Chapter 1000

Chen Guanlou took the documents and followed Medical Officer Mu to the morgue.

The corpse of the prisoner who died last night in Bingzi-sized prison was stored in the morgue, unreported to the Ministry of Justice and no family notified—only his signature and seal were needed to proceed.

“Go fetch Xu Fugui!” Chen Guanlou ordered the jailer.

The jailer hurried off.

The coroner lifted the corpse’s clothing, revealing the wounds: “The clear cause of death is infection from external injuries—excessive torture.”

“Did you warn the Bingzi-sized prison?”

“Every summer we issue warnings. Summer is not like winter—wounds infect easily. Once infected, mortality is extremely high. This is the most common cause of death on battlefields. The court often chooses autumn for campaigns, not just because supplies are plentiful, but because fewer die in autumn; many wounded soldiers can still be saved. In summer, especially during peak heat, there’s no way to prevent it.”

Chen Guanlou’s face darkened as he stared at the twisted corpse, his mood growing irritable.

Xu Fugui received the message and rushed to the morgue.

“My lord, you summoned me?”

“Come look—this is the prisoner who died last night in Bingzi-sized prison. Did you read the case file? He’s a suspect in the family extermination case, still under investigation, and you’ve killed him. What next?”

Xu Fugui stammered, “My lord, this was an accident! All other prisoners endured it—only this one…”

“Stop excusing yourself! How many accidents have occurred in Bingzi-sized prison this past half-year? I see your mind isn’t on duty. This can’t continue—Bingzi-sized prison needs restructuring.”

“Restructuring? May I ask how, my lord?” Xu Fugui panicked.

Chen Guanlou sneered, “Model it after Jiazi-sized prison—appoint two jailers. Since your mind isn’t on duty, let someone responsible share the burden. I’ll keep your title as jailer of Bingzi-sized prison and your share of the pay—every copper coin intact. From now on, focus on your private affairs; if you’re busy, don’t show your face in Tianlaomiao.”

“My lord, Bingzi-sized prison doesn’t need two jailers! This was truly an accident—I swear it won’t happen again!” Xu Fugui was desperate; “every copper coin intact” meant splitting his share in half—he refused.

He firmly opposed it.

“No more accidents! I’ve given you countless chances—reminded you repeatedly, offered you opportunity after opportunity to improve. But look what you’ve done: the Ma Liu case is still dragging through court, and now you’ve caused another incident. If this keeps up, I’ll spend every day cleaning up your mess and have no time for anything else. Enough talk—this is decided! Prepare yourself. When the new jailer arrives, hand over your duties.”

Chen Guanlou would not tolerate this any longer.

He had tolerated too much already—things had grown absurd.

The leaks in Bingzi-sized prison had grown wider, the holes deeper. Once, turning a blind eye was acceptable; now, with errors piling up, indulgence must end.

Xu Fugui’s face flushed red with rage: “My lord, I refuse! I joined Tianlaomiao the moment I came of age. Decades of diligent service—no great merit, but plenty of hardship. You can’t remove me over this small matter and replace me with someone else. I’m still capable—I’m not old enough to die!”

Chen Guanlou’s face was stern, unyielding: “Out of respect for your years of hardship, I’ve kept your title and your share of Bingzi-sized prison’s bonus. Ask yourself honestly—how have you performed these past years? Are you qualified? You know the answer. Accept your age. When your strength fades, step aside—don’t argue with me.”

“I’m not arguing. Bingzi-sized prison doesn’t need two jailers.” Xu Fugui fought for his interests, refusing to yield an inch.

Chen Guanlou sneered, releasing his aura—pressing down on Xu Fugui with the authority of a Ninth-Rank martial cultivator: “Either two jailers, or you step down and make way for a new man. Choose.”

Xu Fugui trembled under the pressure.

But money was at stake—he dared to ask, “Just because one man died?”

Chen Guanlou scoffed, his voice sharp with fury: “I should have removed you the moment Bingzi-sized prison’s accounts became murky. In the Ma Liu case, you caused a catastrophe—you deserve death. I defended you, and what did you do? You killed a suspect still under investigation.

One after another, what right do you have to sit in that jailer’s chair? What authority do you have to question my decisions?

I’ve shown mercy out of old ties, time and again—only to foster a viper, one who’s forgotten his place. Xu Fugui, decide now: will you cooperate with my decision, or oppose me?”

Xu Fugui fell silent.

Others hid in corners, afraid of becoming collateral damage, yet stretched their necks, unwilling to miss a single detail or expression.

Many in the room disliked Xu Fugui.

Years ago, he was energetic—pulling three all-nighters didn’t delay his duties. But these past years, aging, he needed two or three days to recover from a single night shift. Added to that, he took a concubine—his energy dwindled further, mistakes multiplied. Even the coroners complained, let alone the jailers.

When you grow old, you must accept it.

Chen Yucheng gave Xu Fugui a second jailer instead of firing him outright—this was already more than generous. Don’t be ungrateful.

To everyone’s eyes, Xu Fugui was clinging to age, acting entitled, ungrateful.

Chen Yucheng’s temper was too kind—he still patiently argued. Previous jailers would’ve turned on him instantly.

“I… my lord, can’t you give me one more chance?”

Xu Fugui finally realized his dire position—his earlier defiance vanished. He asked, meek and pleading.

“Keeping your title is your chance. If your strength fades and mistakes pile up, admit it! Tianlaomiao won’t tolerate arrogance!”

Xu Fugui clenched his teeth, unwilling: “But my household expenses are high—if another jailer takes half my income, my lord, I still have to feed my family.”

Chen Guanlou laughed bitterly—meeting a reasonable person these days was a rare blessing.

Most around him were oddities—every kind of oddity.

He growled: “Cut unnecessary expenses. Kick out those you don’t need to support. I care only for your duties, not your family affairs.

Besides, no one can claim my pay is too low. Ask the jailers in the Zhaoju prison next door—what do they earn? Compare it to yours.

What work do they do? What do you do? Their duties are at least twice yours, yet their pay is nearly the same—what right do you have to whine about poverty? If I opened the doors today, I bet the Zhaoju jailers would line up to apply!”