Chapter 276: Call for Expanded Meeting of the Jia-Character Large and Small Prison

The expanded meeting filled the open space of the Jia-Character Large and Small Prison with over a hundred jailers, packed so tightly not a breath could slip through.

Several squad leaders sat against the wall, each feeling uneasy inside.

Chen Guanlou had the least seniority and was the youngest, yet he had leaped over everyone, silently promoted to jailer, towering over them all.

True, Chen Guanlou had once overshadowed them all before—but back then, their statuses were equal, no one higher or lower; each still held a psychological edge: I've got more seniority, he's just lucky he read a few more books and knows how to curry favor.

In tone, in spirit, they never felt inferior.

Now, the sky had fallen.

Their psychological advantage vanished completely.

He was now a legitimate jailer, officially above them all; from now on, everyone had to respectfully call him "Jailer Chen," not "Chen Tou" or "Little Chen" as before.

Hah!

Wu Xun was the first to chuckle, "Young man, your drive is impressive."

Wang Wu tapped his pipe against the wall twice, knocking out the clogged ash, packed in fresh tobacco, but didn't light it—only said, "I accept him as jailer. At least he doesn't bring a mess of trouble."

Huh?

Wu Xun turned to glance at him. "You're surprisingly easygoing."

Wang Wu half-lidded his eyes. "With Chen Guanlou's nature, if trouble arises, he'll shoulder it himself—he won't make us take the blame. Isn't that better than before? And Chen Guanlou won't invent excuses to dump burdens on us or squeeze money from our pockets."

Wu Xun rubbed his chin, thinking for a moment. "Don't forget Fan Yuli is still here."

"Fan Yuli doesn't manage anything and doesn't care for money. Don't you want a jailer who can actually shoulder responsibility?" Wang Wu countered.

Wu Xun stayed silent, still deeply resentful. Just one thought: Why him?

All these senior men hadn't been promoted, yet the youngest, least experienced one had risen, openly riding atop them all. How could he accept it? He wasn't as broad-minded as Wang Wu.

Shi Hong had worn a coffin-face all day, expression cold, radiating "keep your distance."

Wu Xun saw his look and laughed. "Hong Tou, lost in thought? What's on your mind?"

"Nothing."

"You're the one—you've got a cousin who's Fan's favorite concubine. If you'd just tried harder, maybe you'd be the jailer now."

Shi Hong said nothing.

After years as squad leader, he'd grown a bit—he could tell Wu Xun was teasing him, and wouldn't take the words seriously.

"The county magistrate is less powerful than the local officer," Shi Hong muttered.

"Oh!" Wu Xun was astonished—he never expected Shi Hong to say something so philosophical. "You've been reading? You've improved!"

Shi Hong snorted, nose in the air, refusing to reply.

Wu Xun let out two dry laughs, thinking to himself: Idiot!

Wang Wu quietly nudged Wu Xun. "Keep it down."

Wu Xun gave a dismissive look but clamped his mouth shut.

The jailers wore varied expressions—some happy, some confused, some bewildered, some excited, some curious, each different.

The most excited group was Chen Guanlou's old crew—they'd been in high spirits since morning, ever since they heard the news.

Especially the original four who'd followed Chen Guanlou: Xiao Jin, Qian Cai, Chen Quan, and Liu She.

These four were Chen Guanlou's founding members, enforcers, and confidants.

Now that their boss had been promoted, they'd ride his coattails to glory—would the vacant squad leader position go to one of them?

The four exchanged glances, eyes suddenly alight with competition.

None believed themselves inferior; all four wanted the squad leader post.

They silently agreed: fair competition, no dirty tricks. Whoever sabotaged another behind their backs would face collective exclusion.

Xiao Jin blinked. "Old Qian, who do you think has the best shot?"

Qian Cai patted his fat face and grinned. He'd always managed the accounts for the boss—he was the obvious choice.

Xiao Jin: Hah!

He completely rejected Qian Cai's assumption—it was pure arrogance. In the boss's words: excessive self-importance, no sense of reality.

In terms of closeness, he was the boss's most trusted man. In terms of importance, the boss always entrusted him with the most critical tasks—that was trust no one else had. The squad leader position? Who else but him? Chen Quan and Liu She? No threat at all.

While everyone was lost in thought, Chen Guanlou arrived late.

Instantly, the noisy prison fell silent.

Chen Guanlou stood at the entrance of the duty room, staring at the sea of dark heads. The already dim prison now seemed wrapped in patches of dark red cloth—dim light tinged with a crimson hue, the color of dried blood, heavy and stifling.

The jailers' uniforms were dark red—likely to hide bloodstains.

"Everyone here?"

Xiao Jin stepped forward first. "Report, Jailer Chen—all personnel accounted for."

"Good!"

Xiao Jin stood tall, returning to his place. Qian Cai muttered inwardly: Again, he stole the spotlight. He cursed himself—why was he so slow? Why didn't he step forward first?

Chen Guanlou cleared his throat. "You've all heard: thanks to Jailer Niu's promotion, I've officially been appointed jailer, sharing duties with Jailer Fan to jointly manage the Jia-Character Large and Small Prison."

"Applause!" Xiao Jin struck again—no surprise, the old hand knew how to set the tone. He led, and everyone clapped—even Wu Xun and Shi Hong, the most reluctant, clapped loudly.

To oppose him now meant trouble later. Who was he now? A superior officer—rank crushes all. Even if bitter, the surface courtesy must be observed.

Chen Guanlou glanced at Xiao Jin: That old fox—today he set the mood perfectly. Reward him.

Xiao Jin caught Chen Guanlou's glance and perked up, listening intently, determined not to miss a single word.

Other jailers: Again, he stole the spotlight.

Qian Cai felt sick—he refused to admit Xiao Jin had better reflexes. He blamed only himself: too slow, always lagging half a beat.

Chen Quan and Liu She? No competition at all—they'd already been eliminated.

Chen Guanlou continued. "This meeting has two purposes: first, to introduce yourselves and get to know each other again. Second, to reassure you—everything stays the same. I'm new to this role, still learning. I need your cooperation. If you give me face, I won't let you down. Tomorrow, Guanmei Restaurant—I've arranged shifts. Everyone goes. No gifts, no money. Just bring your mouths. Whoever brings a gift, I'll turn on them."

Boom!

The jailers erupted in cheers.