[Ding! Killed the Four Evils, obtained the hidden achievement title: Bane of Evil, and received rewards: 200 Prestige, Martial Essence Stone*5]
Just as Su Fan was about to check the equipment, another system prompt filled him with surprise.
He had actually obtained a hidden achievement, along with rewards of prestige and martial essence stones. This was simply wonderful!
There was also a title. Su Fan wondered if he could use this title.
Bane of Evil
Effect: Damage to evil forces +100%
Su Fan was overjoyed. This was something he could use, and it was a very useful attribute.
If he had possessed this title before, defeating the Four Eccentrics would have been even easier.
Su Fan walked forward and picked up the equipment on the ground.
As expected of the Four Eccentrics, who were known for their greed, they were truly rich.
There were a total of three pieces of equipment on the ground, all unidentified.
They were the Thunderwood Sword, the Brocade Robe, and the Phoenix Spirit Boots.
With three pieces of equipment for different slots, Su Fan had finally assembled a complete set of level fifty equipment.
It was time to return to Tianlong City. The relief funds had to be returned, otherwise, the refugees in the disaster-stricken areas would suffer.
Su Fan teleported directly to Tianlong City and entered the palace that same day.
"Lord Su."
The guards at the imperial palace greeted Su Fan respectfully.
Not to mention that Su Fan's identity as a Commander already made him their superior. Now, Su Fan was a favorite of the Crown Prince and His Majesty, and very likely the future consort. Who would dare offend him?
"Yes, please inform His Majesty that I wish to see him. I have important matters to report concerning the relief funds."
Su Fan said to the guard.
"Yes!"
Without any hesitation, the guard immediately went to report.
The guard reported the matter to Eunuch Li, who then conveyed it to Xiao Yuan.
"How is Su Fan involved with the relief funds? Bring him in quickly!"
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yuan immediately instructed Eunuch Li to bring Su Fan over.
"Yes."
Eunuch Li immediately went to find Su Fan.
"Lord Su, His Majesty wishes to see you."
Eunuch Li said to Su Fan with a smile.
"Thank you, Eunuch Li."
Su Fan entered the Imperial Study to see the Emperor.
"Greetings, Your Majesty."
"You are dismissed."
"You have news about the relief funds?"
Xiao Yuan asked Su Fan with confusion.
"Yes, I have brought back the relief funds. I have also killed the red-haired elder. Furthermore, one of the Four Evils, the greedy Li Fangyuan, the younger brother of the Minister of Revenue, is also dead by my hand. It was these two who were responsible for the interception of the relief funds this time."
Su Fan cut to the chase, directly explaining the cause and effect.
"Oh? Is that true?"
Xiao Yuan was somewhat surprised. He hadn't expected Su Fan to solve the case of the intercepted funds so quickly.
"I would not dare to speak falsehoods before Your Majesty."
"Excellent, you have performed another great service!"
Xiao Yuan was overjoyed. Su Fan was truly his lucky star.
"Do you desire any reward? I will certainly grant it to you!"
Xiao Yuan, in his excitement and good mood, immediately asked Su Fan if there was anything he desired.
"Your Majesty, I have only one request. Can you release Qi Ling?"
Su Fan said with a serious expression.
The smile on Xiao Yuan's face immediately vanished.
His expression turned cold.
"What is your relationship with Qi Ling? Why do you plead for her?"
Xiao Yuan was displeased. Su Fan always pleaded for this descendant of a traitor.
Xiao Yuan tapped the armrest of his dragon throne, the clacking sound reaching the ears of everyone present. Even Eunuch Li could feel the tense atmosphere; it was clear that Xiao Yuan was angry.
Su Fan naturally noticed this, but he couldn't abandon Qi Ling to languish in prison.
"I have no particular relationship with Qi Ling, merely a close friend. However, there might be hidden circumstances regarding the Qi family's past affair. I beg of you..."
Su Fan, bracing himself, said to Xiao Yuan.
"Enough. I can release her, but this merit will be disregarded. You will not receive any further reward."
Xiao Yuan interrupted Su Fan, his face cold.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Su Fan did not desire any reward. There was nothing he desired that Xiao Yuan could give him. Gold and silver were of little use to him in this world. He needed good equipment and to level up, neither of which Xiao Yuan could provide.
"You may withdraw."
Looking at Su Fan, Xiao Yuan lost his mood and waved him away.
"Your Majesty, are you very disappointed with Lord Su?"
Even Eunuch Li could tell that Xiao Yuan was not satisfied with Su Fan's performance.
"He is capable, but indecisive. Too loyal and righteous, unfit for great tasks."
Xiao Yuan saw through Su Fan instantly.
Loyalty and righteousness were good qualities in the martial world, but for someone undertaking great endeavors, they were flaws.
As the saying goes, loyalty and righteousness are difficult to reconcile. If one day he asked Su Fan to kill his sworn brothers, what would he choose?
At that time, being too loyal and righteous would be disloyal.
Therefore, Su Fan could not be heavily relied upon.
"The court needs fresh blood. Relying on these old fellows will surely ruin the Tianlong Dynasty sooner or later!"
Xiao Yuan said with a heavy heart.
"Your Majesty, the friend Su Fan brought back last time, who previously placed second in the imperial examinations but was supplanted, can he be of service?"
Eunuch Li pondered for a moment, then suddenly thought of someone and mentioned him to Xiao Yuan.
Xiao Yuan's eyes lit up.
He did indeed have an impression of Wen Yan. After Su Fan mentioned him, Xiao Yuan had his subordinates investigate the matter from that year and discovered that Wen Yan had indeed placed second in the imperial examinations but had been supplanted.
Moreover, after years of hardship, Wen Yan not only possessed literary knowledge but also social experience. Most importantly, he had experienced life among the common people.
"Yes, he can be cultivated with focus."
Xiao Yuan nodded, realizing that he was indeed a suitable talent.
However, he needed to be observed slowly. He would be given a task first.
"What is he doing now?"
Xiao Yuan could not directly summon him. He first wanted to know what Wen Yan was doing so he could make arrangements.
"He is currently working as an accountant at Su Fan's inn."
Eunuch Li, following Xiao Yuan's instructions, had investigated matters concerning Su Fan and his associates in private, and was aware of Cheng Yaoyin and others.
"A talent who placed second in the imperial examinations is made to be an accountant. Su Fan is also someone who doesn't know how to utilize talent!"
Xiao Yuan muttered to himself with dissatisfaction.
"You go and arrange for him. Ask him if he is willing to work in the Ministry of Revenue first for observation. If there are no issues, his official position will be gradually elevated. The position of Minister of Revenue can be reserved for him."
Xiao Yuan instructed Eunuch Li.
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
Eunuch Li withdrew from the Imperial Study, a hint of envy on his face.
A commoner was suddenly favored by His Majesty and transformed from a commoner into a high-ranking official. It was incredibly difficult for ordinary people to reach the position of Minister. If Wen Yan encountered no problems, this position would be reserved for him.
Eunuch Li arrived at the Peace Inn.
The Peace Inn was much livelier now, with a continuous stream of guests, mainly due to Su Fan's reputation.
On its opening day, it was unremarkable, but later, the visits from the Grand Commandant's mansion and the Crown Prince to offer congratulations spread, catapulting this small inn to a new level.
Everyone came to curry favor.