Chapter 4

No, no, no, it's merely a small effort, it is not worth this much money, I cannot accept it

"With such skills, young brother, it would be a pity to be buried in the countryside. Have you ever considered coming out to pursue a career?" The Lin family elder began to probe.

Master Wang, why are you here suffering in the cold? I have already brought the person the master instructed to find. Do you want to take them to the main hall or should I throw them into the prison first

Upon entering the inner hall, Feiyang immediately saw the little girl Lingdang standing to one side. His heart suddenly became clear; it turned out that the Lin Yu he had rescued was actually a person from this government office. In the hall, a middle-aged man, around forty years old, sat upright in the grand master's chair, stroking the three strands of long beard under his chin. As he watched the two enter, the middle-aged man stood up and took a few steps forward.

What? A few of the guards were taken aback, their eyes widening in shock, and one of them turned pale. The first guard immediately broke out in a cold sweat, hurriedly removed the chains, and repeatedly apologized to Yun Feiyang.

It was only in the late hours of the night that Feiyang returned, showing signs of fatigue. The two martial arts surprised Feiyang with their astonishing power. Just thinking about the moment when he executed the final move of the Lightning Blade in conjunction with Lingyun Crossing, he was astounded to recall how the forty-nine strikes had severed dozens of large trees around him. Feiyang was filled with trepidation; fortunately, he had not mastered the Jade-faced Young Man's technique, otherwise, the outcome of today's encounter would have been truly uncertain.

Yun Feiyang laughed and said, "I am no hero; I am merely a hunter from the mountains. My name is Yun Feiyang."

Becoming an official? In the past, Feiyang never even thought about it. "So how much money does this chief constable have?"

Seeing Feiyang's reserved demeanor, Lin Fu Zun couldn't help but burst into laughter, "If the jade-faced young man were to die at the hands of a few agricultural experts, he would probably be so enraged that he couldn't rest in peace."

Feiyang said: "It's a trivial matter, just a small effort; Miss, there's no need to take it to heart"

With a shout, a servant entered carrying a tray. Yun Feiyang's eyes widened in surprise as the tray was filled with gleaming silver coins

Yun Feiyang was carrying the young lady on his back, making his way toward the county town through the swirling snow. The young lady was wrapped in a flowing outer robe, yet her appearance was somewhat out of place. After adjusting his posture slightly, Feiyang couldn't help but sigh inwardly; this young lady was indeed different from the maid. After experiencing a bit of fright, she was so weak in the legs that she could hardly walk, leaving him to become a free mule. In contrast, the little maid beside them seemed much braver. Not only had she been frightened, but she had also witnessed a bloody scene, and yet she was now walking about lively, dragging along her steel fork that weighed over ten pounds. After adjusting his posture slightly, Feiyang couldn't help but sigh inwardly; this young lady was indeed different from the maid. After experiencing a bit of fright, she was so weak in the legs that she could hardly walk, leaving him to become a free mule. In contrast, the little maid beside them seemed much braver. Not only had she been frightened, but she had also witnessed a bloody scene, and yet she was now walking about lively, dragging along her steel fork that weighed over ten pounds. The young ladies from wealthy families are always pampered.

Just as he was lost in his thoughts, a sudden commotion jolted him awake from his sweet dreams. Several officials dressed in black with red hats barged in rudely. One of them scrutinized Yun Feiyang from head to toe for a moment and nodded: "Wearing a gray single coat, selling tiger skins, this is the one. Bring him to me, take him to the government office!" The officials responded in unison, and with a clatter, they unfurled an iron chain, fastening it around Yun Feiyang's neck and pulling him away.

Yun Feiyang was indeed seeing such a high-ranking official for the first time; previously, he had only encountered tax collectors and patrolling constables. At that moment, he clasped his hands together and bowed, saying: "Commoner Yun Feiyang pays his respects to the esteemed lord of the government!"

Before long, the magnificent building of the government office appeared before us, flanked by two large stone lions and two solemnly standing officials, adding an air of grandeur to the residence. A person resembling a clerk was rubbing his hands and stamping his feet, constantly looking around.

I need to go back and discuss this with my parents

With a sharp sound, the leading officer drew the steel knife from his waist, "What, do you intend to resist arrest? Whether a crime has been committed or not is not for you to decide! It is up to our master to say!"

The young woman said softly: "I am Lin Yu. I will surely repay your great kindness in the future."

I am a hunter in the mountains, and I have not committed any crimes. What do you want to do?

Master Wang introduced, "Brave man, this is my family’s Lord Lin, who is also the esteemed official of this county"

The young maid said: "This morning, upon waking up, the young lady saw such heavy snow and thought of the vast plum blossom forest outside the city. She wanted to go out to enjoy the snow and admire the blossoms. Little did she expect to encounter such a monstrous figure from the illustrations, nearly... nearly..." She cast a glance at the woman on Feiyang's back and swallowed the rest of her words.

The two men insisted on refusing, and Lin Fuzun said, "Brave sir, please do not, could it be that you find it insufficient?" Yun Feiyang, unaccustomed to such situations, was momentarily taken aback upon hearing this. Seizing the opportunity, Lin Fuzun pressed the silver into his hand. After a brief pause, Feiyang replied, "How can I accept such a large sum of silver? Instead, let me do this: I will gift you this tiger skin, my lord!" He placed the tiger skin on the table and cupped his hands in salute, saying, "My lord, I must take my leave now, as I need to hurry back to the mountains. If I return late, my parents will be worried." Feiyang paused for a moment before repeating, "How can I accept such a large sum of silver? Instead, let me do this: I will gift you this tiger skin, my lord!" He placed the tiger skin on the table and cupped his hands in salute, saying, "My lord, I must take my leave now, as I need to hurry back to the mountains. If I return late, my parents will be worried."

Lin Fu Zun took a couple of steps forward: "Young brother, please wait!" Fei Yang turned around.

Feiyang sighed again, remarking on the wealthy families who, having eaten their fill, had nothing better to do than admire the plum blossoms. If it weren't for your good fortune in encountering me today, you would not have enjoyed the blossoms, but rather, others would have been the ones to appreciate you.

Master Wang waved his hand and said, "Please, brave sir!"

With a united heart, since we have come, we shall settle down; I must go and see who this esteemed person is. Following behind the master, I walked towards the back hall.

If the young brother is interested, would you be willing to take the position of chief constable at my residence

"In such heavy wind and snow, where are you all going?" Feiyang asked, puzzled.

The young woman, with the support of the maid, managed to stand unsteadily. Bowing her head, she said in a trembling voice: "Thank you, brave sir, for your rescue. This young woman does not yet know the name of her benefactor; may I kindly ask you to reveal it?"

Originally it was five taels of silver per month, but since the warrior possesses great skill, I can offer ten taels of silver

On this night, Feiyang was unable to sleep. As soon as he closed his eyes, the image of Lin Yu's body, resembling the purest white jade, along with the two faint red spots on her chest, appeared before him

The maid interjected: "This is a trivial matter for you, but for our young lady, it is a matter of life and death."

Not perceiving the teasing tone in the other person's words, Feiyang honestly replied, "He truly died with his eyes wide open!" Remembering the lifeless, fish-like eyes of Yue Ke at the time of death, Feiyang couldn't help but feel a chill run down his spine

Master Wang entered in response from outside the hall

Master Wang smiled obsequiously and said, "Rest assured, my lord, I will do my utmost!"

When Wang Shiye saw Yun Feiyang, who was shackled in iron chains, he couldn't help but be startled and exclaimed in shock. He then slapped him across the face, saying: "You blind fool, this warrior is a guest of our master. How dare you treat him this way? I see you no longer wish to keep your job!"

After pondering for a moment, he shouted loudly: "Someone come!"

Go to the plum blossom forest outside the city and retrieve the corpse of the lecherous bandit Yue Ke, hanging it on the city wall for public display for three days. Additionally, report to the Ministry of Justice, stating that the lecherous bandit Yue Ke, known as the Jade-faced Young Man, infiltrated this county with malicious intent. The county's head constable bravely fought and killed him on the spot. Furthermore, mention that three head constables died in the line of duty and several others were injured, requesting the higher authorities to provide compensation. As for the remaining matters, I trust you will handle them accordingly. " Lin Fuzun squinted his eyes, staring at Wang Shiye.

If my parents are willing, they will definitely come here at the beginning of spring next year

That evening, Feiyang spoke to his parents about the matter, omitting the part about the fierce battle between Meilin and Yueke. His parents were both surprised and delighted; they were shocked that Lin Yu had narrowly escaped disaster, and pleased that their son had gained the old gentleman's favor and was actually going to become an official. Without hesitation, they agreed and then began to discuss how to properly pay respects to their ancestors. In the words of the old man Yun, it was as if smoke was rising from the ancestral grave. Feiyang found this amusing and quickly ran out, thinking it was time to practice his skills. The two elders agreed without reservation and continued to plan a proper ancestral worship, echoing the old man's sentiment about the smoke from the grave. Feiyang found it funny and dashed out, thinking it was time to practice diligently. The person in the green attire did not allow him to use his own skills freely, and he was reluctant to use the techniques from the Sword Mountain Manor. However, Yueke's skills were quite decent, and the techniques he could learn from him should not be too far off, so he decided to learn them first to address his immediate needs.

Lord Lin hurriedly helped Feiyang to his feet with both hands, saying: "Hero, you are being too courteous. Please, have a seat, have a seat. Lingdang, serve the tea!" While making way for Yun Feiyang to sit down, he gestured for Master Wang to step back, and Master Wang understood and retreated.

Feiyang, blushing, said: "It is merely a few farming techniques, yet it has caused you to laugh, my lord!"

With a surge of anger, Feiyang thought to himself that he hadn't done anything wrong. If he was going, then so be it; was he afraid that the other party would harm him? Wrapping himself in a tiger skin, he strode confidently behind the constable towards the government office.

Feeling frustrated, I do not know the local officials here

As they approached the city gate, Feiyang set the woman behind him down: "Alright, we are about to enter the city. It would not be good for the young lady if someone saw me carrying you like this. It is better for you to enter the city on your own! In the future, be more cautious when going out; you won't always have such good luck."

Lin Yushen reached out and pulled: "Do not speak carelessly"

Having finished speaking, without waiting for the other party to respond, he hurriedly walked out.

He took out a few books he had touched, and the titles "Lingyun Du" and "Shandian Dao" prominently appeared before Feiyang. Hey, how shameless, Feiyang couldn't help but curl his lip. Whatever, let's learn first. He casually flipped through another book, but there was no title on the cover. Upon opening it, Feiyang's face instantly turned red with embarrassment. The text was sparse, but the illustrations of spring scenes were vivid and varied in poses. Ugh, Feiyang spat, casually throwing the book away. After a moment's thought, he picked it up again, flustered, and stuffed it under the mattress. If his parents saw this, wouldn't it be utterly humiliating!

Feiyang was taken aback, and with both hands he pulled on the iron chain. The two officials holding the chain stumbled and surprisingly could not pull it.

Yun Feiyang was quite pleased; today, the sales were unusually smooth. Perhaps it was because the year-end was approaching, as these fresh game meats had unexpectedly become hot commodities, with prices significantly better than usual. Now, only this tiger skin remained, and several seemingly affluent individuals were surrounding him, bidding against one another. The price had already exceeded his father's estimate by quite a margin, causing Yun Feiyang to squint with a smile. Soon, he planned to go to the best restaurant in the city to buy a good bottle of wine for his father, so that his father would no longer have to drink that inferior old liquor that cost only a few coins per jar. He also intended to visit the weapon shop to purchase a sword; otherwise, he would always be picking up a piece of wood to practice with, which was not very convenient.

This jade-faced young man is indeed a notorious criminal. Back in the days when I served in the Ministry of Justice, I had seen the wanted notice for him. I never expected that such a well-known criminal would meet his end at the hands of a brave warrior today, which clearly demonstrates the warrior's exceptional martial skills

Feiyang understood immediately and said loudly, "I comprehend, esteemed sir, please rest assured!"

Lin Fuzun was taken aback for a moment, but then he smiled. It seemed that although Yun Feiyang possessed considerable skills, he was quite naive about worldly affairs, akin to a blank slate. This thought prompted Lin Fuzun to consider recruiting him; having such a subordinate would make his work much easier, especially since he was new to this position.

Yun Feiyang was taken aback; he had never considered this at all. In the past, he practiced martial arts solely to defeat Lei Xiaotian thoroughly, without any other thoughts. When Lin Fuzun asked, he found himself at a loss for words.

Nodding in satisfaction, Lin Fu walked into the inner hall with a measured gait.

This matter concerns my daughter Qing Tang, and I hope the brave man...

"Good, good, this is not urgent!" Upon hearing the door, Lin Fuzun couldn't help but break into a broad smile. "Someone is coming!"

Lin Fuzun extended his hand and said: "The hero has great kindness towards my family, this small amount of silver is my humble token of appreciation"

Ten taels of silver made Feiyang's heart race uncontrollably. His family would have to toil for half a year to earn ten taels of silver, and that would require them to go without food and drink. As for the position of the chief constable, it is indeed a job worth pursuing.

Observing the imposing figure of Yun Feiyang, Lin Fuzun couldn't help but habitually stroke his three long beards and said with a smile, "I didn't expect this young man to be quite interesting. Hmm, his skills are impressive, and he has little experience in worldly matters. He is precisely the kind of person I wish to recruit!"

As for the matter of appointing the Chief Constable?

Good, good, good, come here, someone, take Brother Yun out for me

The gentleman expressed his gratitude for the rescue of the young lady, and the entire Lin family felt deeply indebted. I would like to extend my thanks here! The head of the Lin family clasped his hands together and bowed deeply to Yun Feiyang. Feiyang, feeling flustered, quickly stepped back, waving his hands in a flurry, saying, "It was merely a coincidence, it is nothing significant, you are too courteous, sir." The head of the Lin family smiled and let it go, sitting in the grand master's chair, and inquired about the situation at that time.

With "Lingyun Du" and "Shandian Dao" in hand, Feiyang quietly slipped out of the window and ran towards the distant woods

Yun Feiyang smiled and clasped his hands, saying, "Then I bid you farewell, until we meet again!" He gathered his prey and strode confidently towards the city. Behind him, the young maid shouted, "Hey, my name is Lingdang, remember it!" Yun Feiyang turned his head, smiled and waved his hand, then turned back and walked away with a commanding presence. Behind him, Lin Yu reached out and tightened Yun Feiyang's outer garment, and the master and servant walked towards the city.