he had no attachments, Lin Fan felt there were too many pitiable people in the world. Since he encountered them, he would help if he could.
“General, this humble one thanks the General for his kindness, but I only wish to stay here and guard my mother’s grave. My mother told me that a home should not be abandoned, and no matter what, we must support it,” Zhang Quan said.
Lin Fan dismounted and extended his hand to Liu Canjiang. Liu Canjiang understood immediately and quickly brought some silver.
Lin Fan took the silver, walked to Zhang Quan’s side, and placed it in his hand. “Good, I respect your choice. Take this silver and live well at home from now on. The road of life is still long, and you must walk it yourself.”
Plop!
Zhang Quan knelt down, tears of gratitude streaming down his face. “Thank you, General. This humble one will remember the General for a lifetime.”
“Alright, as a subject of the Central Plains Dynasty, I naturally must protect you. If you encounter any insurmountable difficulties in the future, go to the county town and find the local officials. Tell them that the Divine Martial Great General has promised you, and they must resolve your troubles. If they don’t, write a letter to the Divine Martial Department, and I will handle it personally.” Lin Fan said.
“Thank you, General.”
Zhang Quan kowtowed.
The kindness of this life was difficult to repay; he could only serve as a beast of burden in the next.
Lin Fan led the group away. Fortunately, the families of some Common People were still alive. Seeing their loved ones who had disappeared for many years return, they embraced and wept, crying heartily.
Lin Fan, however, distributed money to every household.
Yet, his anger towards the merchants was about to erupt.
The most difficult issue was the women sold to Japan, who suffered abuse. Staying in the local area would subject them to gossip, and reputation was extremely important for women of this era. The pointing fingers and odd glances from neighbors could be enough to kill them.
The outcome would either be death in Japan or death in their hometown.
He, Lin Fan, as a benevolent and compassionate Divine Martial Great General, how could he bring them back and then abandon them?
Now that he had power and influence, his words were absolute. Who dared to object? Once this Great General established the Logistics Department of the Divine Martial Department in the Imperial Capital, who would dare to speak out?
Therefore, he brought all the women who were willing to go with him back to the Imperial Capital and arranged for them to work in the Logistics Department of the Divine Martial Department, with Ning Yu in charge.
Wang Shi Guan recorded all these scenes.
This record was quite heartwarming.
The earlier records documented the Divine Martial Great General’s city-slaughtering and nation-destroying feats, his overbearing power in striking the Left Commander of the Five Military Headquarters, Qin Li, and now it was the Divine Martial Great General’s love for his people, his thoughtfulness, and heartwarming actions.
They arrived at Yu Xin County Town.
The local county magistrate, prefect, and officials of all ranks stood respectfully at the city gate, awaiting their arrival.
As Lin Fan appeared, the local officials all knelt down, welcoming him respectfully.
“This subordinate welcomes the Divine Martial Great General.”
To the local officials, the appearance of the Divine Martial Great General was like the descent of divine might. For them, he was a figure they could not even dare to imagine.
A tense emotion permeated their hearts.
The sound of hooves, like muffled thunder, approached from afar and finally stopped before them.
Lin Fan, seated high on his horse, his gaze like a cold blade, slowly swept over the officials prostrating on the ground, not immediately telling them to rise.
“What was found out?”
Liu Canjiang replied, “Replying to the General, it has been confirmed that the local county magistrate and prefect were both involved in the matter of selling Common People to Japan. The local gangs were also accomplices.”
The kneeling county magistrate trembled violently upon hearing this. A chill shot from the soles of his feet to the top of his head.
He secretly looked up and was horrified to see those merchants who should have been in Japan being escorted by soldiers in the formation!
No… what is going on?
Weren’t they in Japan?
How did they suddenly appear here?
Lin Fan calmly said, “Guards, arrest the county magistrate, prefect, and all related individuals.”
“Yes.”
Immediately, a group of soldiers stepped forward and, in front of the surrounding Common People, arrested the county magistrate and prefect. At the same time, another group of soldiers headed towards the main base of the local gangs.
The county magistrate cried out in panic, “Great General, spare my life, Great General, spare my life. What crime have I committed?”
Liu Canjiang angrily retorted, “Shut up! You colluded with merchants, kidnapped Common People, and secretly sold them to Japan, leading to broken families and ruined lives. Now that the evidence is conclusive, do you still refuse to admit it?”
The county magistrate pleaded, “General, spare my life. This subordinate only coveted a little silver and did not know they were selling people to Japan. Please spare my life!”
At this moment.
The surrounding Common People began to murmur amongst themselves.
They now realized that the local county magistrate and prefect had conspired with merchants to sell Common People to Japan. It was then they understood why some men in the crowd had tattoos on their faces.
Lin Fan said, “Liu Canjiang, after arresting them, drag them directly to Caishi Mouth and behead them.”
“Yes, General.”
As soon as these words were spoken, the county magistrate and others fainted on the spot, their eyes blackening. They never expected to be executed.
Lin Fan ignored these petty officials and went to the merchant’s mansion. Upon seeing the mansion, he knew it was extremely luxurious.
The mansion they had arrived at was called the Zhou Mansion. The merchant surnamed Zhou, who was being escorted, was already terrified out of his wits and now knelt down with a plop, begging for mercy. “Great General, please be merciful. This humble one confesses, but it has nothing to do with my family. Great General, spare my life.”
Lin Fan looked at him. “Spare your life? It has nothing to do with your family? Were their food and clothing expenses earned by your selling of people?”
“Great General, spare my life,” the Zhou merchant cried.
Lin Fan said, “Don’t think this Great General is abusing his power. According to the law, the principal offenders in selling people abroad will all be hanged. Their families will be exiled. If the family members knew you were selling people but concealed it, they will be punished the same as the principal offenders.”
The Zhou merchant felt that his family was doomed.
His family members were certainly aware of his human trafficking, and they even often offered him advice.
At Lin Fan’s command, the soldiers loudly broke down the gates of the Zhou Mansion and immediately apprehended all the men, women, and children inside.
Seeing this display, everyone knew something bad had happened and began to cry out, claiming they knew nothing.
Lin Fan’s furious and imposing gaze made the Zhou family tremble.
Just then, a boy about seven or eight years old, seeing his family being humiliated, broke free from the grasp, pointed at Lin Fan, and screamed, “How dare you! You dare to bully us! Wait until my father sells you to Japan as a laborer.”
As soon as these words were spoken.
For the Zhou family, it was like the sky collapsing and the earth cracking. Their entire world had crumbled.
“Hahaha…!” Lin Fan, enraged, burst into laughter. He said three times, “Good! Good! Very good! Since that is the case, this Great General will send your entire family on their way, all together!”
The current world, though seemingly peaceful and prosperous, was actually filled with darkness. The absence of evidence did not mean it didn’t exist; it only meant it was well hidden. Ordinary Common People had few opportunities to see it. When they truly saw it, it meant they were already deeply entangled and could not escape.
The Common People rescued by Lin Fan knelt down and shouted, “Thank you, Great General, for seeking justice for us.”
They truly did not expect that a high-ranking official of the Imperial Court would be willing to seek justice for them, ordinary Common People.
Caishi Mouth.
The local Common People were flocking towards this area.
Lin Fan stood on a high platform, his gaze sweeping over the dense crowd below and the row of prisoners awaiting death. Finally, he let out a thunderous roar.
“Execute!”
Cold light flashed, cutting through the air.
No executioners were needed; the soldiers performed the executions with swift and decisive blows. In an instant, heads rolled, blood splattered, and the scene shocked the onlookers into gasps of horror, leaving them deeply disturbed for a long time.
In just one day, the chief local official was beheaded and displayed.
The number of beheaded reached over a hundred people.
It could be said that this was the most executions in Yu Xin City in decades, [Truncated: Max tokens]
The merchants from other places, who were already scared to the point of soiling themselves, collapsed to the ground, limp and powerless, their eyes darkening and murmuring to themselves.
It’s over! It’s really over!
The journey to the Imperial Capital should have only taken a few days, but because of having to handle this matter, the journey took about three extra days. However, the effect was very good.
The current world requires the use of strict laws.
To be merciful to them is to be cruel to the common people.
Historian Wang felt that this accompanying journey was truly worthwhile. He recorded the biggest case in his life: a case of collusion between officials and merchants to traffic people.
For several days, rushing to many places, the Great General’s cleaver had beheaded nearly a thousand people.
The number of people involved in this is simply too great.
What was even more critical was that Historian Wang did not expect this matter to involve the Ministry of Revenue, with high-ranking officials from the Ministry of Revenue implicated. The people who were trafficked often ended up with their families destroyed.
And their land naturally became ownerless property, and during this time there was a lot of room for maneuvering.
Some officials from the Ministry of Revenue naturally had ulterior motives.
had some ideas.
Wang Shi Guan saw that Great General Lin’s expression was normal, but he knew that the high-ranking official of the Ministry of Revenue was finished. The Great General hadn’t gotten angry because he hadn’t reached the Imperial Capital yet; even if he were angry, it would be a waste of expression. But once he reached the Imperial Capital, the situation would become stimulating.
Ten miles outside the Imperial Capital.
The Emperor, upon learning of his Divine Martial Great General’s triumphant return, was overjoyed. He rode out ten *li* to meet him, accompanied by all the civil and military officials. Anyone who witnessed such a reception would be filled with envy.
What do you call a favored minister, this is a favored minister.
At this moment, the Emperor gazed into the distance, and vaguely, he could already see the flag of the Divine Martial Great General, and couldn’t help but smile broadly, “Look, my Divine Martial Great General has returned.”
The eunuch said at the side, “Your Majesty, the Divine Martial Great General has returned victoriously with immense spoils. The Great General’s letter stated that the Toyotomi regime has collapsed, and he has brought back the wealth of Heian-kyo. This time, the Divine Martial Great General has performed a colossal deed.”
“Hahaha… does this even need to be said? Is My Divine Martial Great General a mere mortal?” the Emperor laughed.
And in the welcoming party, the First Prince had a complicated expression.
My mind was full of questions.
Who the hell is back?
Are the Japanese people all raised on shit?
Is your head full of shit?
The Grand Tutor approached the First Prince and whispered, “First Prince, you must perform well later.”
“Ah! Oh!” the First Prince nodded blankly.
The Grand Tutor looked at the First Prince with confusion, always feeling that the First Prince’s emotions were a little off, as if something had happened beyond his expectations.
Could it be that the First Prince informed Japan of the Divine Martial Great General’s whereabouts?
Impossible.
Absolutely impossible.
The First Prince would absolutely not commit such a foolish act, as even the Ninth Prince, generally acknowledged as the most foolish, understood what a grave crime treason and colluding with the enemy was.
The Second Prince came before his Father Emperor, “Father Emperor, the Divine Martial Great General’s trip this time has thoroughly demonstrated the might of our glorious Central Plains Dynasty. This prince feels that the Divine Martial Great General should be heavily rewarded.”
“Oh? How does my imperial son think we should reward our Divine Martial Great General?”
The Second Prince said, “Father Emperor, your son wishes to apprentice himself to the Divine Martial Great General.”
The Emperor laughed, “Your abacus clacks so loudly it can be heard from the Imperial Capital to Anzhou. Is this a reward for the Divine Martial Great General, or for yourself?”
The Second Prince chuckled, “Your Majesty, your son simply admires the Divine Martial Great General immensely and hopes to follow the Divine Martial Great General to learn. Even if I could only learn a tiny bit, your son would feel it would benefit him for a lifetime.”
“Mmm, my imperial son having such thoughts shows he is quite ambitious. However, the Divine Martial Great General bears too many responsibilities and has no time to be distracted, so you should not join the commotion,” said the Emperor.
“Yes, Your Highness understands.”
The Second Prince didn’t continue to ask. It was helpless.
At the same time, he was deeply jealous and envious.
The Father Emperor’s affection for the Divine Martial Great General had long surpassed his love for his own sons.
Thinking of this, the Second Prince felt very resentful.
Not long after.
The army appeared, and Lin Fan saw the Emperor, and couldn’t help but be slightly stunned. He then dismounted and hurried over, “Your Majesty, why have you come?”
The Emperor laughed, “My beloved minister, you have eradicated the Toyotomi regime of Japan and achieved an unparalleled feat. How could I not come to welcome you?”
“Your servant thanks Your Majesty for your great favor. I have not disappointed, and the trip to Japan was quite smooth. Although Japan was not completely destroyed, its foundation has been severely damaged. Within three years, I will surely erase Japan completely,” Lin Fan said.
“Beloved minister, do not rush…” The Emperor suddenly saw Wang Shi Guan and, before he could finish speaking, swallowed his words back. His gaze fell on Li Tong Ling, as if questioning him, “Why did you not handle the matter I entrusted to you?”
Li Tong Ling sensed the Emperor’s expression and felt wronged, looking pitifully at the Great General.
The meaning was clear.
It is not that this subordinate did not want to act, but that the Great General did not require it, and even brought Wang Shi Guan along to witness the scene of the massacre.
Lin Fan laughed, “Your Majesty, thank you for sending Wang Shi Guan. As I annihilated Japan, Wang Shi Guan recorded it clearly. In the coming centuries and millennia, when history is written, my name will also be passed down through the ages.”
The Emperor said, “As long as my beloved minister is pleased.”
Then the Emperor looked at Wang Shi Guan.
“Beloved minister Wang, what do you think of what my beloved minister has done on this trip?”
At this moment, Wang Shi Guan, neither humble nor arrogant, respectfully replied, “Replying to Your Majesty, the Divine Martial Great General is peerless in his might and unmatched in the world. I am greatly shocked. Japan indeed deserves to be destroyed, lest it become a future threat. The Great General’s expedition was righteous. I, concur.”
“Good!!!” The Emperor nodded with great satisfaction.
Good.
You are wise, you did not force me to have the impulse to slap you when I was happy.
“But Your Majesty, I have one matter…”
“Ahem”
Lin Fan coughed, his eyes narrowed, and he looked at Wang Shi Guan.
As if to say.
Damn it, didn’t I warn you?
With so many people present, if you say it, where will Your Majesty’s face be put?
The First Prince colluded with the enemy and committed treason. The First Prince can afford to lose face, but Your Majesty may not be able to.
