Chapter 103

“You’re not lying?”

Chen Guanlou stared fixedly at Xiao Jin.

Xiao Jin nodded rapidly, then shook his head, “I dare not lie, sir!”

“How do you know the Eastern Palace has a share? Such a secret matter—how could you possibly know?” Chen Guanlou’s expression was skeptical, half-believing Xiao Jin’s words.

Never mind the era—opening a money shop always requires powerful backing; this is an undeniable fact. He simply hadn’t expected the Eastern Palace to invest too. The Crown Prince has countless ways to amass wealth—why would he need to invest in a money shop? But then again, who ever turns down more money? A money shop’s business is money breeding money—what a profitable venture! The nobility must all be envious. The Crown Prince is still a man, and all men have needs and desires for wealth.

“The Eastern Palace’s participation in profits was revealed by the Four-Communications Money Shop itself. If Master Chen doesn’t believe me, you can go ask around town. I truly didn’t lie.”

“Then tell me—who else among the princely houses has invested?”

“I know of the Jin Prince’s Mansion and the Qi Prince’s Mansion.”

Chen Guanlou fell silent.

The Jin Prince and the Qi Prince—one was the old Emperor’s own son, the other his own nephew. Both were men he couldn’t possibly offend. Add the Eastern Palace to that—and damn it, was he really expected to pay Jiang Fengyu’s debt?

The world truly held such absurdity—utterly ridiculous!

This money must not be paid, under any circumstances.

If he paid, he and his jailers would be looked down upon—losing both dignity and face. How could he ever hope to survive in the Heavenly Prison again? Where would his authority be? He wouldn’t even be able to manage his men, let alone keep accounts—no one would respect him anymore.

After pondering it, he ordered Xiao Jin, “Gather your men, bring your weapons—tonight, come with me to Guanmei Pavilion for the banquet.”

“Really bring weapons?”

“Of course! How else do you negotiate? With your mouth? Your mouth won’t spit out a damn thing!”

Chen Guanlou was furious, his eyes fierce and cold—clearly ready to draw blades and kill several men if the slightest dispute arose tonight.

Xiao Jin and Qian Fugui were terrified.

They were merely jailers, not hired thugs. Sure, jailers did the dirtiest work, but they rarely actually fought, and had almost no experience in brawling. Their power came only from their status and the law’s restraint over imprisoned officials.

“But…”

“No buts.”

“Master Chen, shouldn’t we hire some hired fighters? Can our group really fight against the money shop’s thugs?”

“Master Chen, the money shop’s thugs are professionals—they fight like they don’t care if they die! We… we have no experience!”

Xiao Jin and Qian Fugui spoke in turn, desperately urging Chen Guanlou to change his mind and avoid direct confrontation. If confrontation was unavoidable, then professionals should be sent—professionals against professionals, that would be fair.

Chen Guanlou let out a cold laugh. “With me here, what do you have to fear? Enough! I know what I’m doing. Tonight, everyone brings weapons and comes with me to Guanmei Pavilion. Anyone who refuses must return their share of the profits—and pay an extra thirty taels.”

“Why thirty taels?”

“The money you’ve already paid to the public coffers—can you get it back? If you can’t, then everyone splits the cost.” Chen Guanlou wouldn’t coddle them.

Hearing they had to pay, the two instantly hardened their stance—firmly supporting the decision to bring weapons and negotiate with the money shop. The Heavenly Prison’s dignity could not be trampled upon.

His own face might be lost, but the Heavenly Prison’s dignity must be preserved!

“Firmly defend the dignity of the Heavenly Prison!”

“Defend the Heavenly Prison—starting with me.”

After shift, the jailers gathered outside the yamen. All obediently brought weapons—great knives, daggers, clubs. Each tried to adopt their usual intimidating posture toward prisoners, appearing fearsome, at least outwardly imposing.

Chen Guanlou didn’t disdain this useless bunch—he waved his hand. “Follow me!”

Xiao Jin, the seasoned veteran, naturally asked more: “Master Chen, do we just attack right away when we get there?”

“Follow my orders. When I say move, charge together—hit anyone you see.”

“No tactics?” Xiao Jin sounded genuinely shocked.

Chen Guanlou shot him a scornful glance. “What the hell do you need tactics for in a gang fight? Bravery wins when paths cross! Do you think this is two armies clashing, with feints and flanking maneuvers?”

“Flanking maneuvers are great! What if we…”

“Get lost! When we arrive, watch my signals—keep your eyes open. After it’s settled, I’ll treat everyone to drinks at Zui Xiang Pavilion—pick any girl you want.”

At these words, the jailers’ fighting spirit surged—they roared, vowing to give the money shop’s men a beating. They weren’t doing this for the courtesans—they just wanted to drink. Yes, drinking—that was the real matter.

At Guanmei Pavilion, the waiter, seasoned and unflinching, welcomed them in: “Gentlemen, Master Li of the money shop has been waiting for you in the back courtyard. This way, please.”

The money shop had money—it had rented out the entire back courtyard. A group of thugs stood on either side, each glaring menacingly at the jailers. Some wore openly contemptuous expressions, clearly dismissing the jailers’ crude weapons.

Chen Guanlou signaled his men to hold their ground and followed him to the pavilion.

A fine banquet steamed on the table. Tea was perfectly warm. Two beautiful, plump serving girls stood by, attending.

The jailers stared at the girls’ exposed shoulders and chests, eyes wide. They’d never seen such a scene—they were like Liu Laolao entering the Grand View Garden, utterly pathetic.

Chen Guanlou ignored them. Before Master Li, he bowed slightly in greeting, then sat down directly. “These are rough men, unaccustomed to refinement. Not like Master Li, who lives with elegance and knows how to enjoy life. If anything is improper, please forgive us.”

Master Li’s eyebrows lifted slightly. “I’ve long heard the Heavenly Prison gained a scholar. Today I see—indeed, you’re unlike ordinary jailers. I’ve also heard Master Chen shares a surname with the Marquis of Pingjiang.”

“We’re beyond five generations of kinship—Master Li needn’t concern himself.” Chen Guanlou lifted his tea, sipped it—mild at first, then a distinct, refreshing tea fragrance lingered on his lips and tongue, invigorating his spirit.

“Fine tea!”

“Master Chen understands tea?”

“I don’t. But I can tell good tea when I taste it. Today, Master Li has spent lavishly—banquet, beautiful maids—it’s almost like I’ve stepped into a Hongmen Banquet.”

“Hahaha… Master Chen has a sharp wit. I’ve long heard you can drink a thousand cups without getting drunk. Try my private brew—taste it.”

The cup was filled. Chen Guanlou lifted it, sniffed the wine’s aroma—but did not drink.

“Drinking can wait. Let’s settle the matter first. Then, invite my men to drink together—it’ll be more lively. Don’t you agree?”

He set the cup down, smiling slightly as he watched Master Li.

Master Li lowered his gaze, then burst into laughter. “Very well. Let’s follow Master Chen’s lead—first, the matter at hand.”