Chapter 282: The Capital Is in Chaos—Someone Has Rebelled

"Boss, the logistics team has compiled the stats—based on current population, food supplies can last at least six months."

Qian Fugui came to Chen Guanlou's side to report.

The meeting was over; everyone had reached consensus. Doors and windows sealed, non-duty jailers fend for themselves, shifts organized, rations distributed daily by headcount, prisoners' meals cut from two to one per day—just don't let them starve to death.

Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures.

We must also find ways to learn what's happening outside, and establish contact with the neighboring Zhao Prison—its intelligence should be more reliable than this Tianlao. We must also find a way to reach the Ministry of Justice.

It's chaos.

Boom!

A cannon blast, as if right beside the ear.

Those who had still clung to hope, thinking Chen Guanlou was exaggerating, now stared dumbfounded. Cannons fired in the capital? The capital had actually fired cannons.

Not in decades—not even in a century—had anyone seen or heard of such a thing.

It's terrifying!

What exactly is happening? Is someone rebelling?

Cannon fire came one blast after another.

On the once-deserted street outside Tianlao, troop after troop of soldiers ran past, each drenched in blood, radiating murderous intent.

The soldiers smashed doors—one door after another.

The jailers pressed their bodies against the main gate, each trembling with dread. Thank heaven and earth—for Chen Jailor's wise leadership, he had ordered the Tianlao gates shut in time and organized everyone.

Otherwise, if those soldiers had stormed in, who knew how many would have died.

When they couldn't break through, they moved on to smash the next gate—one after another.

Finally, one gate gave way—and immediately came screams, cries for help, curses.

Chen Guanlou and the jailers stood atop the watchtower, looking out from above—each face etched with lingering fear.

Qian Fugui trembled and asked, "Whose troops are these? Does anyone recognize them?"

"Looks like the Capital Garrison?"

"Shenwu Camp?"

"It's clearly the Shengqi Camp stationed at Haimen!"

"How far is Haimen from the capital?"

"At least two hundred li."

"So far away, and they arrived in the capital without a whisper? Did the surrounding garrisons just watch as the Shengqi Camp marched in, flaunting their power?"

It's unbelievable.

That was everyone's question.

How could such an absurd thing happen beneath the Son of Heaven's very feet?

Nearly ten thousand troops moved without encountering a single obstacle. The gate guards received no warning—and let them in.

Absurd!

Is this still the peaceful reign of a sage emperor?

Even in times of chaos, it wouldn't be this insane.

"Stop guessing. The only certainty is that someone is rebelling!" Chen Guanlou declared decisively. "This is a coordinated, premeditated rebellion with inside help."

His words struck like thunder. The jailers were thrown into panic.

Chen Guanlou continued: "No matter who started this, the rebellion won't be fully quelled in three or five days. The greatest damage always comes just before dawn. So prepare yourselves—don't expect to leave for at least a month. Even if things calm down outside, we must hold Tianlao and keep watch—there may be reversals."

"Someone really is rebelling?" Still hard to believe. Why rebel?

They were all small people, unable to comprehend the machinations of the powerful—but all shared one understanding: the world was about to fall into chaos. The good days were over. No matter the outcome, the capital, the court, the empire—all would be ruined after this rebellion.

This agony would take years, perhaps decades, to fully fade and be forgotten.

This event dwarfs the likes of Great Ming Prince Guo Dachun. They were mere skin diseases—this rebellion strikes straight at the heart, the true threat. Its impact on the entire empire is incalculable.

"Looks like it's truly a rebellion."

"Could it be the Crown Prince rebelling?"

"Shh! Don't say such things lightly. What if it's some prince who's lost his mind…"

"All of you, keep quiet. What does any prince or crown prince have to do with us?"

Amid the grim silence, Chen Guanlou suddenly said a "joke": "Maybe it's the emperor rebelling."

As expected, everyone stared at him as if he were an idiot: What nonsense are you spouting? The emperor rebels against himself? Are you mad?

Chen Guanlou laughed and countered: "Two hundred li, ten thousand troops of the Shengqi Camp, marching through the capital as if it were empty. No one lifted a finger to stop them along the way. Even here, they met no serious resistance. Tell me—who among the princes could pull this off? Could the Crown Prince? Outside the old emperor, I simply cannot imagine anyone else capable."

"Th-this… Brother Chen, don't speak such reckless words!"

"Yes, food can be eaten carelessly, but words must not be spoken lightly."

"We'll pretend you've gone mad and are babbling—we heard nothing."

"Who cares who's rebelling—as long as they don't storm Tianlao. But I wonder… how are our brothers outside? Please, don't let them get hurt!"

"It's too chaotic out there now to send word. Hope they're smart enough to hide in time."

Chen Guanlou descended the watchtower and went to the office to wait for Lu Mingchuan to wake.

That old scoundrel must have gotten word ahead of time and sneaked into Tianlao. Must admit—he's sharp, picked a perfect place.

When rebels enter the capital, no one escapes—except the prisons.

The Zhao Prison next door? You can't just waltz in.

The Shao Fu Prison? Probably already a battlefield, piled with corpses. The Jingzhao Prefecture Prison? Limited resources, not as sturdy as Tianlao, fewer personnel. The Dali Temple Prison? Just like the Dali Temple itself—mouths louder than anyone, defenses weaker than anyone. As for the county jails below? Just decorations.

After counting them all, only Tianlao fits: ideal location, solid structure, enough people, enough supplies—can hold out half a year easily. Plus, students are imprisoned here—perfectly legitimate sanctuary.

Chen Guanlou stared at Lu Mingchuan on the bed and sneered: "Master Lu, since you're awake, open your eyes."

Pretending to sleep before him was like lice on a bald head.

Every subtle shift in his breath escaped Chen Guanlou's senses.

Lu Mingchuan slowly opened his eyes, embarrassed. Even with his thick skin, he blushed—but he played the part, looking around: "What happened to me?"

"You know damn well what happened. You came crawling to Tianlao to hide, and we couldn't shake you off. Master, if you wanted to hide, just say so—why this roundabout nonsense, making everyone worry? If not for the physician's skill, you'd be dead today. Throw your corpse out, report you were killed by rogue soldiers—who'd investigate?"

Lu Mingchuan clicked his tongue. "Help me sit up."

Chen Guanlou stayed seated.

With no choice, Lu Mingchuan had to struggle himself upright.

He spoke sincerely: "I once heard Mingqiao speak of you—he said you're one of the few jailers with insight. If you'd only settle down to study, you'd achieve something. Mingqiao also said you're a decent man. I had no choice but to seek refuge here—please forgive me, Young Master Chen."