Chapter 241: The Psychological Warfare

"What's his goal? He can't possibly be deliberately framing students just to send them to the Heavenly Prison for reformation," Chen Guanlou pressed.

Yu Zhaoan chuckled softly, not showing off, and answered directly: "Lu Mingchuan's goal is simple—he wants to increase his influence in court and seize the power of speech. His students, especially hot-headed ones like Zhao Mingqiao, are perfect pawns."

"If all his pawns end up in prison, what's his next move?" Chen Guanlou pressed further.

Yu Zhaoan couldn't stand for long, nor did he mind the filth—he sat right down, leaning against the prison door.

He had completely abandoned his image, shed his arrogance, and gained a touch of humanity—he was clearly far less annoying than before.

He spoke slowly: "You think his goal is to bring Jiang Tu down—have you ever considered he might want to replace Jiang Tu, or become the second Jiang Tu? But he's a great scholar—he cares about face and the reputation of the literati."

"Jiang Tu is such a huge target, and the timing is perfect—he must strike! But he can't strike himself; he can't risk getting dragged down. So he sends Zhao Mingqiao and the others to strike. Once the students are in the Heavenly Prison, his reputation among the literati and the bureaucracy has likely already peaked. This man excels at psychological warfare—your friend is in deep trouble!"

Chen Guanlou: …

"I feel you're exaggerating. If Lu Mingchuan really is as you say, how could there be no whispers outside? My friend isn't foolish—he's sharp and independent. How could he be so easily manipulated?"

"Lu Mingchuan targets people like your friend. Manipulating a clever man is far more effective than manipulating a hundred fools. The cult rebels are raging everywhere—but have they succeeded? Because most of them are ignorant, charging ahead blindly in a mob. That's why they keep failing. If even twenty or thirty of the cleverest minds had joined them, they wouldn't keep losing."

Yu Zhaoan's words sounded somewhat reasonable.

Chen Guanlou pondered deeply: "So you're saying my friend is beyond saving?"

"Clever people have one flaw—they'll never admit they've been fooled. Only outsiders see clearly. That's why Lu Mingchuan's reputation hasn't been tainted. The bureaucracy is a web of vested interests; no one wants to bear the consequence of admitting their own master is a heartless scoundrel. Everyone will protect Lu Mingchuan's name, no matter what."

"Even if your friend sees the truth, he'll still charge forward willingly—for the sake of 'greater righteousness,' for his reputation in life and after death. What's a few years in the Heavenly Prison? Once he walks out, he'll be famous across the land. He'll rise to glory by stepping on Jiang Tu's shoulders, reaping fame and fortune. Would you follow Lu Mingchuan's script? Would you trade three years in prison for thirty years of advancement?"

Yu Zhaoan spoke like a man who had seen through every corner of the bureaucracy—he was annoying again. When he got excited, he started showing off once more. Old habits die hard. But at least his tongue wasn't as sharp as before, his words less harsh—he was even-handed now.

Chen Guanlou frowned in thought: "Alright, I understand."

"Understand what? Say it out loud—I'll help you think it through. I won't be here much longer. After this, you won't get another chance to consult me."

Chen Guanlou smiled: "What else? Just stick to your role. He's a convicted official; I'm a jailer. We each mind our own place, no interference."

"You're perceptive. You've treated him as a friend and offered help—that's more than enough. If you interfere or try to persuade him, you'll only annoy him. The bureaucracy may have ranks, but one thing's the same everywhere: no one respects a lowly jailer. He was just a scholar before—he didn't look down on you, and that was good. But now he's a convict, and he might be reinstated any day. Don't go fawning on him. Don't humiliate yourself."

Yu Zhaoan spoke like a seasoned veteran, scolding Chen Guanlou, afraid the young man's naivety would lead him to cling too tightly, only to be rejected and have his Dao heart shattered.

In this dark prison, Chen Guanlou's presence brought a glimmer of light. If that last glimmer were destroyed by kindness, he'd feel deep regret.

Who knows—he might end up back in the Heavenly Prison someday. One must have hope. No one wants every jailer around them to be greedy, hateful monsters. At least a little humanity, so one doesn't lose all hope.

"You talked a lot today," Chen Guanlou remarked.

Yu Zhaoan laughed heartily: "I'm about to leave—better get it all out now. Next time you want to hear me ramble, you'll have to show up at the yamen for trial."

Chen Guanlou was curious: "You're that confident you'll be reinstated? One post, one man—the Censorate has already filled your spot."

Yu Zhaoan sneered, pointing at his own face: "Know what this is? My face is my pass to the bureaucracy. When I submit my repentance letter, the old emperor will use me—probably even promote me. Things are chaotic outside. Whether he's still angry or not, the emperor must respond to court criticism. Jiang Tu's cronies must be crushed, rogue soldiers must be punished, and the Embroidered Uniform Guard must be reined in. Who else is better suited than me?"

Such confidence!

Chen Guanlou insisted on provoking him: "So you think the Censorate can't function without you? You're way too full of yourself. The more you act like this, the more the Censorate people won't want you back. If you return, how will they rise?"

"Hahahaha… you're half right. Many in the Censorate truly don't want me back—they'd prefer I die in prison. But I won't oblige them. Where you fall, you rise again. Jiang Tu's tricks? I'll repackage them, upgrade the methods, and do it better—twice as well, even ten times better. Don't believe me? Wait and see. In a year, you'll hear my name ringing like thunder."

Yu Zhaoan was utterly certain—he had no doubt he'd walk free. He'd already planned every step of his return, every goal, every move—thoroughly thought out. He meant to make a grand comeback, to make his name known. Whether it would be infamy or glory, he didn't seem to care.

The Heavenly Prison Training Class lives up to its name!

One trip inside, and a man is utterly transformed—truly reborn.

Chen Guanlou said: "If you're really that powerful, why not fight for better conditions here? Improve everyone's treatment. If you ever come back, you'll want a nicer cell and better meals, won't you?"

Yu Zhaoan snorted, annoyed by Chen Guanlou's bad luck. He could consider the possibility of a second stay—but he didn't want to hear it come from Chen Guanlou's mouth. It jinxed his fortune.