Chapter 372: A Bastard, That

"My husband suddenly passed away, and I was so panicked I didn't know what to do, so I sent Xiao Chuan to fetch you. You're a capable man, and after your analysis, I finally have some clarity."

Liu Wanshi spoke softly, her voice hoarse. Her face was pale as death, her eyes swollen from crying.

"We're all household-born servants of the Hou Fu. My husband died serving the Hou Fu—he died a worthy death. I know the Hou Fu won't treat me poorly, but inside…."

Liu Wanshi couldn't go on, lowering her head and wiping her tears with a handkerchief.

Xiujuan, the maid who married Liu Xiao Chuan, now served as the head housekeeper, managing all affairs inside and out. Seeing Liu Wanshi weep again, she joined her in tears.

"The Hou Fu said we should hold the funeral first, and not to spare any expenses—they'll cover all costs. Two bags of silver were already delivered this morning; if it's not enough, go to the accounting office for more. Brother Chen, you've been working outside and have seen much. Xiao Chuan has hardly ever left home and doesn't understand the outside world. I'm counting on you from now on—you'll be doing us a great favor."

Chen Guanlou cleared his throat. "Don't grieve too much—take care of your health. I'll go inquire around. If you have any contacts, you can ask too."

Xiujuan added, "We women can only hear gossip from within the inner quarters. The men handle affairs outside, and we have no way to find out—no one will tell us. Xiao Chuan was just a hanger-on, never officially served the Hou Fu, so he doesn't know anyone well. With no other options, we've come begging to Brother Chen. You have wide connections; everyone respects you. Your involvement is far more effective than Xiao Chuan's. We're humbly asking you because we truly have no other choice."

"Didn't any other managers who knew Liu the manager come to pay their respects?"

Upon hearing this, Liu Wanshi sighed deeply. "They came, but they've all been silenced—each one claims to know nothing. Brother Lou, this matter truly depends on you."

Chen Guanlou frowned slightly, looking at the lonely, frail Liu Wanshi, then nodded. "Alright. I'll do my best."

No one knew better than the gatekeeper who was in or out of the Hou Fu, and for how long.

Chen Guanlou invited Chen Guanxiang, the Hou Fu gatekeeper, to a restaurant for a meal to gather information.

Chen Guanxiang arrived on time and, as soon as he sat down, said: "You want to know how Liu the manager died, right?"

Chen Guanlou was startled, then laughed. "Nothing escapes Brother Xiang's eyes. No wonder the Hou Fu can't do without you."

He poured tea and wine, urging his guest to eat and drink.

Chen Guanxiang, having eaten and drunk, didn't wait for Chen Guanlou to ask: "Liu the manager left on the fifth of last month. I don't know what he was doing. Three other managers left those same days—they haven't returned either. I don't know their status. That's all I know."

"Three?"

"Yes, three!"

"Are all the Hou Fu's martial cultivators present?" Chen Guanlou asked, refilling his cup.

"I don't know. The martial cultivators live elsewhere and rarely interact with the main household. Only the chief steward knows their status. You've dealings with him—you should ask him."

"The chief steward is busy. I can't trouble him over a small matter. Brother Xiang, you've solved my biggest problem—I'll drink to you."

Chen Guanxiang drank, then asked the question on his mind: "Why are you running errands for the Liu family? Are you after Liu Wanshi?"

"How could I be?"

"Hah!" Chen Guanxiang didn't believe him. "We're brothers. You can fool others, but not me. I look at you and know you're the same kind. Women are better—especially a woman as lovely as Liu Wanshi. If I had the chance, I'd want to taste her too. But her adopted son, Liu Xiao Chuan, is like a wild dog—he bites anyone who comes near. Getting Liu Wanshi won't be easy."

"Brother Xiang, women value reputation. You can joke about me, but don't drag others into it. Come, drink, drink."

"You really don't want her?" Chen Guanxiang refused to drop the subject, fixated on Liu Wanshi. "If you don't, I'll go after her."

"How are you going to?" Chen Guanlou grew annoyed. "You have a wife and children. Don't you have enough? Always thinking of nonsense—do you plan to keep a concubine? Can you even afford a woman like Liu Wanshi?"

Chen Guanxiang snorted. "You're lying—you're flustered. I was just saying it."

"Say nothing but nonsense. Tell me the truth—how did Liu the manager die?"

"Definitely not killed by one of our own. Probably just bad luck—he ran into ruthless bandits who silenced him. He was unlucky. Now that Liu Wanshi is a widow, others will start circling. If you're serious, move fast. Your name is known—if you want her, no one will dare interfere."

Chen Guanlou said nothing.

Chen Guanxiang asked curiously: "Do you think she's too old? She's only ten or so years older than you. Older women know how to care for a man."

"You talk nonsense all day." Chen Guanlou scoffed. "Do I lack women? Do I need to? Liu the manager once helped me—if he hadn't passed word to Tianlaomiao, I wouldn't have my current gains. I'm a man who repays kindness. I'm not as base as you think."

Chen Guanxiang was displeased. "Stop pretending. You, Chen Guanlou—others don't know you, but I do. I've served as gatekeeper here for years. I can't claim much, but my eyes are sharp—I see people right away. You're the type who wants it all: you act virtuous while doing the opposite. You're the real scoundrel."

Chen Guanlou rolled his eyes. "Who in this world isn't a scoundrel? You're no better than me—don't talk down to me."

"But I'm honest." Chen Guanxiang chuckled. "If I want a woman, I don't hide it. You've read too many books—you're obsessed with that so-called 'romance.'"

"No romance, just thinking about bed matters—that's beastly." Chen Guanlou sneered. "Even the courtesans in brothels work to create an atmosphere. Do you understand atmosphere? Do you think people pay to go to brothels just for sex? The foreplay matters. You're a country bumpkin—how can you serve as gatekeeper at the Hou Fu?"

Chen Guanxiang turned livid. "I have a wife—better than your bachelor life."

"What good is a wife? If I wanted to marry, women would line up from West Gate to East Gate. Do you have that?"

The wine could no longer be drunk.

"Then go marry one."

"Why should I listen to you? Even at fifty, I can still marry a beautiful girl of sixteen. Can you?"

Final blow.

Chen Guanxiang stormed off in anger, refusing to stoop to the level of this bastard.

When you need him, he's Brother Xiang. When you're useless, he turns his back.

Next time he drinks Chen Guanlou's wine, he'll be a bastard himself.