Chapter 014: Governor Brandon

After taking a few steps closer, it became clear that Governor Brandon was also quite old—at least fifty years old. Thanks to his excellent maintenance, it was hard to tell from a distance.
When Governor Brandon saw Du Fan coming out, he hurried over and said, “This must be Young Master Du Fan. It’s truly my failure as a ruler that such things happened while Young Master Du Fan was in my province of Kote! Please rest assured, starting today, I will assign the Imperial Defense Forces to protect Young Master Du Fan’s safety. As for that damned city lord, if he has to die, then he shall die. I will also conduct a thorough investigation and give Young Master Du Fan an explanation.”
Du Fan was taken aback by Governor Brandon’s sudden deference, but he quickly understood that even within the empire, just by invoking the name of the Green family, anyone would tremble in fear. Regardless of whether Governor Brandon was involved in last night’s events, since he was standing here now, he had to brace himself for the Green family’s wrath. It was only natural for him to act so subservient.
As for Governor Brandon, he was pleased upon seeing Young Master Du Fan.
It was said that Young Master Du Fan was a priest in white who rarely got involved in politics. He likely didn’t understand the significance behind this incident. Young people like him, under twenty years old, had soft hearts. If he could please him, then the mess caused by that bastard Hai Xin could probably be settled. Once he dealt with this person, everything would be simple…
With this thought, Governor Brandon gave a signal, and the nobles behind him immediately surrounded him, showering him with flattery—compliments about his youth and promising a bright future. It made Du Fan laugh inwardly. But all of this was clearly arranged by Governor Brandon, who didn’t reveal it. If he guessed correctly, Governor Brandon must have stayed up all night, colluding with these people to make Du Fan forget last night’s events by pleasing him. But then why bring up last night’s matter first?

Du Fan still hadn’t figured out this issue when Governor Brandon eagerly invited him and Xiao Yulong to his residence. The two exchanged a brief glance but didn’t refuse. Du Fan ordered a Temple Knight to tell Lingsound not to wander off, as he himself wanted to see what preparations Governor Brandon had made to deal with him.

At that moment, several teams of the imperial city guards cleared the way, with an endless stream of curious civilians along the route. Everyone knew that Young Master Du Fan, who had just beheaded a great villain and seized his house, was coming. Although some wanted to express their gratitude, they didn’t dare approach given the large number of imperial guards and could only watch from afar. Others knelt down, visibly moved with thanks. Du Fan realized these people must have been bullied by the Hai Xin brothers otherwise, and it seemed he hadn’t made a mistake in killing them.

Some civilians were just watching the spectacle. If they got too close accidentally, the fierce imperial guards would strike them with whips, leaving the victims too angry to speak and forced to watch silently from afar. Seeing this, Du Fan sneered inwardly. He secretly observed Governor Brandon behind him, who wore a smug expression. Du Fan thought to himself that they were all the same kind of people but said nothing.

Thus, amidst flattery and whips, it took a long time before they reached the governor’s residence. Although Moduo City was large, the journey was rather long. Du Fan guessed that Governor Brandon had deliberately avoided the square filled with hanging heads. Even if given a thousand times the courage, he wouldn’t dare remove those heads on his own. Yet, in this atmosphere of praise, seeing those hundreds of heads wasn’t a good sign either.

After entering the governor’s residence, Du Fan frowned slightly. Though not large, the interior was exquisitely decorated. Although Moduo City was a rare large city in the north, the governor’s residence was exceptionally luxurious. However, Du Fan said nothing, pretending not to notice. Guided by Governor Brandon, he entered the hall.

Upon arriving in the hall, a large group of local elites and wealthy merchants greeted them. At Governor Brandon’s urging, another wave of flattery ensued.

Du Fan smiled modestly, but secretly observed that although a few of these people were genuinely sincere, most were trying hard to appear enthusiastic. Their talk about horses was also utterly meaningless. Du Fan could tell right away that these people were likely reluctant to be there, forced by the governor’s orders.

Hearing such flattery so often became tedious, but Governor Brandon was prepared. As soon as Du Fan showed a hint of impatience, he made a gesture, and the flattery immediately changed style—praising Young Master Du Fan as wise and heroic for solving a problem for Modo City and bringing peace to its people.

Unlike before, this time their words sounded much more convincing. Du Fan simply smiled faintly, already having a general idea. Those minor nobles who died in last night’s chaos naturally had no chance to speak up again. Those who were now flattering him were actually his subordinates whose managers died in the chaos. People of their status wouldn’t go to the slave market themselves; if they needed anything, they would just send their subordinates.

The Hai Xin brothers must have realized this as well, which is why they dared to kill and silence people recklessly under those circumstances. If everyone present had truly been nobles, even the bravest of the Hai Xin brothers wouldn’t have dared to do such things.

After another noisy morning, although Du Fan wanted to see what tricks this governor would play, it was all the same—treating him like a child to amuse. He grew extremely bored and couldn’t help but yawn.

Governor Brandon, however, was observant. Seeing Du Fan’s reaction, he immediately said loudly, “Young Master Du Fan must be tired! It’s lunchtime now. I’ve already arranged for the most famous chef in our Kot Province to come and cook for you!”

With that, he clapped his hands. Immediately, a group of girls carrying silver trays entered one after another. The local elites seemed to realize they had no role in what was to come and began to take their leave. In the end, fewer than three or four nobles remained, standing with Governor Brandon, forcing smiles on their faces.

The girls quickly placed the silver trays on the table. Du Fan glanced at them and couldn’t help but feel frustrated.

There were at least dozens of silver plates of various sizes, all of which Du Fan had never seen before. Given his background, he should have been familiar with such things, but having grown up in the Holy Church, no matter how good the meals there were, they could never be as grand as this. So this was the first time Du Fan had seen something like this since arriving in this world.

These dishes were clearly prepared by experts. As soon as the lids on the silver plates were lifted, a delicious aroma filled the air, making one’s mouth water!

After arranging the food, the girls did not leave but sat down right there, leaving one empty seat between them. Du Fan guessed that these girls were likely there to serve as companions.

Seeing Du Fan’s expression, Governor Brandon thought he was dissatisfied and quickly said from below, “Young Master Du Fan, time is tight. I could only prepare these things. If you would be so kind, I will arrange something better for you tonight to ensure your satisfaction.”

Du Fan nodded without responding. He had already decided to watch Governor Brandon’s tricks and would not refuse this meal. After looking around for a while and hesitating for a moment, he chose a seat without any girls serving him. Then he casually nodded and said, “Everyone, sit down too.”

Xiao Yulong stood behind Du Fan and whispered, “I dare not sit at the same table as Young Master Du Fan.”

The nobles, seeing Du Fan sit at a seat without anyone serving him, all looked embarrassed. They thought Young Master Du Fan probably disdained these ordinary women.

Governor Brandon hesitated for only a second before ordering, “Since Young Master Du Fan doesn’t like it, you may leave.”

The girls responded and quickly left.

Brandon rubbed his hands and said, “These servants certainly aren’t fit to serve Young Master Du Fan. I was wrong. Please don’t be angry, Young Master Du Fan, please don’t be angry!”

As he spoke, Governor Brandon clapped his hands again, his face showing an expression of pain.

With his gesture, the nobles couldn’t help but look toward the entrance of the hall, each with an extremely strange expression.

Du Fan and Xiao Yulong exchanged a glance, also feeling puzzled.

Suddenly, light footsteps were heard, and Du Fan felt his eyes brighten as a stunningly beautiful woman slowly walked in from the entrance.

Du Fan couldn’t help but take a breath; he realized that, unbeknownst to him, his own breathing had also become a bit faster…