Chapter 142: Don

When idle, time flew by, and before they knew it, the year was ending.

The old emperor's mental state grew increasingly erratic, and several more batches of officials were thrown into the Tianlaomiao. The court was in chaos; everyone was too distracted to work, and official business was severely delayed.

A few days ago, the higher-ups finally made up for last year's unpaid rations and funds to the Tianlaomiao; the jailers were all delighted, eagerly awaiting payday for an extra bonus.

As for this year's rations and funds, they were all recorded on the books—no one knew when, if ever, the debt would be cleared.

Chen Guanlou walked down the long corridor of the Tianlaomiao, hearing a chorus of curses echoing around him.

"What? One tael of silver for a cup of water? You might as well just rob us outright. You're a bunch of scoundrels, thieves, bandits, and robbers. When I get out, I'll submit a formal accusation that'll make you all regret it."

"Daring to extort me? Are you tired of living? I don't believe you'd dare kill me. Come on, chop me down—dare any of you? Even the neighboring Zhaoju won't arbitrarily kill officials; I don't believe the Tianlaomiao would dare be more reckless."

"No money! If you've got the guts, just starve me to death—or get lost."

Hearing the chaotic noise, Chen Guanlou frowned.

He asked Qian Fugui beside him, "What's going on? Did the sky fall overnight?"

"You wouldn't know, Chen Tou—these are all officials under Shi Hong's jurisdiction. With the New Year approaching and expenses piling up, they're short on cash, so Shi Hong came up with an idea: he tweaked the package system you introduced, renamed it, and wants to make a quick profit before the holiday. This was approved by Fan Yuli."

Qian Fugui specifically mentioned Fan Yuli to subtly warn him: don't meddle in others' affairs.

Chen Guanlou chuckled, "It's almost the New Year—this chaos is bad luck. If you see Shi Hong, tell him: know when to stop. Don't make your greed so obvious."

He'd always despised those greedy bastards—draining the pond to catch every fish, never understanding the need to leave room for maneuver. They'd strip even the last pair of underwear off someone.

Are they really that poor? Is it really necessary?

Qian Fugui hesitated—he wasn't as nimble as the old fox Xiao Jin.

Chen Guanlou glared at him. "Just say it. If Shi Hong causes trouble, tell him to come straight to me."

"Chen Tou, that's not wise. Those are Shi Hong's prisoners—we've got no business interfering."

Chen Guanlou snorted coldly. "Of course I have no business interfering—but his actions are severely damaging the Tianlaomiao's reputation. Why do officials prefer serving time here instead of in the neighboring Zhaoju? Aside from Zhaoju being a death trap with no escape, the bigger reason is that Zhaoju's people squeeze every last drop of oil from your bones.

The Tianlaomiao is different. We have clear rules: pay the silver, and you get what's promised—no shortcuts, no cuts. Water costs extra; meals don't. If we ruin the Tianlaomiao's name and credibility, do you think officials won't submit memorials condemning us? When the higher-ups investigate, we'll all be in trouble. Do you really think these prisoners can't send messages out?"

Qian Fugui stammered, "But, but…"

Chen Guanlou cut him off. "You're thinking about my package system? Foolish. I offered packages beyond normal provisions—like bathing, which isn't part of the Tianlaomiao's daily service. That's extra. Charging a hundred taels is fair. Hiring a storyteller? Also outside normal service. Charging fifty taels is fair too.

The problem now is that even water costs extra. What kind of system is this? It's chaos. The rules built over generations by the Tianlaomiao are being destroyed by Shi Hong alone. This must be addressed. Enough. Go get Xiao Jin. I have tasks for him."

Qian Fugui felt dejected, as if he'd lost favor. But he genuinely worried for Chen Tou—the New Year was coming; conflict would be bad.

Chen Guanlou knew the value of harmony. But lately, Shi Hong had been too showy, too obnoxious—he needed a lesson.

Wu Bantou and Wang Bantou didn't want to lead, only to nudge from the sidelines. Chen Guanlou didn't care. He never forced others to act.

He'd already invited Master Li to drink and dine, asking him to whisper in Fan Yucheng's ear.

Money was secondary. This year, everyone's income had still been substantial. Though the second half had been rough, it was over now—next year would be better.

At this moment, absolutely no chaos could be allowed. The higher-ups must not find any excuse to increase levies on the Tianlaomiao.

"Master Li knows the Tianlaomiao isn't a monolith. The higher-ups have countless ways to quietly learn our internal affairs—there's never a shortage of turncoats. If Shi Hong pushes too hard and one of these prisoners manages to expose this, Master Li, the word 'money' is now extremely sensitive at court. If this blows up, we'll all be in trouble. Even if I say 'just maybe'—if this reaches the Emperor's ears, we're all finished. For Shi Hong's personal greed, should we drag Master Fan into this? That's unacceptable."

Master Li fell silent for a long while. "You mean…"

"My point is: follow the rules. Don't give the higher-ups more leverage. Don't give them reason to increase levies. Since they changed the profit split, everyone's been struggling. Precisely because it's hard, we must be even more careful—better to earn less than to give anyone a handle to grip. That would be fatal!"

Master Li nodded silently.

The high percentage skimmed by the higher-ups had taken half their lives. If even this small remainder were taken, what would the Tianlaomiao staff eat? They might as well take to the streets as beggars.

"You've got some sense. Shi Hong's an idiot—only thinks short-term, never long. He's created a huge mess for Master Fan and left him a massive vulnerability. That's unacceptable. I'll remind Master Fan. Shi Hong needs a proper scolding. The Tianlaomiao is lucky to have you—if not, disaster would've come long ago."

"I'm not worthy," Chen Guanlou replied humbly. "I'm just helping Master Fan shoulder his burdens."

Master Li laughed heartily. "I know your abilities well—and Master Fan trusts you completely. Don't worry. I'll handle Shi Hong. Maybe I can even secure you some benefits."

"Oh, that would be wonderful! I'm truly grateful for your hard work." With that, Chen Guanlou smoothly slipped a silver note into Master Li's hand.

Master Li accepted it just as smoothly, glanced at the amount, and was satisfied.

Of the four battalion heads, Chen Guanlou was the most generous, the most lavish. A bachelor with no family burdens—he spent freely.

Master Li laughed loudly, clapping Chen Guanlou on the shoulder. "You, boy, have a bright future."