Chapter 93: Are You Even Human? Even Scamming A Poor Official Like Me
Pingcheng County.
The bandit suppression team returned triumphantly.
When they left, all the constables, including Mao Xiang, were filled with unease and trepidation.
But now, upon their return, they each seemed as if their souls had wandered off, with expressions of shock and bewilderment on their faces, their minds almost ceasing to function; they hadn’t even recovered their senses yet.
After entering the city, the bloody heads on the carts, facing the gazes of the common people, were quite striking.
A common person exclaimed.
“Isn’t that the Stockade Chief of Black Wind Stockade?”
As soon as this was said, it quickly stirred up a tempest in the crowd, with common people pushing forward one after another, wanting to get a clear look at whether it was indeed the Stockade Chief of Black Wind Stockade.
When the common people saw clearly and confirmed it was the Stockade Chief of Black Wind Stockade, they whispered amongst themselves, discussing it.
“It really is… the Stockade Chief of Black Wind Stockade.”
“When did our Pingcheng County Public Security Bureau change its ways and actually start doing real work?”
“You don’t know? The matter of the Huang family even alerted the Chief Officer of the Anzhou Public Security Bureau. It was handled specially, tried and concluded on the same day, and the Prefect and County Magistrate were both beheaded.”
“Ah? How high an official is this Chief Officer?”
“How high? All security for the eight counties of the prefecture is under his sole management, and even the position of Prefect is decided by this Chief Officer. Do you think he’s not important?”
“He is too important.”
Mao Xiang felt the gazes of the common people, having never experienced such a feeling of being noticed.
Of course, all of this was brought about by the Chief Officer.
After the Black Wind Stockade incident, he deeply understood how formidable the Chief Officer was; he was practically not human. At the same time, he understood why the Chief Officer could be so overbearing.
With such strength, who would dare to defy or disobey the official’s wishes?
Public Security Bureau.
All constables stood in an orderly fashion, their gazes filled with awe and fear, looking at the majestic and exceptionally overbearing Chief Lin.
“Sir, are you leaving now?” Mao Xiang pleaded, “This subordinate still wishes to hear more of your teachings. Perhaps you could stay one night?”
“No,” Lin Fan said calmly. “Anzhou has many affairs, and I must return soon. You handle Pingcheng’s matters well, and remember what I said: every half a month, compile a summary of your recent work and send it to Anzhou.”
“Yes, Sir, this subordinate understands.” Mao Xiang replied.
Lin Fan nodded and mounted his horse.
“Depart.”
Mao Xiang watched the official’s departing back with deep longing until he disappeared into the distance. Only then did he take a deep breath and look at each of the constables.
At this moment, he felt a sense of confidence, knowing he had support behind him.
He was fearless.
With a towering mountain shielding him and a hand supporting him, he could act boldly and decisively.
…
The next day.
Prefect’s Mansion.
“Alas, Anzhou Prefecture has been unusually quiet these past few days.”
Prefect Zhao was in the back garden, admiring the flowers and plants. The anger that had consumed him a few days prior made him realize his health was not what it used to be; there was no need to contend with a madman, as he would only end up harming himself.
He then asked the butler beside him.
“Where has this fellow named Lin gone? Is he dead?”
The butler said, “Sir, if he were dead, it would truly be wonderful. However, according to the report from a subordinate, the fellow named Lin has left Anzhou with some people. I don’t know where he has gone.”
Prefect Zhao’s hatred for Lin Fan was understandable.
Ever since Lin Fan took office in Anzhou, Prefect Zhao had been the most severely bullied.
But the butler’s hatred for Lin Fan stemmed from his position as the Prefect’s butler. Naturally, he had his own circle and used the status of the Prefect’s butler to do things for certain people.
But now, the situation was different; the gangs in the city were all well-behaved.
They kept a very close watch on their subordinates.
It was evident they had all been scared witless by Lin Fan.
To cut off someone’s wealth is like killing their parents.
To the butler, the fellow named Lin was as good as killing his parents.
Just then, a servant rushed over in a panic and respectfully said, “Sir, Chief Lin of the Public Security Bureau is here and is waiting for you in the living room. As per your instructions, we said you were not here, but we couldn’t stop him. He said if you weren’t here, he would wait until you were.”
Instantly, Prefect Zhao’s pleasant mood vanished without a trace.
“This scoundrel, what does he want?”
Prefect Zhao clenched his fist.
He was seething with anger.
He had never been so bullied, having someone ride on his neck like this. What was the difference between this and him defecating on his head?
The butler said, “Sir, why not hide? If he wants to wait, let him wait. When he realizes you won’t appear, he’ll naturally leave obediently.”
Prefect Zhao snorted, “Do you think he’s a normal person? Do you believe that if I don’t show up, he’ll treat my mansion as his own home?”
“Let’s go, I want to see just how far he thinks he can bully me.”
Prefect Zhao angrily flung his robes and, with a grim expression, headed towards the living room.
In the living room.
Lin Fan leisurely picked up a decorative item in the living room and studied it boredly, occasionally snacking on some snacks. During this time, his Poison Resistance was close to breaking through to LV3.
Once he broke through, the snacks would naturally have to be changed.
He wasn’t entirely clear about what kind of poisons he could resist now.
However, things like soporifics and purgatives were basically useless to him. Moreover, the Guiyi Body Refining Method was a bloodline refining technique that developed perfectly. As it improved, he would also develop resistance to poisons.
Combining the two.
He should be able to withstand even more potent poisons.
Just as he was lost in thought, footsteps approached.
“Oh, Prefect Zhao returned quite quickly.”
Lin Fan said with a half-smile, showing no sign of embarrassment from the confrontation with Prefect Zhao a few days ago, where he had publicly berated the other man.
As long as he wasn’t embarrassed.
Others would be.
Prefect Zhao replied with an unpleasant tone, “Chief Lin, what are you here for?”
“Naturally, I’m here to deal with you,” Lin Fan said with a smile.
“You…”
Rage!
Prefect Zhao was truly enraged. His face turned ashen, and he clenched his fists, his blood pressure soaring.
“Don’t be angry, it’s just a game. Why do you get angry so easily?” Lin Fan greatly enjoyed confronting corrupt officials and tormenting their bodies and minds.
Double torment, double the pleasure.
Prefect Zhao took a deep breath, sat in the Grand Tutor’s chair, and looked directly at Lin Fan. “Chief Lin, if you have something to say, just say it. This official is very busy and doesn’t have time to chat with you idly.”
Ever since they had fallen out.
Prefect Zhao no longer intended to give Lin Fan any face, nor would he speak politely.
“Busy? Is Prefect Zhao busy accepting bribes, or busy harming people?” Lin Fan asked with a smile.
Bang!
Prefect Zhao angrily slammed the tea table, then suddenly stood up and said, “You, Lin, if you deliberately came to anger me, then you’ve succeeded. Please leave my mansion immediately. You are not welcome here.”
He just couldn’t understand.
When other officials become officials, they try their best to get along with the local officials like brothers.
In contrast, this fellow named Lin.
He insisted on offending his colleagues to the point of death.
Wasn’t he truly afraid of being kicked when he was down, or even of no one willing to speak for him?
Lin Fan walked up to Prefect Zhao, placed his hands on his shoulders, and firmly pressed him back into the Grand Tutor’s chair, smiling and saying, “Prefect Zhao, don’t get angry. Isn’t this official just trying to liven up the atmosphere and resolve the unpleasant matters that happened between us?”
Prefect Zhao forced a smile.
His eyes clearly conveyed.
“Do you think I would believe your nonsense?”
“Chief Lin, if you have something to say, just say it. If this official can do it, I won’t make things difficult for you.” Prefect Zhao now just wanted to send away this scoundrel who made him furious the moment he saw him.
“Good, Prefect Zhao is straightforward. Then this official won’t beat around the bush either.” Lin Fan took the written judgment document from the nearby tea table and placed it in front of him.
He had even prepared a pen.
“Prefect Zhao, please sign your name and draw a circle,” Lin Fan said.
Prefect Zhao picked up the judgment document. At first, he didn’t know what it was.
As he just looked and looked.
His expression changed.
“Chief Lin, you… you are utterly audacious!” Prefect Zhao trembled all over with anger. “The esteemed County Magistrate, you killed him just like that? Do you still have any regard for the law and discipline? Even if the County Magistrate was guilty, it would still need to be reported layer by layer and approved by this official. How could you kill him arbitrarily?”
He was truly enraged.
Lawless.
Truly lawless.
“Stop saying these useless things,” Lin Fan’s tone turned cold. “This official is here to get your signature, to handle matters according to the rules, not to ask for your agreement. If you sign, the process will be complete.”
Prefect Zhao slapped the judgment document onto the tea table and looked up, staring at Lin Fan.
“Do you think this official will sign?”
“I will report this matter to the authorities against you.”
At this moment, Prefect Zhao was ecstatic; he had finally found a fatal flaw in this fellow named Lin.
Good, good, this is truly wonderful.
He vowed that no matter what, he would bring this guy down to vent his accumulated anger.
But soon.
Prefect Zhao realized that the living room, which had been at a comfortable temperature moments ago, had suddenly become cold. It felt as if this chill was like a sharp blade, constantly cutting at his flesh.
He looked up and his gaze met Lin Fan’s instantly.
The other party had been smiling all over his face just moments ago.
Now, his expression was like frost, and his eyes were dark and menacing.
“You… what do you want to do?” Prefect Zhao’s throat felt dry, and he tried to maintain his composure.
Lin Fan leaned down, his voice low, “Prefect Zhao, are you sure… we can’t talk properly?”
Thump! Thump! Thump!
Prefect Zhao felt his heart pounding rapidly. But as the Prefect, he was the local emperor of eight counties, so how could he be intimidated by Lin Fan?
Struggle had always been cruel.
Whoever backed down truly lost.
Thinking of this, Prefect Zhao strategically adjusted his posture, glared, and said, “Chief Lin, as a Prefect appointed by the Imperial Court, and the parental official in the hearts of the common people, I naturally govern the people according to the law. Now, you disregard discipline and act recklessly, and you even want this official to…”
Slap!!!
A crisp sound.
Prefect Zhao’s head turned to the side, his left cheek instantly reddened, with a clear palm print. He stared with wide eyes, his mouth slightly agape, stunned on the spot.
He felt as if everything happening now was a dream.
He, the Prefect, had actually been slapped?
“I’m asking you, can you talk properly?” Lin Fan’s voice was icy and sharp with coldness.
Prefect Zhao straightened his head, looking at Lin Fan in disbelief, and slowly raised his hand to touch his slapped cheek, stammering, utterly incredulous. “You… you dared to hit this official?”
Slap!!!
Another crisp sound.
Prefect Zhao covered his face with both hands, completely dumbfounded.
“Sign!”
Lin Fan uttered only one word, but it contained an astonishing coldness.
No one knew what Prefect Zhao was thinking during this short period.
But to Prefect Zhao, all he felt was the oppressive aura emanating from the fellow named Lin, and the killing intent that seemed to have solidified into substance.
He… he really dared to kill him.
After a moment of deathly silence, Prefect Zhao, with trembling hands, picked up the pen and signed his name on the judgment document.
Lin Fan put away the signed judgment document, very satisfied, and turned to leave. As he reached the living room door, he looked back and said, “Prefect Zhao, don’t be so stubborn next time. When I ask you to do something small, you drag your feet. Remember, don’t be like this next time.”
“Hahaha…”
After speaking, he threw his head back and laughed heartily, striding away.
Inside the living room, there was a deathly silence.
“Ah—!!!”
After several seconds, Prefect Zhao let out a suppressed roar like a wounded beast.
He suddenly stood up, wanting to overturn the Grand Tutor’s chair, but found it too heavy to move. He wanted to smash the tea table, but it remained unmoving. The extreme humiliation and anger had nowhere to be vented, so he could only clench his fists and stomp his feet furiously in place like a clown.
“Lin, I will not rest until you are dead. I will make you…”
Before he could finish speaking.
Prefect Zhao’s voice abruptly stopped because he saw Lin Fan reappear.
“Prefect Zhao, what were you just saying… you wanted me to what?” Lin Fan asked curiously, tilting his head.
Prefect Zhao looked at Lin Fan, who was like a devil, took a deep breath, and against his will, said, “I wish you a good journey.”
“Alright, this official will naturally leave properly. By the way, there was something I forgot to tell you. Your subordinate Director Wang has been implicated in the murder of others with Huang Shan and Zhou Hanshan, and should have been arrested by now. I’m just telling you, no other meaning.”
“I’m leaving.”
Lin Fan turned and left, leaving Prefect Zhao standing frozen on the spot.
…
Public Security Bureau.
“Master, Prefect Zhao signed so easily?” Ning Yu looked at the signature on the judgment document. “I thought he would use this matter to attack Master.”
Lin Fan smiled and said, “Ning Yu, you need to understand that officialdom is not about fighting and killing; it’s about human relationships and etiquette. Regardless of any conflict, it’s still a conflict within officialdom. In private, communicate well, and nothing is difficult.”
“Oh, Master, I understand.” Ning Yu nodded, contemplating his master’s words.
Lin Fan naturally could not tell Ning Yu the truth.
Regardless of how he acted.
His behavior and actions were often only suitable for him to use. If others used them, they would be counterproductive and not worth the loss. Moreover, how could a young lady lash out and slap people casually?
It would be easy to be called a shrew.
It would not have a good reputation.
At this moment.
Yang Ming walked in from outside and handed over an invitation. “Sir, someone just delivered an invitation.”
Lin Fan took the invitation and opened it, then smiled.
“Li Family, Hu Family, Zhou Family, it’s these three families who sent it. These three families are prominent households in the region, aren’t they?” Lin Fan asked.
Yang Ming said, “Yes, they are all major families. The Li Family is in the dyeing business, the Hu Family deals in groceries, and the Zhou Family is in pawnbroking. These three families have considerable financial strength in the region. In the recent arrest operation, their sons were all implicated and are now in prison.”
Lin Fan smiled and asked, “They’re only sending an invitation now? It seems they’ve seen the situation clearly and know that relying on anyone is useless. What crimes are these three young masters accused of?”
Yang Ming thought for a moment and said, “Li Tianci is accused of indulging his servants in beating someone in the street, and when the victim’s pregnant wife came forward to intervene, Li Tianci kicked her in the abdomen, resulting in the death of both mother and child. This happened three months ago and was suppressed by the then Squad Leader Qi Lianhai.”
“Hu Zong brutally beat a maidservant to death in his residence and then dumped the body in the wilderness. The deceased had a brother who sought justice from Hu Zong, even threatening to fight to the death if his sister was not handed over. Later, Hu Zong colluded with the former Squad Leader to frame the man and imprison him, then secretly disposed of the matter.”
“Zhou Yun had a verbal dispute with someone and held a grudge, so he ordered people to set a fire, burning a family of four to death. This incident was classified by Qi Lianhai as a fire accident.”
Yang Ming recounted all that he knew.
These were all capital offenses, and the consequence was beheading.
The reason they hadn’t been executed until now was mainly that they had been busy dealing with Huang Shan and Zhou Hanshan. These two had too many local ruffians under them, making them time-consuming to deal with.
“Master, these people are all facing the death penalty. Is there still any need to attend the banquet?” Ning Yu asked.
Lin Fan smiled and said, “Why wouldn’t it be necessary? Free food and drink are fortunate events in life. Moreover, the Anzhou Chamber of Commerce has only dealt with the Ximen Family so far. To learn more about the Anzhou Chamber of Commerce, we need to mingle with them.”
Qian Tao and Wu Yong exchanged glances.
Were they going to follow Brother Lin for free food and drinks again?
But unfortunately, despite their efforts to cast cunning glances at Brother Lin.
Brother Lin did not, as in the past, wave his hand and exclaim.
“Brothers, I’ll take you for a free meal and drinks.”
…
Evening.
Bathed in the setting sun.
Anzhou’s most luxurious restaurant was now booked by the three families.
In the private room, the three masters paced back and forth anxiously. These were indeed restless days for them.
Their sons had been arrested. They had initially thought that, as before, their sons would be released shortly after being apprehended, but they never expected there to be no movement at all.
They had been observing Master Ximen.
If he could get Ximen Hai out.
It would mean they could too. But they later realized that even the Prefect’s intervention was useless, forcing Master Ximen to stay at his mansion all day. When they went to visit, they were also refused.
However, they learned from their servants that Master Ximen had already sought connections to find someone outside the region.
They had intended to continue waiting.
But they thought that couldn’t be right; they couldn’t just do nothing.
So, the three of them put their heads together and decided to invite Lin Fan themselves, hoping to have a good talk.
This was what they were best at.
And their only method was bribery.
They really couldn’t think of any other way.
Suddenly.
They heard the shopkeeper’s voice from downstairs.
“Master Lin, the three masters are in the private room upstairs. I will lead you there.”
The three masters exchanged glances, straightened their clothes, opened the door, and stood respectfully in the corridor, their eyes fixed on the stairs. As the dull sound of footsteps on the steps approached, they slightly bent over, contorting their faces to appear softer, thereby displaying expressions of fawning and humility.
They hadn’t made such expressions in a long time.
It felt somewhat unfamiliar.
Soon, they saw Lin Fan’s face, and immediately stepped forward respectfully, fawningly saying, “Master Lin, you have finally arrived. It is truly our honor that you could accept our invitation.”
Lin Fan smiled and said, “The three masters are all prominent figures in Anzhou. With such sincere invitations, how could this official not come?”
The three felt flattered and honored, as if they were the center of attention, ushering Lin Fan into the private room.
The shopkeeper had already left.
“Master Lin, please take the head seat.”
Master Li rolled up his sleeves and wiped the main seat until it gleamed, then gestured with a bow for Lin Fan to sit there.
Lin Fan grunted, placed the iron rod aside with a loud clang that was quite startling, and then sat in the main seat. Looking at the delicacies laid out on the table, he smiled and said, “Such a sumptuous feast. You three have gone to great expense.”
“Not at all, not at all. For Master Lin to grace us with his presence, we would spare no expense, even if it meant losing our fortunes,” the three praised profusely, using all the flattery they usually employed to win favor.
Boomerangs can indeed return and strike their users.
This saying was true.
As the banquet began, the three masters resolutely avoided mentioning their sons’ affairs, instead focusing solely on encouraging Lin Fan to drink and serving him dishes, with endless words of flattery.
Lin Fan drank several cups in succession. He set down his wine cup, and the sound of the cup’s base hitting the tabletop was like a signal for discipline. The three masters immediately stopped all their actions and looked at Lin Fan with deference, awaiting his words.
Lin Fan’s gaze calmly swept over the tense faces of the three.
Finally, he slowly spoke.
“You are all members of the Anzhou Chamber of Commerce. Before this official took office in Anzhou, I had heard of the Anzhou Chamber of Commerce. Oh, right, there is someone with the same surname as you, both named Hu, but he was involved in a deadly business deal. Do you know what kind of business it was?”
The three were extremely nervous.
Master Hu said, “Master Lin, to be honest, joining the Anzhou Chamber of Commerce was a matter of necessity. The Chamber was established under the leadership of the Ximen Family. He has someone behind him, rumored to be an Imperial Relative. We don’t know who specifically, but their power is immense, so we had no choice but to join. As for business deals, we truly don’t know.”
“Imperial Relative!?” Lin Fan raised an eyebrow and said with a half-smile, “Are you implying that the Ximen Family has a background, and this official might not be able to contend with him?”
“No! No! No!” Master Hu waved his hands repeatedly in fear, sweat beading on his forehead. “Sir! This humble one has absolutely no such intention! Absolutely no such intention!”
They often heard some officials serving in the Imperial Court talk about serving the emperor being like accompanying a tiger, and they had scoffed at it. How fierce could it be?
Now they truly understood.
When facing Chief Lin, his words could easily be twisted.
When speaking, one had to filter their thoughts in their mind.
Lin Fan let out a light chuckle. “Don’t be afraid, this official isn’t blaming you. Do you really think this official is a man-eating tiger that indiscriminately devours anyone it catches? This official is willing to attend this banquet precisely because I hope to gather some information from you. If not, then so be it. It’s getting late, and this official needs to rest, as I have prisoners to interrogate tomorrow.”
Seeing Lin Fan start to get up to leave.
How could the three be willing?
“Master Lin, please wait,” Master Li said anxiously. “If there’s any information you wish to inquire about, please state it directly. As long as we know, we will inform you truthfully.”
Lin Fan, who had slightly lifted his buttocks, slowly lowered them back down. “Does the Anzhou Chamber of Commerce engage in any illegal or disciplinary activities?”
As soon as these words were spoken, the air in the private room instantly solidified.
The three exchanged glances.
How could they answer this?
There were some things they couldn’t say.
Illegal or disciplinary activities?
Yes, there were, but the people involved were not ones they could afford to provoke.
“What? None of you are willing to say?” Lin Fan’s voice grew cold, and his fingers tapped rhythmically on the table.
The three looked troubled, lowered their heads in silence, and then all three stood up and knelt side by side before Lin Fan. “Master Lin, please be merciful and spare our children. Whatever your requirements, just state them, and as long as we can fulfill them, we will satisfy your demands.”
“Alright, since none of you are willing to speak, then this official has only one thing to say to you: while you’re still young, try harder, and there’s still a chance someone will be there to see you off in your old age.” Lin Fan stood up, slapped the table, and said coldly.
Then, he pushed back the chair behind him, picked up the iron rod, and was about to leave.
Master Hu wriggled his knees, grabbed Lin Fan’s trouser leg, and looked up to beg, “Master Lin, please show leniency. We only know a little, but we truly cannot say it, otherwise, we will lose our lives.”
Lin Fan nodded. “Yes, I can understand that. Of course, if you don’t say it, you might save your lives, but your children might not be so lucky.”
The three felt utter despair.
Master Hu lowered his head, engaging in an intense internal struggle.
After a while, he suddenly looked up, his eyes bloodshot, and with the last glimmer of hope, asked, “If I truly speak, will my son live?”
This was the result he most wanted to know.
Master Li and Master Zhou also looked up at Lin Fan.
To save their children, they were truly prepared to give up all dignity.
However, Lin Fan’s answer was concise and direct, with only two words.
“No.”
Instantly, the atmosphere in the private room became incredibly silent, the oppressive feeling making it difficult to breathe.
The three masters’ mouths hung slightly open.
They stared blankly at Lin Fan.
They were stunned by the two words Lin Fan had uttered.
“We only want our children to live.”
Master Hu’s voice was dry and hoarse, breaking the suffocating silence. “Lin… Master Lin, you… you won’t even bother to lie to us?”
Lin Fan said calmly, “There’s no need to lie to you. But actually, you should think more about yourselves. To tell you the truth, this official is definitely going to take down the Anzhou Chamber of Commerce, and the Prefect won’t escape either. As for how deeply you are involved, this official doesn’t know yet, but this official can definitely investigate it. Once I do, whether you can survive will depend on your performance now.”
At this moment.
The three kneeling figures slowly stood up, their previous fawning and ingratiating expressions vanishing without a trace.
Master Hu tidied his clothes and said sternly, “Master Lin, you are upright and impartial, and incorruptible. We admire you, but we have our own bottom lines and principles. My son made a mistake and was caught by you; that is his misfortune.”
“Master Lin, Master Hu has matters at home, so I will not linger. Goodbye!”
After speaking, he actually turned around and walked out of the private room without looking back.
Master Li and Master Zhou gritted their teeth, bowed their hands in a gesture of farewell, and followed Master Hu.
Lin Fan watched the backs of the three as they left. Far from being angry, a playful smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
“Heh, quite interesting.”
He understood that these three were not genuinely tough, but rather they still held onto the last sliver of hope from the so-called ‘Imperial Relative’ behind the Ximen Family, unwilling to completely fall out with them.
“Imperial Relative?”
Lin Fan sneered inwardly.
“Let alone some damned Imperial Relative, even the Emperor himself, if he dared to be unreasonable and provoke me, he would have to suffer the consequences.”
He slowly walked down the stairs, arrived at the counter, and casually asked the shopkeeper, “Shopkeeper, have those three just now settled the bill?”
“No, Master Lin. What are the three masters going to do?”
“Grass!” Lin Fan was furious upon hearing this. “Damn it, in this world, only I, Lin Fan, get to freeload from others, and no one dares to freeload from me!”
Before his words had even finished, his figure flashed, and he dashed out like a leopard, chasing in the direction the three had left.
Soon.
The shopkeeper at the restaurant watched the scene before him with wide eyes.
Lin Fan was seen holding Master Hu by the collar. To Master Hu’s bewildered gaze, Lin Fan directly slapped him twice. “Damn it, I think you’re looking for death! You invited this official to a banquet, acted tough in front of this official, and then walked away without paying for the meal. What? Do you expect me to pay?”
Master Hu, who had just been furiously slapped, was bewildered.
He looked at Master Li and Master Zhou.
The implication was clear.
You didn’t pay?
Master Li and Master Zhou’s gazes were equally clear: I thought you paid.
“Master Lin, this is a misunderstanding,” Master Li cried out indignantly.
Lin Fan kicked Master Li to the ground. “Misunderstanding your grandmother’s leg.”
Then, his gaze turned to Master Zhou, who was lowering his head, wishing he could stuff it into his crotch.
He walked forward and, with another slap, said.
“Why are you lowering your head so low?” Lin Fan shouted. “Are you secretly laughing at this official for his disbelieving expression when I discovered no one had paid just now?”
Master Zhou was scared out of his wits. “Sir, I didn’t, I really didn’t.”
“You say you didn’t?” Lin Fan’s eyes widened.
“Yes, yes…”
“You son of a bitch! I knew you had such dirty thoughts.” Lin Fan was so angry that he backhanded him again. “Three prominent figures in Anzhou, and you collude to try and swindle me, a poor official who only earns a little over ten taels of silver a month? Are you even human? You’re worse than animals.”
After scolding them, Lin Fan seemed to feel he hadn’t vented enough anger. He glared at them fiercely one more time, then snorted coldly, flicked his sleeves with a flourish, and turned to leave.
The three masters were left standing there, feeling wronged and full of anger.
As for the shopkeeper and the waiter, they had long since hidden far away.
It had nothing to do with us.
…
Home.
In these past few days, the equipment he wanted to prepare had been installed.
In the courtyard, Ning Yu and the others were all gathered, nibbling on sunflower seeds and peanuts, admiring the full moon.
“Sir, you’re back?”
“Mm.”
Lin Fan began to take off his clothes, exposing his upper body. Ning Yu stared intently, “Master, your muscles are truly amazing.”
Ning Yu’s two followers were also greatly impressed, truly formidable.
One could tell at a glance that it was full of extreme explosive power.
Lin Fan walked to the center of the equipment. Apart from Lin Fan, everyone present was very confused about this equipment. When they saw it before, they wondered what it was used for?
“Master, what are you doing?” Ning Yu asked.
“Training.”
Lin Fan raised his hand and pulled the rope, causing the wooden stake to tilt high. This scene shocked everyone. They had naturally seen the rope before and tried to pull it, but it didn’t budge at all, completely immovable.
Wu Yong and Qian Tao could somewhat understand Brother Lin’s actions.
It was at the wharf earlier.
Brother Lin often had them swing wooden sticks to hit his body.
At this moment.
As Lin Fan let go, the highly tilted wooden stake charged towards him. Ning Yu and the others cried out in surprise, and with a “bang,” a dull roar echoed.
Lin Fan stood there, unmoving.
Apart from being a bit red where he was hit, there were no other effects on his body.
“Ah!?”
For Ning Yu and the others, perhaps it didn’t carry a deep understanding.
But for the two followers.
This was more than just shocking; it was something a human could not possibly withstand. Considering the weight of the wooden stake and the height from which it tilted, the impact force generated by the collision was terrifying.
If someone else stood in the middle.
This single impact would likely crush them into a meat patty.
Rumble!
Rumble!
Dull roars sliced through the night sky.
【 Guiyi Body Refining Method Proficiency +1 】
…
With the increase in proficiency.
He could feel the blood flowing within him, a warm current surging to his limbs and extremities, his internal organs.
This was tempering, and also nourishing the flesh body.
He never hid his cultivation. If one has ability and strength, they should display it. Those who are awed by one’s strength will regard them as a deity in the future.
When he transmigated to this world, he initially just wanted… to live.
After the panel appeared.
He had to live a life of indulgence, richness, and freedom to do as he pleased.
…
The next day, at dawn.
The common people discovered a surprising sight: a group of constables were running in an orderly fashion down the street.
Lin Fan, holding a plank, followed the group and shouted, “Run faster, what are you dawdling for? If you don’t endure some hardship, how can you have a strong body? Without a strong body, how can you protect the safety of the common people?”
“Don’t slack off, everyone is watching. Don’t lose face.”
At this moment, the common people suddenly understood. It turned out to be the constables from the Public Security Bureau training their bodies.
They had never seen this before.
As if sensing the gaze of the common people, the constables running all put in their best effort, unwilling to concede to anyone.
This was the training Lin Fan had arranged for them.
They were divided into two shifts.
Some remained at the Public Security Bureau for stationary training, while others went out for a run to strengthen their physique. Only after training would they begin their street patrols.
He had no hope for the martial way in this world at present.
He would act as if there was no martial way.
Of course, he was indifferent to this.
Look at this Guiyi Body Refining Method; it’s a bloodline type, tempering internal organs and condensing bloodlines. This clearly indicates it’s heading towards the fantastical.
In his opinion, the world was not so small that it needed so many “people who don’t eat beef.” One person like him who disliked beef was enough.
If there were too many people who didn’t eat beef, it would surely lead to an overpopulation of cattle.
…
At this time.
More than ten li away from Anzhou.
A group of people on horseback appeared, rapidly approaching Anzhou. These individuals had sabers at their waists, were full of spirit, and exuded an imposing aura.
The leader, with a stern expression, was wearing an official robe.
Among the group was the butler of Master Ximen. His eyes were fixed on the distant Anzhou Prefecture, his heart stirred. After arriving at Zhuoming Prefecture, he met Mr. Yang.
He handed the envelope given by his master to Mr. Yang.
After reading the letter, Mr. Yang’s expression became solemn, and he actually sought out the Prince. The Prince, upon learning of the matter, was furious, deeming a mere General Class to be so arrogant.
Without a second word, the Prince dispatched a Battalion Commander from his guards’ Commandery.
These were people close to the Prince and had connections to the Imperial Family.
A long while later.
Arriving at the city gate, the butler respectfully asked, “Commander Song, are we going directly to the Public Security Bureau?”
Battalion Commander Song replied, “No, my colleague serves as a Commander here. I intend to visit him first to catch up. You go back and tell your master that since the Prince has sent me, I will naturally handle this matter properly. Tell him to wait.”
“Yes.” The butler dared not utter a word of objection.
…
Qin’s Mansion.
“Brother Song, why are you in Anzhou?” Commander Qin feigned great shock. He knew that Master Ximen had sought help from the Prince, and Brother Song here was highly valued by the Prince, usually being dispatched for important matters.
Battalion Commander Song said, “Brother Qin, the Ximen Family encountered trouble and sought help from the Prince, so he sent me. I’ve just arrived in Anzhou and thought I’d meet with you to catch up.”
“Hahaha…” Commander Qin stepped forward and hugged the other man, patting his back heavily, “Good brother, it’s been many years since we last met. You’re quite influential by the Prince’s side now; it truly makes me envious.”
Battalion Commander Song waved his hand, “It’s nothing worth mentioning. How could it compare to Brother Qin’s freedom, managing the soldiers of a Prefecture? Unlike me, who always has to run around for assignments.”
The two exchanged pleasantries.
After a moment, Battalion Commander Song said solemnly, “Brother Qin, who exactly is this Lin Fan, that he has caused the Ximen Family such distress?”
Battalion Commander Song needed to ascertain the situation. Although he was acting on behalf of the Prince, he still had to assess the circumstances to determine whether to handle the matter amicably or with hostility.
What if the other party also had powerful backing? If he offended them, even the Prince might need to win them over, and he would end up taking the blame.
Commander Qin thought for a moment and said, “Who knows? I don’t interact with him much and rarely see him. However, Prefect Zhao is very familiar with him. Why don’t we call Prefect Zhao over to ask him?”
“Alright, I’ll trouble you then, Brother Qin,” Battalion Commander Song replied.
Commander Qin summoned a servant and instructed him to go to the Prefect’s Mansion immediately.
As the servant left.
Commander Qin tentatively inquired, “Brother Song, how has the Prince been recently?”
“Yes, he’s doing well. Since we’re all like brothers, I won’t hide anything from you. What seems well is merely a facade. You know how complex the Imperial Court is now; a slight misstep can lead to eternal damnation. I, my brother, can hardly sleep these days, always fearing something might go wrong.” Battalion Commander Song, while seemingly answering, was also trying to gauge Commander Qin’s intentions.
Commander Qin looked surprised. “How could anything go wrong? You are a trusted minister of the Prince; your future is bright. Sometimes I envy you.”
“Alas!!!” Battalion Commander Song shook his head and didn’t respond.
After a long while.
Footsteps approached.
Prefect Zhao hurried over.
“Brother Song, Prefect Zhao is here. You can ask him whatever you wish to know.”
Prefect Zhao hurried over.
“Brother Song, Prefect Zhao is here, you can ask him anything you want.”
