Chapter 144: Who Agrees, Who Objects

"If Chen Tou is treating, I'm all for it. Who doesn't know Chen Tou gives generously—top-grade banquets and pretty girls too."

Wang Bantou was quick to applaud, the first to speak up in agreement.

Chen Guanlou was satisfied, smiling faintly as he nodded to Wang Bantou in acknowledgment. He turned to the other two, then stepped into the duty room and sat across from them.

"Wu Tou, Hong Tou, you two aren't busy tonight, are you? Please do me the honor."

Shi Hong was still seething, his face drawn and silent.

Wu Bantou let out a hearty laugh, sounding genuinely cheerful. "Now you're talking, Chen Tou—brothers eating from the same pot, no need for such formalities. You treat, I'll be first in line."

"Then it's settled. I knew Wu Tou cares most for the juniors and values brotherhood above all. Hong Tou, what about you? We joined this little group around the same time—we must stand together!"

Shi Hong glared fiercely at Chen Guanlou, losing control of his temper, "Was it you who whispered poison in Master Fan's ear?"

Chen Guanlou raised an eyebrow. "I don't understand what you mean. Do you have some grievance against me?"

"Who else could it be? Master Fan suddenly summoned me and gave me a brutal scolding. Wu Bantou wouldn't snitch on me, Wang Tou wouldn't either. Only you. We've never gotten along."

Chen Guanlou's expression was half-smiling, half-sneering. "Hundreds of souls in the Jia-class cells—from your actions, ask around, who doesn't curse you? Do you really think the officials locked in here are tigers without claws, powerless against you? Ha! They'd rather die than let you humiliate them—killing them would be no harder than squashing an ant."

That 'package deal' of yours? At best, it's double-charging; at worst, it's humiliating and trampling on the dignity of those officials. Ask Wu Tou, ask Wang Tou—aren't the rules for the Jia-class cells clear? Every penny due must be collected, but every shred of dignity owed must also be given. From top to bottom, even Master Fan dares not arbitrarily humiliate those officials. Yet you? You act recklessly, as if you're desperate to draw attention to the Tianlao, as if you're begging the Embroidered Uniform Guard next door to come clean house!"

Wang Bantou nodded vigorously—finally, the logic made sense. He'd thought exactly this, but never knew how to articulate it clearly, and when he tried, people didn't understand.

Chen Tou is truly sharp—those who've studied versus those who haven't, it's night and day. In just a few words, he laid out the gravity of the matter—powerful, persuasive.

Wu Bantou's face gave nothing away. He narrowed his eyes, silently observing, watching, waiting for his moment.

Shi Hong had lost face completely, his face flushed crimson—even his ears burned red. He'd lost not just honor, but dignity too.

His nostrils flared, his breaths heavy, his chest heaving.

"Nonsense! I never thought that!" His defense rang hollow. Wang Bantou looked away, unable to bear it.

Wu Bantou was inwardly delighted, eager to watch the show.

Chen Guanlou needed only a third of his strength to shatter this fool: "Who cares what you think? But what you did—clearly, undeniably—humiliated and trampled the dignity of the officials in the cells. Fortunately, Master Fan's eyes are sharp—he spotted your mistake early and swiftly corrected you, preventing disaster. With Master Fan's wise leadership, I'm sure we'll all improve. Don't you agree?"

"Chen Tou is absolutely right."

"Master Fan is truly wise!"

At this point, no one dared oppose. Wang Bantou and Wu Bantou both voiced their full agreement.

Chen Guanlou had effortlessly, with a single move, secured the legitimacy of the decision led by "Chen Guanlou." From now on, this little group had clear hierarchy.

Li Shiyeh was indispensable—he took the money and actually delivered, brilliantly.

After this, he must be lavishly thanked—a whole night at Zui Xiang Lou.

Now only Shi Hong remained silent.

Chen Guanlou narrowed his eyes, letting out a cold chuckle. "Does Hong Tou disagree with what I said? Or do you defy the orders of both Masters Fan?"

"Don't you dare slander me! Chen Guanlou, you're just spinning words, framing a fellow officer!"

Oh? Shi Hong had a flash of wit—he could still say something clever.

Chen Guanlou fixed him with a stare. "Since Hong Tou resists, shall we take this to Master Fan and settle it face to face?"

"No! I won't fall for your trap!"

"Wu Tou, Wang Tou, you both saw it. It's not that I refuse unity—it's Hong Tou who rejects it. What do you say we do about this?"

Chen Guanlou tossed the question straight to them—he wouldn't let them sit back and watch. This fight needed everyone involved; if someone sat idle, it wasn't a battle—it was chaos.

"Oh come on, brothers sharing the same pot—Chen Tou, don't take it personally with Hong Tou. You know he's a roughneck, can't even read all the characters." That was Wu Bantou.

Wang Bantou wanted to defuse the mess and end it quickly: "Talk it out calmly. No need to drag this before the two Masters Fan. Hong Tou, we all understand—you just couldn't see it right away. But Chen Tou's points are valid."

"That 'package' of yours? It can't stand. Officials are officials—that's why they're locked in the Jia-class cells. Others can't even get in. One or two taels isn't much—but to them, it's humiliation, it's trampling.

Scholars may treat money like dung, but they cherish reputation, dignity, face above all. If they think we jailers are mocking them, they'll stay down—if they ever rise again, the Jia-class cells will be crushed under their weight. And both Masters Fan will be dragged down with it."

"Wang Tou truly sees clearly," Chen Guanlou chimed in, praising him. "Hong Tou, now you understand—we only want what's best for you. No malice intended."

Shi Hong rolled his eyes. "Just say it outright: among the four of us, I'm the only fool who can't even handle a simple task—and still won't shut up."

No one spoke.

Because Shi Hong had perfect self-awareness—he really was that stupid.

Everyone lowered their heads—some sipped tea, others tapped the table—avoiding Shi Hong's gaze to spare the awkwardness.

"What? Did I say something wrong?" Shi Hong's brain had taken so many detours he still hadn't grasped their kindness.

Everyone forced smiles. The situation demanded an elder's intervention—Wang Bantou stepped in: "Hong Tou, you're right. We all agree."

Shi Hong huffed, still angry.

Chen Guanlou lifted his teacup to drink—he feared if he didn't, he'd burst out laughing and ruin all his hard work.

Wu Bantou grinned. "Hong Tou, you're truly a rising star—impressive!"

Shi Hong looked utterly confused—he didn't understand why Wu Bantou suddenly praised him. Still, being praised felt good.

Wu Bantou turned his head, smirking. Calling Shi Hong a fool? That was praise—pure and simple.