You Fucking Want to Eat Shit

As noon approached.

The common folk stopped in their tracks, their gazes fixed in astonishment on the large contingent marching down the street.

Lin Fan, a saber at his hip and a silver-white iron rod strapped to his back, held his head high and chest out. His brothers-in-arms followed in two neat rows, their backs equally straight, meeting the curious stares of the onlookers.

Meanwhile, Jin Biao and about a dozen others trailed behind in a daze, still not understanding what had transpired.

The crowd began to murmur amongst themselves.

"What's going on?"

"The one in front is a constable, but wait, isn't that Jin Biao? Master Qin Four's man. Why does his face look so swollen?"

"Everyone knows Master Qin Four has a good relationship with the Security Bureau. I even saw Master Qin Four and Headman Chen drinking together at a restaurant not long ago."

As they spoke, a head suddenly popped into their midst.

"I know a bit about what's happening."

"Oh? Brother, tell us about it."

"Let me tell you, that leading constable is named Lin Fan. He just joined the Security Bureau. Word is, a group of local ruffians were bullying the citizens, and he went to arrest them on his first day. Look, he caught so many."

"What! He's that fierce? He dared to do that right after taking office? Doesn't he know Jin Biao is Master Qin Four's man, with deep connections?"

"Deep? Heh, you don't know the whole story. If we're talking about connections, this Lord Lin is no less impressive."

"How so?"

"Do you know Master Lin of Jili Pier from Loyalty Hall?"

"Yes, I've heard of his deeds. He's quite formidable and well-known in the underworld now."

"See? Isn't that him?"

"Ah... so he's that Master Lin. He truly has a commanding presence and looks like a distinguished gentleman."

In ancient times, with information spreading so slowly and no photographs, it was difficult for the common folk to know what the protagonists of whispered legends looked like.

But with persistent dissemination and consistent visibility, becoming known to all was not an impossible dream.

Upon arriving at the Security Bureau, Lin Fan beckoned Wu Yong over, handed him some silver, and told him to treat his brothers to a good meal, then waved them off to leave.

But just as they were about to depart.

A displeased voice cut through the air.

"What is going on?"

Chen Xingzhi, with a stern face and a follower in tow, approached from a distance. When he spotted Jin Biao in the crowd, his eyes flickered. He recognized him as one of Master Qin's men.

Looking at Lin Fan, he could roughly guess what had happened. But he hadn't expected this young man to stir up so much trouble, arresting so many people on his first day.

No, absolutely not. He needed to teach him a lesson.

"Lin Fan, give me an explanation. What do you think you're doing?" Chen Xingzhi demanded.

Lin Fan smiled, "Headman Chen, what am I doing? These fellows are all local ruffians and hooligans who were harassing and extorting citizens. I happened upon them and brought them back for a proper interrogation."

"Nonsense," Headman Chen roared. "Are the Security Bureau's resources for you to waste like this? What these ruffians did was at most disturbing the peace. You could have reprimanded them on the spot. Now that you've brought them back, where do you intend to lock them up?"

Chen Xingzhi knew Lin Fan was a troublemaker, aligned with Song Qing's faction.

If Lin Fan hadn't joined the Security Bureau.

He truly wouldn't have had any way to deal with him.

But now that he was part of the Security Bureau, regardless of his past background, he had to bow his head and live under Chen Xingzhi's authority.

"Release them. Release them all. Go back and write a 3,000-character self-criticism report and submit it to my office." Chen Xingzhi wielded his authority as headman.

This tactic was always effective within the Security Bureau.

The Security Bureau was currently his domain.

The clerk was unwell and had been recuperating at home for nearly two months. Given the current situation, it was uncertain if he would return.

As for Steward Li, he had long since relinquished his authority, handing over the Security Bureau to him and Song Qing. There were even rumors that Steward Li might be transferred and promoted.

If that happened, a position would become vacant.

With his prestige within the Security Bureau and his connections with the city's influential figures, the position of Steward was his for the taking.

Jin Biao, being held, saw a glimmer of hope but didn't foolishly shout for Headman Chen to save him, mentioning how his Master Qin had treated him to meals.

He wasn't that stupid.

"Release them? Headman Chen, what nonsense are you talking about now? What these ruffians did has all violated the law. According to..."

He deliberately raised his voice, launching into a recitation of legal statutes.

He recited them fluently, leaving Chen Xingzhi bewildered.

Even his follower was stunned. Seriously... is your head this stubborn? You just arrived at the Security Bureau and instead of trying to build a good relationship with Headman Chen, you're publicly humiliating him? Are you really not planning on having an easy time here?

"Shut up, are you really trying to cause trouble?" Chen Xingzhi said sternly.

Lin Fan was not afraid at all and said neither subserviently nor arrogantly, "Trouble? I don't know what Headman Chen means by trouble. Thugs and ruffians extorting and even beating up citizens in broad daylight is a minor issue in Headman Chen's eyes. Perhaps to Headman Chen, these are indeed minor issues, but..."

His voice instantly rose to its peak.

"To me, Lin Fan, the people's affairs are no small matter. The people's affairs are the greatest matters. I joined the Security Bureau to champion the people. Steward Li said to remember the law and act impartially. Any negligence will be severely punished."

As soon as these words were spoken, they were truly deafening, striking the hearts of the surrounding citizens like a thunderous clap.

They stared blankly at Lin Fan, who did not fear Headman Chen's authority.

The people's affairs are no small matter.

The people's affairs are the greatest matters.

These words struck the helpless and fragile strings of their hearts.

When had they ever heard such words?

"Well said, Lord Lin, well said."

A voice of approval came from a corner of the crowd, rustling, with sounds of movement, as if they had changed positions. Seemingly whispering, the voices were clear and loud.

"I heard that Headman Chen and Master Qin Four have some unspeakable secrets. It's obvious he saw that Jin Biao was Master Qin Four's man and wanted to save him."

"Alas, it's truly officials and bandits protecting each other."

As soon as this was said.

Chen Xingzhi, who was standing there, turned ashen-faced instantly. His eyes were terrifyingly gloomy as he looked at the crowd, as if he wanted to drag out the speaker.

But he didn't get angry. Instead, he looked at Lin Fan.

"Good, good, good."

He said "good" three times.

Was it praise?

Clearly not.

This was considered a complete feud with Lin Fan. He flicked his sleeve and turned, striding into the Security Bureau. He didn't say another word, but everyone could see that Headman Chen had a significant opinion of Lin Fan.

Lin Fan looked at Headman Chen's departing back, a smile appearing on his lips.

What can the headman do?

Did he think Lin Fan was a coward?

If you, Chen Xingzhi, were some Martial Way expert, stronger than me, and could kill me with one hand, I, Lin Fan, would indeed not dare to be so tough and would have to use my brain to deal with you.

But now, I can kill fifty of you with one person and one stick, no... a hundred of you.

And you still want me to compromise, grovel, and speak nicely.

You're f***ing dreaming.