Chapter 120

The Embroidered Uniform Guard came to interrogate the prisoner, and the Tianlao inmates could only watch helplessly as their own god of wealth was dragged away like a dog.

It hurts so much, it hurts terribly. Is that a prisoner? That’s the god of wealth! Can’t you treat the god of wealth with a little gentleness?

The jailers stretched out their hands, desperate to snatch the god of wealth back, but they lacked the power to do so.

“Break it up, break it up, all of you, scatter!” Fan Yuli barked, glaring at everyone with ill temper.

He gave Chen Guanlou a meaningful glance; Chen Guanlou understood instantly and followed him to the official office.

“Ah…”

Fan Yuli let out a long sigh. “Little Chen, we’d just gotten two days of peace, and now the Embroidered Uniform Guard comes to snatch it away. Tell me—how are we supposed to live from now on?”

Chen Guanlou feigned deep thought; he couldn’t answer too quickly, or the man would think it too easy. Next time he tried to take shortcuts, it would be harder.

He first sighed along. “Your Excellency, this matter has no solution—for now.”

Fan Yuli was clearly dissatisfied with the answer. Of course he knew it had no solution—no one dared defy the Embroidered Uniform Guard. But he didn’t need this answer; he needed the old Chen Guanlou, the one who understood him without words.

He looked at him with disapproval, speaking in a flat tone: “Little Chen, your recent work hasn’t met my expectations.”

Chen Guanlou internally rolled his eyes—Fan Yuli’s face was too ugly. They hadn’t even done anything yet, and already he was putting on airs, acting like he was about to flip the table.

After careful consideration, he could only bluff: “Your Excellency, rest assured—good days are coming soon.”

At these words, Fan Yuli’s interest instantly sparked. He leaned forward slightly. “What do you mean?”

Chen Guanlou didn’t drag it out. He raised a finger toward the heavens. “Lately, court affairs have grown increasingly chaotic. I’ve heard the rebels in Jinzhou have gained real strength—scholars and high-ranking martialists have even joined their ranks.”

The court is rife with complaints over the money shortage. I suspect a major upheaval is inevitable. When His Majesty flies into a rage, perhaps our Tianlao will welcome a few high-ranking officials.”

When that time comes, it’ll be your turn, Your Excellency. Just show a little of your skill before these high officials, and you may earn their favor. Once they’re released, your rise to power will be inevitable.”

Upon hearing this, Fan Yuli’s heart burst into joy.

It wasn’t that he was easily fooled—he actually was. But Chen Guanlou’s words made sense; they struck right at his core. He’d had similar thoughts before, but never articulated them as clearly as Chen Guanlou had.

Since the start of the year, the court had been in constant chaos—officials bickered every few days. Especially the censors and remonstrators, desperate to prove their worth. Their impeachment memorials could fill the entire Taiji Palace.

His Majesty had flown into rage multiple times and executed several men, yet officials kept rushing forward like waves. If this continued, a major upheaval was inevitable. Given His Majesty’s temper, he’d surely imprison a batch of officials. High-ranking nobles ending up in Tianlao was only a matter of time.

Opportunity had arrived. Fan Yuli laughed heartily. The more chaos at court, the better—he wished the court would collapse tomorrow, and the old emperor would lock every official into Tianlao.

When that day came, he’d prosper. As the saying goes: proximity to water grants first access to the moon. As jailer, he must impress these high officials.

Beaming with delight, he didn’t hesitate to praise Chen Guanlou: “Little Chen, well done. You’re right—the court’s chaos won’t last forever. His Majesty will eventually crack down. When that happens, you must keep a tight watch. Make sure the jailers do their duty properly. Don’t let me down.”

Chen Guanlou nodded quickly. “Your Excellency, rest assured—the A-ward cells are under my care. I’ll handle everything perfectly—you won’t have to lift a finger.”

“Hahahaha… I never misjudged you. I can trust you with this. Lately, everyone’s had a bit more money. Tonight, I’ll treat everyone to drinks at Guanmei Pavilion.”

At this, Chen Guanlou cursed inwardly—this wasn’t an invitation; it was a reminder to pay up.

Fan Yuli was obsessed with money. This couldn’t go on.

Regardless of his thoughts, his mouth didn’t hesitate: “How could we let Your Excellency spend? Thanks to your kindness, our lives have improved. Tonight’s drink—please let us treat you. We beg you to grace us with your presence!”

Fan Yuli was extremely pleased. He knew Chen Guanlou was a man who understood unspoken meanings.

He only needed to hint, and clever Chen Guanlou grasped his intent. The other jail squad leaders? They fell short. In the end, Chen Guanlou was still the most useful—after all, he’d been educated.

Fan Yuli had privately tested several other squad leaders. He’d tried to balance power by finding someone to counter Chen Guanlou. But after several trials, he found them all lacking—none matched Chen Guanlou’s usefulness or thoughtfulness.

After comparison, he firmly decided to keep using Chen Guanlou. As long as Chen Guanlou didn’t betray him behind his back, he’d continue to rely on him.

Chen Guanlou returned to the duty room and ordered the jailers to notify the other three squad leaders: prepare money tonight—they must pay to avoid disaster.

The three squad leaders cried out in protest, wailing in despair. Just as their income improved, Fan Yuli turned his eyes to their purses. This greed was too blatant.

Shi Hong, having learned his lesson, came to the duty room immediately after receiving the notice and asked Chen Guanlou for advice: “How much should I give tonight?”

Chen Guanlou held up his fingers.

Shi Hong’s eyes widened: “Thirty taels? Isn’t that too much? Our income’s improved, but thirty taels will kill me!”

Chen Guanlou sighed. “Everyone knows how big Fan Yuli’s appetite is. Less than this, he’ll be furious. Tonight’s drink will be meaningless. Only this amount might satisfy him.”

This is a long-term job—don’t rush. The money lost today will come back later. In short: tonight, Fan Yuli must be pleased. Otherwise, if he gives us trouble, none of us can bear it.”

Shi Hong deeply agreed. His past experience of being given extra burdens still haunted him.

If not for the arrival of a few gods of wealth, he’d still be drowning in debt.

He resigned himself. “Fine, fine—thirty taels it is. Consider it paying to avoid disaster. Who can fight rank? If I’d been educated, I’d be the jailer too. Chen Tou, you’re a real scholar—why don’t you fight for the jailer’s position?”

This remark was clearly overstepping.

Chen Guanlou wouldn’t fall for it. He chuckled. “I have no such talent. Being a squad leader is more than enough for me.”