Chapter 445

The jailer reported that the Embroidered Uniform Guard had arrived.

Chen Guanlou was greatly surprised.

Without cause or official business, why would the Embroidered Uniform Guard come to Tianlaomiao at this moment?

Mu Yiguan smirked at him, "They're definitely here for you. Jiang Tu is still the Emperor's man, doing his bidding. If things aren't going smoothly, it's plausible they've sent the Embroidered Uniform Guard to assist."

"But why target me? I'm just a lowly soldier."

"You killed so many martial artists in one night with your knife skills—what kind of lowly soldier is that? The Embroidered Uniform Guard valuing you is entirely justified." With that, Mu Yiguan chuckled, "Chen Jail Clerk, your days of playing humble are over. From now on, you're the top dog of Tianlaomiao—in every way."

Chen Guanlou: …

He knew it—getting involved with Jiang Tu would bring nothing but trouble.

He wanted to change his disguise, but the timing and setting were all wrong.

"Don't just laugh at me. We've been colleagues for years—what should I do?"

"Since you can't play the lowly soldier anymore, put on a show. That's simple enough. After all, you're already capable of fighting martial artists. But many will be curious about your secrets—be careful. Watch your surroundings when walking the streets. Otherwise, a sack might drop over your head and you'll be kidnapped. Or worse, your affairs might reach higher-ups, and they'll summon you. You'd better prepare your words and excuses. I advise you: cling tightly to Hou Fu. Bring up Hou Fu at every opportunity—it's your real backing, your shield."

Though Mu Yiguan mocked him and seemed to enjoy the spectacle, he didn't deny that his solution was practical—the only path Chen Guanlou had left.

Chen Guanlou waved his hand, denying Mu Yiguan any further chance to gawk.

Since the Embroidered Uniform Guard had arrived, he would step out to greet them—first, see what their purpose was.

When they met, it was unexpectedly strange.

Because the visitor was Xiao Jincheng.

More importantly, Xiao Jincheng's cultivation had advanced again—he was now a Sixth-Rank martial artist. Such rapid progress, his talent was astonishing.

This was the cultivation speed of a martial artist without any miraculous breakthroughs.

Chen Guanlou silently marveled.

He invited the man into the official office, "Lord Xiao, what brings you to Tianlaomiao today? Unfortunate—we're short-handed. Lei Yucheng is occupied and not here."

"I'm not here for Lei Yucheng. I came specifically for you, Chen Jail Clerk." Xiao Jincheng's gaze held a trace of curiosity.

Chen Guanlou raised an eyebrow slightly. "I don't recall any official dealings between our families, nor any personal connection with you, Lord Xiao. Please clarify your purpose."

"The Great Ming Prince is imprisoned here. The Emperor is deeply concerned for his safety, so I've come personally to inspect and ensure his well-being."

Chen Guanlou watched the man lie with perfect seriousness and chuckled, "Do you have official documents?"

"No."

"I'm sorry, but without official documents, Lord Xiao, please leave. You're not a Ministry of Justice official—I cannot allow outsiders to enter the prison and view its most important prisoner. If the Great Ming Prince suffers harm or an accident, no one will be able to explain it, and everyone's face will be lost."

Chen Guanlou adopted a strictly official demeanor.

Since the man had chosen to frame this as official business, Chen Guanlou had no reason to be polite. Even if he was merely a clerk, they belonged to separate bureaus with no chain of command over each other.

True, Xiao Jincheng was Embroidered Uniform Guard—but even they couldn't run wild inside Tianlaomiao. Unless there was official documentation. That was the rule!

If you eat from the public trough, you must follow the bureaucratic code. Unless one day the bureaucracy collapses, the Embroidered Uniform Guard becomes supreme, and everyone must kowtow to them—then Chen Guanlou would adapt accordingly, treating them with a new posture and attitude.

Right now, he must uphold his identity as a Tianlaomiao man. To see the Great Ming Prince, bring official documents—or come accompanied by a Ministry of Justice officer. Otherwise, turn them away.

Xiao Jincheng hadn't expected to be refused—so firmly, with no room for negotiation.

"Chen Jail Clerk, you seem to misunderstand the situation."

"It's you, Lord Xiao, who misunderstands. The Great Ming Prince's importance is clear to both of us. If you're here on official orders to visit him, why make no preparation? A single document should be simple for you—yet you refuse to bother. I can't help but suspect you harbor private motives. Lately, many have been fixated on the Great Ming Prince, and he's suffered greatly. I dare not risk anything. Please understand."

Chen Guanlou spoke with righteous certainty, refusing to yield an inch.

Without official documents, he wouldn't let them pass the first gate of the Jia-graded prison. If necessary, he'd break the surface—after all, Sun Daoning had his back.

If Sun Daoning and his group could snatch the Great Ming Prince from the Embroidered Uniform Guard, they must also be able to withstand their pressure.

Xiao Jincheng clenched his teeth, then laughed bitterly, "Chen Jail Clerk, you've got guts. You're not afraid of me?"

Chen Guanlou lifted his eyelids slightly. "Why should I fear you? You're Embroidered Uniform Guard, I'm a Tianlaomiao jail clerk—we're not under each other's authority. Can you even dismiss me?"

"Do you really think I can't dismiss you?"

"Dismiss me! Try it!" Chen Guanlou smirked. "Has the palace ordered you to break with Hou Fu? I may be powerless, but my name's on the record with the Lord and the Heir. Are you certain you want to make trouble for me?"

Chen Guanlou had indeed taken Mu Yiguan's advice—he was using Hou Fu as his banner. Hou Fu didn't know. Even if they found out, they wouldn't care.

Hou Fu still planned to use him as a sharp blade. This small act of bluffing—borrowing their name—wouldn't bother them at all.

Besides, he wasn't bluffing. Even without invoking Hou Fu, he could handle Xiao Jincheng. But Hou Fu's name was more effective—and far easier.

Xiao Jincheng frowned, his grip tightening on the teacup, veins bulging on his hand. A slight loss of control, and the cup would turn to ash.

But he held himself back.

After all, he was Embroidered Uniform Guard—had weathered countless storms. A mere jail clerk wasn't worth his attention.

"Chen Jail Clerk, you're not only competent—you've got boldness too. No wonder you killed dozens of martial artists in one night. May I ask, where did you train? What cultivation art do you practice?"

Chen Guanlou smiled. "If you think it's impolite to ask, why ask at all? Will you tell me your master's name or what art you practice? Privacy means secrets no one else is allowed to know."

Xiao Jincheng smiled too. "Before, I didn't believe the rumors. Now, I believe them—seven or eight out of ten."

As soon as he spoke, he moved—his teacup shot into the air, hurtling straight for Chen Guanlou's face.