Chapter 179: No Wonder He

Where is Fan Yuli?

After seeing off Sun Daoning, Fan Yucheng regained control of the Tianlao Prison; his confidence as prison chief returned. But he was seething with rage and needed an outlet. Remembering Fan Yuli's continued absence, he immediately demanded an answer.

The prison guards exchanged uneasy glances—they had no idea where the junior Fan official was. It was protocol for subordinates not to inquire after their superiors' whereabouts.

Seeing their silence, Fan Yucheng flew into a rage. "Does no one know anything?"

"Your Excellency, Junior Fan has been suffering severe diarrhea and is still at the clinic waiting for the physician to administer acupuncture."

At this critical moment, Chen Guanlou stepped forward, standing before the other guards.

Fan Yucheng's face was stiff, his emotions complicated.

He knew perfectly well Chen Guanlou was lying—but he couldn't expose him. He couldn't accuse Chen of falsehood, for Chen was defending Junior Fan's dignity—and by extension, his own. After all, both bore the same surname. He ought to be grateful: Chen had smoothed things over and preserved his face, giving him a way to save face.

Still, he couldn't help feeling uneasy—angry at Junior Fan for being useless, angry at Chen Guanlou for being too clever.

Now, he could only glare and snap: "Tell Fan Yuli to get back here at once. This prison has suffered a major incident, and as head of the Jia-cell detention block, he was nowhere to be found. Is that acceptable?"

"Your Excellency is right. I'll go fetch Junior Fan immediately," Chen Guanlou replied without hesitation.

"You don't need to go. Send someone else. Tell him if he doesn't show up again, he need never come back. You—come with me."

Chen Guanlou signaled to the guards to hurry and urge Fan Yuli along, then followed Fan Yucheng into the office.

The office still reeked of the smoke from the Ministry of Justice's clash with the Embroidered Uniform Guard, filling the air with tension.

"What are Your Excellency's orders?"

Fan Yucheng's head throbbed; his face was drawn with worry, too weary to speak. It was Li Shiyeh who answered: "Before he left, Senior Sun instructed that no prisoner be released, even if the Embroidered Uniform Guard presents an imperial edict, until he returns. This is a dire predicament! The Tianlao is small and weak—how can it possibly stand against the Embroidered Uniform Guard? Senior Sun is putting too much pressure on you, Master Fan."

Fan Yucheng sighed. "I'm caught between fire and boiling oil—with no way out. Xiao Chen, you're sharp. What do you suggest we do about this?"

Chen Guanlou lowered his head and fell silent, feigning deep thought.

Neither Fan Yucheng nor Li Shiyeh pressed him—they simply hoped he would offer some insightful advice.

Chen Guanlou weighed his options, then decided to probe first: "What does Your Excellency intend to do?"

"What do I intend? Use your heads. Think for me. I'll reward you handsomely afterward." Fan Yucheng made a verbal promise—whether he'd keep it remained uncertain. But one thing was clear: he was far more generous than Fan Yuli.

Chen Guanlou stole a glance at Li Shiyeh, hoping to gauge his stance first.

"Your Excellency, I believe the only solution is delay. Best of all would be if Senior Sun returns before the Embroidered Uniform Guard acts. If he doesn't, delay may still buy us time."

Fan Yucheng nodded inwardly—he agreed with Li Shiyeh. Delay was indeed a viable tactic. He turned to Chen Guanlou. "And you, Xiao Chen?"

"The Tianlao is subordinate to the Ministry of Justice. We must follow the Ministry's orders—no one can fault us for that. Moreover, Your Excellency's future is bright; you must consider scholarly opinion."

Fan Yucheng froze, then suddenly understood. Chen Guanlou's words were like a divine revelation—clearing his meridians in an instant.

He was a civil official!

He walked the civil path—how could he collude with the Embroidered Uniform Guard? Sun Daoning and Xiao Jincheng had fought precisely because civil officials must take a stand—and hold it firm. That was the nature of their interests.

Why had he hesitated?

Even if the Embroidered Uniform Guard was powerful, they couldn't just execute a sitting official under the Son of Heaven's nose. Even as a lowly prison chief, he couldn't be seized at will. If he was framed by them, he might even earn a noble reputation among scholars. As long as he lived, these events would become political capital for his future rise.

"Hahahaha…" Fan Yucheng's mind cleared, his spirits lifted. "It's Xiao Chen who truly understands. No wonder he's a scion of a distinguished family—his insight is exceptional. One sentence cuts straight to the heart of the matter."

Chen Guanlou bowed humbly. "All credit belongs to Your Excellency and Master Li's constant guidance. I've learned much from you. I dare not claim any merit."

Li Shiyeh, who had been resentful of being upstaged, now felt his mood brighten. He seized the opportunity: "I always said Xiao Chen has talent. Every time I offer a hint, he grasps the whole picture. Such quick-wittedness—I'm tempted to formally take him as my disciple."

"I'm deeply honored by Master Li's favor, but I fear I'll disappoint your high expectations."

Mutual flattery!

Both sides were satisfied.

Most satisfied of all was Fan Yucheng: "I am a disciple of the Sage. I have little else—but I have principle. Inform everyone: until Senior Sun returns, no prisoner shall be released to the Embroidered Uniform Guard. The Tianlao is subordinate to the Ministry of Justice—we will not tolerate outsiders acting with impunity."

What a bold, defiant Fan Yucheng.

Li Shiyeh, uneasy, whispered a warning: "I suggest reminding the guards to remain courteous to the Embroidered Uniform Guard. After all, we're sister bureaus—we'll keep crossing paths. Leave a little room—future relations matter."

Fan Yucheng readily agreed: "Xiao Chen, you handled yourself with dignity before the Embroidered Uniform Guard—calm, reasonable, and composed. You did not disgrace the Tianlao. When they return to demand the prisoner, you will receive them. Do not let our dignity falter."

Chen Guanlou grimaced. To put him in charge of dealing with those executioners? They were overestimating him.

"As Your Excellency commands! Shouldn't we also station someone to watch the palace gates?"

"Good point. Li Shiyeh, arrange it. Send a few sharp-eyed men to the palace gates. Report any movement immediately."

"Yes!"

The two men received their orders and withdrew. Once well away from the office, they both stopped simultaneously.

Chen Guanlou spoke first: "Master Li, this is going to be difficult."

Li Shiyeh scolded him: "You shouldn't have stoked the fire—why bring up scholarly opinion? Do you think I don't know how vital reputation is? I didn't mention it because I know your master's temper—he's impulsive."

In plain terms: he craves empty glory.

For the sake of reputation, Fan Yucheng would throw himself into a blaze—and leave the rest of them to burn.

Chen Guanlou gave a bitter laugh. "We can't become the Embroidered Uniform Guard's lackeys. If we do, Master Fan won't survive—and neither will we."

"Sigh… it's a damned dilemma," Li Shiyeh muttered. "We'll take it one step at a time. Let's hope Sun Daoning moves quickly."

"How fast can he move compared to the Embroidered Uniform Guard?" Chen Guanlou doubted it.

Li Shiyeh spread his hands. "At this point, we only pray the fire doesn't reach us."