Chapter 123: Your Majesty, Don’t You Want To Be An Emperor For The Ages? Your Majesty: I Dream Of It, But I Truly Dare Not Dream
The Prince Consort’s Mansion.
Lin Fan arrived with his hands behind his back. As the doorman was about to step forward to question him, Qian Tao and Wu Yong decisively moved forward, pushed the doorman aside, and cleared a path for Lin Fan.
Prefect Chen An, General Class Zhao Zhen, and other officials followed closely behind, their faces ashen, not daring to breathe loudly.
Passing through the courtyard, Lin Fan stopped, glanced around, and then entered the inner hall, walking directly to the Grand Tutor’s chair at the main seat. He didn’t sit but stood with his back to everyone.
“Go, summon the Princess and the Prince Consort for me, and also find that Yang Lian.”
“Yes, Great General.”
Prefect Chen and General Class Zhao exchanged a look, burying their heads even lower. They understood that a storm was coming, and the current calm was merely the prelude to it.
A moment later.
When the Princess and the Prince Consort learned that the Divine Martial Great General had arrived at the mansion, their expressions changed slightly. The Prince Consort, in particular, felt a pang of unease, sensing something was wrong.
As he entered the living room and saw the Prefect and General Class there, especially seeing Ma Yang, he knew something was terribly wrong.
“I wonder why the Divine Martial Great General has traveled so far. Please forgive our lack of a grand welcome.” The Prince Consort Yang Ting said with a smile. As the Prince Consort, he held a position of status and identity, and even if he wasn’t favored by the Emperor, his title as Prince Consort was undeniable.
The Princess said calmly, “The Great General has come from the Imperial Capital. Is my Father Emperor well?”
Lin Fan turned around, his gaze calmly falling upon the Princess. She was in her twenties, while Yang Ting looked to be in his thirties and was rather ordinary in appearance, possessing a scholarly aura.
“Heh, Princess, you are truly blind to have chosen such a Prince Consort for His Majesty. No wonder His Majesty was enraged and left you in Jingzhou, unwilling to even look at you.” Lin Fan began with a forceful statement.
The Princess’s face changed, and she became somewhat angry, “Great General, what do you mean by that? Am I someone you can insult? Do you still have any regard for the Imperial Family, or for my Father Emperor?”
“Come here.” Lin Fan beckoned.
The Princess, with a cold expression, walked up to Lin Fan. Just as she was about to speak and question what he intended to do, there was a sharp “slap.”
The Princess was slapped and collapsed to the ground, half her face visibly swelling.
Everyone present watched the scene in stunned silence, completely shocked. They had not expected the Divine Martial Great General to strike the Princess without a word.
Even if this Princess had displeased the Emperor, she was, after all, a Princess.
She represented the face of the Imperial Family.
To strike her as he pleased, did he truly have no regard for the Imperial Family?
Lin Fan’s gaze was calm as he said, “How do you act as a Princess, and how did you find such a Prince Consort for His Majesty? If it weren’t for the fact that you are His Majesty’s daughter, do you think you would have the right to act so presumptuously in front of this General?”
The Princess, covering her face, looked at Lin Fan with anger.
Lin Fan, ignoring her, turned to Yang Ting and asked, “Do you know this Ma Yang?”
Yang Ting swallowed and shook his head, “I don’t.”
“Hm?” Lin Fan was displeased.
“I do, I do recognize him.” Yang Ting quickly admitted, terrified. As the Prince Consort, he believed no one in Jingzhou could do anything to him, but facing the Divine Martial Great General now, he was truly afraid.
Lin Fan snorted coldly, “As the Prince Consort, to secure a position for your nephew, you stole someone else’s achievements and even imprisoned them. You truly have a great deal of audacity. I think you genuinely want to die.”
Yang Ting quickly said, “Great General, it’s a misunderstanding, a misunderstanding!”
“Misunderstanding your mother!” Lin Fan cursed. “Do you think I would come to find you if I hadn’t investigated clearly?”
Yang Ting retorted, “Great General, how can you curse at people? Regardless, I am the Prince Consort of the court, and the Princess is the Emperor’s daughter. You not only curse at the Prince Consort but also strike the Princess. I think you are incredibly audacious.”
Lin Fan let out a laugh and looked at his subordinate, “See? This fellow is still not convinced, questioning why I dared to strike the Princess, and even him, the Prince Consort?”
Yang Ming chuckled.
Those following Lin Fan also burst into laughter.
Just then, Yang Lian swaggered in, “Uncle, I’m here. What’s going on? Why are there so many people?”
Yang Lian entered the living room and immediately saw the Princess slumped on the ground, exclaiming, “Auntie, what happened to you? Who dared to lay hands on Auntie?”
Then, Yang Lian saw Ma Yang and reprimanded him, “Ma Yang, why are you here? Good, you dared to break out of prison and even barge into the Prince Consort’s Mansion. I think you’re trying to assassinate someone. Guards, capture him!”
His uncle and aunt had no children and doted on him, so when he came to the Prince Consort’s Mansion, it was like returning to his own home.
“Make him shut up.” Lin Fan said angrily.
Xu Ming stepped forward without a word and delivered two powerful slaps, so forceful that blood spilled from Yang Lian’s mouth, and he was stunned on the spot.
Lin Fan looked at the shivering crowd and said, “Everyone is here, so there’s nothing more to say. Guards, arrest Yang Lian, Yang Ting, Chen An, and Zhao Zhen.”
“Yes, Great General.”
Those who had been arranged to be here earlier were already filled with resentment towards the Prefect, as their inability to complete the Great General’s assigned tasks had greatly disappointed him.
Now, upon hearing the command,
They acted without hesitation, forcefully twisting their arms behind their backs, grabbing them by the nape of their necks, and firmly restraining them.
“Sir, why are you arresting me, why are you arresting me?” Prefect Chen asked fearfully.
“Madam, save me, Madam save me.” Yang Ting pinned all his hopes on the Princess, as she was the only one who could save him.
The Princess looked at her Prince Consort being taken away, along with the local Prefect and General Class, and for a moment, she didn’t know what to do. She even had a feeling that if she were to say anything, she would be met with Lin Fan’s slap.
“Xu Ming.”
“Your subordinate is here.”
“Take this order of mine and go to the barracks. Find the local Commander and have him dispatch troops to arrest all members of the Long Snake Gang. I don’t want any of them to escape.”
“Yes, Sir.”
Xu Ming left in a hurry.
“Qian Tao, Wu Yong.”
The two men stepped forward immediately upon hearing their names.
“Go and arrest the officials from the Academy, interrogate them, and find out who else is involved in the fraud case. Arrest them as soon as you find out.”
“Yes.”
This series of thunderous actions completely stunned Ma Yang and the others.
He had suffered injustice, but now the Great General had appeared to clear his name, and was now issuing orders layer by layer, intending to thoroughly overturn Jingzhou!
…
The citizens in the city noticed the anomaly.
The local Commander personally led troops into the city, a massive force that directly sealed the city gates and began arresting the local ruffians of the Long Snake Gang.
This left the citizens utterly bewildered, even to the point of questioning if they were dreaming.
The Long Snake Gang, which had been running rampant in Jingzhou for so many years, was actually being arrested?
And the Gang Leader of the Long Snake Gang was caught while enjoying a leisurely life at home, never expecting the stimulation to come so suddenly.
The next day.
Public Security Bureau.
This place had been requisitioned by Lin Fan. All constables were temporarily suspended and were being investigated. At the same time, Lin Fan had tables set up outside to receive complaints from the citizens.
“Sir, all the necessary questions have been asked. The evidence against Yang Lian and Yang Ting is confirmed. The Prefect and General Class colluded with the local Long Snake Gang. Many citizens have also come forward with complaints, and the evidence is abundant. According to the law, they should be executed.” Yang Ming reported truthfully.
“Mmm.”
Lin Fan nodded with satisfaction. Upon arriving in Jingzhou, he discovered that some people dared to obstruct the construction of the Divine Martial Department.
Did they truly think he, the Divine Martial Great General, could no longer wield his sword?
It seemed now that a severe crackdown was necessary.
“Sir, the local Commander is still waiting outside. Should we let him in?” Yang Ming asked.
“Let him in.”
“Yes.”
Soon, a figure followed Yang Ming in nervously. This was the local Commander, who was terrified upon learning of the Divine Martial Great General’s arrival.
“Your subordinate, Wu Long, pays his respects to the Great General.” Wu Long knelt and bowed respectfully.
“Mmm, rise.” Lin Fan said.
Wu Long was very nervous. As the Commander, he was relatively well-informed, and the deeds of the Divine Martial Great General were like thunder in his ears.
Three thousand iron cavalry conquering Heian-kyō, eight hundred men penetrating the Dag Guang Dynasty, and other such feats. In his opinion, only a divine being could accomplish such things.
“Commander Wu, you should know the purpose of my coming to Jingzhou. I have also heard about the situation here in Jingzhou. There are no major evils, but some things should not be done excessively.” Lin Fan’s voice was calm, merely a gentle warning.
Commander Wu fell to his knees with a thud. “Great General, please give your subordinate a chance. I will certainly rectify my mistakes and reform.”
Lin Fan smiled, “If I didn’t give you a chance, you wouldn’t be standing before me safely. The officials of the local government in Jingzhou have greatly disappointed me, and I doubt the various counties under them are any better.”
At this, Commander Wu trembled with fear, his head buried low, not daring to look up.
“Great General, your subordinate is willing to obey your command. Wherever you point, your subordinate will strike.” Commander Wu said.
He knew the Great General had spared him.
The meaning was clear.
The minor mistakes you’ve made, I’ll pretend not to have seen them, but if you dare to make them again, you should understand the consequences.
To be given a chance to correct himself was an immense stroke of luck for Commander Wu. If he didn’t seize this opportunity, his demise would be his own doing.
Lin Fan nodded, looking at the contrite and well-behaved Commander Wu. “Remember, His Majesty’s idea in establishing the Divine Martial Department is simple: to ensure that officials in various regions do practical work for the people. When the Divine Martial Department is established here, if troops are needed to arrest people in surrounding counties, you will have to mobilize your forces. You won’t refuse, will you?”
“No, the garrison troops are His Majesty’s soldiers, but they are also the soldiers of the Divine Martial Department. From now on, your subordinate will fully cooperate with the Divine Martial Department.” Commander Wu vowed solemnly.
“Good, I like dealing with intelligent people.” Lin Fan said with a smile.
Hearing the laughter, Wu Long also breathed a heavy sigh of relief.
It was good that there was no trouble.
…
The next day.
Caishi Mouth.
It was as if all the citizens of the city had gathered. Some climbed onto rooftops, some onto trees, their gazes all directed towards the execution ground.
“Bring up the first batch of people.” Lin Fan shouted loudly.
Soon, a group of soldiers escorted the prisoners onto the execution platform. Leading them was the Prince Consort Yang Ting, followed closely by the Prefect and General Class.
The citizens gasped when they saw them.
“What? That’s the Prince Consort! Is the Great General going to kill him on the spot? Shouldn’t he be sent to the capital for the Emperor to interrogate?”
“Why send him? Don’t you know this is the Divine Martial Great General? He’s known for his severity. I heard that the Prince Consort’s confessed crimes are enough to warrant death five times over.”
“Hiss! I never thought such a day would come. Won’t the heavens shine brightly on our Jingzhou now?”
The citizens chattered amongst themselves, exchanging whispers.
Yang Ting cried out, “I am the Prince Consort of the current dynasty, you cannot kill me, you cannot kill me! Princess, save me, save me!”
But the Princess, standing below, seeing her Prince Consort about to be beheaded, could no longer remain seated. She rushed to the execution platform, hugged the Prince Consort, and glared at Lin Fan.
“Lin Fan, if you want to kill the Prince Consort, then kill me too! I’d like to see how you will explain this to my Father Emperor.”
The Princess had completely fallen out with Lin Fan.
Lin Fan frowned and said angrily, “What are you all standing around for? Drag this shrew who is disrupting the execution ground away and give her ten heavy blows. Let her understand that the execution ground is not a place to cause trouble.”
“Yes.”
At this moment, the highest-ranking official present was Lin Fan.
As for whether she was a Princess or not,
They didn’t want to acknowledge it.
Ning Yu, standing beside him, reminded him, “Master, the Princess is noble and delicate. Ten blows might be too much for her. How about I do it? I’m best at controlling my strength and won’t cause any trouble.”
“Mmm, you go ahead.” Lin Fan nodded.
Ning Yu chuckled and hurried off. The Princess’s face changed when she saw Ning Yu. How could she not recognize her? She even remembered how, when Ning Yu visited the Imperial Palace as a child, she had gathered several accomplices and beaten Ning Yu, just to teach her a lesson and not to be too arrogant in the Imperial Palace.
Now, seeing Ning Yu taking over the task, she knew Ning Yu was going to get revenge.
Ning Yu circled the Princess with a smile, “Princess, you want to die with the Prince Consort? Do you really think my Master wouldn’t dare to kill you? It’s just that the First Prince was executed, and my Master didn’t want His Majesty to lose another daughter in such a short time. Otherwise, my Master would have already beheaded you.”
“You… what did you say?” The Princess was shocked to hear this. She hadn’t expected her Imperial Brother to be executed by her Father Emperor!
How could this be possible?
While she was lost in thought, Ning Yu had already brought down a club, striking the Princess with a cry of agony.
At this moment.
Lin Fan looked up at the sky. “Execute!!!”
Instantly, the execution ground was filled with wailing and screams. The soldiers, acting as executioners, raised their swords and brought them down with a fierce chop.
*Swish!*
*Swish!*
*Swish!*
Hand raised, sword fell, heads rolled.
The onlookers were terrified by this sight.
They really executed them.
The Prince Consort, the Prefect, and the General Class were all dead.
“Bring up more people, continue the executions!!!”
Another batch of people was brought up, including officials who had committed serious offenses, as well as high-ranking members and local ruffians of the Long Snake Gang.
There were nearly a hundred people in total.
They begged for mercy, screamed, and some were so frightened they urinated themselves, their urine flowing like rain.
“Great General, spare my life, my crime does not warrant death, my crime does not warrant death!”
“Execute!!!”
Lin Fan didn’t bother to say more. With a wave of his hand, this was the first case handled by the Divine Martial Department, and it was imperative to be ruthless and establish a strong deterrent.
Let them understand that the Divine Martial Department was not to be trifled with.
When the killing started, the swords wouldn’t stop.
He wanted officials everywhere to tremble at the mere mention of the Divine Martial Department.
*Swish!*
*Swish!*
The surrounding citizens were numb from watching. They had seen beheadings before, but this was the first time they had witnessed so many people being executed.
The citizens looked at the Divine Martial Great General sitting there.
A sense of awe welled up from the bottom of their hearts.
“Next batch.”
Lin Fan said in a deep voice.
Soon, soldiers escorted another group of people. Among them were constables from the Public Security Bureau. They struggled, who would have thought that just a few days ago they were swaggering constables, and in the blink of an eye, they were being sent to the execution platform?
“Great General, spare my life, I only have this one child!” The parents of a constable cried out.
“Father, save me.”
The constable, brought to the execution platform, cried out to his parents, hoping they could save his life.
Lin Fan had carefully reviewed the crimes committed by the constables, and he remembered the current constable’s crimes with utmost clarity.
“Save him? Want to live? A pipe dream. On June 10th, you and three other constables were drinking at night. The innkeeper’s daughter reminded you to close, but you leered at her and sexually assaulted her in the shop. Her father came out to stop you, and you beat him to death on the spot. To cover up the truth, you set fire to the inn, and the fire spread, killing eight others. You bribed the General Class to smooth things over for you, making the incident appear as a fire.”
“Committing such crimes, and you still want to live?”
“Do you truly think the law is a joke?”
“Execute them.”
The surrounding citizens heard clearly, their eyes wide. They never imagined that such a conspiracy lay behind that fire. They had truly believed it was an accidental fire.
Who would have thought it was the constables?
Soon, the public outcry erupted.
“Kill them, kill them!!!”
*Swish!*
Heads rolled!
The citizens shouted, “Well done!”
Commander Wu, who was present to witness the executions, nervously swallowed. He looked fearfully at Lin Fan, who remained unmoved, and fully understood what a domineering figure the Divine Martial Great General was.
This land of Jingzhou was thoroughly stained with blood.
The smell of blood in the air was too strong.
Truly, heads were rolling.
After a long while.
Yang Ming said, “Sir, all the convicts have been executed.”
“Mmm.”
Lin Fan nodded, stood up, and headed towards the Divine Martial Department. The chosen location for the Divine Martial Department was currently the Public Security Bureau. He knew that his actions would bring at least five years of peace to Jingzhou Prefecture.
Any official who came to Jingzhou to serve, before doing anything, would think of the hundreds of people beheaded today.
It would be unforgettable.
Half a month later.
The beheading cases in Jingzhou spread throughout the entire dynasty. Everywhere, people knew that the Divine Martial Great General personally presided over a great massacre in Jingzhou, where hundreds of officials and gang members lost their heads in one day, and even the Prince Consort of the court was beheaded.
This sent a shockwave through all the officials, and their fear of the Divine Martial Department reached its peak.
Consequently, local government offices no longer dared to drag their feet in secret, and the construction of local Divine Martial Departments proceeded at full speed.
The Imperial Capital, Divine Martial Department, courtyard.
Lin Fan stood firmly on the ground, feeling the Earth Vein Qi flowing into his body. The proficiency of the Guiyi Body Refining Method was slowly increasing, making cultivation much more convenient than before.
The devices for impact were too troublesome.
More importantly, while absorbing the Earth Vein Qi, he could also cultivate his staff and blade techniques.
The staff and blade techniques were not particularly important.
The most crucial aspect was the significant all-around improvement after the Guiyi Body Refining Method was enhanced; the effects on strength, speed, and other aspects were very pronounced.
“Master, I’m so tired.”
Ning Yu came over, looking exhausted, and complained.
Lin Fan smiled, “Why are you tired? It’s just reviewing more documents.”
Ning Yu rolled his eyes. “Master, you truly treat me like a beast of burden! Don’t you have any sympathy for your beloved disciple? Now that the Divine Martial Departments in various regions are operational, the documents sent back every day are as high as a mountain. I can’t get through them, I really can’t.”
Lin Fan said, “Ning Yu, this shows how excellent you are. Among my subordinates, I trust no one but you. Please bear with it a little longer, and it will get better after a while. When we return, have Little Nine stew a chicken soup for you to nourish yourself.”
“Sigh, you truly use people like beasts of burden, Master. You are truly cruel.”
Ning Yu was helpless. Ever since returning from Jingzhou, he hadn’t had a few good days before the Divine Martial Departments in various regions became operational.
They were so busy that they were working day and night.
However, what made Ning Yu laugh was that the Princess, whose Prince Consort had died, after being personally beaten by him with ten blows, returned to the capital and complained to the Emperor. Who would have thought that the Emperor would reprimand her and lock her up?
At this moment.
Lin Fan saw Yang Ming and said, “Yang Ming, when is your wedding? I said that your wedding should be grand.”
Yang Ming scratched his head. “Sir, I think we’re just busy. I want to postpone the wedding, there’s no need to rush.”
“Don’t postpone it. The young lady doesn’t see you for days on end. If you postpone the wedding now, it’s inexcusable. Hurry up and write a letter to your father-in-law and ask them to come to the capital as soon as possible to attend your wedding. Invite all your relatives and friends.” Lin Fan said.
“Oh, then I’ll do as you say, and we’ll hold it on time.”
“Mmm.”
Lin Fan smiled. He had already decided that after Yang Ming’s wedding, he would deal with Qin Li. This fellow held military power and harbored rebellious thoughts. He needed to reclaim the military power for the Emperor.
Once the military power was reclaimed and sufficient supplies were prepared, he would lead troops to Japan and completely flatten it.
Several days later.
Outside the Imperial Capital.
Carriages slowly traveled along the official road.
Inside a carriage, Cheng Menxue, with his wife, had a joyful expression. A few days ago, they had received a letter from their future son-in-law informing them that the wedding would proceed as planned, and the Great General Lin would personally oversee it. This filled them with both surprise and joy.
Ever since that time in Yong’an, Cheng Menxue had witnessed what a true high-ranking official was.
A First Rank Divine Martial Great General, whose casual word could decide the life and death of their local Commander, was truly terrifying.
“Husband, is Great General Lin easy to get along with? He’s personally handling Yang Ming’s wedding, does it mean Yang Ming is highly valued by him?” Madam Cheng asked.
Cheng Menxue said, “Of course. I haven’t told anyone else about these matters since I returned, but now you must understand that Yang Ming works alongside the First Rank Divine Martial Great General, and he is highly valued. Our daughter has married into a good family.”
“Oh, oh…” Madam Cheng nodded, seeming to understand but not quite.
They had also brought relatives and friends with them this time. Those relatives and friends only knew that Cheng Ling’s betrothed was an official, but they had no idea what kind of official he was.
Upon hearing that the wedding was to be held in the Imperial Capital, all expenses would be covered by Cheng Menxue, and they felt it was a good arrangement, why not?
After all, some of them had never been to the Imperial Capital in their lives.
It was also a good opportunity to see how magnificent the Imperial Capital was.
At this moment.
City Gate.
Yang Ming and Cheng Ling were waiting, occasionally looking towards the city gate.
“They’re here.” Yang Ming, with his far-sighted gaze, spotted the carriages at once.
Cheng Ling was also very excited. After that day, she had come to the Imperial Capital with Yang Ming and hadn’t seen her parents for a long time.
They arrived at the carriages.
“Father, Mother.” Cheng Ling shouted excitedly.
Cheng Menxue and his wife alighted from the carriage and were relieved to see their daughter.
“Uncle, Aunt.” Yang Ming said respectfully.
Cheng Menxue smiled, “From now on, we are family. Although we are not yet married, the titles of Uncle and Aunt are no longer appropriate.”
“Father, Mother.” Yang Ming understood immediately and changed his address quickly. “Father, Mother, everyone has arrived. I have arranged accommodation for you. Please follow me.”
“Yes, good. Have your Father and Mother also arrived?”
“They arrived long ago.”
Yang Ming glanced at the carriages behind him, smiling at all of them. These were Cheng’s relatives and friends. He finally understood why the Sir insisted on having everyone from the Cheng family come.
This was clearly meant to let everyone in the Cheng family know that Yang Ming, to whom Cheng Ling was marrying, was quite exceptional.
Lin Mansion.
Yang Ming’s parents were accompanying Lin Fan. Facing the Divine Martial Great General, Yang’s Father and Mother were very timid.
“Sir, is our Yang Ming doing alright? If he performs poorly, please don’t give him any face; you can scold or beat him as you see fit.” Yang’s Father said.
He understood now. His son, by following the Great General, had truly soared to new heights. He had never imagined that his son would have such capabilities in the Imperial Capital.
On the day they entered the capital, he saw an official wearing a Fourth Rank official robe. When the official saw his son, he greeted him with a broad smile and a fawning demeanor.
Logically, an official of this rank was far superior to a Prefect, yet his son calmly nodded in acknowledgment.
He told Yang Ming that the man was Fourth Rank and asked if he couldn’t be more enthusiastic.
But who would have thought that his son would reply, “What Fourth Rank or whatever? I’ve arrested several Third Rank officials.”
At this moment, Yang’s Father realized the extent of his son’s power.
And the person responsible for all of this was none other than Lin Fan.
Lin Fan smiled and said, “Yang Ming is doing very well. He’s gradually been molded by me and can now handle things independently. After another year or two of experience, when he has children, we’ll need to give him more responsibilities.”
Zhou County Magistrate, sitting with half his posterior on the chair, was extremely timid. He chimed in, “The moment I saw Yang Ming, I knew this young man’s future achievements would be limitless. Meeting Lord Lin has truly allowed him to forge his own path.”
Lin Fan looked at Zhou County Magistrate and couldn’t help but chuckle.
This old fellow was indeed very smooth.
Knowing that Yang Ming was getting married, he shamelessly begged Yang’s Father to bring him along. Otherwise, as a mere county magistrate, he wouldn’t have the qualifications to enter Lin Mansion, let alone come to the Imperial Capital.
“County Magistrate Zhou, I wasn’t in Yong’an, did you engage in any corruption or bribery?”
As soon as these words were spoken.
Zhou County Magistrate was so scared that he quickly knelt and said, “Sir, please enlighten me. Your subordinate has not engaged in any acts of corruption or bribery. Brother Yang can vouch for me.”
“I was just saying, why is County Magistrate Zhou so afraid? These past few days are joyous occasions, no need to be like this.” Lin Fan said with a smile.
Zhou County Magistrate repeatedly agreed, breathed a sigh of relief, and sat back down on half his posterior. He truly didn’t dare to say a word; he was truly terrified by Lin Fan.
Who among the current officials didn’t know the power of the Divine Martial Department?
And the common people could not be bullied. They would report to the Divine Martial Department, and once reported, it was basically over; the countdown to their lives had begun.
In any case, he had heard that some officials had even resigned and fled overnight just to avoid being arrested.
Several days later.
Lin Mansion was brightly decorated. Only a place like Lin Mansion could accommodate so many guests.
Zhou County Magistrate and Li Zhengdao stood in a corner by the entrance.
“Brother Li, I truly envy you now.” Zhou County Magistrate said.
Li Zhengdao replied, “Alas, Brother Zhou, what is there for us to say? If anyone is to be envied, it’s you. You’re living freely in Yong’an, unlike me. I’m busy to death every day, arresting one official after another. And there are Third and Fourth Rank officials inviting me to banquets, it’s so annoying.”
Zhou County Magistrate: …
Listen to that! Was that human language?
Li Zhengdao continued, “You’ll see later. Many of the officials who come to congratulate are people you’d never get to meet in your lifetime.”
Lin Fan had sent invitations to all the officials in the Imperial Capital. If nothing else, he wanted to ask, who dared not to come?
Even the officials who harbored resentment towards Lin Fan had to clench their teeth and put on a smiling face, happily attending the wedding banquet.
At this moment.
Cheng Ling’s relatives and friends were already stunned by the scene, all whispering and discussing.
“Cheng Ling has truly found a good family. This is the Imperial Capital, where every inch of land is precious. Look at the size of this mansion, how luxurious!”
“Yes, I think the Cheng family will prosper in the future. I’ve inquired, and Yang Ming works in the Divine Martial Department, a trusted confidant of the Divine Martial Great General. This wedding is being personally handled by the Great General.”
The younger generation of the Cheng family also stared intently. Some were Cheng Ling’s younger brothers and sisters, others were older brothers. Their news was much more up-to-date than the older generation’s.
They were far more aware of the symbolic significance of Lin Mansion in the Imperial Capital.
This mansion used to be a Prince’s mansion.
It was bestowed upon Lin Fan by the Emperor, which was enough to show how favored the Divine Martial Great General Lin Fan was by the Emperor.
At this moment, the reception staff at the entrance announced.
“Welcoming Lord Li from the Ministry of Personnel.”
The officials began to enter.
Li Zhengdao said, “See? From the Ministry of Personnel, a Third Rank official.”
Zhou County Magistrate watched intently, taking a deep breath. A Third Rank official was someone he might not even get to meet even if he asked someone to arrange it.
Lord Li hurried inside, his gaze searching, and soon found Lin Fan. He stepped forward respectfully, “Great General, congratulations.”
“Why congratulate me? The main guests are here.” Lin Fan said.
He stood beside Yang Ming and his wife; they were the main attraction. Every entering official had to come forward respectfully.
“Lord Yang, congratulations on your joyous wedding.”
Yang Ming smiled broadly. “Lord Li, please come in. Our hospitality may be lacking.”
“Yes, yes.” Lord Li eagerly left.
“Welcoming the Grand Tutor.”
As the announcement echoed.
Li Zhengdao said, “See? A First Rank official. But I’ve checked, it’s only the Grand Tutor and the Grand Protector. Do you know why the Grand Tutor couldn’t come?”
“Why?” Zhou County Magistrate was stunned. This was the Grand Tutor [Truncated: Max tokens]
“Why?” Magistrate Zhou was stunned. This was the Grand Tutor; that was someone who wouldn’t even glance at him if he wanted to kneel.
“The Grand Tutor resigned because Lord Lin dealt with him; it’s good he could even keep his life.”
Magistrate Zhou heard this and gasped.
“Welcome, Grand Protector.”
“Welcome, His Highness the Second Prince.”
“Welcome, Duke.”
The successive voices silenced everyone from the Cheng and Yang families, their mouths agape as they stared blankly at the scene before them.
They never expected so many important figures to attend their wedding.
Some officials sat at the table next to them, startling them so much they didn’t dare to move, not even to breathe loudly, for fear that the sound of their breathing would disturb these esteemed officials.
An official took the initiative to ask whose relatives they were.
This made them even more nervous.
Li Zhengdao nudged Zhou County Magistrate’s arm, “Do you want me to call out for you, ‘Yong’an’s Ninth Rank County Magistrate has arrived’?”
Hearing this, Zhou County Magistrate was scared out of his wits, “Brother Li, stop joking with me.”
“Look at how scared you are. Those below the third rank are not qualified to attend the banquet. If I have to say who is the lowest ranked here, it’s only you. It’s your good fortune that you met him early. Otherwise, it’s uncertain if your head would remain on your neck,” Li Zhengdao said.
Zhou County Magistrate nervously touched his head, which was still there, and felt immensely fortunate.
And at this very moment.
A sharp voice rang out.
“Your Majesty, arrive.”
Upon hearing this, the entire venue erupted in a commotion. Everyone stood up and hastily knelt.
Zhou County Magistrate stood stunned. Li Zhengdao quickly pulled him, “What are you spacing out for? His Majesty has arrived, didn’t you hear?”
“Ah… oh, okay.” Zhou County Magistrate quickly knelt, not daring to breathe.
In the blink of an eye, the Emperor, protected by the Imperial Guards, walked into the manor. Seeing Lin Fan standing there, he couldn’t help but laugh and scold, “Well, my beloved minister, you sent invitations to all officials of the third rank and above in the city. I heard about it and was waiting for you to send me an invitation. I never expected to wait until the end and receive nothing. What, do you think I can’t support your scene, so you didn’t think of inviting me?”
Lin Fan smiled, “Your Majesty misunderstands. How dare I disturb Your Majesty when my subordinate is getting married.”
“You, you’re still being polite with me. You personally went through so much trouble to organize this wedding for your subordinate. It seems he is your confidant among confidants. How could I not come?” the Emperor said with a smile.
Then, the Emperor said, “Everyone, rise. Today is the grand wedding day of my beloved minister’s subordinate. You don’t need to be too formal. I want to ask, have you given your wedding gifts? Don’t let me find out anyone came empty-handed.”
After speaking, the Emperor walked to Yang Ming and Ning Yu, nodding with satisfaction, “Hmm, a golden boy and a jade maiden, quite well-matched. I am very pleased. Guards, read the decree.”
Eunuch Wang, with a smile on his face, read the imperial decree.
Everyone listened intently.
When they heard that Ning Yu was being conferred the title of Imperial Lady, everyone from the Cheng family was stunned by the sudden surprise. Who would have thought that this would be a personal bestowal from His Majesty.
“Yang Ming, Ning Yu, why don’t you thank His Majesty?” Lin Fan said.
*Thud!*
Yang Ming and his wife immediately knelt, exclaiming, “Thank Your Majesty for your grace.”
While an Imperial Lady was not as prestigious as an Imperial Lady, His Majesty’s bestowal was still a sixth-rank Anren. Although it held no real power, it was a rare honor to possess.
How could Yang Ming not know that His Majesty’s personal visit and bestowal were all due to the Great General’s face? If he were not a confidant of the Great General, how could he have received such a reward?
For the Yang and Cheng families, this wedding was an unforgettable event for their entire lives, and they would likely boast about it for the rest of their days.
They not only saw the officials of the Imperial Capital.
They also saw the current Emperor.
Cheng Menxue clenched his fists tightly, his face flushed with excitement. He never thought that in his lifetime, he would witness such a scene. His daughter being conferred the title of Imperial Lady, what an honor that was.
The genealogy book would have to have a separate page for his daughter.
Lin Fan said, “Your Majesty, it’s cold. Shall we move to the inner hall?”
“Good. I also have some things I wish to discuss with my beloved minister properly,” the Emperor said.
And at this time.
If anyone was the most tired, it was the Ninth Prince who was in the kitchen. He held the wok and spatula, cooking until smoke billowed. He couldn’t go outside; he absolutely couldn’t.
Too many officials had arrived, and they would recognize him at a glance.
At this moment, Ning Yu walked in, “Little Jiu, your father is here. Do you want to hide?”
“Ah?”
Little Jiu looked at Ning Yu, bewildered, “Sister, don’t joke. Today is Yang Ming’s joyous occasion. I don’t want any lives lost.”
“That’s why I’m telling you to hide. His Majesty will be dining here, and Eunuch Wang is bringing people to watch in the kitchen.”
“Oh, oh, oh…”
Huang Xiaojiu quickly threw down the spatula.
“Master Little Jiu, why aren’t you stir-frying anymore?”
“I can’t stir-fry anymore. You guys do it.”
After saying that, he scurried away.
Ning Yu watched Little Jiu’s retreating figure and shook her head, “You, kid, really got lucky. Heaven truly favors the unfortunate.”
Inner Hall.
The Emperor said, “Beloved minister, now that the Divine Martial Department is in operation, quite a few memorials are flying to me like snowflakes. They all say the Divine Martial Department acts too domineeringly, and too many officials have been apprehended, affecting the operations of local government offices.”
Lin Fan smiled, “Your Majesty, it seems they are afraid.”
“Yes, they are indeed afraid. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be so agitated. Beloved minister, you’ve done a splendid job. I’ve also reviewed the list of officials you integrated into the Divine Martial Department. They have a good reputation among the common people, so they can be promoted and reused.” the Emperor said.
Lin Fan said, “Your Majesty, the Divine Martial Department needs no further attention from me. I plan to deal with Qin Li and uproot his foundation, reclaiming military power for Your Majesty.”
“Do you really need to be so hasty?”
“It’s not hasty. It’s already very slow. I have a plan: after reclaiming the military power, I intend to launch a campaign to expand the territory for Your Majesty, to secure lands for Your Majesty that future emperors could not achieve, allowing Your Majesty to become an eternal emperor.”
Hearing this.
The Emperor’s breathing quickened.
“Be… beloved minister, don’t stimulate me too much. I’m afraid I can’t handle it.”
“Does Your Majesty not wish to become an eternal emperor? Do you not wish for future generations to remember Your Majesty with only one thought: that of the emperor who unified the world?”
*Clack!*
The Emperor tightly grasped Lin Fan’s hand, his face full of emotion, “Beloved minister, I dream of it every night, but I dare not even imagine it.”
“Your Majesty, you can now dare to imagine, to think big. But Your Majesty must take good care of your health. This is not a matter of one or two years, but of five, ten, or even longer.”
At this moment, the Emperor felt his mouth dry, licking his lips.
“Beloved minister, I will definitely persevere for a long time.”
“Your Majesty, then just watch. During this period, I have analyzed the situations in neighboring countries. There is one country that is particularly dangerous: Ding An Country. This country has its own culture and heritage, its imperial examination system is consistent with our Central Plains, and its national strength is not weak. If it is allowed to develop further, it could become a great threat, so its regime must be completely dismantled.”
Seeing the situation in Ding An Country reminded him of Goguryeo from Earth in his previous life.
Four emperors of the Sui and Tang dynasties fought fiercely with Goguryeo.
All for the purpose of nipping any threat in the bud.
