Chapter 14: Learn by Imitation

With money in hand, Chen Guanlou began spending freely.

That evening, he took Xu Fugui to a brothel to listen to music.

The new girl at the flower house was beautiful and skilled at flattery; she knew how to use money to please, leaving Xu Fugui delighted.

Chen Guanlou seized the chance to show loyalty, saying all the jailers in the Bing-character prison block longed for him to become jail supervisor, so they too could benefit and advance. He casually hinted that Zhang Wantong had found a new patron and had already received promises.

Xu Fugui: ...

He growled, “That bastard Zhang Wantong doesn’t know the rules—he’s gone crawling to Zhang Yuli’s feet. Hmph, I’ve hated him for ages. When I become jail supervisor, I’ll make him my first target.”

Chen Guanlou feigned surprise. “I heard Zhang Wantong is under Wanyuli’s wing. Today, he’s been hanging around the Jia-character prison block all day—everyone says he wants to transfer there. After all, that place is rich with bribes, and he can interact with officials.”

“What? Are you sure?” Xu Fugui pressed again.

Chen Guanlou panicked instantly. “I—I don’t know! I just heard it from gossip. Uncle Xu, you know how jailers spread all kinds of nonsense—I can’t tell truth from lies. But it’s true Zhang Wantong spent all day in the Jia-character block. They say he lost a lot of money today. Normally, when he loses, he glowers. Today, though, he actually smiled. Uncle Xu, why do you think he’s smiling?”

“What else could he be smiling about? Damn that bastard! Xiao Lou, you’ve done well—this information came just in time.” Xu Fugui had clearly taken Chen Guanlou’s words to heart and filled in the gaps himself.

“If this news helps Uncle Xu, then it’s worth it. Uncle Xu, the jail supervisor position—is it still secure?”

“Everything depends on human effort. Don’t worry—I’ll remember your kindness. As long as I have a bite to eat, you’ll never go hungry. Keep listening to the jailers’ gossip. Information like this about Zhang Wantong is invaluable.”

After a bout of anger, Xu Fugui was soon cheered again by the girl’s comfort.

He had originally planned to pretend modesty and refuse to stay overnight, but upon learning Chen Guanlou had already paid for the night in advance, he gladly followed the girl inside, repeatedly promising he’d never forget Chen Guanlou’s favor.

Chen Guanlou: ...

Listen, yes—but believe it? That’s pure foolishness.

The trap was set; the seed of suspicion was planted. Whether it would grow into anything substantial, Chen Guanlou couldn’t be sure.

Do your part—and leave the rest to fate!

He refused to believe Wanyuli was heaven’s chosen one, that he could leap straight from jailer to supervisor.

Zhang Wantong was certain the god of misfortune had moved into his home. These days, nothing but bad luck.

First, he was kidnapped at midnight; then he lost every copper coin gambling; now Xu Fugui was harassing him, making life unbearable. A superior officer crushes you underfoot—he could ignore Xu Fugui, but Xu Fugui had ways to make him suffer. He couldn’t go on like this.

Chen Guanlou acted as an observer, watching every movement. He only hoped the waters would grow ever muddier—only muddy water let you catch fish, and only muddy water would draw the attention of those above.

Wanyuli wanted to exploit a loophole, rising from jailer to supervisor. His gamble was simple: that those above didn’t care about Tianlaomiao or the position of jail supervisor, giving him room to maneuver.

This was the truth Chen Guanlou had figured out after days of thought.

In his past life, he’d sold products—earn what you sold, divided by region and client; there was no direct conflict between salesmen. He knew the whole system of banquets and entertainment, but he had no experience with internal power struggles. Now, facing court politics, he relied entirely on the lessons he’d learned from countless novels of his past life: only by making the conflict big, dragging in more people, would those in power deign to look. He needed only one glance—to sabotage Wanyuli’s plan. Whoever became jail supervisor, as long as it wasn’t Wanyuli, was fine.

No matter how chaotic the infighting became, he continued his patrols according to the schedule.

The Vice Minister of War was furious, so the flower thief’s case was swiftly decided: immediate execution.

Only then did the flower thief realize he was truly doomed—with no hope of reprieve.

Before death, he only wanted a few good meals.

But his money had been completely drained by the jailers; now he couldn’t even afford a pot of wine. Learning Chen Guanlou collected martial manuals, he decided to trade his unique skill for one last indulgence.

“I’m going to die anyway—keeping this manual is useless. I ask for nothing else—just treat me well these next few days, give me good food and drink, so I can die a full man.”

Chen Guanlou agreed.

He always showed extra care to those about to die; if he could offer kindness within his means, he would.

The flower thief’s unique skill, offered in trade, was lightness technique. Over the years, his countless thefts and escapes from official pursuit had all relied on his exquisite lightness skill. He even boasted his technique ranked among the top ten in the martial world.

“If you don’t believe me, ask the Empty Master next door—he knows my reputation in the martial world.”

The Empty Master confirmed the flower thief’s claim: “Below fifth rank, his lightness skill barely makes the top ten. Above fifth rank, it’s an insurmountable gap—he has no standing at all.”

“Above fifth rank—does that enter another realm of martial cultivation?” Chen Guanlou was curious.

The Empty Master sighed. “I’m only second rank—I have no way to feel the terror of fifth-rank power. But I’ve seen two sixth-rank martialists fight. The scene was like heaven collapsing and earth splitting, their force like mountains crashing and seas overturning. The shock is indescribable. You might not believe me, but when you one day witness a fifth-rank or higher martialist in action, you’ll understand my feeling.”

After the deal was done, the flower thief gifted Chen Guanlou a sleeping powder recipe.

“Don’t worry, Chen Xiao, this recipe is clean—not for seduction. It’s essential for murder and robbery.”

“I’m a jailer—I don’t kill or rob.”

“Still, better safe than sorry. I’m dying anyway—these are exclusive recipes. Letting them die with me would be a waste.”

“You ruined countless virtuous women—you should’ve expected this. Fine, I’ll accept your kindness.”

Chen Guanlou complained aloud, but his hands moved quickly. A murder-and-robbery essential—even if he had no ill intent, he must guard against others harming him. This stuff was useful.

The prisoners in Tianlaomiao were truly talented—each one spoke well and possessed skills.

Since starting work, he was deeply satisfied with his gains here. His decision to cling to this iron rice bowl of Tianlaomiao had been absolutely right.

He was a man of his word!

In the following days, he covered the flower thief’s meals—two meals a day, each with wine and meat. Other jailers heard but said nothing.

A flower thief about to be beheaded—let him eat well before death. Chen Guanlou was willing to play the good man; let him have his way.

Even Zhang Wantong, who usually flexed seniority and bossed everyone around, was too overwhelmed by his recent streak of bad luck to care about Chen Guanlou’s actions—only muttering, “Foolish!”