Chapter 80: Loyalty! Loyalty! Still Loyalty!!!
“Ah…!!!”
In the prison, screams echoed one after another, rising higher and higher.
Lin Fan held his whip and stood in front of the rack. With a flick of his wrist, the tip of the whip struck Sun Xiao, Liu Lao San, Tong Wanguan, and others like a venomous snake.
Their skin split and flesh tore.
It was a gruesome sight.
Ning Yu watched intently, studying diligently, her gaze fixed on her master’s wrist as he wielded the whip. It seemed easy, but she understood it required skill.
It required diligent practice to achieve even a fraction of her master’s skill.
Tong Wanguan wailed, “Squad Leader Lin, you’re supposed to interrogate Cao Liang, why are you beating us?”
Liu Lao San cried out, “He, Cao Liang, is the one who made the pig iron ingots. We are innocent. Cao dog, quickly confess your crimes, otherwise, when we’re in the same cell, I’ll kill you.”
Sun Xiao exclaimed, “I’m wronged! Cao Liang was the one who privately made armor, not me, Sun Xiao. I’m wronged!”
The sound of the whip continued without end.
So did the pleas for mercy.
Cao Liang, bound and tied, looked at Sun Xiao and the others being tortured. Fear and terror flickered in his eyes. As a member of the Anzhou Chamber of Commerce, he was wealthy and lived a life of luxury; he was, in essence, very pampered.
When had he ever been in such a situation, locked in a prison?
Looking at the force of each lash.
It was exceptionally brutal.
【 Beginner Whip Technique Proficiency +1】
【 Beginner Whip Technique Proficiency +1】
…
Lin Fan was completely immersed in his cultivation. The whip technique proficiency increased rapidly. To be able to enjoy the thrill of striking people while watching the proficiency rise, this process was an indispensable part of his visits to the prison.
Not long after.
Liu Lao San and the others fainted.
Lin Fan stopped.
【 Beginner Whip Technique （ Novice 203/300 ）】
He was quite satisfied.
The progress was truly rapid.
Sun Xiao weakly said, “I didn’t make armor. Those assassins weren’t sent by me. Cao Liang is responsible for his own actions. If you’re a man, confess!”
At this moment, Lin Fan walked towards Cao Liang with a smile, the whip still dripping blood.
He reached out and pinched Cao Liang’s well-maintained face.
“Old Master Cao, are you truly so stubborn? You won’t say anything?” Lin Fan asked.
Cao Liang feigned composure. “I haven’t done anything, so what do you want me to say? I demand to be tried by Anzhou Prefecture. You have no right to interrogate me.”
“Good, good, stubborn, very stubborn. I like stubborn people.” Lin Fan pointed at Cao Liang, then threw the whip to Xu Ming and sat back in his chair. “Yang Ming, Xu Ming, give Old Master Cao the full family portrait set meal.”
“Yes, Squad Leader,” Yang Ming replied.
Cao Liang was prepared to endure Lin Fan’s whip torture, even to the point of passing out. If he could hold on for a day or two, people from the Chamber of Commerce would surely find out about his situation and devise a rescue.
“Master, what is a family portrait set meal?” Ning Yu asked curiously.
Lin Fan said softly, “The so-called family portrait set meal is composed of the Public Security Bureau’s original torture methods, with slight modifications. Just watch. If you get scared later, you can close your eyes.”
He picked up his teacup and moistened his throat.
As Xu Ming and Yang Ming got busy, Cao Liang watched in horror as the torture instruments appeared one by one.
Liu Lao San and the others, who were on the verge of death from the whipping, struggled to open their eyes to see how long Cao Liang could endure the cruel torture.
As more and more torture instruments appeared.
Cao Liang’s face turned deathly pale.
He knew he was in for a lot of suffering.
He struggled, shaking violently.
“Let go of me, let go of me! I want Anzhou Prefecture to interrogate me…”
Cao Liang roared.
At this moment, Yang Ming and Xu Ming approached Cao Liang with slender bamboo tips, frightening Cao Liang into continuous cries.
Xu Ming said, “Stop shouting and struggling. This is the most gentle torture in the family portrait set meal. We’ll insert these bamboo tips into your finger gaps and toe gaps, force them in, stir, and pull. Your fingernails will be pried open, tearing off flesh and blood.”
He described it vividly.
Cao Liang’s face turned incredibly pale upon hearing this.
Ning Yu nervously held onto the table. Just hearing the description, she knew the torture would be excruciating. With ten fingers connected to the heart, how painful would that be?
Soon, Xu Ming picked up a bamboo tip and dangled it before Cao Liang’s eyes. Cao Liang’s eyeballs followed the swaying bamboo tip.
“Heh heh…” Xu Ming chuckled sinisterly, grabbed Cao Liang’s hand, pulled out a finger, straightened it, and then tested the bamboo tip back and forth on his finger.
Cao Liang was terrified.
“I’ll confess, I’ll confess, don’t, don’t…”
Xu Ming looked at the Squad Leader.
They hadn’t even started yet.
He was already scared?
This was too much disrespect to our Squad Leader. Our Squad Leader just furiously whipped these guys, clearly to intimidate them. Yet you’re not scared and are still stubborn.
Now, Yang Ming and I are going to torture you, and before we’ve even laid a hand on you, you’re confessing.
Doesn’t that mean we are more frightening than the Squad Leader?
More intimidating?
Lin Fan sat there calmly, holding his teacup, gently blowing on the hot steam, without even lifting his eyelids. “Don’t give him any false hope.”
Xu Ming, having received the order, didn’t say another word. His eyes changed instantly, and a bamboo tip was directly inserted into the finger gap.
“Ah…”
Cao Liang let out a heart-wrenching scream.
Ning Yu looked at her master, her intention clear: the person was about to confess, so was more torture necessary?
“You must remember, what you say whether you are tortured or not is two different things. Interrogation at the Public Security Bureau is not child’s play. There is no room for bargaining,” Lin Fan said.
“Oh…” Ning Yu nodded.
She understood.
When she graduated and became a master herself, she would surely do the same.
Whether he confessed or not was not important.
What was important was that the process had to be followed.
The torture continued.
Hao Fei, confined in the prison, was slumped on the ground, trembling, his face pale, breaking out in a cold sweat. Although he couldn’t see Cao Liang being tortured.
Just hearing the screams told him how miserable it was.
The first round of torture ended.
“I’ll confess, I truly confess,” Cao Liang pleaded, “Please give me a chance to confess, I really can’t take it anymore.”
Lin Fan waved his hand expressionlessly. Xu Ming and the other understood, and Yang Ming brought out paper and pen.
“Tell us everything you know honestly. Where did the pig iron ingots go? Were they sold? To whom? Or did you forge armor yourself? Confess it all truthfully.”
“Let me tell you, don’t try to mix truth with lies. If I find out, you’ll have to go through all eighteen tortures.”
Lin Fan warned sternly.
“I wouldn’t dare, I wouldn’t dare…”
Cao Liang was very frightened.
Soon, Cao Liang explained the situation of the pig iron ingots one by one. Yang Ming took notes, and Sun Xiao listened with utmost attention, as this concerned him and he couldn’t take it lightly.
After Cao Liang had said what he needed to say.
Sun Xiao shouted, “Squad Leader Lin, you heard him! I am innocent! I didn’t forge armor!”
Lin Fan replied, “Just because you say so doesn’t make it true? Where’s the evidence?”
“Then how do you have evidence to lock me up here and say those armored killers were sent by me?”
“The assassins told me before they died. I heard it with my own two ears.”
“That’s just your word, and there are no witnesses. It’s all your claim, isn’t it?”
Sun Xiao was truly on the verge of collapse.
They clearly intended to ruin him.
“Hey, Guild Leader Sun, you are indeed clever. As expected of someone who can be a guild leader, you’ve seen the crux of the problem. You’re right, whatever I say is my business, and you can’t do anything about it.” Lin Fan said with a smile.
Sun Xiao let out a roar of madness, “Ahhhhhhhh…”
Complete madness.
“Lin, I’ll go to hell!” He Sen roared, “You framed me in the same way!”
Lin Fan walked up to He Sen. “You shut up! Framed you? Your second brother is practically written on your face, and you’re still claiming to be framed? I think you’ve forgotten the power of the Wolf Fang Sky Rocket Cannon. Just you wait, I’ll find that helpful citizen and deal with you properly. We’ll see if you’re still stubborn then.”
As soon as he said this.
He Sen felt his head was about to explode.
Unpleasant memories flooded his mind, the scenes of being grabbed by a pair of strong hands, his head pressed down, and his face pushed against the wall in that dark alley, all replayed uncontrollably in his vision.
“Lin, I’ll kill you.”
…
Outside the prison.
“Master, is it appropriate to lock up Sun Xiao without any evidence?” Ning Yu asked.
Lin Fan looked at Ning Yu. “Who set the procedures? Humans did. As long as humans set them, they can be wrong. Sun Xiao, as the Fierce Tiger Gang Leader, is meticulous and never leaves loose ends. The people around him don’t even know what he does.”
“But is he a good person? Certainly not. Should we let him go unchecked, allowing him to act unscrupulously just because there’s no evidence? He even mocks your incompetence, saying that without evidence, it’s a dream to catch him.”
“Can you tolerate that?”
He wanted to teach Ning Yu that by always following the rules, she would always be trapped by them and become increasingly awkward and unable to act freely.
Ning Yu shook her head. “No.”
“Exactly. Therefore, you must fully utilize the power granted by your position. Once you identify someone, go after them! It doesn’t matter if they deny it; just be firm that they did it.” Lin Fan patted Ning Yu’s shoulder. “You are just like me, Master. Once we’ve decided on something, no one will refute us.”
Ning Yu pondered, her eyes brightening. “Master, I’ve learned it.”
“Good, watch carefully and learn. Since you’ve become my disciple, I will teach you how to become a qualified Public Security Bureau Constable,” Lin Fan said.
“Yes, Master.”
For Ning Yu, even though it was only her second day at the Yong’an Public Security Bureau, she felt that what she had learned so far was extremely useful, greatly enhancing her understanding and views.
The follower accompanying her remained expressionless.
But inside, a monumental wave was stirred.
This is bad.
His young lady was about to be ruined.
…
The office.
Lin Fan appeared.
Zhou County Magistrate rushed forward, humbly attending to him, serving tea and water, doing everything.
“Squad Leader Lin, how was it? How did the interrogation go?”
He was now like an ant on a hot pan, pacing back and forth. As Lin Fan entered the prison, he was truly burning with anxiety.
Squad Leader Song could attest to this.
When only he and Zhou County Magistrate were left in the office, the magistrate kept asking him if he thought they would get a confession. If the confession revealed that the ingots were indeed sold to someone for forging armor, what then?
Song Qing had never seen Zhou County Magistrate so flustered.
But thinking about it, it made sense.
How could he not be flustered?
If Lin Fan hadn’t delved deeper into the armored assassin incident, Hao Fei’s matter wouldn’t have been discovered. The main issue was that no one was handling it.
Unless these iron ingots were forged into armor and clashed with the Imperial Army, leading to an investigation by the Imperial Court.
By then, it would truly be over.
“Wait a moment, let me have some tea first,” Lin Fan said, not in a hurry, sighing as he sat down.
This sigh resonated like thunder in Zhou County Magistrate’s mind.
He had a bad feeling that things were not going well.
Lin Fan put down his teacup and looked at Zhou County Magistrate, who immediately bowed, waiting obsequiously.
“He confessed, they all confessed. Cao Liang sold the pig iron ingots.” Lin Fan said.
“Sold… sold to whom?”
Zhou County Magistrate swallowed, his speech becoming stammered and tense. He felt like a condemned man awaiting execution, his blood running cold.
Lin Fan looked at Zhou County Magistrate for a few seconds, his eyes conveying helplessness. “He sold them to the sea bandit leader, Liu Tong.”
“What!?” Zhou County Magistrate collapsed onto the floor, his neck stiff. “What would sea bandits want with these pig iron ingots…”
“Of course, to forge armor and rebel. What else? To resell them?”
Lin Fan was amused by Zhou County Magistrate’s reaction.
Zhou County Magistrate knew Liu Tong. This person was a notorious sea bandit who occupied the seas. He was powerful and specialized in robbing passing merchant ships. Moreover, Liu Tong was a former soldier of the Zhenhai Guard who had committed a major crime and fled to the sea.
Within ten years, he had risen from a common sea bandit to become a leader.
It could be said that the group of sea bandits under his command were well-trained and could not be compared to ordinary bandits. Even the Imperial Army would find it extremely difficult to eradicate them at sea.
There had even been clearing operations.
But the results were always a crushing defeat with heavy losses.
“It’s over, it’s truly over.”
Zhou County Magistrate muttered to himself in despair. With Yong’an’s current strength, they were no match for these sea bandits. The only way was to report to the Imperial Court and have them send troops to suppress them.
After all, this matter involved iron ingots. How could the Imperial Court tolerate sea bandits having their own armed armor? If the sea bandits were to become fully armed, who could defeat them at sea?
By then, as the county magistrate, he would have no way out.
Lin Fan, however, was not worried.
He was very calm.
This matter had nothing to do with him, but wait…
At this moment, Zhou County Magistrate saw Lin Fan as his only hope of salvation. He squatted down and pleaded desperately, “Squad Leader Lin, Master Lin, you must save me.”
Lin Fan spread his hands, helpless. “Zhou County Magistrate, how can I save you? Sea bandits, and well-trained ones at that. Do you think I can handle it alone? Or should I lead the brothers of the Public Security Bureau to their deaths?”
*Plop!*
Zhou County Magistrate ignored whether anyone was present and knelt before Lin Fan, clutching his thigh, a mixture of snot and tears streaming down his face.
“Master Lin, save me, I beg you. I really can’t handle this. Even if I had ten heads, they wouldn’t be enough to be chopped off.”
He was truly terrified.
He never imagined that someone could be so audacious. This was something he had never expected.
Song Qing sat there watching Zhou County Magistrate.
In fact, this was not just Zhou County Magistrate’s problem.
The River God Office also bore responsibility.
These iron ingots were transported out by Cao Liang from Jili Wharf.
If an inquiry came down, Zhou County Magistrate would bear great responsibility, and the River God Office could not escape. Wang Changhai of the Loyalty Hall, who was responsible for the wharf, would also not escape. And their Public Security Bureau would be implicated.
Wharf security needed to be maintained, and the maintainer was naturally the Public Security Bureau.
The rules from above would be turned upside down at the lower levels.
For a long time, the security of Yong’an’s Jili Wharf had been maintained by the Loyalty Hall itself. The Public Security Bureau was too lazy to manage it and didn’t want to, which was dereliction of duty.
But now, the matter was serious.
If it truly reached the higher authorities, they would all be stripped of their positions. Those who deserved to be killed would be killed, and those who deserved to be imprisoned would be imprisoned.
Even if they were truly innocent, it would be useless.
The higher-ups would not reason with them.
They would not discuss whether they were involved or not.
They wanted to make an example of them, to tell all yamen and public security bureaus across the land that this was the result of poor oversight.
Song Qing had been observing Lin Fan’s expression.
Although Lin Fan appeared calm, Song Qing still noticed a slight change. Clearly, he knew and understood. After all, it was rumored throughout Yong’an that Lin Fan was the one who best understood the law.
If he understood the law so well, how could he not know how far-reaching this matter was?
Seeing Lin Fan unmoved, Zhou County Magistrate pleaded even more desperately.
*Creak!*
The door was pushed open.
Li Dian Shi entered with a smile. “How is the interrogation at the Tie Ye Office going?”
When he saw Zhou County Magistrate kneeling before Lin Fan, he appeared very surprised.
“Zhou County Magistrate, what’s wrong?”
It was a seemingly innocent question.
But it implied, “You were allowed to take bribes, and you didn’t handle any of the trivial matters. Now something has happened, right?”
“You know fear now?”
“Know that your life is about to end?”
“Something has happened,” Lin Fan sighed. “Hao Fei sold the iron ingots to Cao Liang, and Cao Liang then sold them to the sea bandit Liu Tong.”
“What, Liu Tong!?” Li Dian Shi exclaimed in shock. “That’s serious!”
“Yes, it’s serious. And it was transported by cargo ship from Jili Wharf,” Lin Fan said.
“It was transported by… what?”
Li Dian Shi was stunned. His body went rigid. He turned his head and stared blankly at Lin Fan. His schadenfreude vanished instantly, replaced by a frantically beating heart.
A single sentence.
Caused a tempestuous storm in Li Dian Shi’s mind.
Li Dian Shi staggered back several steps, leaned against the wall to steady himself, and with a trembling hand, cautiously opened the door. He walked out with stiff legs.
The moment he closed the door.
His body went limp, and he slid down to the ground along the wall.
His fists clenched tightly, sweat pouring down like rain.
Li Dian Shi’s lips trembled, his eyes were bewildered, and his mind was blank.
When he heard it went through Jili Wharf.
He knew it was over.
This matter truly involved him.
Originally, at home, he thought it was Zhou County Magistrate’s poor management that was troubling him, so he couldn’t resist his curiosity and came to see the situation.
Seeing Zhou County Magistrate kneeling before Lin Fan, begging desperately.
He could understand.
At this moment, the only one who could save him seemed to be Lin Fan.
But now, learning that he was involved.
He really couldn’t handle it.
…
In the office.
“Zhou County Magistrate, you can get up now.” Lin Fan glanced at the closed door, a smile playing on his lips. He then helped Zhou County Magistrate’s arm, trying to pull him up.
But Zhou County Magistrate’s body was weak, and he clung tightly to Lin Fan’s leg.
“Master Lin, save me. The only one who can save me now is you.”
Lin Fan said helplessly, “Zhou County Magistrate, it’s not that I don’t want to save you, but this situation is completely different from the Stone Dragon Mountain incident. We are facing rigorously trained sea bandits. If I take the brothers there and someone gets hurt, who will take responsibility?”
Zhou County Magistrate was scared. The Imperial Court definitely wouldn’t handle it, because this matter could not be reported to the Imperial Court at all. At most, it would be handled internally by Anzhou Prefecture, suppressed.
While arguing with Zhou County Magistrate, Lin Fan considered many possibilities.
This matter could not be honestly reported.
If the Imperial Court knew, he didn’t care whether Zhou County Magistrate and Li Dian Shi lived or died, but Song Qing, Xu Ming, Yang Ming, and even Wang Changhai and Sworn Sister would be implicated.
And since he had worked as a low-level thug at Jili Wharf for a while.
He would definitely be implicated.
Therefore, this matter must be suppressed at all costs, and those sea bandits must not be allowed to live; they must all die.
Seeing Zhou County Magistrate’s extreme despair.
Lin Fan felt it was about time and slowly said, “Zhou County Magistrate, we are colleagues, and we have a good relationship. It’s not my style to stand by and watch. However, this time, you will probably have to pay a lot.”
Zhou County Magistrate suddenly took a deep breath, as if he had grasped a life-saving straw.
“Master Lin, tell me, no matter what the cost, I am willing.”
Seeing Zhou County Magistrate say this, Lin Fan no longer hid anything.
“Good. Since that’s the case, I’ll tell you. First, all the merit for the Stone Dragon Mountain bandit suppression operation must belong to the entire Public Security Bureau. You cannot take any of it. You must write a nicely worded commendation document.” Lin Fan said.
“Good, good, I won’t take any,” Zhou County Magistrate agreed repeatedly without even thinking.
“Second, you must post red notices for all constables of the Public Security Bureau, publicizing it.”
In this era, face and reputation were very important.
The constables who worked with him, although the public’s perception of them had greatly improved, it was still not enough. Posting red notices, one for each person, was a form of glory and encouragement.
He would not let those who followed him suffer.
“Agreed, agreed.”
“Good, Zhou County Magistrate is straightforward. Then now for the last request. This operation concerns your future, County Magistrate Zhou. The Public Security Bureau is going into battle without a formal cause. If the bandit suppression fails, the Imperial Court will not provide any commendations or relief. Although some constables come from good families, many come from ordinary backgrounds. You must provide money.”
“I’ll give it, however much you want.” Facing these requests, Zhou County Magistrate didn’t hesitate.
Survival was the most important thing right now.
Having money but no life to spend it.
All the money in the world would be useless.
He understood this principle.
“Good. This time, I will also bring those people from Jili Wharf to prevent a shortage of manpower. Their treatment will be the same as the constables. Can you do it?”
“Yes.”
“Good. In that case, hurry up and prepare the money and send it here. I need to distribute it to the brothers first,” Lin Fan said.
Zhou County Magistrate quickly got up. “Master Lin, everything is entrusted to you.”
After saying that, he left in a hurry.
After Zhou County Magistrate left, Li Dian Shi, who had been slumped by the door, walked in in a daze.
Lin Fan chuckled, “Li Dian Shi, can you still hold it together?”
As soon as he said this.
Li Dian Shi’s body went limp, and he grabbed the armrest of the chair to avoid falling. He licked his fawning smile. “Squad Leader Lin… no, Master Lin.”
Lin Fan said, “Li Dian Shi, you are about to be promoted. Surely you don’t want any unexpected issues to arise during your promotion, do you?”
Li Dian Shi shuffled his backside onto the chair, using it to steady his trembling body and fearful heart.
“Master Lin, I understand.”
The change in address indicated that Li Dian Shi had no ability to put on airs with Lin Fan anymore.
Lin Fan said, “If this matter is not handled properly, it could implicate everyone present. Li Dian Shi, don’t you agree?”
“Yes.”
“If I handle this matter successfully, you will promote all the commoner constables under me to official constables. Is there a problem?” Lin Fan asked.
Li Dian Shi replied, “Of course there’s no problem. Moreover, Secretary Ning also has the ability to do so.”
“No, I want *you* to promote them. I don’t like being taken advantage of,” Lin Fan said.
“Alright, I’ll promote them.”
Now, no matter what Lin Fan requested, he would agree without hesitation.
“Good, it’s settled then. As for other matters, I believe Li Dian Shi can think it through himself.” After speaking, Lin Fan called Qian Tao and Wu Yong and told them to summon the brothers from the wharf.
A long while later.
In the courtyard of the Public Security Bureau.
Constables and wharf brothers lined up in an orderly fashion, heads held high, looking at Lin Fan with admiration.
Lin Fan walked over with his hands behind his back, nodded with satisfaction, and said, “Everyone here is one of our own. Tomorrow morning, we have something to do: we need to go and suppress Liu Tong, the sea bandit. I’m sure you all know who Liu Tong is. It’s naturally very dangerous, so now, if there are any brothers who are scared or unwilling to go, you can withdraw freely. I, Lin Fan, will never stop you, and you will still be brothers.”
After speaking, he waited.
Everyone present had tense faces, without any whispering. Their gazes were incredibly firm.
“Wherever Squad Leader Lin points, we will strike.”
“Yes, that’s right.”
The wharf brothers stomped their feet in unison and shouted:
“Loyalty!!!”
This action startled the constables, who then followed suit.
They lifted their feet and stomped.
“Loyalty!!!”
Lin Fan nodded. This was the team he was slowly building.
Ning Yu admired him.
This was her master. His charisma was so domineering. Look, the constables only recognized their master and not herself, the secretary, which was enough to show how loyal they were.
Ning Yu thought to herself.
In the future, she would also have her own team, just like her master.
Ning Yu’s attendant looked at Lin Fan’s retreating back and muttered to himself, this guy’s strength was terrifying, not to mention it. He was also very generous. He gave readily and without hesitation. He ate meat, and his subordinates also ate meat.
When this guy reaches a high position, he would likely become a true powerful official.
His influence would be absolute, and no one would dare to refute him.
At this moment.
Zhou County Magistrate appeared, leading people carrying boxes. The dirt on the surface of the boxes indicated that they had just been dug out of the ground.
Zhou County Magistrate waved his hand, letting the servants carrying the boxes leave.
He walked up to Lin Fan and whispered, “Master Lin, one hundred taels per person. What do you think? I don’t know how many people there are, but this should be enough.”
“So stingy, only one hundred taels?” Lin Fan frowned. “This is a life-risking job. If you’re this stingy, I’m not doing it.”
“Master Lin, household expenses are too high. My wives and concubines spend money like water, and there’s really nothing extra. Oh, right, Xianwei Tower belongs to me. From now on, when Master Lin takes them to eat, there will be no charge.” Zhou County Magistrate was almost in tears.
This was several thousand taels.
It was what he had painstakingly saved for a long time.
Although he was taking a lot of bribes, he never took from the common people. They were mostly poor souls. What good was there in taking copper coins? If he was going to take, it had to be silver.
Moreover, taking from the common people was the most likely way to get into trouble. There were too many people and gossip. If some incorrupt official or high-ranking official secretly visited Yong’an and heard that he, the county magistrate, was extorting the people, wouldn’t he be finished?
So, he usually targeted the wealthy merchants.
Sometimes it was tens of taels, sometimes one or two hundred taels.
It was a small amount.
But it could accumulate over time.
Lin Fan hadn’t expected Xianwei Tower to be owned by Zhou County Magistrate. He hadn’t seen it coming, but it didn’t matter. Future matters could be dealt with in the future.
With a wave of his hand.
He waved his hand.
“Open the box.”
Ning Yu stepped forward and opened the box.
In an instant.
The dazzling silver light blinded everyone’s eyes. When they saw the silver, they were stunned; they had never seen so much silver in their lives.
“Everyone, take one hundred taels for yourselves,” Lin Fan said.
They obeyed Lin Ban Tou’s every word.
One by one, they received their silver.
It felt heavy in their hands.
Zhou County Magistrate felt a pang of pain, but he knew the money had to be spent. If the matter could be resolved with money, it was a good deal.
Lin Fan found more silver in the box, took it out, stuffed it into Song Qing’s hand, and then into Ning Yu’s.
“Master, I get some too?” Ning Yu asked in surprise.
“Everyone gets some.”
Ning Yu’s follower looked at the silver in Lin Fan’s hand. He was impressed. He had never seen anyone dare to distribute silver so openly in the Public Security Bureau.
“You don’t need to look, you’re not from the Public Security Bureau, so you don’t get any money,” Lin Fan said.
Follower: …?
Lin Fan looked at everyone. “Did everyone get theirs?”
“Yes, we got it.”
Everyone was excited and their hearts burned with passion, especially the Wharf Brothers. Their eyes nearly popped out, never imagining they would receive such an unimaginable fortune one day.
I want to buy my mother a big house.
I want to get married.
I want to buy new clothes for my child.
The moment the silver was in their hands, they had already planned how to spend it.
Qian Tao and Wu Yong exchanged glances. As a show of good faith, they loudly declared, “Loyalty!”
With their shout.
Everyone present shouted in unison.
“Loyalty!”
“Loyalty!”
The shouts came wave after wave.
Lin Fan nodded and gestured for them to quiet down. “Yes, work hard with me, and I will continue to fulfill what I’ve told you before. The path is beneath your feet. As long as you follow me diligently, I will not let you suffer losses. You will receive the glory you deserve and the promotions you are due.”
“But my requirement remains the same: take what you deserve, do what you should do, and have a clear conscience. This is the standard and the bottom line. Do you understand?”
Everyone shouted: “Understood.”
“Alright, dismissed for today. Be here at Jili Wharf tomorrow on time. Remember, after this matter is done, there are bigger surprises waiting for you,” Lin Fan said.
“Yes, Squad Leader.”
Their voices were so loud they seemed to shake the heavens.
Looking at the enthusiastic Constables, Zhou County Magistrate honestly felt himself getting fired up and even wished he could work under Lin Fan.
The Common People on the street were used to the sounds from the Public Security Bureau. They were so full of vitality and drive.
The Constables now gave them a feeling of complete security.
They just didn’t know.
The Constables were distributing money inside.
And it was Zhou County Magistrate’s money.
“Disperse.”
The Constables and the Wharf Brothers left.
Street.
Everyone’s emotions were still unsettled; they were all excited and invigorated.
A Constable loudly exclaimed, “Brothers, shall I treat you to a meal?”
Usually, when someone offered to treat them to a meal, they would be very enthusiastic. But now, after his statement, not a single person responded.
“I’m not eating, I’m going home.”
“Me too.”
“See you tomorrow.”
Everyone went home.
On the way back to the Shantytown.
A figure skipped along cheerfully towards home, head held high, a proud smile on his face.
His name was Da Peng.
He was just an ordinary person from the lower class, making a living as a low-level thug at Jili Wharf. He had no grand ideals, only hoping to earn enough for his monthly wages to help his family.
Later, when Brother Lin became the leader, his living conditions improved slightly.
He felt his leader was the best leader there was.
Later, when Brother Lin became a Constable at the Public Security Bureau, he was very reluctant to let him go, almost crying. But he didn’t expect Brother Lin to forget them; he even arranged for the Hall Master to increase their benefits.
He didn’t believe the Hall Master would be so generous. He attributed all of this to Brother Lin.
As he neared his home.
He saw his father on the roof, repairing a damaged section, while his mother was weeding in the courtyard, and his younger brother and sister were playing.
His family of five.
Their lives depended on him and his father.
In the past, he dreamed of a better life for his family, but it was just a dream.
But now, touching the hard silver on his chest, he took a deep breath.
“Dad, Mom, I’m home.”
Da Peng shouted with a happy smile.
“Brother.”
“Brother.”
His younger siblings ran over.
His father said, “Why are you back so early today?”
Da Peng replied, “Brother Lin gave us half a day off to rest.”
His mother, who was hoeing, nodded with satisfaction. “Oh, then you must work hard for Master Lin. Don’t be lazy, be diligent. It’s your good fortune that Master Lin can lead you.”
“Mom, I know. I am diligent, but everyone else is diligent too. Sometimes I can’t keep up,” Da Peng said helplessly. The brothers nowadays were truly competitive.
Sometimes, if he was even slightly distracted, someone else would snatch the task away.
“Then you need to be even more diligent,” his father said, looking up.
He had strongly resisted his son working at the wharf before, but what could he do? They had to make a living. Now, he was proud and gratified.
Because his son’s direct superior was Master Lin.
He was known as a just official in the hearts of Yong’an’s citizens.
His foolish son working for Master Lin was as if his ancestors’ graves had emitted blue smoke. He had even gone to offer sacrifices recently, thanking his ancestors for their protection.
“Dad, Mom, let’s move to a big house. We won’t live here anymore,” Da Peng said.
He dreamed of having his own room.
Now, he shared a bed with his younger siblings.
Sometimes, when it rained and the house leaked, their beds would get wet, and they had to squeeze in with their parents.
“Da Peng, are you feeling sick?” His mother touched Da Peng’s forehead.
Da Peng grabbed his mother’s hand. “Mom, I have money. I really have money now…”
…
At this moment, this situation was not unique to Da Peng.
The same was true for the brothers at Jili Wharf.
Their lives were incomparable to those of the Constables in the Public Security Bureau. The Constables didn’t need silver as much as they needed recognition; they were born with it. For the brothers at Jili Wharf, it was a goal they might not achieve even after a lifetime of hard work.
This was the gap between people.
Night.
Brothel.
That’s right, Lin Fan had come again.
He knew that a world-shattering, one-sided massacre would happen tomorrow, and he had come to relax. After all, he had only killed the sixty-three bandits of Stone Dragon Mountain a few days ago, and now he had to kill again.
He was worried that these killings might have a negative impact on his state of mind.
In the private room, Qin Si accompanied him obsequiously, showering him with flattery, which made Lin Fan feel happy.
Outside the door.
Yan Yushu took a deep breath at the door. She felt a great sense of oppression from Lin Fan and had to tread carefully. She then looked at the two younger sisters beside her.
They showed no tension at all; in fact, they seemed a little expectant.
Had she become accustomed to this kind of thing?
She pushed the door open, a smile appearing on her face.
A perfect, professional brothel smile emerged.
Fire Girl and Cold Girl entered the room and called out sweetly, “Master Lin…”
But…
“Bring a new batch.”
Lin Fan sipped his tea and waved his hand with a polite smile.
The atmosphere in the room was very quiet.
Yan Yushu and the two top courtesans had stiff expressions.
Qin Si urged, “Sister Yan, didn’t you hear Master Lin? Bring a new batch, bring a new batch over.”
Fire Girl’s eyes reddened, and she cried out aggrievedly, “Master Lin, are you tired of us?”
Cold Girl looked the same, appearing pitifully wronged.
Lin Fan smiled. “No, I just want something fresh. You can’t always be the ones here every time I visit, can you? Otherwise, what’s the point of coming to a brothel? Don’t be sad. Next time, I’ll properly ‘touch’ you all again.”
“Wuwuwu…”
The two top courtesans, heartbroken, wiped their tears and left.
“Heh, these girls…” Lin Fan smiled, shrugging helplessly. Then he asked, “Nainai, can’t you bring a new batch?”
Yan Yushu snapped back to reality and quickly smiled. “Yes, yes, Master Lin, please wait a moment. I’ll arrange it right away.”
She left and closed the door.
Qin Si gave a thumbs up. “It’s still Master Lin’s charm. In the past, these top courtesans wouldn’t even let you touch them, let alone play with them. It’s all Master Lin’s charm.”
Lin Fan chuckled. Charm, my foot. Only those with desires in their hearts will unconditionally fulfill yours.
“Little Si, how much silver is left?”
“Seven hundred taels.”
“What? The food and drinks cost three hundred taels?”
“Yes.”
“This is a damned rip-off.”
“Master Lin, it’s very cheap already; there were discounts.”
Lin Fan patted Qin Si’s shoulder, making Qin Si feel extremely honored.
“Little Si, don’t worry tonight. Master Lin will try his best and strive to ‘touch’ back three hundred taels for you. This will ensure that the silver you spent on me is used where it’s needed most, not a single cent wasted.”
Lin Fan said with great enthusiasm.
Qin Si: …!?
Master Lin, why do I always feel like you want to ‘touch’ all the top courtesans in the brothel?
Soon, Yan Yushu returned with two top courtesans.
Upon seeing them, he exclaimed, “Oh, they’re exotic beauties, very fresh!”
Interesting.
Let’s go, let’s go.
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