Chapter 82: Glory Is Never Hoarded Alone; I Will Surely Grant You All Glory
“Heads! Heads! They’re all bloody big heads!”
Xu Ming and the constables pushed the cart off the boat, and a thick bloody smell hit them in the face.
On the cart, heads were piled up in a messy heap.
From afar, it looked like they were selling melons.
The onlookers among the common people fell silent in an instant, then all drew in sharp breaths.
“Oh my dear mother… I’m definitely having nightmares tonight.” A man rubbed his arms, goosebumps breaking out all over his body.
“Nonsense, these past two or three days, we’ve seen more heads than I’ve seen my wife, and if that doesn’t give nightmares, I’d be damned.”
“Is your wife scarier than dead heads?”
“Don’t talk nonsense, it’ll easily cause family conflicts.”
Xu Ming and the others pushed the cart to the wharf, then stood straight beside it, as if displaying the spoils of this operation.
More constables carried big and small boxes down.
Lin Fan looked at the surrounding common people and said loudly: “Fellow villagers, after our Public Security Bureau fought fearlessly against the sea bandits on Tianxian Island, we annihilated all 135 sea bandits. Bandit leader Liu Tong was killed on the spot. From now on, Yong’an will be stable and peaceful, with no more bandit troubles.”
His voice was loud and spread far.
Deafening cheers erupted from the crowd, the sound waves almost breaking through the clouds.
The Public Security Bureau’s prestige had now reached its peak.
Ning Yu stood proudly beside her master. Although she hadn’t fought—no, none of the constables had fought—but facing the cheers from the common people, her heart was filled with great satisfaction.
Before she came to Yong’an.
She had interned at other Public Security Bureaus, but compared to here, they were completely incomparable.
She felt that in Yong’an.
Following beside her master, she deeply felt the honor and responsibility of being a constable.
Lin Fan said to Zhou County Magistrate: “Is your mood going up and down? Very stimulating, right?”
“Yes.” Zhou County Magistrate nodded repeatedly.
No need to mention how stimulating it was.
Lin Fan laughed: “Stimulating is right. My brothers fought tooth and nail, exhausted themselves, and haven’t even eaten dinner yet. How are you going to arrange it?”
Zhou County Magistrate didn’t dare slack off at all and hurriedly said: “Xianwei Tower, how about that?”
“Alright, you’re too generous.”
Lin Fan smiled. Soon, Li Dian Shi arrived after hearing the news. When he saw these heads, the way he looked at Lin Fan was like looking at a ghost or god.
Although this group of constables had turned over a new leaf under Lin Fan’s leadership and started anew, how could he not know that without Lin Fan stepping in, with these constables’ abilities, it would be lucky if they returned with whole corpses.
He… how terrifying was he exactly?
In his heart, Li Dian Shi ranked Lin Fan as the person he absolutely could not provoke in his lifetime. If Lin Fan clashed with his future direct superior.
Even hesitating for a second would be disrespecting his own life.
……
Night.
Restaurant booked out.
Extremely noisy.
In the private room, Zhou County Magistrate kept toasting cup after cup. Lin Fan sat relaxed in the main seat, with some snacks Tiannanxing beside his bowl and chopsticks. He would crack a few, then take a sip of wine.
“Zhou County Magistrate, don’t sleep peacefully tonight. As agreed, write up the merit commendation document properly. You know how to phrase it.” Lin Fan said.
“Understood, don’t worry, I know how to write it. It’ll be written beautifully.” Zhou County Magistrate nodded like a chick pecking rice.
Li Dian Shi on the side listened, feeling as uncomfortable as if clawed by a cat.
He had originally wanted to claim some merit, but now Lin Fan’s wings were fully grown. He couldn’t get any of this merit, but he really wanted to leave his name.
Thinking of this.
He tentatively asked: “Lin Ban Tou, can you let me leave my name too?”
Lin Fan said: “Li Dian Shi, do you think it’s necessary? You’ve already been promoted. Why leave your name? Look at me and my brothers here—we’ve been miserable this time. I want to lead them to progress, so this merit can’t be divided casually. How about this: next time, I’ll definitely bring you along.”
With the current merit, he could divide it if he wanted, and if he didn’t want to give it to someone, no one could take it.
Li Dian Shi sighed inwardly, “Alright, then next time, don’t forget me.”
Lin Fan said: “Li Dian Shi, to be honest, I’m protecting you. This operation involves a lot. If the sea bandits making armor and the Tie Ye Office privately selling iron ingots gets exposed, Yong’an’s officialdom right now would definitely be thoroughly cleaned out.”
Zhou County Magistrate and Li Dian Shi nodded in agreement.
That was indeed the case.
Lin Fan continued: “This time on Tianxian Island, there was a guy claiming to be from Anzhou Commander’s people.”
Hearing this.
Their pupils contracted.
The hands holding the wine cups trembled suddenly.
Commander’s people?
How could Commander’s people be mixed in with the sea bandits?
At this moment, they only felt their heads buzzing, their brains throbbing with pain.
They had been in officialdom, seeking only stability.
But this matter made them tremble with fear.
This wouldn’t involve rebellion, would it?
If so, people would die.
Li Dian Shi was so scared his hands shook.
Zhou County Magistrate’s face was ashen white, his back instantly soaked with cold sweat.
Lin Fan took in their fear completely and reassured: “It’s fine, no one knows that guy was from the Commander. His head was smashed to pieces by me and thrown into the sea to feed the fish. From now on, there’s no such person in this world.”
Zhou County Magistrate and Li Dian Shi were now tied to this matter.
But no one would point it out.
Unless they exposed it themselves.
Zhou County Magistrate thought of Hao Fei and Cao Liang in the prison. If those two were still alive.
He wouldn’t be able to eat or sleep in peace.
“Lin Ban Tou, how to deal with Hao Fei and Cao Liang?”
He now saw Lin Fan as his backbone.
Lin Fan said: “What else? Death sentence for sure. You and Li Dian Shi discuss it properly. The matter of privately selling iron ingots to sea bandits for making armor naturally can’t be stated truthfully, but you can link them to Sun Xiao’s matters, make it solid, and execute them.”
The suggestion was given.
It depended on whether they were anxious.
Zhou County Magistrate was definitely anxious.
“Lin Ban Tou, I understand. I’ve discussed it with Brother Li. Now the evidence is conclusive. To avoid prolonged delays, tomorrow we’ll drag them to Caishi Mouth and behead them.”
“Good.”
Lin Fan smiled.
He was indifferent to it.
Now, the most panicked were Zhou County Magistrate and Li Dian Shi.
They exchanged a glance and nodded tacitly.
……
The next day!
County Office and Public Security Bureau jointly posted the notice.
The common people noticed new content on the announcement board.
They all ran over to watch.
Literate common people were shocked by the content on the list and exclaimed: “Shocking, truly shocking. Chen Qingshan, Sun Xiao, and others’ crimes are simply heinous.”
The Hundred Day Operation up to now.
Had listed all their crimes.
The common people watching gnashed their teeth.
They hated to tear them apart.
“What else does it say? Read it quick, I can’t read, it’s killing me.”
Illiterate ones were eager to know.
“Oh man, so many crimes, can’t explain them all at once, but… my god.”
“What now? Another big event?”
“Just say it already.”
Wanting the gossip but illiterate—this situation was maddening.
That person took a deep breath and read loudly: “The notice says, criminals Cao Liang, Sun Xiao, Hao Fei—evidence conclusive, extreme evil warrants execution! Sentenced to immediate beheading! At noon today, at Caishi Mouth, behead and display heads!”
“Ah…”
The onlookers exclaimed in shock.
Unexpectedly, the first batch to be beheaded were Cao Liang and Sun Xiao, once Yong’an’s big shots.
As for Hao Fei, he was automatically ignored by the common people.
After all, he wasn’t some famous guy.
No one cared about him.
……
Prison.
They, locked in the prison, had long grown accustomed to the smell here.
“Brother Cao, you’re from the Anzhou Chamber of Commerce. When are they coming to save you?” Master Hu’s voice was hoarse, mentally exhausted, eyes sunken, aged ten years in just a few days.
Used to a life of luxury.
How could he endure such torment?
He couldn’t take it.
He truly hadn’t expected Lin Fan to be so arrogant. He had gone to great lengths and expense to invite the Director from Anzhou, who turned out useless—not only failed to save his son, but got himself locked up too.
Cao Liang slowly raised his head, “Soon, very soon. You can never understand how massive the Anzhou Chamber of Commerce is. A mere Public Security Bureau squad leader is an ant shaking a tree. When he sees the Chamber’s true power, I want him kneeling begging for mercy, paying the most painful price.”
“I want him dead…”
When tortured.
He confessed quickly, but confession or not, he always had full confidence in the Chamber.
Those who haven’t dealt with the Chamber can never understand.
Their Anzhou Chamber dominated Anzhou Prefecture single-handedly, with huge influence covering surrounding county towns.
And officials closely tied to their Chamber were countless.
A mere squad leader wasn’t even worth a fart.
“I’m innocent, I’m innocent…”
Sun Xiao seemed possessed, hands gripping the bars, wailing from time to time, voice miserable.
Chen Qingshan was annoyed by the noise and angrily shouted: “Sun Xiao, have you been scared dumb by that Lin guy? Innocent? Innocent of what? We’re in this line, we’ve long had our heads on our belts. Death is death—eighteen years later, another good man.”
Those locked in the prison were all prominent figures.
All had status in Yong’an.
The low-level thugs caught earlier had some sent to the County Office Dungeon to serve sentences.
At this time, heavy and clear footsteps came from the prison entrance.
Xu Ming, Yang Ming, and Qian Tao walked in, carrying rice bowls topped with heaps of rice and a chicken leg each.
Qian Tao silently opened Hao Fei’s cell door, went in, and placed the meal in front of Hao Fei.
“Eat.”
Qian Tao’s voice was emotionless.
Hao Fei, locked here and starving, crawled over quickly, grabbed the chicken leg, and tore into it ravenously.
At the interrogation side.
Xu Ming and Yang Ming stood before Sun Xiao and Cao Liang respectively, holding chicken legs to their mouths.
Smelling the aroma, Sun Xiao ate big mouthfuls.
Cao Liang sneered disdainfully and cursed: “Get lost, this crap doesn’t deserve to be in front of me. Even dogs wouldn’t eat it. Get lost!”
Xu Ming said nothing, eyes cold. He suddenly gripped Cao Liang’s jaw, forcing his mouth open, and roughly shoved the chicken leg in with his other hand.
“Woo woo woo…” Cao Liang choked, eyes rolling back, struggling fiercely.
Liu Lao San drooled and shouted loudly: “Why don’t we get the same treatment? I want chicken leg too!”
Xu Ming turned his head, glanced coldly at Liu Lao San, a mocking smirk on his lips. “What’s the rush? You’ll get your share soon enough.”
With that, he ignored Liu Lao San.
“Eat up quick! Finish and get on your way. Miss the beheading time and it’ll be bad.”
At these words.
Sun Xiao, who was wolfing it down, suddenly widened his eyes. His mouth full of chicken hung open, looking incredulously at Xu Ming.
Urp~
Sun Xiao’s stomach churned, and he vomited up all the chicken. “Impossible! How? I’m innocent! I didn’t privately make armor, I didn’t send killers after him. I’m innocent!”
Cao Liang’s face went deathly pale. “How? I’m from the Anzhou Chamber of Commerce. You can’t do this. I want to see the Prefect! I want to see the Prefect!”
He hadn’t expected Lin Fan to actually want to behead him.
No matter how they shouted, it was useless.
Yang Ming said: “Time to take them to the execution ground.”
“Mm.”
Xu Ming nodded.
In the cell, Hao Fei naturally knew the meaning of this meal. Though terrified like them, he knew his crimes meant he couldn’t escape death.
He just wanted to die full, not hungry.
Qian Tao didn’t rush him, watching the wretched Hao Fei calmly. This guy used to be an official, not someone common people could offend.
Who could’ve thought it would end like this?
When Xu Ming and Yang Ming unlocked Cao Liang and Sun Xiao’s shackles, Sun Xiao’s cries of innocence grew louder. Cao Liang lost his earlier confidence, legs weak, about to collapse.
“Move, don’t play dead. Knew this day would come—why act so arrogant and bully others back then? This is the result of your endless evil.”
Out of the prison.
Blinding sunlight hit them, making them instinctively close their eyes, dizzy.
They greedily breathed fresh air.
Lin Fan was already waiting at the door with hands behind his back, a group of constables ready and waiting.
The street was packed tight with common people who rushed over upon hearing the news, heads jostling.
“They’re out! Sun Xiao’s out!”
“Look! That’s Cao Liang!”
The common people exclaimed.
Whoosh! Whoosh!
Gaze after gaze locked onto Sun Xiao and the others. Seeing their wretched state, the common people felt much emotion—the once high-and-mighty bigwigs now so pathetic and miserable.
Greatly satisfying, truly greatly satisfying.
Cao Liang struggled and shouted: “Lin Fan, you can’t kill me! I’m a Chamber member. You have no right to judge me!”
Sun Xiao despaired, crying and wailing with snot and tears: “Lin Ban Tou, I’m innocent! It wasn’t me who sent killers after you…”
“So noisy!” Lin Fan frowned irritably and waved. “Stuff their mouths. Their ghost wailing and wolf howling is annoying.”
No cloth on hand for gagging. As Yang Ming was about to fetch some, Wu Yong decisively took off his shoe, peeled off his sock, balled it up, and stuffed it into their mouths.
Urp~
Urp~
The mix of sweat and foot stench made Cao Liang and Sun Xiao’s stomachs churn, retching in agony.
“Wu Yong, your brain’s quick.” Lin Fan praised.
Wu Yong grinned.
No choice.
Opportunities to shine were scarce now—everyone around was too competitive. For any task, four or five would scramble. Even if you tried, you couldn’t grab a chance.
“Move out, to the execution platform.”
Lin Fan waved grandly.
The constables escorted the three forward.
Onlookers surged like tides around the Public Security Bureau constables, murmurs and cheers blending. In the past, they wouldn’t dare say such things.
But now, they weren’t afraid at all.
……
Execution platform.
Li Dian Shi and Zhou County Magistrate sat there.
Sun Xiao and the others were forced to kneel on the platform. Three burly executioners held beheading knives, standing murderously beside them, exuding an oppressive pressure.
Cao Liang trembled, pants wet, a puddle of unidentified liquid on the ground.
He kept looking toward the distant street, hoping to see Chamber people at this critical moment.
Zhou County Magistrate kept glancing at the sky, inwardly anxious, feeling time was up—no need to be exact.
“Time’s up, behead.”
Zhou County Magistrate took a vermilion brush and circled the list.
The executioners raised their knives high. Sun Xiao and Cao Liang’s fear peaked; their ears rang, all surrounding noise vanished, only their heartbeats audible.
The executioners brought down the blades.
The world spun.
Sun Xiao and the others felt themselves spinning in the sky. Thud—the heads hit the ground. Their last sight was that all-too-familiar headless corpse.
“Good!!!”
“Well beheaded!!!”
The common people boiled over. Seeing Sun Xiao and others’ heads chopped off released their pent-up excitement.
Zhou County Magistrate suddenly breathed a sigh of relief.
The big trouble was finally solved.
Great.
Truly great.
From a distant pavilion, Qin Si watched the platform with a teacup. As blades fell and heads rolled, his cup clinked loudly.
“Fourth Master, you alright?” Peng Chang asked.
“N-No… fine.” Qin Si swallowed, face pale with fear. He hadn’t expected Sun Xiao to be publicly beheaded, let alone Cao Liang killed.
This was completely disregarding the Anzhou Chamber of Commerce.
Truth be told.
His feeling toward Lin Fan was still fear and awe.
……
Several days later.
Common people’s lives returned to calm, but an unprecedented sense of security permeated the streets.
The impact of that beheading was profound and huge. Yong’an was now safer than ever.
Those previous local ruffians strutting and bullying were like evaporated from the mortal world.
Hardly any seen.
At this time, a red merit list was posted in the city. Common people gathered to look. The list praised those who suppressed Stone Dragon Mountain bandits and sea bandits, meticulously written by clerks, wording precise and rigorous.
Names, origins, positions, specific merits of the honored were clearly listed. The praise and comments nearly exalted them to the heavens.
The red list used bright red gold-sprinkled paper, looking very grand.
Public Security Bureau entrance.
Even more grand.
Constables and wharf brothers all stood tall, neatly arrayed, faces beaming with excitement, more thrilled than marrying a wife.
Lin Fan smiled at them. As promised, to give his brothers face and honor, he wouldn’t deceive them.
“Brothers, this time you’ve earned merit in bandit suppression. Public Security Bureau and County Office reward merit fairly. Zhou County Magistrate said such merit deserves more than simple rewards—it must be grand.”
Zhou County Magistrate, heart matter resolved, was radiant and spirited.
With Lin Fan’s nod.
Zhou County Magistrate said loudly.
“Drape the red!”
As words fell, red silk was draped over them.
The draped brothers felt blood boiling; some eyes reddened. Especially the wharf brothers—when had they ever had such treatment?
Think it ended there?
Far from it.
Zhou County Magistrate said: “Gongs and drums ahead, band plays, parade begins.”
Words fell.
“Clang! Clang! Clang!”
Bailiffs struck copper gongs forcefully, sound booming across directions.
Band played deafening music, gongs and drums lively. Several County Office bailiffs held official plaques, leading the way.
Constables and wharf brothers followed proudly behind.
Spectacle full, pomp maxed.
Parade moved slowly; streets emptied for it.
Common people were drawn out.
Meanwhile, loud-voiced bailiffs in the parade read the red list, spreading their merits so all knew the purpose.
Common people buzzed with talk.
“Impressive, these Public Security Bureau constables are amazing.”
“All thanks to Master Lin’s management.”
“Right, take those Jili Wharf guys—who’d believe they dared fight sea bandits to the death? Really underestimated them before.”
“All heroes. Yong’an having Master Lin and these good constables is the common people’s fortune.”
Constables and wharf brothers felt the hot gazes from all sides, deafening cheers making their steps light.
They tried hard to stay serious.
But couldn’t suppress their grins.
They knew this was all thanks to Lin Ban Tou.
Though they joined the bandit and sea bandit actions, they hadn’t helped at all—just cleaned up. Yet the squad leader elevated them, letting common people see them as heroes.
“Master, I feel my blood boiling.” Ning Yu was thrilled by the atmosphere.
Lin Fan said: “This is popular support. So we must act with conscience and bottom line. Oppose the common people, and you’ll be despised. They may be uneducated, ignorant of big principles, but if you’re good to them, they feel your help.”
Ning Yu nodded, deeply agreeing, then said: “But I heard before that troublemakers don’t deserve sympathy. They’re shortsighted, throwing tantrums over petty gains. Gotta be tough on them.”
“Who said that?”
“When I first joined Public Security Bureau, a squad leader told me.”
“Damn, if I meet him, let me know. I’ll deal with him.”
“Mm-hmm…” Ning Yu nodded.
Lin Fan said: “Common people are people, not saints. What you call petty gains may decide their livelihood, feeding and clothing a family. Those calling them petty? Their ‘big gains’ are petty to me too. Bunch of crooked officials—not cutting them down won’t do.”
Ning Yu pondered, “Mm, Master makes sense.”
The follower beside.
Pondered Lin Fan’s words.
Damn right, that’s the truth.
Different levels see different petty gains.
As bystanders, it’s easy to talk.
Parade continued; whole city knew.
A long while later.
The parade reached shantytown. Among wharf brothers, Da Peng’s mouth hung open—he hadn’t expected it to pass his home. But soon, he sensed something off.
The parade stopped at his doorstep.
Gongs and drums drew neighbors out.
Seeing the scene, they were puzzled.
“Isn’t this Da Peng’s home?”
“What’s this for? Gongs and drums—did Da Peng get in trouble?”
Neighbors puzzled.
In their view, Da Peng was a quiet gourd since childhood, timid, not bright—doomed to mediocrity.
At the noise, Da Peng’s parents and younger brother and sister came out confused. Seeing the spectacle, their eyes filled with fear.
The loud-voiced bailiff shouted: “Ding Peng participated in Public Security Bureau’s Hundred Day Operation, earned merit suppressing Tianxian Island sea bandits. Here to congratulate his heroic deeds.”
At these words.
Surroundings stunned.
Huh?
He joined bandit suppression?
What joke?
Da Peng’s family also dumbfounded, staring blankly, never imagining this.
Zhou County Magistrate walked up smiling warmly, gripped Da Peng’s father’s hand cordially. “Brother, you raised a fine son. Da Peng was brave and fearless in this suppression, great merit. He’s Yong’an County’s hero. This magistrate comes personally with the list to congratulate.”
He handed over a big red list with only Ding Peng’s name and merits.
Da Peng’s parents stood stunned, as if frozen, unable to accept this.
In their hearts, son was filial but mediocre.
Now someone says he earned great merit—how to bear it?
Da Peng’s younger brother and sister jumped happily, tugging parents’ clothes. “Dad, Mom, brother’s a hero!”
The old couple finally snapped back.
Da Peng’s mother trembled with excitement, tears surging, wiping with sleeve nonstop. Which parents don’t want their son successful?
Da Peng’s father voice shaking: “County Magistrate, you… mean our Da Peng?”
Zhou County Magistrate laughed: “Absolutely true. Can’t be fake. Brother, don’t believe? Look if it’s your son.”
From the parade.
Da Peng took a deep breath, calmed, walked out. Draped in red silk, chest out, spirited. In parents’ eyes, this son seemed unfamiliar, greatly changed.
“My god, it’s really Da Peng.”
“Da Peng suppressed bandits, great merit. His family must have smoking ancestral grave.”
“County Magistrate personally here—what honor.”
“Blind? Didn’t see Master Lin too? Da Peng was Master Lin’s subordinate before. Master Lin doesn’t forget, promotes him—Da Peng’s soaring now.”
“I bet Old Wang regrets it. Back then matchmaking, Old Wang scorned Da Peng’s poor family, gang low-level thug, wouldn’t have him. Now Old Wang’s guts must be green with regret.”
Neighbors’ faces full of envy.
Da Peng stood before parents, seeing their faces shine like never before, hearing neighbors’ unprecedented praise. A hot surge rushed in his chest, nose souring, vision blurring.
He raised his hand, wiped eyes hard with the red silk.
He wanted to be parents’ pride.
Make parents proud of him.
But before, he tried hard yet achieved nothing.
Now he saw pride in parents’ eyes, adoration in siblings’—never before.
Lin Fan and Ning Yu watched aside, smiling warmly. He hoped his brothers lived well.
Same words.
Glory—I, Lin Fan, won’t hog it. You’ll share the glory and dignity it brings.
“Dad, Mom, everything I have now is Brother Lin’s nurturing. All from Brother Lin.”
Finished, Da Peng looked at Lin Fan, about to kneel, but Lin Fan held him up.
Lin Fan smiled: “What nurturing? This is all your own effort.”
Then he looked at Da Peng’s parents.
“Da Peng’s excellent, works nimbly. Quiet, sure, but hardworking. I’ve seen it all.”
Da Peng’s parents gratefully: “Thanks Master Lin for leading our Da Peng. Thanks Master Lin.”
How could they not know Master Lin?
Da Peng often came home talking most about Master Lin, eyes shining bright.
Never seen their child so unstoppable about Master Lin.
Zhou County Magistrate beside felt helpless.
Hey Da Peng, thank this magistrate a bit too. This event, start to finish, I footed the bill alone.
Can’t make the payer feel snubbed.
Since you won’t say, as magistrate, I’ll prompt.
Zhou County Magistrate patted Da Peng’s father’s hand gently: “Brother, anything needed later, tell me. As county magistrate, I’ll satisfy the common people.”
“Thanks County Magistrate.”
Facing thanks.
Zhou County Magistrate smiled.
Many still in parade, didn’t linger long—moved on.
Da Peng’s family at door, watched departing parade, long unable to recover.
“Dad, Mom, I’ll work hard from now.” Da Peng said.
“Yes yes…”
Da Peng’s parents overjoyed, especially father carefully unfolding the precious red list. Illiterate, but knew it held his child’s deeds.
He stroked it gently, like a rare treasure.
Siblings touched brother’s red silk, little faces glowing unprecedentedly.
Da Peng patted siblings’ heads.
He knew family life would improve.
Neighbors crowded congratulating, good words overwhelming the family.
……
Until dusk neared.
Finally perfected the event.
Constables and wharf brothers thrilled, but Lin Fan exhausted. Of course, most exhausted was Zhou County Magistrate—lips and smiles nonstop.
Speaking softest words, yet thanks all to Lin Fan.
Nearly made Zhou County Magistrate spit blood.
He found parents of constables and wharf brothers uniformly excited: their kid actually succeeded. Constable parents most obvious.
“Master, I’m exhausted.” Ning Yu rubbed waist and calves.
Lin Fan laughed: “You’re weak, need more training.”
“Alright.” Ning Yu helpless.
Lin Fan said: “Getting late, head back. Lots tomorrow.”
“See you Master.” Ning Yu waved, left with follower.
Now, Lin Fan to Zhou County Magistrate: “Merit document sent?”
“Sent, long ago. Takes time.”
“Mm.”
Lin Fan interested in progress.
Zhou County Magistrate hesitated, said: “But Master Lin, prepare ahead. This merit goes layer by layer; fear some blind ones will take your share.”
“No matter, let them greedy. Better pray they never meet me.” Lin Fan smiled.
But that smile, in Zhou County Magistrate’s eyes.
Was terrifying.
Felt like murder.
He hoped superiors had eyes, not greedy for merit.
But possible?
Officialdom’s like that.
Court issues peeled layer by layer, merits too—unless world-shaking, no… even then, bold officials want a cut.
Long accustomed.
Zhou County Magistrate saluted, cupped fists, left.
Lin Fan expectant what benefits merit brought. Then, not home—instead to sworn sister’s.
Hall.
“Little brother, well done. Sister now goes out with face.” Wang Shi watched sworn brother drink chicken soup, full smile.
Lin Fan smiled: “Sis, this nothing. Watch later, make you most faced.”
Wang Shi smiled, truly happy from heart at sworn brother’s achievements.
Then rose, left on her own. Knew sworn brother and husband had business.
“Gang leader position easy?” Lin Fan asked.
Wang Changhai weakly: “Easy my ass, busy to death. Look my eyes, blackened. Too much, can’t handle.”
If choice.
Wang Changhai preferred wharf hall master over Loyalty Hall gang leader. Too few usable hands, matters a mess.
Mainly those guys’ stalls post-arrest too big.
Not mentioning others, kiln alleys.
Many relied on it for living.
They sell willingly. Can’t stop them—how live?
This area Wang Changhai’s blind spot.
He didn’t know operations.
So, exhausting.
Lin Fan said: “Hall Master, Yong’an needs stable order. Everyone eating from Loyalty Hall has families behind. Can’t chaos, no matter what.”
“Fierce Tiger Gang’s stalls there too—you take over.”
Wang Changhai glared: “Better kill me. I’m one man—this’ll end me.”
Lin Fan pondered, suddenly thought: “Right, where’s Sun Xiao’s Butler Li?”
“Him? Still around, but after Sun Xiao’s crimes known, dared not touch Fierce Tiger Gang assets. Especially after Sun Xiao beheaded days ago, even lower key. Now street-stalling, writing for people.” Wang Changhai said.
Lin Fan said: “Butler Li has skills. Tomorrow bring him to Public Security Bureau, I’ll talk. Have him manage for you.”
“Fine.”
Wang Changhai indifferent.
In Yong’an now, Lin Fan’s word most weight.
So, no fear of greedy hands, like seizing gang leader—no use, can’t escape Lin Fan.
Chen Qingshan tough?
Sun Xiao strong?
One beheaded, one jailed?
Chatted a bit.
“Sis, I’m off.” Lin Fan rose, called to back hall, walked out.
“Leaving so early? Stay longer?”
“No, late. Busy tomorrow. Next time.”
“Alright. Tomorrow what? Sis’ll make and send.”
“Same as usual. Oh, Ning Yu wants braised fish, says you do it best.” Lin Fan said.
Since Ning Yu at Public Security Bureau, noon meals basically his rice. Lunch by sworn sis, boxed to Bureau.
“Good, good. Little girl’s picky—knows my best is braised fish.” Wang Shi laughed.
“Off.”
Lin Fan left.
After gone.
Wang Shi to Wang Changhai: “Husband, us sleep too.”
“Madam, spare me. Exhausted, wanna sleep, ok?”
Wang Changhai truly no stray thoughts.
Felt body drained by gang trifles.
Sometimes, wanted to be ordinary man.
