Chapter 96

Soon, exquisite dishes were served one after another. Mountain delicacies and seafood, everything one could desire, clearly the highest standard for entertaining distinguished guests at the Security Command Headquarters.

Lin Yu leisurely picked up his chopsticks, about to eat, when Shiteyin whispered, "Sir, should we test it first?"

"Test?" Lin Yu chuckled lightly, "To move against me now, unless these people are all foolish pigs."

He picked up a piece of braised pork, placed it in his mouth, and savored it: "Moreover, with their meager skills, do they even deserve to tamper with my food?"

Shiteyin stood to the side, watching Lin Yu eat heartily, a flicker of doubt in his eyes: "Sir, I have a question I don't understand."

"Speak."

"With our current strength, we could outright annihilate the Security Command troops; why then..." Shiteyin trailed off.

Lin Yu set down his chopsticks, wiped his mouth, and said, "You want to ask why we don't just take direct action?"

"Yes."

"It's simple," Lin Yu said, lifting his tea cup and taking a sip, "At least for now, I am still a subject of Great Dry. The court gave me the post of surveillance commissioner, not that of a rebel traitor."

He gazed out the window, his eyes deep: "Thus, everything must be done within the rules. Having them obediently hand over the military funds looks far better than my directly taking action."

"But..."

"There's no 'but' about it," Lin Yu interrupted, "It's merely a Security Command force; we could dispose of them anytime. But now, we must gradually erode their power without harming the foundation."

He picked up his chopsticks again: "Just like now, let them obediently hand over six million in military funds. This money, once in our hands, will not only solve our urgent need but also strike at their morale."

Shiteyin pondered: "I see."

"Remember," Lin Yu said, picking up a piece of fish, "In this era, mere force isn't enough. We must make everyone feel our actions are justified and reasonable."

He chewed the fish, a hint of amusement in his eyes: "Just like now, who could say our demand for military funds is wrong? Clearly we are fulfilling their duty to defend Shen City; asking for some compensation is perfectly normal."

Shiteyin suddenly understood: "Sir, you are brilliant."

"This is what having a just cause means," Lin Yu continued to enjoy the food, "When our strength becomes sufficient, we will naturally have the chance to deal with them. But before that, we must make everyone feel we are upholding order, not destroying it."

He set down his chopsticks, raised his wine cup: "This is the true art of balancing."

In the study, the atmosphere was solemn.

"Six million taels," Yang Chengdong said in a deep voice, "Although the sum is not small, at present this appears to be the best solution."

"Uncle!" Qin Chang'an slammed his palm on the table and rose, "This is blatant extortion! When has our Security Command ever suffered such treatment?"

"Then what do you suggest?" Yang Chengdong said coldly, "Are we to fight him? Haven't you seen what happened to the Ninth Division?"

Qin Chang'an was at a loss for words, yet still unwilling: "But..."

"There's no 'but' about it," Zheng Shenguo interjected, "The current Lin Yu is no longer the petty constable of a month ago. He could wipe out the Ninth Division in a single night; he could do the same to our Security Command forces."

"That's right," Sun Desheng nodded in agreement, "Moreover, he is now an imperial surveillance commissioner appointed by the court. If we refuse to pay, he could memorialize the throne and report the news of your father's death. Then..."

"By then the court will certainly send someone to take over the Security Command Headquarters," Yang Chengdong picked up the thread, "Perhaps they will even parachute in a new Security Commander. We lot would surely fare poorly."

Qin Chang'an gritted his teeth: "So we're just going to give in?"

"This isn't giving in," Yang Chengdong sighed, "It's a stopgap measure. You must understand that Lin Yu now is vastly different. He holds military command, bears the emperor's sword of authority, and most importantly..."

He paused: "He has already proven his terror with his strength."

"But six million taels..." Qin Chang'an still wanted to say something.

"", Yang Chengdong waved his hand, "As long as this matter is quelled, the money is well spent. Furthermore..."

He gave Qin Chang'an a meaningful glance: "Do you think he doesn't know how much money is in our vault? His demand for six million is already leaving us face."

The study fell into a brief silence. Everyone understood Yang Chengdong was right, yet watching their Security Command's reserves being extorted left them with a smoldering anger.

"Time is short," Yang Chengdong glanced at his pocket watch, "Let's settle this as decided. Remember, from now on, avoid provoking Lin Yu if possible. This man..."

His voice dropped low: "He is even more terrifying than you imagine."

Yang Chengdong pushed open the banquet hall doors and saw Lin Yu leisurely enjoying his food and drink, his relaxed demeanor as if this place were his own home.

Shiteyin stood to the side, his sharp gaze fixed on everyone entering.

"Director Lin," Yang Chengdong forced down his humiliation and squeezed out a smile, "We have discussed it; we will provide the military funds."

Lin Yu didn't even lift his head, merely picking up a piece of fish leisurely, placing it in his mouth to savor: "Hmm, not bad."

Qin Chang'an stood behind, clutching his fists so tightly his nails dug into his palms. Zheng Shenguo and Sun Desheng lowered their heads, unwilling to look at Lin Yu's face, which bore a hint of mockery.

"Six million taels," Yang Chengdong continued, "I'll have people prepare it right away."

"No rush," Lin Yu said, setting down his chopsticks, lifting his wine cup and gently swirling it, "Wait until I finish this meal. Your Security Command's cooks are skilled; this steamed sea bass is quite authentic."

He took a sip of wine, his eyes playfully scanning everyone present: "Looks like we'll have to come back another time to enjoy the cuisine."

He spoke offhandedly, yet it sank the hearts of everyone present. They understood this was not idle chatter; Lin Yu was telling them that such extortion would continue in the future.

"Of course, of course," Yang Chengdong nodded repeatedly, "Director Lin is welcome anytime."

Lin Yu set down his wine cup, smiled meaningfully: "Commander Yang truly knows how to read the times; no wonder he can stand firm in Shen City."

That praise rang in their ears, yet it felt worse than humiliation. But what could they do? In the face of absolute strength, they could only grit their teeth and swallow it.

"Come," Lin Yu raised his wine cup, "Care to join me for a drink?"

Yang Chengdong and the others exchanged glances, finally forcing a smile as they raised their wine cups. This cup of wine tasted more bitter than poison...