Chapter Seven: An Additional Fee Is Required

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Butler Lin’s resolve to align with Lin Shize grew stronger. Even if he worked under Lin Feng for half a year, he wouldn’t earn ten taels of silver—not to mention the five taels he had secretly stashed away. Now, on their very first encounter, Lin Shize had already bestowed such generous rewards. Men die for wealth, just as birds perish for food.

Wasn’t risking beheading all for money?

Seeing the flicker of desire in Butler Lin’s eyes, Lin Shize understood his thoughts. Desire was natural; as long as he could control it and offer what Butler Lin wanted, he could put him to good use.

After a moment’s hesitation, Butler Lin said, “Sir, I fear Lin Feng won’t come easily. What should I do?”

Lin Shize replied, “Go tell him that those two guards who conspired with the Mongrel tribe have already been detained by me. With such a grave accusation, he’ll be implicated. He won’t dare to stay away.”

Butler Lin lowered his head and slowly left the room.

This was his first interaction with Lin Shize. Everyone used to call Lin Shize a fool.

But such ruthless tactics and deep scheming—was he really a fool? If he were, then there were no smart people left in this world.

Had he not been quick-witted today, by this time next year it might have been his death anniversary.

Ignoring the guards’ desperate cries from the moat, he hurriedly left the beacon tower and returned to the Lin family estate.

The horizon first revealed a faint fish-belly white, like a drop of water accidentally spilled on rice paper, slowly spreading.

Soon after, a faint orange hue seeped into the white, initially delicate like crushed gold leaf sprinkled at the edge of the clouds. The color deepened to a warm orange-red, as if a corner of the sky had been set ablaze.

Lin Shize was inside the beacon tower, hardening his muscles, when Liu Wu came over and said, “Chief, Li Gui has returned. He says the Lin family is less than fifteen miles away from here.”

Lin Shize wiped the sweat from his body with a hemp cloth.

“Good, they’re coming fast. Visitors are guests, we should entertain them properly.”

Before long, over ten people gathered outside the beacon tower. Leading them was a middle-aged man in a brocade robe, with a square face and expressionless countenance.

Butler Lin stood beside him, bowing his head and quietly speaking.

Lin Shize stood atop the beacon tower and shouted angrily, “Who dares trespass on the beacon tower?”

Butler Lin said, “Commander Lin, our Lord Lin has come looking for you. Please let us in.”

Lin Shize retorted, “What Lord Lin? This is military territory, no one is allowed inside!”

Lin Feng couldn’t help but speak up, “Lin Shize, you’re just a lowly commander on the frontier, yet you act so arrogantly? I’m your own uncle.”

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Lin Shize pulled at his ear and said, “My uncle? How come I didn’t know I had an uncle? My father and brother are starving to death, yet you, my so-called uncle, show no concern.”

Seeing that the familial appeal had no effect, Lin Feng’s tone darkened. “Lin Shize! As the frontier commander, you have no right to detain my guards. I can report your actions to the county magistrate. Aren’t you afraid of military law?”

Lin Shize simply ignored him.

“Oh, military law might be ruthless, but it doesn’t apply to me, Lin Shize. However, those two spies colluding with the Mongrels won’t escape the death penalty.”

Lin Feng said, “Nonsense! My guards have always been loyal and well-behaved. When have they ever colluded with the Mongrels? You’re framing us.”

Lin Shize said, “Defamation! Those two spies were caught by our brothers. You mean to say our border troops are falsely accusing your men?”

Lin Feng, riding his horse, pointed at Lin Shize and shouted harshly, “Lin Shize, I don’t have time for your nonsense. Will you release my men today? If not, I won’t hesitate to seek justice from the magistrate.”

Lin Shize chuckled, “Magistrate? You should be talking to the frontier commander.”

Lin Feng was furious beyond measure. Lin Shize was like a stubborn rock in a cesspit—foul and unyielding.

“Lin Shize! You may be untouchable here at the beacon tower, but have you considered your family?”

Seeing Lin Shize unmoved, Lin Feng resorted to threats.

Lin Shize gazed at Lin Feng with murderous intent. “If anything happens to my family, I’ll kill your entire clan!”

Lin Feng sneered, “Lin Shize, I don’t believe you have the guts. I know plenty of people here on the frontier who could crush you like a bug. Release my men now, or I’ll be forced to act!”

Lin Shize didn’t waste words. He nocked an arrow, released it across the moat, and it lodged in the empty ground before Lin Feng.

“Lin Feng, I doubt you dare cross this arrow. Whoever does, dies!”

Lin Feng’s face turned pale and flushed in turn, veins bulging on his forehead, teeth grinding loudly.

No one had dared speak to him like this in all his years on the frontier. Even the commander treated him politely. Yet this little bastard publicly humiliated him.

He wanted to rush forward and tear Lin Shize apart, but reason prevailed.

He waved to his guards, “Charge!”

The guards inwardly cursed, “You’re so proud, so great, and you want us to charge?”

But as guards, they had no choice. They formed a squad and advanced.

They neared the moat and saw no defensive move from Lin Shize. Their courage grew; soldiers who bark loudly don’t always bite.

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Lin Feng sneered at Lin Shize, “You’re just a silver-tipped coward—looks good but useless.”

“Why don’t you shoot your arrows? Go ahead! If you dare shoot today, I’ll call you grandfather!”

Before Lin Feng finished speaking, Lin Shize had already drawn his bow and fired three arrows simultaneously!

Ah!

The three men at the front had their legs pierced by arrows, their screams turning the faces of those behind pale as they scrambled back in retreat.

But Lin Shize would not let them go. After waiting so long, he had no intention of letting them leave.

Arrow after arrow flew.

The retreating guards were shot in the thighs one after another, collapsing to the ground.

The last man fell right before Lin Feng.

Lin Shize sheathed his bow and mockingly said, “Grandson, if you want to call me grandfather, I’m not so eager to acknowledge such an unfilial grandson.”

The cries scattered across the ground and the thick metallic scent of blood made Lin Feng’s heart tremble. Lin Shize actually dared to act!

Trembling, Lin Feng shouted angrily at Lin Shize, “Lin Shize, you have no respect for the law, assaulting people publicly! I will report your crimes back at the camp!”

Though his words sounded righteous, he refused to take a step forward.

Lin Shize sighed with regret. If Lin Feng had dared to rush him in anger, he would have surely ended his life.

Lin Feng ordered his guards to advance and rescue the wounded, but they exchanged glances, none daring to move. The beacon tower housed a ruthless killer.

They were mere guards, earning less than two taels of silver a month—what use was risking their lives?

Seeing the guards frozen, Lin Feng gave up and asked Lin Shize, “What exactly do you want?”

Lin Shize replied, “Nothing much. If you want to take these men back, it’ll cost extra.”