Chapter 420: Anger-Proof

"Old Mu, rest easy—Prince Ming has a strong heart; he won't be angered to death. This is nothing! Back when Prince Ming fled to barren mountains and treacherous waters, with nothing but a band of old comrades left, he still rose again. I've merely said a few words to goad him—it won't kill him. Prince Ming, am I right?"

Chen Guanlou asked Prince Ming with complete indifference.

Prince Ming chuckled, his gaze burning even hotter.

Chen Guanlou clicked his tongue, unable to bear that look—he truly wanted to carve it out with a knife.

"A rebellion requires men like you—eloquent, skilled at deceiving hearts, and possessing absolute power. Prison Warden Chen, your future shouldn't be in the Heavenly Prison, but in the vast world beyond."

"Thanks, but I've already seen the world outside—I have no interest."

"Our cause needs you!"

"I'm honored that Prince Ming holds me in such esteem. If you've nothing else to say, stay quietly in your cell. If you cause trouble, I won't mind putting a muzzle on you—like an animal. If you don't want such humiliation, learn to keep your mouth shut."

Chen Guanlou urged Medical Officer Mu, and the two exited the cell together; he locked the door himself.

Medical Officer Mu grumbled, "You shouldn't have boasted to his face."

"You're absolutely right—I've deeply recognized my mistake. I'll control my tongue from now on—I promise not to brag again." Chen Guanlou's apology was exceptionally sincere.

But Medical Officer Mu shook his head, not believing him. No matter how well he spoke now, he'd slip up again next time.

"You should try picking up a new hobby—don't chatter with those imprisoned officials. Though they're learned and know much, talking with them is satisfying, but beware: words can bring disaster."

"You're always right. I never entered officialdom because of this mouth of mine. It's too hard—second only to my cock in hardness. If I see something wrong, I just have to retort. Not letting me speak makes me miserable. Clearly, I'm unsuited for officialdom—I can't shut up!"

"You have a surprisingly deep self-awareness," Medical Officer Mu smiled, listening to his nonsense, his mood lifted considerably.

"What are you going to do about Prince Ming? Really keep drugging him every day?"

"He threatened me with death—I've been very kind not to hand him over to Old Zhang for handling. Just a little drugging, not poison—as long as he doesn't die, it's fine."

"You'd better watch him closely. When you refused him, I saw—he truly meant to die."

"He won't die. These rebellion leaders are classic fanatics. They must be fanatical themselves to trick other fools and gullible folk onto their ship. A fanatic's desire to die never lasts—because his inner belief hasn't fully extinguished. A tiny spark is enough—he'll fight harder to live than anyone else."

"You understand well."

"Only a little! Just a little!" Chen Guanlou demurred.

Medical Officer Mu teased, "You understand a little about everything—what's there you don't understand?"

"I don't understand the imperial examinations, and I don't understand your miraculous medical skills either. There are too many things in this world I don't understand—you're overestimating me."

The two bantered as they left the Heavenly Prison.

For drugging Prince Ming—rendering him helplessly bedridden—the jailers welcomed it with open arms. A prisoner who can't move is a quality prisoner.

Two laborers were specially assigned to handle Prince Ming's personal hygiene—just an extra two salaries.

Marquis Hou's heir, Chen Guanfu, covered all of Prince Ming's expenses, fearing insufficient funds—he sent two thousand taels at once. With this money, Chen Guanlou happily became generous: every jailer guarding Prince Ming received a bonus; the laborers handling his care received extra income too.

Money was the best stimulant—everyone worked with fierce energy.

When he stepped out of the prison, his subordinates told him that Prison Warden Lei had already left. Before departing, he gave orders: everything was to follow Chen Guanlou's direction.

Chen Guanlou: …

"Wanting only to make money but refusing to take responsibility—this won't do!"

Medical Officer Mu scoffed, "He wants to take responsibility, but you have to let him! You've already sidelined him—you're the one who stripped him of power. He's just a hands-off boss now."

Chen Guanlou: …

It felt like he'd picked up a stone only to smash his own foot—like a bad deal.

"Better he's gone—no one to hold me back."

He summoned Xiao Jin and gave him quiet orders: "Tell everyone not to be overly tense. Prince Ming doesn't have three heads or six arms. If anyone really tries to break him out, it won't be now—scouting and bribing takes time. Not before half a month at least. But I suspect it'll happen around the New Year. If anyone does come to break him out, follow the old rules—save your own life first."

"Don't we care about Prince Ming's life or death? Shouldn't we tighten internal security? Make sure the brats keep their hands and feet to themselves—no traitors."

"We don't care about Prince Ming's life or death—others will. As for the prison's interior—it's like a sieve. If you can't manage it, don't bother."

Xiao Jin didn't understand, worried: "My lord, aren't you worried about the consequences? Without Prince Ming's sacrifice, the palace will surely blame us."

"They can't blame us. At that time, a whole crowd will jump up to create trouble for the palace. Got it?"

Xiao Jin shook his head—he didn't get it.

Chen Guanlou slapped his shoulder and said plainly: "Just remember— even the Ministry of Justice doesn't care about Prince Ming's safety. Why should we? As long as he doesn't die in the Heavenly Prison, that's all that matters. Now you understand, right?"

"Understood!" Xiao Jin nodded firmly—he remembered only one thing: the man must not die in the Heavenly Prison. Meaning: he could die anywhere, or not die at all.

So Prince Ming wasn't as important as the rumors claimed!

"But we must still do the proper surface work—I won't let the guard rotations get disordered. Maintain the three-shift system, put on a good show, so we'll have an excuse when we need to shift blame."

After giving clear instructions, Chen Guanlou dismissed Xiao Jin.

Seeing Medical Officer Mu comfortably warming himself by the fire in the office, he asked: "Old Mu, are you really this idle today? The B- and C-block prisons are freezing—heard dozens died these past days. Why don't you go down and check?"

"Those prisoners' lives are worthless—dead is dead. In the end, they're just starved worse. Unlike you, who even gives imprisoned officials extra quilts and hot water bags. Prison Wardens Xu and Zhang wouldn't bother with such things. I'm a physician—I treat illness, not save lives. Freezing to death isn't my concern. If superiors investigate, it won't land on me."

Medical Officer Mu cut half a steamed bun and placed it on the brazier to roast. "Bring out your good tea and brew a pot."

"So that's why you're here today—for my tea. Save your sips—it took me ages to filch this from the Marquis Hou's storehouse; next time might not come."

"You're being modest!"