37: Bandit leader

"Lord, please forgive me. My official duties are heavy, and I arrived a bit late." Fan Changling, City Lord bowed respectfully, while the burly man beside him performed a military salute.

As the saying goes, one doesn't hit a smiling face. Lin Yue also clasped his hands and smiled, saying, "Military Marquis Lin Yue greets you both."

Logically, Lin Yue didn't need to be so humble, but since his village was under their jurisdiction, there was no need to act superior.

Seeing Lin Yue's demeanor, the two felt much more at ease. It seemed he wasn't here to cause trouble!

"Your humble subordinate Fan Changling, City Lord (Chen Dubao, Commandant) greets the Lord."

"I was wondering why the magpies were chirping incessantly today. It turns out a distinguished guest has arrived. Lord, please come in." Fan Changling, City Lord smiled and gestured for the three to enter the mansion.

Lin Yue demurred for a moment, then the group passed through the main gate and headed straight for the main hall.

"Lord, please." Fan Changling, City Lord gestured to Lin Yue.

"Absolutely not, please take the seat of honor." Lin Yue declined.

"You are my superior; how can your humble subordinate take that seat?"

"This is your place; please take the seat."

"Hahahaha, then your humble subordinate will respectfully obey." Fan Changling, City Lord laughed heartily after Lin Yue pushed him into the main seat.

"The first thing your humble subordinate did after taking office was to visit the Lord in the village, but unfortunately, the Lord was not there, so I had no chance to meet him," Fan Changling, City Lord said regretfully.

"However, seeing the Lord today, to be ennobled at such a young age, you are truly a role model for our generation!"

"Oh, it was just luck." Lin Yue smiled.

"Alas, Lord, don't be so modest. How are those of us who are over fifty supposed to feel about ourselves!" The two laughed heartily.

Lin Yue could only give an awkward smile, feeling very anxious.

He cursed inwardly, "These two old foxes, they haven't said a single useful word for half a day."

"To be honest, I truly have something to ask of you today." Lin Yue, seeing that their mutual flattery would never end, spoke up.

"Oh? You mustn't say that. If the Lord has a matter, your humble subordinate will certainly assist with all his might." Fan Changling, City Lord said indignantly, but then his tone shifted:

"However, your humble subordinate is small and insignificant, and I don't know if I can help the Lord."

"To be honest, I just learned that my good brother has become a Mountain Bandit leader, and I can't persuade him. I'm truly heartbroken!"

"Oh? A Mountain Bandit leader?" Fan Changling, City Lord asked, puzzled.

How could a Lord be connected to a Mountain Bandit leader?

"Well, in a few days, I will return to General General Meng Tian's command and will no longer be in this area. I'm afraid my brother might meet with an accident..."

Lin Yue stopped there, looking deeply worried.

Fan Changling, City Lord and Chen Dubao, Commandant's eyes lit up!

"So the Lord serves under General General Meng Tian!" Both were startled. General General Meng Tian was an existence that the entire Great Qin looked up to!

Especially Chen Dubao, Commandant, his heart burned with desire. If he could connect with General General Meng Tian!

No! If he could just catch General General Meng Tian's eye, he could rise rapidly through the ranks!

"I am untalented. I currently serve as General General Meng Tian's personal guard and also hold the rank of Military Marquis," Lin Yue said softly.

"But my brother, I truly can't rest easy about him."

"How many men does your brother command?" Fan Changling, City Lord asked.

"My brother is untalented, only about a thousand or so."

Upon hearing this, both simultaneously breathed a sigh of relief!

The number was not small, but definitely not large. At least it was still under control.

"Lord, rest assured, your brother will be taken care of by me. I can still make decisions on such a small matter!"

Fan Changling, City Lord patted his chest and guaranteed!

Only a thousand Mountain Bandits. Mountain Bandit combat effectiveness varied greatly, and they lacked equipment like armor and crossbows. Compared to the Heiye City garrison, they were like children.

If it really came to a fight, five hundred well-trained Heiye City guards could easily take them down!

Moreover, he was not the idiot who was in charge of Heiye City before. Both of them valued their lives more than anything, so there would never be a situation where the city was empty!

Therefore, a mere thousand Mountain Bandits could be ignored, or even helped a few times, which was not out of the question.

That Mountain Bandit was likely one of Lin Yue's sources of income, a place to gather wealth. He needed their help, and why wouldn't they need his help!

What's more, if they really grew strong one day, he wasn't afraid. After all, they were already in the same boat; if he was finished, could the Mountain Bandit run away?

"Lord, rest assured, your brother will be safe and sound. I said it, and no one can touch him!"

"Truly?" Lin Yue asked.

"Of course. Your humble subordinate will presume to claim kinship; your brother is my brother. How could I harm my own brother?" Fan Changling, City Lord smiled.

"Me too."

"I am a crude man. If anyone bullies my brother, I'll finish him with one saber!" Chen Dubao, Commandant cupped his hands and responded!

"But my brother also has a village." Lin Yue said with difficulty.

"A village?"

"Yes, he also has a dream, which is to be a village chief." Lin Yue spoke casually.

Anyway, this thing called 'face,' if you think it's important, then it's important. If you don't care about it much, then it doesn't matter.

It's just a game, no need to take it too seriously.

"Where is it?" Fan Changling, City Lord asked.

This was no small matter. The Great Qin Empire was extremely sensitive about village building now. Building one and destroying one was an iron rule that no one could violate!

"In the mountains, not far from the Mountain Bandit camp."

"This... Lord, you also know the higher authorities' attitude towards village building nowadays."

Fan Changling, City Lord stopped halfway through his sentence, showing a troubled expression.

Seeing this, Lin Yue quickly said, "I also know your difficulties, but I only have this one brother."

"My brother also has some lofty ambitions, but the village is hidden and won't be exposed."

Fan Changling, City Lord was still somewhat hesitant, pondering in his heart. For a vague connection and a village that could explode at any moment, he was a bit indecisive.

Lin Yue saw his hesitation and immediately gave him a shot in the arm.

"Half a month ago, I, Lin Yue, was a Squad Leader in Heiye City. Now I've been ennobled. Do you two know how I accomplished that?" Lin Yue asked.

"How did you accomplish it?" The two exchanged glances. They didn't know either; they only knew he was a Heiye City guard, and only just now learned that he was now a personal guard to the Great General!

Especially Chen Dubao, Commandant, as a military officer, he understood that merely relying on the merit of defending Heiye City would not lead to ennoblement as a Lord. Perhaps defending an entire county seat might make it possible!

But the Great General was upright and would not tolerate any injustice, so how could he make such an irrational move!

This was also the reason why the two of them had visited the village before!

"I, Lin Yue, rely on three things when I'm out and about."

"Lots of money! Loyalty! Many brothers!"

Lin Yue took out the token Han Tan had given him from his ring and gently pushed it forward!

Fan Changling, City Lord reached out to grab it, but Lin Yue snatched it back.

He could only vaguely make out the words 'Directorate of Ceremonial'!

Directorate of Ceremonial!