Chapter 122: This General Plays By The Rules—what Makes You Think You Can Break Them?
“The… Divine Martial Department?”
The boy, who had just turned ten, looked nervously at the military officer in front of him. He was pale and bloodless from fear.
“That’s right, it’s the Divine Martial Department. This organization was established by our Great Divine Martial General under the Emperor’s command. It’s on par with the Three Judicial Offices and governs all matters under heaven. If you go elsewhere, I can’t guarantee your issue will be resolved, but if you go to the Divine Martial Department, someone will surely help you,” the guard said.
The boy said, “I’ll go, I’ll go.”
“How about this, we’ll escort you. Given your situation, you can’t just wander around the Imperial Capital. Also, take off that white cloth you’re wearing. It’s not good to have a boy crying injustice under the Emperor’s nose.” The guard said.
The boy tightly clutched the white cloth draped over his body, reluctant to let go. But he eventually put it away, believing that the military officers here wouldn’t harm him.
The guard nodded in satisfaction and, escorting the strong men, headed towards the Divine Martial Department.
Another guard saw the boy’s feet were bloodied and wanted to get him a pair of shoes, but the leading guard stopped him. The guard who wanted to get shoes was slightly taken aback, then seemed to understand.
It wasn’t long before.
The solemn and imposing gates of the Divine Martial Department appeared.
Seeing such a majestic and extraordinary place, the boy’s heart instantly tensed.
The guard patted the boy’s shoulder and said, “To travel all the way from Jingzhou Prefecture to here at such a young age means your family has indeed encountered a major disaster. Otherwise, I can’t imagine what could have sustained you until now.”
“This is the Divine Martial Department. Don’t speak, just follow me.”
The guard led the boy towards the entrance. Just as they reached the gate, Yang Ming emerged from inside and met them head-on.
The guard respectfully said, “Sir, I am a patrol soldier from the Five City Military Command.”
“Is there something?” Yang Ming asked, his gaze falling on the restrained, dirty boy, then on the strong men being escorted by the patrol soldiers.
The patrol soldier said, “Sir, this child has come all the way from Jingzhou Prefecture to cry injustice in the capital. I believe there must be a major matter involved, so I’ve brought him to the Divine Martial Department, hoping you can act on this child’s behalf.”
Having said that, the patrol soldier gave the boy a look, “Young man, the Divine Martial Department is the most just place. You can speak of any injustice here, and the officials will not ignore it.”
Thump!
The boy knelt down.
“Sir, I am wronged.”
Yang Ming quickly helped the boy up, “Come in and speak. The Great General is here, you can tell him of your grievances.”
In Yang Ming’s opinion, the situation was indeed like this.
For the boy to be forced to cry injustice, it was clearly a genuine matter.
“You all come in too,” Yang Ming said to the patrol soldiers.
“Yes, Sir.”
The patrol soldiers appeared very reverent. Anyone from the Divine Martial Department, even if they were just sweeping the floors, was someone not to be offended.
This was the common view among the various departments in the Imperial Capital.
Courtyard.
Lin Fan looked at the people Yang Ming brought, his gaze filled with doubt. When he saw the boy’s appearance, he frowned deeply. His clothes were tattered, he was filthy, his feet were bare, and from the long journey, his feet were bloody and mangled.
Yang Ming said, “Sir, these patrol soldiers say this child was crying injustice in the capital, and these men came from Jingzhou to arrest this child. They have apprehended them and brought them to our Divine Martial Department.”
Thump!
The boy knew the majestic man before him was the Great Divine Martial General they spoke of. He immediately knelt down, “Sir, I am wronged, I am wronged!”
“Child, get up, don’t be afraid.” Lin Fan helped the boy up and then said, “Go, call the doctor, and have the kitchen send some noodles over.”
“Yes, Sir.”
Yang Ming hurried away.
Lin Fan led the boy to a pavilion and had him sit down. Looking at the boy’s uneasy eyes, he softly asked, “Child, what grievances do you have that caused you to come all the way from Jingzhou Prefecture?”
The boy said, “Sir, the matter is like this. My elder brother studied diligently since childhood and took the Children’s Examination, but he did not pass. My brother thought it was due to his lack of talent and planned to try again next year. However, he later learned that his exam paper was transferred to someone else by the local examiner, making that person a scholar.”
“My brother was indignant and went to report it, but he was arrested.”
“Even my parents were arrested. I ran fast and escaped from Jingzhou, coming to the capital to appeal to the Emperor.”
“I beg you to investigate thoroughly and give my brother justice.”
Hearing what the boy said.
Lin Fan narrowed his eyes, a fierce anger erupting within them, “How audacious! If anyone dares to engage in corruption in the Imperial Examination, they clearly don’t know how they will die.”
“But how did your brother find out?”
The boy said, “Sir, the person who replaced my brother as a scholar is named Yang Lian. His uncle is the Imperial Son-in-Law Yang Ting. One day, Yang Lian was drinking with someone, and after getting drunk, he provoked my brother, who was helping in the shop, saying that your scholar status was stolen by him.”
Imperial Son-in-Law?
What nonsense.
But he liked dealing with such people. Now, he believed ninety percent of what the boy said, with the remaining ten percent being basic reserved doubt.
Soon, Yang Ming returned with noodles. The boy’s stomach rumbled upon seeing the food.
“Eat first,” Lin Fan said gently.
The boy, having not eaten and starving, grabbed his chopsticks and began to eat.
Lin Fan glanced at the famished boy, then turned to the strong men being held, “Speak, who sent you? How dare you arrest people in the Imperial Capital? I think you’re blind.”
The strong men knelt in terror, “Sir… Sir, it has nothing to do with us. The Head of the Public Security Bureau sent us.”
“So, does that mean everything the child said is true?” Lin Fan asked.
The strong men said fearfully, “Sir, we don’t know about these matters. We were just following orders.”
They were genuinely afraid.
The young man before them exerted immense pressure.
How to put it?
The other party was clearly not enraged, but that aura of unspoken authority made them tremble, as if a mountain was pressing down on their hearts.
Lin Fan glanced at them, “I ask you, how is Yang Lian’s scholarship?”
“We… we, I…”
“You’d best speak the truth.”
“He’s a dissolute scion, a complete idiot.” Facing Lin Fan’s interrogation, they spoke the truth, not daring to conceal anything.
Lin Fan did not press them further but turned to the patrol soldiers.
The patrol soldiers felt the Great Divine Martial General’s gaze and became even more reverent. Who in the Imperial Capital didn’t know how powerful the Great Divine Martial General was?
In the imperial court, his word was law. Even the Emperor showed great respect to the Great Divine Martial General, making him the most favored official, incomparable to anyone else.
Not to mention the things the Great Divine Martial General had done.
Each of them was earth-shattering.
He was the most valiant person in their Central Plains Dynasty.
“Hmm, you did well. You knew others had grievances and brought them to the Divine Martial Department, showing you truly recognize the fairness of the Divine Martial Department,” Lin Fan said with satisfaction.
The patrol soldiers respectfully replied, “Great General, you are our idol. Everyone knows how just you are, and you are a Qing Tian in the hearts of the common people.”
“Are you interested in serving in the Divine Martial Department?” Lin Fan asked.
At these words.
The patrol soldiers’ eyes widened abruptly, looking at Lin Fan in disbelief. They hadn’t expected such a surprise to come so quickly. Could their ancestors’ graves be emitting auspicious smoke?
The patrol soldiers knelt on one knee, “We are willing to serve the Great General with our lives, but our current positions…”
“It’s fine. No one dares to refuse someone I want. Go back and tell your commanding officer that I, the Great General, said so.” Lin Fan said.
“Yes, Great General.”
For these patrol soldiers, their hearts pounded with excitement.
“Alright, go back first, complete your handover at the Command Department, and then report to the Divine Martial Department.”
“Yes, Great General.”
The patrol soldiers left in a daze. Upon reaching the street, they still felt as if they were dreaming. They exchanged glances, and someone pinched their arm. It hurt, it really hurt.
This was not a dream.
This was reality.
…
At this moment.
The boy, full and rubbing his belly, watched as the doctor applied medicine to his feet.
“Master, if the matter is true, we’ll have to execute quite a few people. However, it involves the Imperial Son-in-Law. Do we need to report to His Majesty?” Ning Yu asked.
Lin Fan waved his hand, “No need. There’s no need to report such a minor matter. Go, prepare the horse carriage. We’ll depart for Jingzhou immediately.”
“Oh.” Ning Yu left.
Before this, he had already sent people to establish Divine Martial Department offices in various places. Logically, his own people, upon reaching their respective locations and learning of such matters, would report back. Why had there been no news?
The three thousand iron cavalry who followed him in suppressing the Japanese pirates were all incorporated into the Divine Martial Department and assigned to establish offices across the country.
Could it be that they encountered obstacles during the establishment of these offices?
The boy secretly watched Lin Fan. Although he was young, he was not foolish. He knew this was a truly important figure, yet this important figure was so gentle with him, a commoner.
This moved the boy greatly.
…
Jingzhou Prefecture.
Dungeon.
Yang Lian swaggered into the dungeon. The smell was too foul. He walked to a cell and looked at the young man inside who had been tortured, smiling, “Ma Yang, why did you have to compete with me? Look, you’re locked up here now?”
Ma Yang slumped in a corner. Hearing the voice, he slowly looked up and said angrily, “Yang Lian, you defy the law. You will face retribution.”
Yang Lian waved his hand dismissively, “Enough with the retribution and such nonsense. Everyone in Jingzhou Prefecture, from top to bottom, is my subordinate. How can a mere commoner like you compete with me? My uncle is the current Imperial Son-in-Law, and my aunt is the current Princess. The Prefect and the Head of the Public Security Bureau all show great respect to my uncle. I’ll take you, a scholar, you can just re-take the exam next year.”
He completely disregarded Ma Yang.
In fact, with his background, he didn’t need to participate in the Imperial Examinations.
However, his uncle told him that taking the Imperial Examination was necessary to gain a title. He didn’t need to achieve a high rank, just a title, and with some maneuvering, he could easily be appointed as a County Magistrate.
Yang Lian thought this made sense.
A County Magistrate’s rank wasn’t high, but locally, they were like little emperors.
Why not?
It was just that he hadn’t expected the Imperial Examination to be so difficult. As soon as he saw the questions, his eyes felt blurry. There was no choice but to use Ma Yang’s exam paper. And his uncle had said.
The court was undergoing significant changes. The Emperor had ordered the Great Divine Martial General to establish the Divine Martial Department, undoubtedly to oversee the realm. Before the Divine Martial Department was fully operational,
he needed to secure this matter in advance.
Others might not know how the Great Divine Martial General was, but Yang Ting, as the Imperial Son-in-Law, understood.
Ma Yang angrily said, “Yang Lian, don’t think your uncle being the Imperial Son-in-Law makes you omnipotent. I don’t believe there’s no justice or law in this world.”
He hadn’t expected that after over ten years of hard work, intending to participate in the Imperial Examination, rise through the ranks, and serve the court, such a thing would happen.
Yang Lian smiled and said, “Enough of that. Justice, law, all nonsense. Once your brother is caught, your entire family will be exiled. The path of exile is fraught with peril, and whether you can survive to reach your destination is uncertain.”
“Hahahahaha…”
Yang Lian intended to drive Ma Yang’s entire family to their deaths, leaving them no chance to recover.
His original plan was to simply frame them for a crime and kill Ma Yang’s family. But his uncle had said that capital offenses required records to be submitted to higher authorities. Once the Divine Martial Department was established, old cases would surely be reviewed, and he couldn’t leave any loose ends.
Exile was the best option.
At this moment, Ma Yang despaired and lowered his head, looking at his suffering parents. His heart was filled with extreme grief.
He knew he couldn’t fight against them.
…
Several days later.
Jingzhou Prefecture, city gate official road.
A group of several people appeared. Lin Fan, riding Night Shine, gazed at the city wall ahead. The passing common people cast curious glances at Lin Fan and his companions.
Lin Fan carefully observed the spirits of the common people.
He sighed inwardly.
The spirits of these common people were poor, their clothes patched and mended many times, and their living standards were not good. Ultimately, it was poverty.
He, Lin Fan, had risen from the bottom and could not stand to see suffering.
“Master, I’ve inquired about the Imperial Son-in-Law Yang Ting of Jingzhou Prefecture. This princess came to Jingzhou for a tour and met Yang Ting, who was teaching here at the time. They fell in love and stayed together. His Majesty did not agree at first, but there was nothing he could do. The princess and Yang Ting secretly pledged their lives, and to avoid bringing shame to the Imperial Family, he could only agree.”
“His Majesty then settled them in Jingzhou Prefecture.”
Ning Yu spoke volubly.
She had no interest in these matters, but when she left the capital, she specifically asked her aunt and learned about the situation back then. She had to admit that His Majesty was quite reasonable.
If it were other parents, and their child had eloped without parental consent, Yang Ting would have been beaten to death.
Dreaming of being an Imperial Son-in-Law and living a life of luxury.
Truly a dream.
Lin Fan said calmly, “So, relying on his status as Imperial Son-in-Law, he colluded with local officials, effectively becoming the local emperor.”
“Ning Yu, let’s make dealing with the Imperial Son-in-Law the first major case for our Divine Martial Department.”
Ning Yu looked at her Master’s calm expression and knew that the officials of Jingzhou Prefecture were in for a lot of trouble.
She had followed her Master for so long.
She understood him very well. If he really started to act, he wouldn’t be able to stop. If the officialdom of Jingzhou Prefecture was truly dark and involved too many people, she suspected how many officials in Jingzhou Prefecture would survive.
City Gate.
Soldiers stood guard. As Lin Fan and his team entered, the soldiers tried to stop them for inspection, but their eyes met Lin Fan’s for a moment.
The soldiers froze in place, feeling an invisible domineering aura emanating from the other person’s gaze.
Frightened, the soldiers dared not say anything more.
They lowered their heads and stood obediently.
After entering the city, Lin Fan stopped a civilian and asked, “Excuse me, do you know where the Divine Martial Department office is?”
“Divine Martial Department? I haven’t heard of it,” the civilian shook his head.
Lin Fan frowned. What was going on? How could they not have heard of it?
Just as he was about to ask someone else, a peddler said, “Sir, I know where the Divine Martial Department office is, but it’s not ready yet. It’s still under renovation.”
“Can you take us there?” Lin Fan asked with a smile.
“This…”
The peddler hesitated. He still had business to do.
Xu Ming, standing beside him, took out some copper coins from his pocket, “Take us there, and this money is yours.”
“Certainly.”
The peddler was overjoyed and immediately agreed.
On the way.
The peddler walked alongside Lin Fan, smiling, “Sir, you must be an important person, right?”
Lin Fan smiled, “I’m not exactly an important person, just an ordinary one.”
“Heh, you’re too humble, Sir. With this entourage, I can see you’re definitely not ordinary.” The peddler was perceptive. He noticed that everyone was riding horses and dressed neatly and spiritedly, which was definitely not typical of ordinary civilians.
Lin Fan asked, “How are the officials in your local prefecture?”
The peddler smiled, “Sir, please don’t ask about that. I’m just a commoner, how would I dare to comment on our Jingzhou Prefecture’s Prefect? Even if you gave me ten times the courage, I wouldn’t dare.”
Lin Fan asked, “Is the Prefect not good, or are you afraid of being found out and retaliated against?”
The peddler repeatedly waved his hands, “Sir, let’s not talk about these things. We really can’t. If you want to know where to have fun in Jingzhou Prefecture or what’s good to eat, I can certainly point you in the right direction. But commenting on officials, I really don’t dare.”
As they walked.
Ahead, there was a commotion.
They saw several local ruffians acting barbarically, banging on nearby stalls with arrogant and overbearing attitudes. The stall owners fearfully handed over money.
The ruffians, having taken the money, were satisfied. As they passed by Lin Fan, one of them slapped the peddler on the shoulder, “Is this a place you can come to? Have you paid, and yet you’re setting up a stall here?”
The peddler repeatedly said, “Sir, I’m not here to sell anything. I’m guiding these gentlemen.”
The ruffian arrogantly tilted his head and looked at Lin Fan and his group. Upon seeing them clearly, he immediately felt that these people were not to be trifled with. Without another word, he threw a few harsh remarks at the peddler and quickly left.
Lin Fan asked, “Which gang are they from?”
The peddler said, “Sir, they are from the Long Snake Gang. They are all ruthless people, not someone we commoners can afford to offend. I heard that the leader of the Long Snake Gang is someone who kills without batting an eye.”
“Oh? Kills without batting an eye? That’s quite formidable. Does the local Public Security Bureau not manage this?”
“Heh, manage what? They’re already in collusion,” the peddler blurted out his dissatisfaction, but he quickly realized that these were not words he should be saying. He quickly covered his mouth and furtively looked around.
After confirming no one else had heard, he breathed a sigh of relief.
Then, he looked at Lin Fan sheepishly, “Sir, please don’t take my words to heart. I was just speaking casually.”
Lin Fan smiled, “It’s fine. I heard that the Divine Martial Department has been established to supervise local officials, and those with grievances can go to the Divine Martial Department to cry injustice. With their arrogance, aren’t they afraid of the Divine Martial Department apprehending them?”
The peddler said, “Sir, there are policies from above, and solutions from below. Even a strong dragon can’t suppress a local snake. The Divine Martial Department seems to be a newly established agency, but in Jingzhou, its foundation is too shallow. I don’t think it will be of much use.”
“That makes sense. A strong dragon indeed can’t suppress a local snake. There’s another saying, isn’t there? Dragons must coil for me, tigers must lie down for me, is that it?” Lin Fan enjoyed casually chatting with the common people.
The situations described by the common people often represented the truth.
He was not familiar with the local Jingzhou situation, while some of these commoners had lived there for generations and were very familiar with the local officials.
Of course, was it that they didn’t want to report?
No.
It was just that they had no connections, and more importantly, they dared not invite trouble upon themselves, fearing it would affect their families.
The path grew more secluded. After a long while.
“Sir, this is the Divine Martial Department office. It’s still under renovation,” the peddler stopped and pointed to the building in front of them, whose very sign was dilapidated.
Seeing the location, Lin Fan’s heart sank, and anger burned within him. He had dispatched people to establish Divine Martial Department offices in various prefectural cities, and it had been quite some time.
With his orders, they were supposed to go to the local areas, and the local officials were bound to cooperate fully.
How had it come to this?
This Divine Martial Department office had not yet been renovated.
Just then, a voice came from inside, “Ah, what’s the situation with you all? It’s only been this long, and you’re already giving up?”
As the words fell.
Several craftsmen emerged leisurely, carrying their tools. One craftsman turned back and said, “Military officer, don’t rush. Don’t worry, we guarantee to finish as quickly as possible, but we truly have something else to attend to right now.”
At this moment, soldiers who were formerly from the three thousand iron cavalry, wearing the standard uniform of the Divine Martial Department, rushed out with anxious expressions. Just as he was about to try and retain the craftsmen, he saw Lin Fan riding on horseback.
He jolted and immediately stepped forward, kneeling on one knee.
“Your subordinate, Huang Hai, pays respects to the Great General.”
“Your subordinate has failed the Great General’s expectations and has not handled matters efficiently. The office has yet to be completed.”
Huang Hai was terrified and ashamed to face the Great General.
Lin Fan said, “Get up. Tell me, what exactly is going on? Why was the Divine Martial Department office chosen in such a remote location? I instructed you to communicate with the local Prefect, and he gave you this place?”
Huang Hai stood up and lowered his head, “Great General, your subordinate met with the local Prefect upon arriving in Jingzhou. Initially, he agreed to provide the best location, but later the Prefect said there was no suitable site available, and this was the only option. Your subordinate, thinking it was important to establish the Divine Martial Department quickly, didn’t say much.”
“I thought with the craftsmen renovating, it would be completed in a few days at most, but who knew it would be delayed until now.”
Lin Fan asked, “Where are the others?”
Huang Hai replied, “They are all helping inside. Since the craftsmen are unwilling to rush, my comrades have had to do the work themselves.”
“Go, call them out.”
“Yes.”
Soon, Huang Hai called them out, over a dozen people in total. Upon seeing Lin Fan, they all knelt on one knee.
“Your subordinates pay respects to the Great General.”
“Nonsense!” Lin Fan said angrily, “You are members of the Divine Martial Department. Why have you lost the ferocity you had fighting enemies in Japan? If the local Prefect isn’t cooperating, don’t you know how to be ruthless?”
“Remember, you are people of the Divine Martial Department. When you are out, you represent my, the Great General’s, reputation.”
Lin Fan was genuinely angry. He had thought they were tempered and possessed a certain ruthlessness, but to be bullied like this in Jingzhou was unexpected.
They lacked any spirit.
Everyone lowered their heads, utterly ashamed.
The Great General trusted them so much and sent them as vanguards to establish the Divine Martial Department. Now, so much time had passed, and the office wasn’t even finished.
They truly had no face to face the Great General.
“Go, summon the local Prefect immediately. Tell him I have arrived and that he is to come here to see me.” Lin Fan said.
“Yes, Great General.”
Huang Hai and the others hurried away.
The peddler who had been guiding them watched Lin Fan in stunned silence throughout the entire process. He hadn’t expected that the person who had been chatting and laughing with him was the Great Divine Martial General. What an important official he must be!
Thump!
“This humble subject pays respects to the Great General.” The peddler quickly put down the goods on his shoulder, saying fearfully.
“Get up.”
Lin Fan smiled and said, “My general has come to Jingzhou because someone cried injustice. Now, can you tell me about the local officials?”
The peddler quickly replied, “This humble subject is willing to tell you.”
Lin Fan said, “Very well, since the Prefect hasn’t arrived yet, you can tell me about it thoroughly.”
…
At this time.
Prefect’s Mansion.
The local Head of the Public Security Bureau and the Prefect were drinking tea and chatting.
“Brother Chen, you say this Divine Martial Department is establishing an office in our Jingzhou, with vast authority. Once it’s established, won’t our Public Security Bureau have no business?” Head of the Public Security Bureau Zhao asked, sipping his tea, his brow furrowed in deep concern.
Prefect Chen replied helplessly, “There’s nothing we can do. This is the Divine Martial Department established by His Majesty. You should have heard of the Divine Martial General, right? The news from Anzhou is that this Great General is domineering and ruthless, someone not to be provoked. The only way now is to delay as much as possible.”
Head of the Public Security Bureau Zhao said, “Do you think we can bribe those people? No matter how capable the Great Divine Martial General is, he can’t possibly have such broad jurisdiction, can he?”
Prefect Chen shook his head, “Difficult, extremely difficult. You’ve seen those people. They are all uneducated soldiers who got lucky by following the Great General to achieve merit. The court even built a so-called Monument of Merit for Suppressing the Japanese Pirates in their hometown. They cherish it dearly and are loyal to the Great General unto death. It’s not easy to deal with them.”
Then, Prefect Chen continued, “We must cover our tracks regarding the Imperial Son-in-Law’s affairs and leave no loose ends. Honestly, I don’t know what the Imperial Son-in-Law is thinking. His nephew is idle all day, a good-for-nothing, and yet he wants to get him an official title and arrange for him to be a County Magistrate. Isn’t that absurd?”
“Forget it. Who cares, he married well and became the Imperial Son-in-Law.” Head of the Public Security Bureau Zhao said with envy in his tone.
At this moment.
The butler hurried in and whispered a few words into the Prefect’s ear.
Suddenly, Prefect Chen stood up abruptly, his face contorted with shock.
Head of the Public Security Bureau Zhao, while drinking tea, glanced over and asked, “Brother Chen, what’s wrong? What has made you so pale?”
Prefect Chen looked at Head of the Public Security Bureau Zhao and said, “The Great Divine Martial General Lin Fan has personally arrived in Jingzhou Prefecture and is now at the Divine Martial Department office. He wants me to go there immediately.”
Upon hearing this.
Head of the Public Security Bureau Zhao could no longer maintain his composure.
“This… This, why is he here?”
“I don’t know, but for some reason, I feel my heart pounding faster, and I have an inexplicable sense of unease. Brother Zhao, do you think he’s here for us?”
“Calm down. We must remain calm now, no need to panic. For now, we can only go and see the situation.”
“Right, right.”
Prefect Chen was truly flustered, his hands and feet beginning to sweat.
Although he had never met the Great Divine Martial General, he had heard of his deeds. Each one was earth-shattering.
…
Divine Martial Department Entrance.
The peddler was talking non-stop, painting a clear picture of the situation in Jingzhou Prefecture. As Lin Fan listened, his mood grew heavier. He hadn’t expected it to be like this.
Collusion among officials was one thing.
The local Long Snake Gang was so arrogant, such a cancerous growth on the surface, and the local Public Security Bureau simply ignored it, as if they hadn’t seen it.
At this moment.
The sound of dense footsteps approached.
He looked up and saw a group of officials hurrying over.
The peddler said, “Great General, that person is our local Prefect Chen, and that one is the Head of the Public Security Bureau Zhao.”
Lin Fan narrowed his eyes and stared at them expressionlessly.
Prefect Chen ran, wiping sweat from his brow. He was genuinely sweating profusely and felt flustered. A moment later, he reached Lin Fan and immediately knelt down.
“Your subordinate, Chen An, Prefect of Jingzhou, pays respects to the Great Divine Martial General.”
“Your subordinate, Zhao Zhen, Head of Jingzhou Public Security Bureau, pays respects to the Great Divine Martial General.”
Prefect Chen and Head of the Public Security Bureau Zhao knelt respectfully.
As they knelt.
The local officials who had come also knelt down, heads lowered, not daring to look up at the Great Divine Martial General.
Lin Fan looked at them with a detached expression, saying nothing, not telling them to rise.
In an instant.
A deathly silence fell.
Prefect Chen could even hear his own heart pounding.
After an unknown amount of time.
Lin Fan slowly said, “I heard that you don’t seem to have me, the Great General, in your eyes. Is that true?”
At these words.
The faces of all the officials present turned ashen with fear.
Prefect Chen said fearfully, “Great General, what do you mean? Your subordinate respects you the most.”
“Respect my ass! Is this how you arrange things? The Divine Martial Department office is located in such a remote place? Do you not want the common people to know about the Divine Martial Department, or do you think I’m easy to bully?” Lin Fan didn’t give them a pleasant look and instead berated them angrily.
Prefect Chen stammered, “Great General, your subordinate would not dare. It’s just that there were no suitable locations within the inner city of Jingzhou, so your subordinate… chose this place for the office.”
“No suitable location? Does ‘no suitable location’ mean this is your attitude?” Lin Fan angrily asked.
Prefect Chen felt suffocated by the Great General’s imposing presence.
He immediately kowtowed, “Great General, please calm your anger. Your subordinate will definitely select the best location for the Great General.”
Lin Fan’s gaze fell on Head of the Public Security Bureau Zhao, “Head of the Public Security Bureau Zhao.”
“Your subordinate is here.”
“Heh!” Lin Fan sneered, “I am truly enlightened today. Upon arriving in Jingzhou, I encounter local ruffians extorting and robbing the common people. Have your Public Security Bureau all died? Can you not see, or do you simply not want to manage it?”
Head of the Public Security Bureau Zhao trembled violently and quickly said, “Great General, please calm your anger. Your subordinate’s supervision was inadequate. I will immediately arrange for people to arrest these scourges of the common people throughout the city. We will definitely give the Great General an explanation.”
“Your mother!” Lin Fan kicked Head of the Public Security Bureau Zhao to the ground. Frightened, Zhao quickly crawled back to his knees, “Do you think I’m a novice who knows nothing? Back in Yong’an, An [Truncated: Max tokens]
Head of the Public Security Bureau Zhao trembled in fear, burying his head low. “Great General, please calm your anger. This subordinate knows his mistake and has been derelict in his duty. This subordinate will surely lead men to sweep through the Long Snake Gang and ensure not a single one escapes.”
Lin Fan took a deep breath, looking at them with cold eyes, “You useless lot.”
He then spoke in a much softer tone.
“Child, come down.”
Inside the horse carriage, the young man nervously lifted the curtain and was carried down from the horse carriage by Xu Ming.
Lin Fan said, “Lift your heads and see if you recognize him.”
Prefect Chen and Head of the Public Security Bureau Zhao slowly raised their heads and looked at the young man, shaking their heads, “Great General, I don’t recognize him.”
Lin Fan said, “You all know his brother, Ma Yang, right?”
When Lin Fan spoke this name, the Prefect and the Head of the Public Security Bureau were utterly panicked. Their bodies trembled even more violently, fear entwined around them, as if the sky were about to collapse.
“Speak, do you know him?” Lin Fan suddenly raised his voice, which boomed in their ears like thunder, making their hearts pound with fear.
For a time, Prefect Chen and General Class Zhao did not know how to speak.
“Great General, this… this.” Prefect Chen trembled, unable to utter a complete sentence.
Lin Fan angrily said, “Do you know who I am?”
“Divine Martial Great General.”
“Do you know what my official rank is?”
“First Rank.”
“Then do you know that I, this great general, handle countless affairs of state, led troops on an expedition, and returned not long ago. Without even resting, I rushed to Jingzhou. Do you know why?”
“This humble official, does… does not know.”
“Your mother, to actually say you don’t know. This Great General was still interacting with you properly within the rules. You bunch of trash, how dare you bully the Common People without following the rules? Even this Great General doesn’t dare to bully the Common People, yet you… on what basis do you dare? Or is it just because of your mere sixth-rank, fifth-rank official titles?”
The more he spoke, the angrier Lin Fan became, and he kicked the Prefect Chen, knocking him to the ground.
At this moment, Prefect Chen was so scared he was like a frightened dog, crawling and rolling, kneeling before Lin Fan with trembling hands.
“I’m ashamed of all of you. A ten-year-old child was forced into a corner by you, trekking through mountains and rivers to the Imperial Capital to cry injustice. Is this how you act as parental officials to the common people?”
“Speak, where is Ma Yang’s family? Immediately, bring them to me, this General. I tell you, if anything happens, none of you will escape.”
Lin Fan said angrily.
Boundless anger surged like a torrent, engulfing everyone.
Prefect Chen completely panicked, “Great General, spare my life. This subordinate admits his mistake, but this was not requested by this subordinate; it was the current Imperial Son-in-Law, Yang Ting, who ordered us to do so.”
Lin Fan said angrily, “I’m asking you now, where are the people?”
“The people are locked up in the Public Security Bureau’s prison.”
“Xu Ming.”
“Your subordinate is here.”
“You immediately take your men to the prison and bring them back safely. Anyone who obstructs you will be executed on the spot.”
“Yes, Sir.”
Xu Ming waved his hand, leading some people, and hurried away.
At this time, Lin Fan stood with his hands behind his back, not saying another word, just waiting quietly.
The peddlers nearby were stunned.
How overbearing.
He had never seen Prefect Chen and General Class Zhao so terrified, completely drained of color, their faces as white as tofu.
Gradually, more common people gathered, all watching from a distance.
When officials hurried towards this side, some common people noticed the situation and came with curiosity, but no one expected to witness such a scene with their own eyes.
Especially when Ma Yang was mentioned, many common people knew of this knowledgeable young man.
Although his family was poor, he was truly learned.
In his free time, he would write for people to supplement his family’s income.
Some prominent families in the city recognized Ma Yang’s talent and believed he would shine brightly in the Imperial Examination, so they all wanted to take him as a son-in-law.
After all, poverty didn’t matter if he could pass the exam.
But no one expected that the Imperial Son-in-Law Yang Ting’s influence would extend to Ma Yang. Those who knew the inside story lamented repeatedly, finding it a pity.
Such a talented scholar would likely be suppressed for a lifetime.
Even if he took the exam again next year, he wouldn’t pass.
What if the other party became a high-ranking official? Wouldn’t they seek retribution?
Not long after.
“Brother, Father, Mother…” The young man, seeing the people brought back by Xu Ming, excitedly rushed over and threw himself into his brother’s embrace.
On the way, Ma Yang had already learned of the situation. He hadn’t expected the Divine Martial Great General to personally come for his matter; it was something he couldn’t have imagined.
He stroked his younger brother’s head; it was all because of his brother.
Thinking of this.
Ma Yang, with his family, came before Lin Fan and knelt down, “Your humble subject greets the Great General. Thank you, Great General, for seeking justice for your humble subject.”
Lin Fan helped them up, “Ma Yang, I know about your situation. Rest assured, no matter what, this General will get justice for you.”
“Cheating in the Children’s Examination undoubtedly involves the academic officials. They are deeply trusted by the Emperor and sent to review papers and preside over the examination, yet they cause such trouble. They have failed His Majesty’s trust and all deserve to die.”
Lin Fan knew this matter involved quite a few people.
If Yang Lian was truly incompetent, how did he pass the county, prefectural, and ultimately the provincial examinations?
Therefore, Lin Fan planned to treat this matter as a major case, handle it thoroughly and severely.
Regardless of the outcome, the prestige of the Divine Martial Department must be promoted.
Prefect Chen now felt his scalp tingling, a chill running from the soles of his feet to the crown of his head. Especially when the Great General uttered the words, “all deserve to die.”
It scared him to death. If he could still maintain composure.
He probably would have wet his pants.
Ma Yang said gratefully, “Thank you, Great General. Your humble subject knew that there was still justice in this world.”
Lin Fan said, “Ma Yang, on the way here, your younger brother told me the most that you are very learned and aspire to gain an official title, to enter the court and serve the people. So, you must work hard.”
“Yes, Great General, your humble subject will certainly work hard,” Ma Yang said excitedly.
He knew of the Divine Martial Great General’s fame.
He was the pillar of the nation.
Enfeoffed by the current Emperor as the foremost under heaven.
To see him in person now was truly extraordinary, a dragon among men.
Lin Fan patted Ma Yang on the shoulder, “Come, this General will take you to the Prince Consort’s Mansion. Your injustice will not be resolved simply by restoring your reputation. Rest assured, with this General here, no one in this vast Jingzhou can stir up any trouble.”
Then, he looked at the officials who were still kneeling.
“You all come along.”
“Damn it, you bunch of sons of bitches.”
