Bully 011 02

However, his work only lasted two days before he was seized by the soldiers and thrown into the county jail's dungeon.

The reason was that someone had seen him kill a man.

Nian'an remembered that man, and his heart instantly turned cold.

In truth, the man had frozen to death, but since someone had witnessed him fighting with the man, he was naturally pinned with the blame.

He felt this winter was bitterly cold, and once again, resentment towards the West Suburb welled up within him.

In contrast, Lin Yanqing was wrapped in thick furs, warming herself by the fire. From behind the screen came the voices of her father, Lin Kunyuan, conversing with the County Magistrate.

"That piece of land, I wish to acquire it to expand my business..."

"But I've heard that recently, that so-called Mianyue Brothel has become quite famous, with those lottery tickets. Quite a few people in the city are buying them."

"Magistrate Hu, although that place is a refugee settlement, it still falls under your jurisdiction, does it not?"

"But those people... they are all vicious characters. If this official wishes to do something, he must have some substantial evidence, no?"

"Eliminate evil completely, for the sake of the people—isn't that reason enough?" Lin Yanqing could listen no longer and rushed out from behind the screen.

The County Magistrate was taken aback.

Lin Kunyuan frowned. "Outrageous! When the Magistrate and I are speaking, what right do you have to interrupt? Go inside!"

"But it's only right! When dealing with those bullies who oppress the common people, what use is reasoning? Don't tell me you're actually afraid of those villains?" Lin Yanqing felt she was entirely in the right.

Magistrate Hu felt somewhat awkward. He truly was afraid—a man only has one life. If he were to arrest people without evidence and those fierce refugees resisted, trouble would surely ensue.

"Enough! Magistrate Hu, my apologies. My daughter is truly unruly." Lin Kunyuan offered his apologies.

Lin Yanqing pouted. "Fine, I'll leave. You're no better than me. That son of Fang Zhiyi followed me around, and didn't I turn my back on him without a second thought?"

At these words, Magistrate Hu's eyes widened, and Lin Kunyuan also exclaimed in surprise, "What did you say?"

Lin Yanqing turned back, puzzled, her face full of confusion. "What? What do you mean?"

Nian'an never expected that just as he was about to freeze to death, the jailer took him out. Facing the Magistrate's interrogation, Nian'an's mind was now solely focused on survival, so he poured out everything he knew.

"Are you willing to atone for your crime by performing a meritorious service?" The Magistrate squinted at this young man.

Nian'an nodded repeatedly, then asked, "Doing what?"

The Magistrate smiled. "Identify Fang Zhiyi as the one who robbed official grain! Oppressing the people, wreaking havoc in the region!"

Nian'an was stunned for a moment, then nodded without hesitation. "Of course I'm willing! For justice! For the people!"

The Magistrate looked at him, thinking to himself, This kid is even more shameless than I am.

But never mind. With this kid's testimony, he could request some manpower from his superiors to assist in the arrest, which would make things much safer.

Lin Yanqing never expected to see Nian'an again, and in her own home, no less.

"You... you scoundrel! What are you doing here again?" she exclaimed, agitated.

Lin Kunyuan remained silent. Nian'an hurriedly explained, "Listen to me! Qing'er!"

This form of address made Lin Kunyuan glance at him sideways from where he stood.

Nian'an didn't notice, only anxiously continuing his explanation.

"Listen to me."

"I won't listen, I won't listen."

"Let me explain."

"I won't listen, I won't listen."

Heavy snow fell.

The Magistrate needed to submit a document to his superior explaining the situation, then await reinforcements before taking action. Coupled with the heavy snow, the operation was essentially postponed until after spring.

Nian'an was driven by the steward to live in the stable. Unbeknownst to him, his behavior was observed by Lin Kunyuan. Unlike the original course of events, this time he had committed violence in public, making him just as vicious as Fang Zhiyi. Then, to save his own skin, he betrayed his sworn father. Therefore, Lin Kunyuan did not think highly of him; instead, he guarded against him as if he were a thief.

Fortunately, Lin Yanqing forgave him, especially when she heard he was going to turn against his own kin for the greater good. Lin Yanqing was delighted.

Fang Zhiyi held a warming brazier, reclining on a lounge chair. The expanded main hall was filled with many people. Some were drinking and eating meat, others playing cards or finger-guessing games. At several tables, groups of girls chatted and laughed merrily. While entertaining guests with conversation and poetry, they had to maintain a certain decorum, but now during their break, they had all become much livelier.

Someone opened the main door, letting in a gust of cold wind. Everyone glanced over but then returned to their amusements.

That person hurried to Fang Zhiyi. "Big Brother, the snow is too thick. The roads are blocked."

Fang Zhiyi nodded. This way, they would have enough time.

"Let the music play on! Let the dancing continue!"

The hall erupted in jubilation.

Winter passed quickly. That winter, the West Suburb created a miracle. While dozens had frozen to death in the city, not a single person in the West Suburb died that winter. During the coldest days, Fang Zhiyi had arranged for the residents to be grouped, several households together in one room. This arrangement conserved firewood and crushed charcoal while also pooling body heat for warmth.

Except for one fool who sealed the doors and windows, nearly killing himself and his neighbor's entire family. Fortunately, the patrol noticed something amiss, averting the tragedy.

On the day the snow began to melt, Fang Zhiyi sent out a letter and continued planning the year's arrangements, including holding mobilization and production meetings for his subordinates and resident representatives.

The Magistrate also made his move. As the snow melted, he sent out his request for troops.

Right at the start of the year, the Mianyue Brothel had a joyous event. A young gentleman from a wealthy family was determined to marry one of the brothel's girls, even going so far as to seek out Fang Zhiyi. Fang Zhiyi merely asked for the girl's opinion, then took the young man into the back hall. No one knew what they discussed, but when they emerged, the young man looked hesitant. However, upon seeing the girl again, his resolve solidified.

"I want to marry her!"

He declared resolutely.

Fang Zhiyi led the applause, and everyone joined in. Fang Zhiyi had simply told him about the Mianyue Brothel's past. Such matters couldn't be hidden; anyone who inquired diligently could find out. He had no desire to be a deceiver.

Starting from that day, a new wall appeared in the Mianyue Brothel. At the very top were written two names—the newlywed couple's names, written by their own hands.

Fang Zhiyi's meaning was clear: If you want to live your lives together, then live them well. Your names are right here for all to see. The Mianyue Brothel's reputation is growing. If the two of you fight all the time, then prepare to be shamed before all the talented scholars and beauties of the land.

Soon after, another girl married a scholar as his concubine. Fang Zhiyi did not intervene. This was the way of the times. After separately inquiring about both parties' thoughts, Fang Zhiyi simply nodded. He wasn't their father; he couldn't control everything.

Right after this event concluded, someone came running, panting heavily, to report.

"Master Fang! It's bad! A large group of government soldiers is heading towards the West Suburb!"

Instantly, the surroundings fell silent.

Fang Zhiyi slowly stood up, touching the scar on his face. "Heh, we have guests."

Chen Huaimin's face was grim. He had long been worried. Now that the West Suburb was developing so well, it was bound to attract the attention of the powerful and wealthy.