Back at home.
The two brothers were both silent.
Lin Lei looked deeply at him, wanting to speak but then hesitating.
That fellow named Zhou An, within the Zhou family of Linjiang Square, was also a renowned figure.
This person claimed to be with the Liu family of the inner city; out here in the outer city, he was a big shot that the common folk of the square dared not offend.
He worked for the Liu family, was eloquent and righteous-looking, nearly making it difficult for me to refute his words.
However, upon seeing Flames, he didn't even offer a word in his defense but instead slapped his own face hard, twice.
He then kowtowed and offered compensation to Uncle Zhou and, at a single word from Flames, scurried away in a most pathetic state, leading his men.
"Flames ..."
For a moment, Lin Lei felt somewhat dazed.
He always thought that he took pretty good care of Flames.
But now, it seemed that after living apart, his understanding of Flames had diminished.
This was not being a good enough elder brother.
"Elder brother has great courage, facing six or seven men alone, arguing with reason. What did our old teacher say back when we learned to read ... right, 'the spirit of a scholar and the passion in people's hearts!'"
Lin Yan said with a smile, speaking thus.
"Initially, I thought Uncle Zhou was good to me, and Xiaoli often took care of our two kids."
Lin Lei sighed and said, "But upon entering, I inexplicably felt angry ... Guarding the city, after all, means protecting us. To have our home become like this after death, I couldn't just stand by and watch. It was impulsive of me."
Lin Yan said with a smile, "But having an elder brother like this is very good, you set an example."
"Don't change the subject!"
Lin Lei suddenly realized and said again, "What happened?"
After thinking for a moment, Lin Yan replied, "The Observatory of Linjiang Square wants to appoint me as a junior flag bearer."
He used to have to hide this identity.
But after meeting Mr. Lu, Lin Yan's identity was soon to become a junior flag bearer for Linjiang Station.
At this moment, there was no need to keep hiding it.
"So as a junior flag bearer, you'll also carry a sword, and be responsible for capturing criminals, perhaps even for city defense?"
Lin Lei's expression changed slightly, and he said anxiously, "These kind of tasks seem prestigious, but life is at risk at any moment!"
Grabbing Lin Yan, he continued shaking his head, "Look at Zhou Ji and his family. I used to envy his prestige too, but look at them now ..."
"Big brother should relax. A distinguished person has returned from Qifeng Prefecture City and I'm in charge of conveying messages to him for Linjiang Station. He is the Mr. Lu that Zhou An mentioned earlier."
Lin Yan said with a smile, "I'm just a clerk, and we owe thanks to our eldest brother for his foresight in making us both learn to read and write."
At that point, he paused, then spoke in a lower tone, "Furthermore, even if I truly were to take up arms, in these times, someone has to defend the city, right? If everyone is too afraid to die, when the evil spirits attack, everyone will die anyway ... I remember this is what big brother used to say when he joined the army, right?"
"But ... big brother has already served as a city guard, our family doesn't need to serve in the military anymore."
Lin Lei said, finally letting out a sigh and falling silent, "Seeing how you faced Zhou An today, I already know everything is settled. Even if I tried to convince you, it would be in vain."
He hesitated for a moment, then asked, "That Flag Commander?"
He obviously remembered being saved from the ghostly figure the night before.
Initially, he just thought he was lucky, but now, he seemed to understand.
"Because of me, the Flag Commander left the city to save you."
Lin Yan spread his hands and said, "Being sent to run errands at Linjiang Station in order to repay such a life-saving debt, we brothers have made a fortune."
"Even if we are to repay a debt of gratitude, it should be me doing so."
Lin Lei said, gazing at Lin Yan with serious and earnest eyes.
The atmosphere grew silent.
After a long while, he finally let out a breath and said, "It's alright, you've grown up, and now you understand things better than your second brother."
——
In the evening, outside the gate of Linjiang Station.
Having returned to his position as Flag Commander, Lin Yan stood solemnly, expressionless.
Today, his heart was somewhat heavy.
Yesterday, like him, many had striven to defend the city.
Among them, quite a few had died; Zhou Ji was just one of them.
To die defending the city, while those sheltered within it, stripped his family and kin bare.
Today, Lin Yan had only seen the Zhou Family, but looking across the entire city, how many more families like Zhou Ji's were there?
"Master Wu?"
Chief Clerk Yang heard the noise, came to greet him, and began to report on the day's activities.
He had already dispatched his clerks and record officers to supervise the various departments' actions.
But these literati, powerless in binding a chicken, were far less valued in the eyes of ordinary people than Martial Artists.
Without the power of martial force, facing exclusion was inevitable.
He immediately saw a certain anomaly in his demeanor, as he hesitated to speak.
"Speak your mind."
"Today, with the help of three people, things went quite smoothly. The day's events are recorded in the register, which will be sent to me at night for my personal review."
"The help of three people?"
Lin Yan's brow raised slightly, as understanding dawned on him.
He had returned to the city wielding his sword last night, cutting down evil creatures along the way.
He had seen those few junior flags under Liang Hu's command, and had even anticipated they would inform Liang Hu, and pin the crime of desertion onto him.
And this would completely expose his own Refining Essence Realm cultivation.
He had been filled with a murderous intent at that moment, but then those three men killed another, pursuing and seeming to want to help him slay the bear demon.
Plus, with Mr. Lu appearing, Lin Yan had put his mind at ease and left those three men for Mr. Lu to deal with.
Today, Mr. Lu had not mentioned those three men, a clear sign they no longer posed any threat.
"See how they conducted themselves today, record everything in the registry, and report it to me tomorrow."
Lin Yan said in a calm manner.
Chief Clerk Yang understood clearly that the Flag Commander's words essentially gave those three men another chance, an opportunity to return to Linjiang Station.
"Also, there's another matter - draft a letter for me to send to the Outer South Government Office."
"Last night, city guards who died in battle, their family members were not protected and suffered from bullying."
"This is due to the negligence of the Outer South Government Office. We, the Observatory, are tasked with the inspection, and it is our duty. Should there be another incident like this, it must be reported to the inner city."
"These high-ranking officials are idling in their posts, or even colluding with the corrupt. If they do not repent even in death, it would be enough to chop off a batch of heads."
Lin Yan spoke in an even tone, slowly stating his position, but a hint of chill was vaguely discernible in his eyes.
Upon hearing this, Chief Clerk Yang was taken aback, whispering, "Master Wu, you've just arrived, and now you're threatening the Outer South Government Office. By doing this, I'm afraid..."
Lin Yan raised his hand slightly, calmly stating, "I am aware of this. In fact, for the various responsibilities overseen by Linjiang Station, this might seem trivial."
He looked at Chief Clerk Yang, speaking calmly, "For those in power at the Outer South Government Office, they're busy with their high status, and won't see these minor matters."
"But for the city guards and their families, this is a calamity!"
"Since those high officials are blind to these 'minor matters,' it's our duty at Linjiang Station to thrust these issues in front of them."
"If there's still inaction, then we push it to the inner city, reporting to Qifeng Prefecture City."
"As long as it impacts these high officials, even the smallest past issues become major."
"As for offending them?"
Lin Yan patted the sword at his waist, "The Observatory is responsible for overseeing High Willow City; my duty is to supervise their work. That's just part of the job..."
Chief Clerk Yang whispered, "You're a newcomer, still unfamiliar with the multitude of affairs at Linjiang Station, and today's situation is still a mess. Looking to the future, we still must consider the bigger picture..."
"The bigger picture?"
Lin Yan drew his sword, caressing the blade, and spoke indifferently, "This is my scope, would you say it's grand or not?"