Chapter 78: My Reputation Is Ruined By You
The city gate.
Lin Fan rode on his horse, reins held loosely in his fingers, his hooves striking the brick road with a crisp sound.
He was already accustomed to the cheers of the common people. Ever since he joined the Public Security Bureau, his actions had been beyond reproach to heaven, earth, and his own conscience.
In the past, his focus had only been on the two gangs within the city, never considering the mountain bandits outside.
Fixed thinking had prevented him from considering matters related to mountain bandits.
Neither the Public Security Bureau nor the County Office had ever mentioned it, not out of unwillingness, but because dealing with mountain bandits was far more difficult than dealing with the gangs in the city.
Thinking this, his gaze darkened slightly.
He would need to pay more attention to these matters in the future.
Just then, the earth-shattering cheers abruptly stopped.
The clamoring common people instantly fell into an eerie silence.
Constables pushed carts slowly into the city.
On each of the two carts, heads were piled layer upon layer, stained with blood, their expressions ferocious and unwilling, their eyes wide open in death, never to close.
The constables escorting the carts shouted loudly, their voices echoing incessantly in the silent street.
“The mountain bandits of Stone Dragon Mountain have been vanquished. A total of sixty-three heads, including those of the leader and second-in-command, are all here.”
Again and again.
The common people heard clearly and watched with trepidation.
Some instinctively retreated, others covered their mouths.
They all gasped in fear.
Indeed, it was right to keep the children away; otherwise, with such a terrifying sight, let alone children having nightmares, even they, the adults, would likely have sleepless nights.
Ning Yu, who followed behind Lin Fan’s horse, kept her gaze fixed on his tall, straight back, her eyes filled with an indescribable admiration.
In her life, she had never admired anyone so much.
She wanted to become his disciple, to follow Lin Fan and learn how to be a qualified Public Security Bureau constable.
The moment she had this thought.
It became uncontrollable.
They passed by a teahouse.
“Silver Rod King, Master Lin!”
A loud shout suddenly erupted, and the patrons in the teahouse, as if rehearsed, raised their arms and cheered in unison.
Lin Fan, long accustomed to the cheers of the common people, was stunned when he heard this nickname.
His expression faltered.
“Pervert King?”
He gently tightened the reins, his horse’s hooves pausing slightly. He turned his head towards the teahouse and immediately saw Qin Si.
A patron shouted loudly, “Riding in fine clothes, a young man of spirit, who doesn’t know Yong’an’s Silver Rod King, Master Lin? Tell me, everyone, isn’t that right?”
“That’s right.”
Everyone echoed in agreement.
Their voices grew louder and louder.
Lin Fan remained unruffled, still with his calm smile, and asked loudly.
“Who was the first to say that?”
The patrons pointed at Qin Si, respectfully replying, “Replying to Master Lin, Fourth Master Qin spoke from his heart, and we thought it was well said.”
Qin Si smiled obsequiously.
Lin Fan pointed his finger at Qin Si, his face still smiling, but his silently moving lips seemed to be saying something.
Whatever it was, it was quite dirty.
But no one could understand.
Qin Si didn’t understand either, only thinking that his performance had greatly pleased Master Lin. Didn’t Master Lin point at him with a smile?
He must have thought, “This kid is really good at talking; I like him very much.”
Lin Fan pulled on the reins, his horse moving forward, continuing towards the Public Security Bureau. The patrons in the teahouse, upon seeing the heads on the carts behind them, lost all their earlier excitement.
“Heads, heads, so many heads.”
Some patrons retreated in fear, collapsing to the ground, pointing at the street below, their voices trembling incessantly.
Qin Si, still reveling in his joy, looked downstairs curiously. When he saw so many heads on the carts, his ruddy face instantly turned pale.
The voices of the constables reached his ears.
“The mountain bandits of Stone Dragon Mountain have been vanquished…”
…
Public Security Bureau.
In the courtyard.
A man with a beard and a gaunt face stood with his hands behind his back, wearing the official attire of an Anzhou Prefecture subordinate official. His expression was stern, and his aura was full of authority.
His gaze towards County Magistrate Zhou was filled with undisguised scrutiny and pressure.
At this moment, County Magistrate Zhou was sweating, rolling up his slightly oversized official sleeves, and repeatedly wiping his sweat.
“County Magistrate Zhou, is this how your Yong’an Public Security Bureau operates?” the man asked, his voice not loud but each word clear as he questioned.
“Director Wang, this Public Security Bureau is not under my jurisdiction.”
County Magistrate Zhou was truly panicked now.
He hadn’t expected Master Hu to invite an inspector from Anzhou Prefecture. This was practically going to cost him his life.
The rank of an inspector was roughly equivalent to his own.
By rights, he shouldn’t be acting this way.
But in the official world, how could one only look at rank?
You had to see who their superior was.
That was the Assistant Prefect, the right-hand man of the Prefect of Anzhou Prefecture, specifically tasked with overseeing local officials. If he truly offended them, even without the Assistant Prefect saying anything, Director Wang back in Anzhou Prefecture could report what he had seen and heard, and with a few maneuvers, it would be enough for him to face serious trouble.
“Not under your jurisdiction?” Director Wang’s tone rose. “You allow the people of the Public Security Bureau to act lawlessly and outrageously here? On my way here, I heard incessant complaints, all saying that the constables of the Public Security Bureau abuse their power, extort confessions through torture, fabricate charges, and extort the common people. I don’t know how many unjust and false cases have been caused.”
These accusations came like a tidal wave, grand and righteous.
County Magistrate Zhou, hearing these words.
For a moment, he just wanted to say, “What utter nonsense! If you have the guts, call the person who said this here.”
It was clearly officialdom rhetoric.
No coercion or enticement, no forcing people to be released, just attacking you with words, fully wielding all the power they could control.
Director Wang was very satisfied with County Magistrate Zhou’s expression at this moment; it was something he had anticipated on his way here.
He then added more fuel to the fire.
“County Magistrate Zhou, it’s not that I intend to make things difficult for you, but the Assistant Prefect has specifically instructed that the actual situation of the Yong’an County Public Security Bureau must be thoroughly investigated. We absolutely cannot allow such abusers of power and corrupt officials to occupy important positions and continue to prey on Yong’an, disheartening the common people.”
Director Wang’s words were firm and irrefutable, such that no one could find fault with them.
“Yes, yes, Director Wang, there must be some misunderstanding here. From what I know, the local Public Security Bureau has always been law-abiding, with no corrupt officials abusing their power.” County Magistrate Zhou kept glancing towards the entrance.
Why hadn’t he returned yet?
I can’t hold on much longer.
That old scoundrel surnamed Hu, how much effort did he expend to invite Director Wang from Anzhou Prefecture? He must have offered a lot of benefits.
Director Wang said meaningfully, “So, what you’re saying is that what I heard and what was reported to me is all hearsay and cannot be taken seriously?”
County Magistrate Zhou replied, “Director Wang, rumors from outside are unreliable. There are countless fabricated stories; how can they be taken seriously?”
“Hmph.” Director Wang snorted coldly. “Why hasn’t Secretary Li returned yet?”
County Magistrate Zhou sighed softly and explained, “Director Wang, you may not know, but Qingtian Village was raided by mountain bandits today. The constables of the Public Security Bureau have all gone to suppress the bandits.”
Director Wang was taken aback.
He looked at County Magistrate Zhou as if to say, “Are you trying to amuse me?”
Bandit suppression?
You lot?
Don’t let people laugh their teeth out.
…
Suddenly.
Outside the Public Security Bureau, on the street, a huge commotion arose.
It seemed to be the sound of… the mountain bandits of Stone Dragon Mountain being vanquished.
“Director Wang, they’re back.” County Magistrate Zhou’s heart rejoiced. The main players had finally returned, and he could finally make an early exit.
He had been serving as the county magistrate here, unwilling to even move his backside, all for the sake of stability.
Director Wang said, “County Magistrate Zhou, I will wait here. You can call them in to see me.”
He was really putting on airs now.
Thinking of Squad Leader Lin’s impulsive temper, he felt the outcome might not be good.
Outside the gate.
Many onlookers.
This time, they had brought back too many things from Stone Dragon Mountain. Mountain bandit weapons and other items were piled high on the carts.
Lin Fan directed the constables in carrying the items.
He was covered in a sticky film.
Sticky and gooey.
After finishing these tasks, he needed to take a good bath and change his clothes.
Now, the common people watched in silence, no cheers, no exclamations, just staring blankly at the heads on the carts. This scene had the greatest impact on them.
“You’re finally back.” County Magistrate Zhou hurried over, about to explain the current situation, but his gaze swept over the bloodied heads on the cart, making his face turn pale. He repeatedly stepped back, “This, this…”
Lin Fan replied, “Stone Dragon Mountain, the heads of sixty-three bandits.”
County Magistrate Zhou swallowed hard. He had never witnessed such a shocking scene before.
“Congratulations, Squad Leader Lin! Congratulations, Squad Leader Lin! This is a great merit! The mountain bandits of Stone Dragon Mountain have been committing evil for many years. Not only Yong’an but also other counties hate them deeply. This report will earn you significant merit.” County Magistrate Zhou exclaimed.
Lin Fan smiled, “Merit is secondary. It is enough that the common people are rid of harm.”
Song Qing glanced at Lin Fan.
Earlier, you didn’t say that.
You said you really wanted to make progress.
Of course, people can’t always say things directly; they have to say something full of energy and suitable for public consumption.
“Squad Leader Lin speaks well,” County Magistrate Zhou said respectfully, then changed the subject, “It’s just that there’s a bit of trouble now.”
Saying this, he looked at Lin Fan, then at Secretary Li, and the newly appointed Ning Yu.
“County Magistrate Zhou, please speak frankly,” Lin Fan frowned.
Trouble?
What trouble could there be now?
County Magistrate Zhou explained the situation where Master Hu had invited Director Wang from Anzhou Prefecture.
Then he pointed inside.
That person was waiting inside right now.
Secretary Li’s brows furrowed. He had forgotten about Master Hu. Indeed, he had overestimated the intelligence of those in the higher office. Didn’t they realize that the situation in Yong’an was not as simple as it seemed?
He admitted that he was indeed a bit worried earlier.
After all, officials from the higher office had greater authority than them, and they were specifically tasked with overseeing them, which gave them a position of power over them.
But now, it was different.
The new Secretary, Ning Yu, had an extraordinary background. After returning from the bandit suppression, he had observed carefully, and this Secretary Ning greatly admired Squad Leader Lin.
The way Secretary Ning looked at Lin Fan did not escape his experienced and sharp ability to read people.
“Good, good. I didn’t look for him, but he brought people back. I want to see what kind of ‘Director’ he is. I think he’s accustomed to acting tough by leveraging others’ power.”
Saying this, he strode towards the Public Security Bureau.
Secretary Li quickly went to Ning Yu’s side. “Secretary Ning, you must step forward in this matter. Squad Leader Lin cannot tolerate people bullying others with their authority, but that Director is a confidant of the Assistant Prefect, and the Assistant Prefect is the right-hand man of the Prefect and has the power to oversee officials. Offending them will shatter Squad Leader Lin’s hopes for promotion.”
He could only place his hope on Secretary Ning.
“I understand,” Ning Yu was also angered.
Squad Leader Lin had just suppressed the bandits, and instead of resting, he encountered such a situation of power abuse. How could she tolerate it?
Courtyard.
Director Wang stood with his hands behind his back. Hearing the heavy footsteps behind him, he turned his head and immediately saw Lin Fan striding in with an iron rod on his back.
Although he didn’t know who the man was, he assumed he was the Lin Fan Master Hu had mentioned.
Deputy Squad Leader of the Public Security Bureau.
This promotion was too fast and against regulations. That would be another point he would attack later.
As Lin Fan approached, a bloody scent wafted towards him.
Director Wang frowned upon smelling it.
“What is that smell on you?”
“Blood.”
Lin Fan’s expression was impassive, radiating a sense of oppression. He tightened his sleeves and looked around, but couldn’t find Master Hu.
“Director Wang,” Secretary Li walked in with a forced smile.
Director Wang ignored Lin Fan and instead turned to Secretary Li and questioned, “Secretary Li, your Public Security Bureau has done some good deeds! It has reached the ears of the Assistant Prefect. Let me ask you, how long has he been in office? How long has he served as a commoner constable? Why was he promoted to Deputy Squad Leader in such a short time? Does this comply with regulations and systems?”
Secretary Li was about to speak.
But Lin Fan stopped him with a gesture.
Seeing Lin Fan’s stern expression, Secretary Li’s heart skipped a beat, and he had a strong premonition that Squad Leader Lin was about to resort to physical force.
He repeatedly held Lin Fan’s hands, his eyes pleading.
Squad Leader Lin, please.
Just bear with it for a moment, just for a moment.
Lin Fan snorted and walked straight towards the office. Seeing a mere Deputy Squad Leader acting so arrogantly, Director Wang became furious and was about to speak.
Secretary Li took the initiative to say, “Director Wang, everything is in compliance with regulations. Furthermore, I am about to be transferred, and the new Secretary of the Public Security Bureau has arrived. Perhaps…”
Before he could finish speaking.
Director Wang coldly snorted, “I think you should stay in Yong’an. As for that new Secretary, send him back where he came from. I have discovered that your Yong’an Public Security Bureau has many problems.”
Secretary Li cast a glance at Secretary Ning.
He didn’t say a word.
But his eyes clearly conveyed:
This Director is very arrogant.
I can’t handle him.
Ning Yu remained silent, but her two escorts could not tolerate this. Their master had said to establish a presence for the young lady. Their previous attempt had failed, and they were beaten, which they accepted.
That was a ruthless person who could have committed atrocities against mountain bandits.
But this mere insignificant Director was acting so presumptuously, how could they tolerate it?
The two stepped forward.
“Presumptuous!”
“Arrogant!”
Director Wang was displeased and roared, “Who are you people, daring to speak to me like…”
Before he could finish.
Two fists the size of sandbags descended towards Director Wang’s eye sockets.
Bang! Bang!
“Ouch!”
Director Wang clutched his eyes, fell to the ground, and screamed.
“You are reckless and dare to assault a court official! You are plotting rebellion!”
…
Office.
Lin Fan came out carrying a basin and new clothes and shoes, heading towards the wash area. As he left, he glanced at the badly beaten Director Wang and then continued on his way leisurely.
Not long after, having finished washing up and changing into new clothes, he returned carrying his old clothes and worn-out shoes.
Director Wang was still being beaten.
He walked into the office, and as he came out, he carried a teacup, drinking from it as he walked towards them.
When he reached Director Wang’s side.
The two escorts stopped beating him, smiled at Lin Fan, and nodded.
Lin Fan turned his head and spat the tea leaves in his mouth onto the bruised and swollen Director Wang, saying calmly, “The Public Security Bureau is a place for detaining prisoners. How can we let these insignificant people in? Who is on guard duty at the Public Security Bureau tonight?”
“Punish him by not allowing him to eat tonight.”
The beaten Director Wang almost spat out a mouthful of blood upon hearing this.
He was extremely angry.
But having been severely beaten, he only felt pain all over his body, as if his bones were about to shatter.
Suddenly.
A voice came from afar.
“Director Wang, Director Wang…”
Master Hu, beaming, emerged from the prison, accompanied by a tired but somewhat excited Hu Yu.
Indeed, if you want to invite someone, you have to invite them from the higher office.
Master Hu could not forget the expression on County Magistrate Zhou’s face when he saw Director Wang.
It was one of astonishment, surprise, and panic.
“Father, I want that surnamed Lin to die a horrible death,” Hu Yu said angrily, recalling the suffering he had endured during this period.
Master Hu comforted him, “Don’t rush. There will be a time when he suffers. With Director Wang coming in person this time, he will surely pay.”
As they walked.
Master Hu looked up ahead and saw several figures standing there, all familiar faces, but Director Wang was nowhere to be seen.
He searched around carefully.
Still couldn’t find him.
Suddenly, he was attracted by the figure lying on the ground.
For some reason, a bad premonition surged in his heart.
With a panicked and muddled gaze, he looked.
Ah…
Even though Director Wang was swollen from being beaten, he still recognized him as the Director Wang he had invited. Before he could speak, Lin Fan’s angry roar reached his ears.
“How dare you, in broad daylight, forcibly enter the prison and aid a prisoner’s escape!”
“Yang Ming, Xu Ming, what are you two standing around for? Take them down!”
As the words fell.
Yang Ming, Xu Ming, and others appeared and rushed towards them like ferocious tigers. Xu Ming leaped forward, extended his leg, and kicked Hu Yu to the ground.
Master Hu stood stunned, then felt a tightening around his neck and was thrown to the ground by Yang Ming.
Before he could regain his senses.
A gleaming blade was placed at his neck.
He looked up.
And saw Lin Fan looking down at him from above.
“Lin Fan, that is Director Wang. How dare you treat Director Wang like this? I think you’re tired of living,” Master Hu roared.
Lin Fan said, “Confine the Hu family father and son to the prison and guard them strictly.”
“Yes, Squad Leader.”
The others acknowledged the order and escorted the two towards the prison.
At this moment, the mood of the people in the prison suddenly lightened. The leaders and hall masters of the Loyalty Hall and the Fierce Tiger Gang never expected Master Hu to be so formidable.
As expected of someone whose ancestor was a Juren scholar, he truly found connections in the higher office.
They watched with their own eyes as Hu Yu was untied and taken out of the prison.
That damn Lin Fan hadn’t appeared yet.
This meant that the other party was definitely being reprimanded, and it was even uncertain if he could keep his position. Thinking of this, they couldn’t help but laugh heartily.
Master Hu had told them.
It wasn’t easy for Director Wang to come all the way here. If everyone was sensible, they would understand; no need to say more.
Having said that much.
They understood perfectly.
Before their joy lasted long, the shouts of the Hu father and son echoed from within the prison.
“Injustice, injustice! Lin, you are abusing your power. May you die a horrible death! I will report you! I will report you to the Imperial City!”
Everyone watched as the Hu father and son were escorted back.
And then locked in the cell.
Their minds were filled with confusion.
What?
Didn’t they just get out?
How did they come back?
…
Office meeting.
The room was crowded with people.
Lin Fan sat there, slightly dazed. Perhaps after chopping so many people on Stone Dragon Mountain, he sometimes spaced out during the dissipation of his killing intent.
Before he could even rest upon returning, he encountered the situation with Director Wang.
He looked at Ning Yu’s two escorts, a thoughtful expression on his face.
Ning Yu had a background, and it was a very impressive one.
And these two escorts must be her bodyguards, undoubtedly the most skilled and capable from Ning Yu’s side, otherwise, how could they ensure Ning Yu’s safety?
However, in Lin Fan’s eyes, they were just ordinary people with a little more strength and experience.
Could it be that there were no masters in this world?
Was he just overthinking things?
Therefore, when he thought of this, he hadn’t planned to argue with Director Wang. If Secretary Li hadn’t pleaded with him, Director Wang wouldn’t be just lying outside, unconscious, but perhaps worse.
Ning Yu stood up and walked to Lin Fan’s side, her bright eyes blinking. “Squad Leader Lin, may I say something?”
“Secretary Ning, please speak,” Lin Fan nodded.
Ning Yu asked with anticipation, “Can I become your disciple and learn by your side?”
Lin Fan was slightly taken aback. He hadn’t expected Ning Yu to make such a request. He smiled and said, “We are colleagues. If Secretary Ning has any questions in the future, feel free to ask me. As long as I know the answer, I will personally teach you.”
Before the new Secretary arrived.
He had also thought about what kind of person the new Secretary would be.
Upon learning it was a woman.
He had a bad feeling.
After all, women were not easy to get along with. But later, when he met her and experienced the bandit suppression, he realized that this new Secretary was full of passion and drive, different from what he had imagined.
Everyone in the room breathed a sigh of relief.
It seemed that their new Secretary was not someone who would oppose Squad Leader Lin.
But then, something unexpected happened.
Ning Yu poured a cup of tea, knelt down with a thud in front of Lin Fan, and respectfully held up the teacup with both hands, saying happily, “Please have some tea, Master.”
Silence. It was very quiet in the room.
Everyone’s mouths were agape, their eyes wide open, staring dumbfounded at the scene before them.
Those two escorts were also startled by their young lady’s actions.
Ah…?
Miss, how can you kneel down to someone else?
Yang Ming, Xu Ming, and the others also exchanged bewildered glances. Their new Secretary, who had only just arrived, was kneeling before their Brother Lin to become his disciple?
The development of events was beyond their imagination.
Secretary Li and County Magistrate Zhou exchanged glances.
Their meaning was profound.
Although they didn’t know the specific background of this Secretary Ning, they knew she was not ordinary. They thought of all the powerful figures they knew, but couldn’t recall anyone named Ning.
Similarly.
Lin Fan was also stunned by Ning Yu’s actions.
He did not take the teacup.
Instead, his mind was in turmoil. If he took the teacup, it would be more than just a matter of teaching or not teaching; it would be a true master-disciple relationship.
In the future, if something happened, he, as the master, could not stand idly by.
Moreover, this was happening in front of everyone.
Lin Fan looked at Ning Yu.
Her gaze was sincere, and her face was full of expectation. Perhaps because he had not taken the teacup for a long time, Ning Yu’s expression changed, as if she was about to cry.
A moment later.
Lin Fan reached out, took the teacup, and drank it all. “Good. Since you sincerely wish to become my disciple, I will teach you well from now on.”
“Disciple Ning Yu pays respects to Master.”
Secretary Li and County Magistrate Zhou quickly said.
“Congratulations, Squad Leader Lin, on gaining an excellent disciple.”
“Indeed. Our Yong’an Public Security Bureau is full of talented individuals. Under the leadership of Squad Leader Lin and Secretary Ning, we will surely soar to great heights and gain renown.”
They spoke effusive words of praise.
Song Qing, who had remained silent, said, “I think Squad Leader Lin should host a feast tonight to celebrate.”
Lin Fan looked at Song Qing.
Good one, Squad Leader Song. Who doesn’t know that I, Lin Fan, am upright and incorruptible, with clean hands and empty pockets? If we are going to celebrate properly, he’ll probably empty my pockets.
“Alright, I’ll host tonight and invite all my colleagues to have a good time,” Lin Fan said.
Wu Yong and Qian Tao rejoiced inwardly.
As expected, following Brother Lin means enjoying the good life every day.
…
Evening.
Brothel.
The constables of the Public Security Bureau stared at the brothel before them in disbelief, all looking at Lin Fan in unison.
Song Qing stammered, “Squad Leader Lin, is the place for dinner tonight…?”
“That’s right, it’s here, the brothel,” Lin Fan said with a smile.
In the afternoon, he had gone out to look for a restaurant. It couldn’t be too shabby, nor too luxurious.
Xianwei Tower was definitely out.
It was too expensive.
It would really bankrupt him.
But who could have imagined that he would run into Qin Si, who actively asked him if Master Lin would be going to the brothel tonight. Sister Yan said that the thousand taels would not count, and they would settle when Master Lin stayed overnight.
Regarding this, Lin Fan’s mind turned, and he had an idea.
He immediately asked Qin Si if it could be calculated in an alternative way.
Qin Si didn’t understand.
Lin Fan explained his idea of inviting colleagues to the brothel and deducting the cost from the thousand taels. Qin Si promised him solemnly that there would be absolutely no problem.
As for why he was so confident, even Sister Yan was trying her best to get closer to Lin Fan.
At this moment.
Song Qing said with difficulty, “Squad Leader Lin, doesn’t it look bad for us to be here?”
Lin Fan smiled and waved his hand, “What kind of bad influence can there be? We act upright and sit squarely, we are open and honest, why should we care about others’ opinions?”
Song Qing was speechless. He really wanted to say, I’m afraid my wife will misunderstand.
Suddenly, the kind-hearted common people they had met earlier appeared again.
“Master Lin, are you bringing your colleagues to visit a brothel this time?”
Lin Fan stared at him blankly.
It’s this guy again.
He thought for a moment.
“Mmm…”
“It’s only right and proper. We should indeed let the constables relax. Bandit suppression is very hard work, and we should relax well. I hope all the constables can enjoy themselves and be at ease.”
These common people were very understanding.
Lin Fan said, “Why do I keep running into you? Are you following me?”
“Oh, Master Lin, you misunderstand. My home is right across the street. I sit by my door every day when I have nothing to do. When I saw Master Lin, I ran over.”
Lin Fan: …!
“It won’t affect the constables’ visit to the brothel. I’ll go back to sit by the door.”
After these common people left.
Lin Fan sighed softly.
“Qin Si, you take them in first.”
“Yes, Master Lin.”
Qin Si immediately and humbly invited the many constables into the brothel.
“Master, this is a brothel.” Ning Yu had never been to a brothel in her life. It was impossible not to be curious; she really wanted to see what it was like.
Currently, Ning Yu’s attendant was not around. They said he had taken Director Wang to Anzhou Prefecture. He didn’t pay much attention, assuming they were just chatting.
Lin Fan led Ning Yu towards the brothel and said softly, “Don’t mind what kind of place it is, and don’t have any prejudice against any place. You should think about it: a woman is behind such a large brothel. With such capabilities in this era, she is not simple.”
Ning Yu pondered, her eyes lit up, “Master, do you mean this woman has a problem?”
“We can’t be sure without evidence, but we must approach everything and everyone with suspicion. After all, as constables of the Public Security Bureau, we need to be vigilant at all times,” Lin Fan cautioned.
Ning Yu nodded, “Master, I understand.”
The patrons of the brothel tonight were all bewildered.
Where did so many constables come from?
Could it be that they were here to arrest people involved in illegal activities?
But it seems that visiting a brothel is not illegal.
Nowadays, everyone in Yong’an knows how overbearing the Public Security Bureau is. Not to mention bandit suppression, their reputation has already spread throughout Yong’an. Moreover, there are rumors today.
Master Hu has returned and invited a director from Anzhou Prefecture, who is an influential figure. However, that director was carried out later, seemingly with serious injuries.
But after Master Hu entered the Public Security Bureau, he never appeared again.
The meaning behind this was obvious without even thinking about it.
“This place is so luxurious,” Ning Yu said, looking at the beautiful scenery before her, extremely surprised.
Lin Fan said, “The more luxurious a place is, the more untold numbers of white bones are buried beneath it.”
“Master, I understand,” Ning Yu nodded frantically, feeling that she had truly learned something by following her master.
Suddenly.
A cry of alarm could be heard.
“Murder! Murder!” A courtesan, with a pale face, shouted in panic.
A man holding a dagger, pointed it at the people around him, “Ru Hua, why are you with him? You promised to be with me. You are mine, and no one can take you away.”
Seeing this, Ning Yu moved to apprehend the man.
But Lin Fan pulled her back.
“Master, I have to apprehend him,” Ning Yu said.
Lin Fan said, “Don’t be impulsive. How can you be so rash? Haven’t you seen that he’s holding a dagger? Moreover, the target is currently extremely agitated and capable of anything.”
“But I have a sword, and I’m wearing leather armor,” Ning Yu said.
Lin Fan shook his head, “Swords and knives have no eyes. What if you get hurt? When you encounter such a situation, don’t rush. You must wait for backup to arrive before acting. Look, the backup is here.”
Not far away, Xu Ming and others rushed over, holding clubs.
Seeing the backup arrive, Ning Yu was about to draw her sword and charge forward again, but was still held back by Lin Fan.
“See, you’re rushing again. You are the Prefect, you are the leader. Dealing with people should be left to them. What you need to do now is observe your surroundings and determine if there are any accomplices,” Lin Fan patiently taught her.
“Oh…” Ning Yu nodded.
Lin Fan said, “You need to understand that when you are out, whether you are handling business or a case, you should not be impulsive. Protecting your own safety is the most important thing. If you encounter a dangerous situation, run away without hesitation.”
He was now teaching Ning Yu how to survive and live longer.
He didn’t want Ning Yu to think that because he could defeat mountain bandits, she could do the same.
After all, young people nowadays tend to get carried away easily.
Suddenly, Lin Fan looked back into the distance, as if something had just locked onto this place.
At this moment.
Xu Ming swept away the dagger in the assailant’s hand with a club.
With another sweep of his club to the man’s leg, he knocked him to the ground.
“Xu Ming, I’ll leave this to you.”
“Yes, Squad Leader.”
Then Lin Fan led Ning Yu inside.
When they got inside.
It seemed he heard someone shouting, “Silver Rod King Master Lin.”
Lin Fan cursed Qin Si profusely in his heart.
Damn it.
It was all Qin Si’s reckless shouting that the nickname had started to spread.
The hole he had made last time he was here was still there. He inserted his iron rod into it and headed for the second floor. Halfway there, he encountered the two top courtesans who had accompanied him before.
Fire Girl and Cold Girl.
They exchanged smiles.
On the other hand, the two girls felt as if their bodies were being squeezed and kneaded when they saw Lin Fan, and they went limp all over.
“Master, do you know them?”
“We met by chance.”
Lin Fan could now lie with his eyes open, without blushing or skipping a beat.
Meanwhile, Qin Si found Yan Yushu.
“Sister Yan, you must prepare the meal well,” Qin Si instructed. He was now terrified of Master Lin to the bone. After inquiring, he learned that Lin Fan had killed those mountain bandits alone.
He had even cut off their heads with his own hands.
Yan Yushu smiled, “Fourth Master Qin, your thousand taels are really durable.”
Qin Si said, “Sister Yan, if you think it’s not enough, I can give you money. You must serve Master Lin well. Any amount of silver is not a problem.”
For Qin Si at this moment.
If he could use all his possessions to gain a good impression in Master Lin’s heart, he would consider it very worthwhile.
“Fourth Master Qin, should I have my sisters accompany Master Lin then?”
“No, absolutely not. Master Lin is a man of dignity, someone who cares about his reputation. His colleagues are all here tonight, so it’s not suitable, very unsuitable,” Qin Si waved his hand, not daring to arrange anything carelessly.
In the hall.
Ning Yu sat beside Lin Fan and watched her master take a strange object from his pocket and put it in his mouth. She curiously asked.
“Master, what are you eating?”
“Tiannanxing.”
Ning Yu pondered, “Ah, Tiannanxing is poisonous. Master, don’t lie to me.”
“If you don’t believe me, here’s one for you.”
“I’ll eat it if I have to.”
Ning Yu swallowed the Tiannanxing in one gulp. Immediately, her expression contorted in pain. She spat it all out and quickly drank water to rinse her mouth.
“Master, my mouth hurts, my tongue is numb, I…”
Ning Yu at this moment was a distorted Ning Yu, a pained Ning Yu.
Lin Fan said calmly, “Ning Yu, as your master, I’m teaching you not to be stubborn, but to listen to others. I told you it was Tiannanxing, why did you insist on being stubborn? Even if you were stubborn, you should have looked carefully when you got it in your hand. How could you swallow it in one gulp?”
“Yes, Master,” Ning Yu said, her face flushed red, still feeling uncomfortable, the numbness intensifying.
Soon, someone brought in delicacies.
Qin Si took the dishes and the task of pouring wine, busying himself at several tables with great enthusiasm.
Everyone knew who Qin Si was.
Seeing him like this now, they all felt a surge of emotion.
Ever since Master Lin’s reputation spread.
Many people in Yong’an had become pure and lovely.
“Master, who is he? Is he also from our Public Security Bureau?” Ning Yu asked.
Lin Fan replied, “No, he’s the leader of Yong’an’s local ruffians. He specializes in collecting protection fees and stall fees.”
“Ah? Then why don’t you arrest him?” Ning Yu asked.
Lin Fan said, “Some people can be arrested immediately, but some people can be used. Our Public Security Bureau is the white side, so to get things done, we need the black side. This Qin Si is very sensible, and he will be very useful. More importantly, if you want to understand this place better, you need special people to help you.”
“Alright, let’s eat. Just pretend you don’t know about this matter, and don’t spread it around.”
Ning Yu nodded, digesting her master’s words.
…
The banquet ended.
Brothel, street.
Qin Si squatted down, holding his ears with both hands, looking at Master Lin aggrievedly.
“Who gave you permission to create nicknames?” Lin Fan asked.
“Master Lin, I spoke from the heart, it was to highlight your might.”
“What Master Lin?”
“Silver Rod King Master Lin.”
“Oh, what silver is that?”
“The silver from silver.”
“Oh, so you know. If others didn’t know, what would you say it was?”
Qin Si’s eyes widened, pondering. The more he thought, the more he felt something was wrong.
Lecherous rod ~ Silver rod.
This actually seemed a bit off.
“Master Lin, I understand. Tomorrow morning, I will deliver a plaque, guaranteeing it will be ‘Silver Rod King Master Lin’. I will parade it around the city so that everyone knows, and this will not happen again.”
“You’re talking nonsense…”
*Pfft!*
Lin Fan’s face changed drastically, and he took several steps back, fanning the air in front of him.
“What are you doing?”
Qin Si was so wronged he was about to cry, “Master Lin, you told me to fart, so I naturally have to fart. Master Lin, I am loyal to you with all my heart.”
Damn it!
He felt a headache coming on.
“How is the surveillance you were tasked with?” Lin Fan changed the subject and asked.
Qin Si said, “Master Lin, I haven’t dared to slack off. I’ve been monitoring Sister Yan, but she’s stayed in the brothel and hasn’t come out. No strange people have entered the brothel. I even had people monitor the workers who delivered groceries, and there were no problems.”
Qin Si now spent most of his daytime wandering outside the brothel.
This was for more effective surveillance.
“Then do you know if there are any particularly mysterious places inside the brothel that people are not allowed to enter?”
“Yes.”
“Tell me.”
“The place where the top courtesans change and sleep is quite mysterious and never…”
“For goodness sake.”
Qin Si cowered, not daring to speak. That area was already mysterious and never allowed people to enter, and it was guarded.
“Get lost.”
“Okay, Master Lin. You should go back and rest early. If you don’t want to go back, then we can go back to the brothel, and inside, we can have a good time…”
“Get lost.”
“Yes, yes.”
Qin Si quickly got up, bowed, and then turned to leave.
Thinking about the events of the day.
He wanted to slap himself.
He was clearly illiterate, so how could he have recited that rhyme?
Right, it must have been Peng Chang. That kid had studied. He must have transferred knowledge to his brain imperceptibly during their daily interactions.
Damn it.
He would have to deal with him properly when he got back.
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