Chapter 89: Look At You, Head Clouded Again, With His Temper, He’s Bound To Fall Hard Soon
“Let me go, you fucking let me go.”
The teahouse patrons stared blankly at the scene before them until the constables dragged the three former constables away by the back of their necks, then they gradually came to their senses.
“They really got arrested.”
“Nonsense, didn’t we see it with our own eyes?”
“Good arrest, I know those three guys, none of them are good.”
The patrons discussed and gossiped.
The events in Anzhou these past few days were truly one after another, as if a giant hand had turned Anzhou upside down.
At this time.
Qi Lianhai’s mansion.
Lin Fan personally led the team, with Ning Yu following; although she was assigned clerical work, she would follow no matter what when her master was acting.
No other meaning.
Just wanted to stay by her master’s side and learn how to become a true Public Security Bureau constable.
“Look at this mansion, so grand, so luxurious.” Lin Fan raised his hand pointing at the tall-walled courtyard with vermilion gates and copper rings, the stone lions at the door looking even more majestic.
Ning Yu agreed, “Master is right, this Qi Lianhai must be corrupt by nature, having taken who knows how much silver; as a Public Security Bureau squad leader in charge of law enforcement and punishment, once he has crooked thoughts, countless innocent common people will suffer.”
“Mm.” Lin Fan nodded, said no more, and strode toward the tightly shut vermilion-lacquered gate.
Under everyone’s gaze, he directly lifted his foot and kicked out fiercely.
Bang!!!
A loud bang, like thunder exploding!
The two seemingly thick and sturdy wooden doors collapsed inward like paper, crashing heavily to the ground and kicking up a cloud of dust!
The huge commotion instantly spread throughout the entire Qi mansion inside and out.
“Ning Yu, remember, when handling cases outside, momentum is the most important.” Lin Fan retracted his foot and calmly said to his disciple beside him.
Ning Yu seemed to understand, “Master, I get it, seize the initiative and deter the petty crooks.”
The followers behind had twitching corners of their mouths, holding back from speaking.
Miss, what do you understand?
Can a person kick that open?
The accompanying constables’ eyes widened, and the common people following to watch were the same, all deeply shocked by Chief Lin’s domineering kick.
They naturally knew whose home this was.
Each one harbored expectations, waiting for the result.
Among the common people, some had been framed by Qi Lianhai; they were relatives of the framed, and upon hearing Chief Lin had brought people to Qi Lianhai’s side, they immediately dropped what they were doing and hurried over.
Just to see Qi Lianhai arrested.
“Who are you?” The Qi mansion butler appeared with an unfriendly face; seeing the collapsed gate, he was furious, “You have some nerve, daring to cause trouble here, do you not know whose mansion this is?”
But when he saw that the group before him were all constables.
His face changed slightly, heart jolted.
He, as butler, how could he not know the recent events; his master had been completely stripped of position by the new Chief Lin, and even though his master was on the same side as the prefect and others, there were no countermeasures for now.
Lin Fan said, “Surround this place for me, don’t let even a fly escape.”
“Yes, Chief Officer.”
Ning Yu thought of the incident in Yong’an and spoke, “Master, I think we should assign a few to guard the back door, in case Qi Lianhai flees in fear of guilt through the back.”
“Mm, not bad, progress.” Lin Fan praised.
Receiving her master’s praise, Ning Yu beamed with joy, raised her little head proudly, and directed, “You, and you, guard the back door; if Qi Lianhai tries to run, take him down immediately; if he resists… greet him with knives.”
“Yes.”
The two constables who received orders hurried off.
At this time, the butler braced himself and stepped forward to Lin Fan, saying gravely, “Chief Lin, what is the meaning of this? Although my master has been removed from position, no matter what, that is still…”
Slap!!!
He raised his hand for a slap.
The butler felt a huge force hit him, spinning in place like a top for two turns, stars in his eyes, staggering back seven or eight steps, finally falling butt-first to the ground, half his face instantly swelling.
“Follow me in.”
He walked toward the inner hall.
Inside the hall.
Qi Lianhai sat uneasily on the grand tutor chair, holding a cup of long-cold tea, the exquisite snacks before him untouched.
Though forcing calm, the worry between his brows lingered.
He now couldn’t quite grasp the current situation.
It wasn’t fear, but no effective countermeasures had come from the assistant prefect or prefect side, leaving him uneasy.
Being removed from position was fine; the silver he’d amassed over the years was enough to squander.
Loss of power didn’t affect his prestige in Anzhou.
But who would willingly admit defeat?
Struggle has always been like this.
Wins and losses.
Until the final moment, no one could say for sure.
“Butler, butler…” Qi Lianhai set down his teacup and called; he’d heard the earlier commotion but didn’t take it to heart, planning to have the butler prepare two generous gifts, one for the assistant prefect, one for the prefect.
Hoping to get some news.
Suddenly, dense muffled footsteps came from outside the hall; he looked up, and upon seeing Lin Fan, he abruptly stood, eyes fixed deadly on the other.
Moments later.
Qi Lianhai sat back down, his restless hand on the tea table gripping the teacup, “What are you here for?”
He gripped the teacup creaking; his inner tension could only be masked by the object.
“Don’t be nervous; after all, you were once a squad leader.” Seeing Qi Lianhai fidgeting in fear, Lin Fan didn’t rush to arrest but eyed the hall’s furnishings, “Not bad, looks like you’ve pocketed plenty of silver; just this hall is so luxurious, if I didn’t know, I’d think this was some big shot’s place.”
As he spoke, he paced to the tea table, picked up a vase, toyed with it carefully, then tossed it casually; bang, the vase shattered, fragments scattering all over the floor.
Qi Lianhai watched Lin Fan, forcing calm.
“Chief Lin, I’ve been removed from position, I’m no longer with the Public Security Bureau; under broad daylight, uninvited, forcing into private residence—what crime is that under the law?”
“Fuck your mother.”
Lin Fan sneered, looking at him like an idiot.
“You…” Qi Lianhai’s face turned ashen from the curse.
Lin Fan said, “Did you forget what I said when you were removed? Even if you shed this uniform, don’t think you’re off the hook; I’ll dig up the case files to review, and by the time I came here, I’d already sent others to make arrests.”
“They’re not as lucky as you, still sitting here.”
Lin Fan stepped right up to Qi Lianhai, looking down indifferently.
Qi Lianhai swallowed hard, tension nearly spilling over, but years as official had honed a calm demeanor.
“Chief Lin, when I was squad leader, all cases I handled were just; don’t think you can frame and slander me.”
Qi Lianhai sensed this situation might be bad.
But no matter what.
He must hold steady.
Pat!
Lin Fan’s hand suddenly reached over, pressing lightly on Qi Lianhai’s head, rubbing back and forth like a ball.
“Look at you, human-looking dog-like, but your deeds aren’t human; still pretending in front of me.”
“Just? Fuck your just.”
Qi Lianhai: …
He hadn’t expected the other to curse outright, humiliating him with words.
Ning Yu listened intently beside, pondering; master’s curses must have meaning—to fiercely attack villains verbally, gradually breaking their mental defenses.
Mm… probably that.
“Lin Fan!”
Qi Lianhai finally reacted from the extreme humiliation, slamming the table and rising, trembling with rage, pointing at Lin Fan and roaring:
“Even as chief, I ask you to show some respect; I’m not someone you can curse at will; when I joined the Public Security Bureau, you were still in open-crotch pants playing in mud, fuck.”
Words just finished.
Lin Fan raised his hand for a slap on Qi Lianhai.
The slap rang loud.
It left him head turned, dazed on spot, mind blank, all thoughts scattered by the slap.
Lin Fan straightened Qi Lianhai’s head, lightly patting his face humiliatingly, smiling, “Hey, you’re right; maybe I was playing in mud then, but what I can say for sure is, I’m playing you now.”
Arrogant! Mad! Disdainful!
Ning Yu watched, fists clenched, body thrilled; this was her master’s powerful way of dealing with villains, suppressing with absolute justice.
At this moment, Qi Lianhai’s molars nearly ground to bits, trembling from fury.
He was truly enraged.
That ball of rage burned deep inside, hard to suppress.
“Master, master…” A flirtatious seductive woman appeared, spotting Lin Fan having slapped her master, charging forward like a tigress, “Who are you? Such nerve, daring to hit my master; do you know who he is?”
Lin Fan didn’t move.
But Ning Yu did; she stepped up to block, slapping the woman twice, angrily, “Shrew, Public Security Bureau handling case, how dare you be so brazen.”
The woman slumped to the ground from the slaps, clutching her face, looking terrified, casting pleading eyes to her master.
As if saying… Master, speak up.
Lin Fan gave Ning Yu an approving look.
Very good.
Learns fast.
Seeing Qi Lianhai speechless, just glaring angrily, Lin Fan waved, “Take them all away.”
“Yes.”
Constables stepped forward to cuff Qi Lianhai.
But Qi Lianhai angrily said, “I’ll walk myself.”
The new constables were deterred by Qi Lianhai’s momentum and truly didn’t dare act.
Lin Fan said, “What are you doing? You’re Public Security Bureau constables; this entire prefecture is under my management; facing criminals, you really let them do as they please?”
Hearing this.
Constables had no second thoughts, directly wrenching Qi Lianhai’s arms back, one hand pinching his nape.
“Let go of me.”
Qi Lianhai struggled, wanting some dignity.
Constable smacked his head angrily, “Behave, move again and you won’t like it.”
“You bastards.” Qi Lianhai flushed red with rage, wishing to chop them all.
Lin Fan said, “Ning Yu, leave a few here to guard, prohibit anyone moving things out.”
“Yes, master.”
Street.
Common people craned necks expectantly; seeing the figures emerge, they exclaimed.
“They’re out, they’re out.”
“That’s Qi Lianhai, he’s caught.”
“Master Lin, Chief Lin is awesome.”
Common people exclaimed, cheered, shouted.
Some held eggs, rotten veggies, wanting to hurl at Qi Lianhai, but feared hitting Master Lin or constables.
So they held back, just verbally lashing Qi Lianhai.
Qi Lianhai gritted teeth, head high, glaring furiously at surrounding common people—rabble, all rabble.
Slap!
Lin Fan caught Qi Lianhai’s gaze, couldn’t resist a heavy blow to his back of the head; before the common people, Qi Lianhai felt utter humiliation.
While common people boiled in cheers.
…
Prefect’s Mansion.
“Brother Qin, my Commander Qin, give me a straight answer, some advice; it’s chaos, Anzhou City is really in total chaos now.” Prefect Zhao had summoned Commander Qin early, hoping for a solution.
This Lin was too arrogant.
Completely torn face with him.
Last night’s restaurant incident, the more he thought the angrier; back home, he grabbed his soft whip and lashed his concubine hard, but still not vented.
Commander Qin contrasted sharply, calmly sitting on the grand tutor chair, leisurely lifting freshly served hot tea, uncovering the lid, gently blowing floating tea leaves, then sipping slowly, closing eyes to savor before nodding satisfied.
“Brother Zhao.” Commander Qin set down the teacup, tone even, “You and I officials for decades, what storms haven’t we seen? How come over one kid, you’re losing composure?”
He seemed concerned, but inwardly resolved not to meddle.
As military officer, his duty was training soldiers, guarding city; internal city matters hardly concerned him.
He’d specifically investigated Lin Fan.
This man was terrifying.
Also, that Ning Yu was Lin Fan’s disciple, their bond tight; he didn’t want city matters dragging him in.
He had big things to do, no interest in power struggles; win or lose, it’d dirty him.
Seeing Commander Qin’s indifferent look, Prefect Zhao fumed more, urgently:
“Brother Qin, easy for you to say; you saw that Lin, arrogant to extreme; last night he invited me to restaurant to talk, thinking he might soften, seeking ladder to ally for Anzhou security, but who knew he threatened me, to allocate treasury funds to Public Security Bureau, or kill me—what kind of thing is that?”
Commander Qin’s face stayed normal, but inwardly hard to stay calm.
He hadn’t expected the other so tough.
And seemed restless, a troublemaker.
“Young man, hot-blooded, impulsive inevitable.” Commander Qin weighed, slowly, “Moreover, Public Security Bureau oversees security of prefecture’s eight counties, half military; without decisive bloodiness, can’t hold scene; Brother Zhao, I think… better step back for now.”
“If it comes to life-or-death, outcome uncertain.”
Commander Qin naturally couldn’t tolerate arrogance.
If no skill yet arrogant, he’d surely show the consequences.
But this Lin Fan’s arrogance had strength.
Either dead-end fight.
Or endure.
“You want me to endure him?” Prefect Zhao was unwilling; long local emperor in Anzhou, others endured him, never him others.
Commander Qin earnestly, “Brother Zhao, we’ve known each other long; young days treading ice, step by step to now—don’t trip before youngsters in old age; think, don’t provoke him, he wants treasury silver, give it; he keeps Anzhou stable and prosperous, benefits you too.”
Prefect Zhao heard, rage slightly eased, brows furrowed, deep thought.
These words like cold water on his rage-clouded mind.
Commander Qin continued, “Heaven dooms one to ruin by first making mad; you just were, somewhat irrational; now calm, means opportunity still.”
“Want him miserable, I get.”
“But think, with his unrestrained, enemy-making nature, no need our hands; naturally tougher, deeper-backed will handle him; why rush, personally dive in, risk conflict without sure win?”
These were Commander Qin’s heartfelt words.
Not that he didn’t want Prefect Zhao in trouble.
But long worked together, mostly non-interfering, good for his own affairs.
So key moment, point a bit.
Those who become prefects have no major thought issues, solid big-picture view; mistakes usually hot-headed, rage-blinded.
Need outsider pull at key time.
“Brother Qin, you’re right.” Prefect Zhao pondered, gratefully eyed Commander Qin; indeed rage-blinded, “Then what about Ximen Family? That old guy’s been pressing me.”
Brother Qin smiled, “Brother Zhao, easy; Anzhou Chamber of Commerce huge, you think they rely on us? Who knows his backers; even imperial business he handles, right?”
Prefect Zhao suddenly realized.
Right.
“Brother Qin, all say military officers brutes; now I see your wisdom unmatched.” Prefect Zhao praised.
Commander Qin rolled eyes, “Don’t listen to those poor sour old farts; bunch of book-dumbed, mouthing ethics dog-fucks.”
Prefect Zhao: …
At this time, a figure rushed in.
Assistant Prefect Shang saw hall’s people, saluted prefect, greeted Commander Qin.
“What? So panicked early morning?” Prefect Zhao had premonition but asked.
Assistant Prefect Shang said, “Sir, bad; that guy’s gone mad, Public Security Bureau dug old case files, sent constables on mass arrests; Qi Lianhai and them caught, some constables too.”
“What? All past files, cases settled, what’s to arrest?” Prefect Zhao exclaimed.
Assistant Prefect Shang said, “He rejects those files; prisoners in prison unprocessed, he personally reviews each; now panic everywhere, arrested constables’ families come to me for help; what can I do, sir, help me.”
Prefect Zhao momentarily speechless.
Not unwilling.
But didn’t know what to say.
Commander Qin said, “Assistant Prefect Shang, go back first; this matter, I’ll think of way with Prefect Zhao.”
“Thank you, Commander.” Assistant Prefect Shang inwardly scared, feared implication.
After Assistant Prefect Shang left.
Prefect Zhao looked to Commander Qin, “Brother Qin, see, what’d I say; he wants total wipeout.”
Commander Qin pondered.
“Brother Zhao, I think you must abandon one.”
“Who?”
“Assistant Prefect Shang.”
Prefect Zhao deep breath, “Brother Qin, truly avoid his edge?”
Commander Qin shook head, “Not avoiding edge, but wise self-preservation, mind own business; his ties to Qi Lianhai too close; with Lin Fan’s arrest momentum, won’t spare Assistant Prefect Shang; and as your confidant, knows much about you.”
“Key is, who backs Ning Yu; why from fine in Yong’an suddenly to Anzhou total class, plus Loyal and Brave Colonel rank?”
Words woke dreamer.
Prefect Zhao abruptly rose, head low in thought, pacing, then looked to Commander Qin.
“You mean…”
He dared not think.
Commander Qin silent, just nodded.
Prefect Zhao deep breath, “I know what to do.”
…
Public Security Bureau, street.
Now packed, layers of common people surrounding watertight; scene just like initial in Yong’an, common people expectant.
Prison.
Dank and gloomy, air thick with mold.
“In you go.”
Lin Fan escorted Qi Lianhai into prison.
Truth be told, Anzhou worthy of name; prison huge, holds hundreds easily, even dozens more no issue.
“Qi Bantou.”
“Qi Bantou.”
Former constables in cells had clung to faint hope.
Hoping their Qi Bantou would find way to free them.
But seeing Qi Lianhai also arrested.
Felt sky fallen.
“Chief Lin, mercy; we’re wronged.”
“Wah… save me, don’t want locked here; who save me.”
Wails, pleas, sobs instantly filled cells.
Never thought such would happen.
When they were constables, strutted Anzhou like crabs, making paths where none.
“What shouting? Quiet.”
Xu Ming knocked cell bars with club, clanging loud, sternly barked.
Brought to interrogation room; three former squad leaders already bound on racks.
“Brother Qi…”
Three former squad leaders saw Qi Lianhai arrested too, pupils shrank, last blood drained from faces.
Among their four squad leaders.
Brother Qi highest status.
Closest ties to assistant prefect and prefect.
Even he caught meant prefect and assistant prefect couldn’t protect him.
Yang Ming and Xu Ming bound Qi Lianhai to rack.
After securing, Xu Ming fetched whip, respectfully handed to Lin Fan.
Lin Fan took whip, weighed in hand, wrist flexibly twisted, swung.
Pa!!!
Whip tip arced sharply in air, cracking harshly on ground.
“Not bad, perfect feel.”
Lin Fan nodded satisfied.
“Chief Lin, what do you want? For face, you as chief removed us, we accepted; why total wipeout?” Qi Lianhai looked up asked.
Lin Fan smiled, “Total wipeout? Word… inaccurate; rephrase.”
Words fell.
Lin Fan wrist flicked, whip like venomous snake lunging at Qi Lianhai’s body.
Pa!
Rip!
Clothes tore and flesh split almost simultaneous.
“Ah!!!”
Qi Lianhai issued inhuman shriek, body convulsing violently, chest instantly gash, blood quickly soaking clothes.
Echoed through prison, scaring caged ones trembling.
Likewise, Ximen Hai bound on rack in coma seemed to hear familiar voice, opened eyes to whip-holding Lin Fan, recalling prior ordeal, instantly pissed pants.
“Thought how to say?” Lin Fan asked.
Qi Lianhai sweated cold, lips quivering, squeezed through teeth, “You abuse private punishment… you extort confession.”
Lin Fan snorted, no more nonsense, swung whip nonstop; instantly whip cracks endless, shadows flying like storm on four former squad leaders.
Even coverage.
None spared.
Interrogation room filled only with whip-on-flesh thuds and ceaseless hair-raising screams.
Xu Ming and others watched learning; no whip in hand, but mimicked wrist twists, swinging imaginary whips.
Ning Yu watched intently, little face taut.
Learned much from master: face villains with momentum, kick doors for arrests, slap back for defiance—basics.
Back to prison interrogation, no questions first—torture; in master’s words.
Don’t let them harbor luck.
Must nip that psychology in cradle.
【Beginner Whip Technique proficiency +1】
…
With proficiency rising.
Lin Fan’s whip control grew stronger.
Unclear how long, whip sounds faded.
Originally clean whip now blood-drenched, dripping beads; Xu Ming took it, gave subordinate to rinse clean, dry outside.
Four former squad leaders couldn’t endure torture, heads lolled, all fainted, like mud puddles on racks.
Lin Fan to Ning Yu, “Ning Yu, know how they formerly tortured to coma then woke victims?”
Ning Yu said, “Master, I know; they poured salt water on wounds to pain-awake.”
“Mm, go use bucket salt water wake them, let them feel it.” Lin Fan said.
“Yes, master.” Ning Yu grabbed bucket.
Meanwhile master’s voice in ear.
“Against them, no mercy; if you think interrogating criminals too cruel, think how they treated innocent common people.”
“Any heinous villain under torment shows pitiable face, but their pity fake; if you can’t kill at once, they find chance, they’ll torment you tenfold thousandfold.”
Lin Fan’s voice soft slow, each word into her ears, heart.
“Yes, master, I won’t hold back.”
Ning Yu stepped forward, splashed hard; salt water on them, four fainted instantly shrieked.
Faces twisted, eyes bulged, madly struggled, chains rattling.
Lin Fan nonchalant.
To table, from pocket pulled Tiannanxing, set on table, munched like snacks, watching their agony.
“Chief Lin, mercy.”
“Chief Lin, let me go.”
Lin Fan smiled, “Sure, say things I don’t know, like who you colluded with, or did your former leading assistant prefect have you do anything?”
Though four in agony, at mention assistant prefect, minds cleared; none snitched.
Clearly still hoped.
Thought if endure.
Someone surely save them.
Lin Fan smiled, “Ning Yu, see how stubborn; these guys not worth pity; I see you trying wrist twists, want to try whip? Get one, greet them, practice.”
“Yes, master.” Ning Yu nervous yet expectant; gripping whip, felt indescribable power surge.
Ning Yu’s follower watched scene.
Master, if you saw miss’s current methods, you’d be shocked.
Too domineering.
Ning Yu unskilled with whip, swings lacked force, but pain on body still intense regardless.
Lin Fan took chance to rest, munch snacks.
“Ning Yu, use skill not brute force, transmit power to tip.”
“Yes, master.”
Ning Yu smart, strong learner; simple pointers, she grasped technique.
Just then.
Li Zhengdao appeared in prison; passing cells, shook head—these guys had their fun before, now suffering days here; no escape.
Recall Lin Fan’s methods; leaving Yong’an, any capital crimes got swift mass execution, heads rolling.
“Deputy Squad Leader Li has business?” Lin Fan asked.
Li Zhengdao respectfully, “Chief, prefect sent people with treasury silver.”
“Hm?”
Lin Fan surprised; thought prefect stubborn withhold silver; who knew without going, Prefect Zhao sent it.
Beyond expectations.
“Ning Yu, continue; I’ll check outside.” Lin Fan rose, instructed, walked out.
Li Zhengdao’s gaze on four former squad leaders, blinking—world unpredictable.
Once lofty squad leaders now prisoners.
Seeing this, Li Zhengdao grateful for his situation; due to transfer, let Lin Fan run wild, ignored Yong’an Public Security Bureau.
If dutiful then, probably done for too.
Thinking this.
Inexplicably thankful ancestors blessed.
…
Courtyard.
Lin Fan spotted treasury official, some guard soldiers, large wooden box beside.
“Colonel Sir.” Official saw Lin Fan, smiling respectfully forward.
Chief rank below colonel, so address by higher.
Lin Fan smiled, “Hard work.”
“No trouble, serving Colonel Sir is this official’s honor; Prefect Zhao ordered silver delivery, all here, total two thousand taels; please inspect.”
First time seeing Colonel Lin, but his name thundered; domineering style spread in Anzhou; treasury silver prefect-controlled, though even he needed process to withdraw, but in Anzhou, Prefect Zhao was heaven.
Prefect agrees, silver direct.
Said, official opened box.
Lin Fan eyed silver in box, asked, “Prefect have words for you to bring?”
Official said, “Yes; Prefect Sir says Colonel Lin exhausts for Anzhou security, gives much; as prefect, public and private, should fully support; specially noted, if silver insufficient, Colonel Sir just send word, treasury timely allocate.”
“Heh.”
Lin Fan chuckled lightly.
Recalled last night Prefect Zhao at restaurant, looking to devour him; just one night, attitude 180 turn?
Someone advised him.
“Colonel Lin, no other orders, this official takes leave?” Official cautiously asked.
“Wait.” Lin Fan stopped him, turned quick to office, soon out with stamped official document, “This, take back to file.”
Official glanced—official doc stating treasury silver use and amount.
“Colonel Lin, no need these.”
“No, rules by rules, process essential, avoid later gossip.”
“Yes, Colonel Sir thorough; this official accepts.” Official carefully stowed doc, saluted again, then led soldiers from Public Security Bureau.
“Qian Tao, Wu Yong.” Lin Fan called.
Two hurried over.
Lin Fan pointed box, “Move this to storage.”
“Yes, sir.”
Two lifted, felt heavy—such is silver’s weight?
Afternoon.
Public Security Bureau got uninvited guest.
Woman claiming Assistant Prefect Shang’s wife arrived crying shouting, big commotion; Lin Fan frowned over, hearing she said Assistant Prefect Shang hanged at home.
First thought: murdered.
Ning Yu rubbed chin, eyes wise glow, “Master, I think Assistant Prefect Shang surely killed; those guys all his, their deeds he shared; and above him someone, to not blow up, he got offed.”
Clear as day.
Short of dragging Prefect Zhao to Public Security Bureau for interrogation: did you kill Assistant Prefect Shang?
“Call a few to go with me.” Lin Fan said.
“Yes, master.”
Arriving Assistant Prefect Shang’s residence, met Prefect Zhao at door.
Lin Fan eyed Prefect Zhao; unexpected, Prefect Zhao saw him not angry, but grief-stricken, “Colonel Lin, how’d this happen.”
“Prefect Zhao, world unpredictable; better go in see.” Lin Fan said.
“Good.”
Prefect Zhao showed heartbroken.
Expression spot-on, no fake, as if truly saddened by Assistant Prefect Shang’s death.
Mansion shrouded in oppressive silence; servants ashen-faced, heads bowed hands low, not daring breath; master’s sudden suicide brought huge panic.
To study room, Assistant Prefect Shang’s hanging spot.
Enter room, saw Assistant Prefect Shang still in noose; dead, no rush lower.
Hanged Assistant Prefect Shang in brand-new official robe, clearly new; hair neat.
Rather like… carefully prepared, calmly met death.
Lin Fan to beside nearly fainting crying Madam Shang, Assistant Prefect Shang’s wife, “When did you discover?”
“Sir, half hour ago; came to study room bring soup, pushed door, saw this.” Madam Shang sobbed, extreme grief, “What do we do now.”
Lin Fan observed; study room tidy, no fight signs.
At this time.
Investigator and coroner hurried.
“This lowly one greets Prefect Sir, Colonel Sir.” Two respectfully saluted.
Lin Fan knew their roles.
Specialists for scene checks, technical.
Lin Fan said, “Trouble you two check thoroughly, see if Assistant Prefect Shang suicide or murder.”
“Lowly one obeys, will exhaust to find truth.”
Investigator cupped fists accepted, eyed coroner; both gloved, tools out, carefully entered scene to inspect.
Lin Fan glanced Prefect Zhao.
Saw Prefect Zhao standing, staring beam corpse, eyes glazed, face mixed shock, regret, trace… disbelief; as if scene exceeded his expectation.
Could it be real suicide?
Lin Fan pondered inwardly, but no result yet, couldn’t decide.
