Chapter 455

"The Second Master is dissatisfied with the Young Master's handling of the matter, accusing him of meddling. The Young Master openly defied him, giving the Second Master not an ounce of face. The Young Master is a junior, the Second Master a senior—either way, the main and secondary branches have fallen into conflict. I dare not even breathe loudly when serving at the Hou Fu."

Mrs. Chunxiang was recounting the Hou Fu's gossip.

Chen Guanlou listened with great interest—this was life. Compared to life in the Shanzhuang, the capital was truly where people belonged; you didn't even need to step outside to hear gossip.

In the Shanzhuang, there weren't a single neighbor within miles, let alone gossip or rumors.

He felt at ease!

This was how life ought to be lived.

Chen Xiaolan appeared deeply concerned, as if terrified the main and secondary branches would break into open conflict and the whole world would find out: "What are we to do? The Second Master is still a senior."

"But the Young Master is the heir and the legitimate eldest son. Everyone in the Hou Fu must obey him." Mrs. Chunxiang knew exactly where the power lay.

In a great family like the Hou Fu, lineage alone doesn't decide everything. Sometimes rank matters greatly; sometimes, not at all.

Scholarly rules always have loopholes. Principles are always chosen to serve one's own interest—just as people claim "a narrow-minded man isn't a true gentleman," yet also say "a ruthless man is a true man."

"Didn't the Old Lady say anything?" Chen Guanlou was curious.

Mrs. Chunxiang lowered her voice, afraid someone might overhear—even though no one was eavesdropping.

She whispered: "The Old Lady clearly favors the secondary branch. But the Young Master is stubborn—he's the kind who speaks and it's final. His decision is the Hou Fu's final decision. Even if the Old Lady intervenes, he won't yield an inch. All she can do is wield her status to pressure him."

The Young Master simply said the Old Lady was ill and needed quiet rest, unfit for disturbance—and thus shut the secondary branch out. Nearly all key personnel in the Hou Fu are from the main branch. The secondary branch's people can handle minor affairs, but when real crises arise, they're no match for the main branch. Moreover, the Young Master has his personal guards—stationed at the courtyard gates, the secondary branch dares not approach."

Before absolute power, all underhanded schemes are futile.

Indeed, the First Master is easier to get along with.

When the First Master was in the mansion, he rarely interfered in affairs—the secondary branch lived quite freely.

The Young Master and the First Master are completely different in style. Either he does nothing, or when he acts, it's thunderous—no one can stop him.

Chen Guanlou clicked his tongue.

"So the secondary branch just gave up?"

"Of course. Everyone's been sent away—no matter how angry, they must swallow it. Ugh, it's hard on us servants. The Hou Fu's atmosphere is heavy; we must tread carefully. Tomorrow I still have to go help out—the year-end banquets are endless; the Hou Fu won't stop until the Lantern Festival."

In wealthy clans, festive seasons bring heavy social obligations, requiring many more servants. Houseborn servants with no regular duties make the best temporary workers: their loyalty is trusted, their hands are quick, and they know their place.

Mrs. Chunxiang, by doing odd jobs for the Hou Fu each year, could cover part of her household expenses—she and her husband worked together to raise their children.

"Should I still come to pay New Year's respects this year?" Chen Xiaolan sounded uneasy.

"Just fulfill your duty. The Hou Fu's internal strife has nothing to do with us." Chen Guanlou reassured Chen Xiaolan, telling her not to overthink it.

…

After returning to the capital, Chen Guanlou did not rush back to the Tianlaomiao for duty.

He decided to extend his leave, continuing until the Lantern Festival.

Still, he invited several head clerks to Guanmei Restaurant, treating them to a fine banquet to strengthen ties and swap gossip about the Tianlaomiao.

He then separately invited a few trusted subordinates.

During this time, he slipped away quietly to the Tianlaomiao to visit his old friend Da Ming Wang, confirming Da Ming Wang was alive and well.

He also met Mu Yiguan.

He especially thanked Mu Yiguan.

Because Da Ming Wang had been poisoned several times in succession, and only Mu Yiguan's superb medical skill had saved him each time.

Chen Guanlou didn't bother investigating who had poisoned him or which traitor had taken bribes to harm Da Ming Wang. A sieve must know its nature.

Under the pretense of treating guests, Chen Guanlou took Mu Yiguan onto a painted pleasure boat, summoned the most beautiful and skilled courtesan, and showered her with silver—spending the entire night being pampered.

Mu Yiguan looked at him and said, "You don't look like someone who just recovered from severe injuries."

"I haven't fully recovered—I still have internal injuries. Don't believe me? Feel my pulse."

Mu Yiguan actually placed his fingers on his wrist to take his pulse.

Altering his pulse was second nature to Chen Guanlou—he easily fooled him.

Mu Yiguan clicked his tongue. "Such serious injuries, and yet you still have the heart to go out and enjoy yourself? Don't you fear you'll be drained dry?"

"Thank you, Old Mu, for your concern—I won't be drained dry. My body's too tough to die."

Mu Yiguan snorted. "You're famous now. Is it still appropriate for you to stay in the Tianlaomiao?"

"No reason it isn't. I'm a simple man—I don't seek fame, only money. The Tianlaomiao suits me fine."

"Have you never considered you might put other jailers in danger?"

Chen Guanlou fell silent for a rare moment. "If that day comes, I'll handle it."

"I fear it'll be too late."

"Old Mu, you're just hoping I'll leave the Tianlaomiao, aren't you? Am I bothering you?"

"You're not bothering me—but what I say is true. You're no longer a nobody. You've drawn the attention of many. Secretly, countless people are watching you, trying to uncover your secrets. Normally, someone like you should be treated as an honored guest by powerful families, or become a sect elder, or serve the court."

"I'm already serving the court."

"The Tianlaomiao doesn't need a master like you—it's a waste."

Mu Yiguan's words were harsh, but they were facts—and the universal rules of the world.

The Hou Fu's refusal to employ Chen Guanlou, letting him languish in the Tianlaomiao, was itself abnormal. Had it not been for their caution toward the Hou Fu and Chen Guanlou's surname, someone would have already approached him with an olive branch.

Because everyone knew Chen Guanlou bore the surname Chen—he would never betray the Chen clan or serve another. Thus, they merely observed him in secret, never making contact.

These days, warriors are common—but high-grade warriors are an absolute rarity. One appears, and they're immediately recruited into someone's sphere of influence.

Chen Guanlou, with his astonishing strength, wandering the streets daily and serving as a jailer in the Tianlaomiao, showing no sign of a high-grade warrior's dignity, was a rarity indeed.

Normally, you rarely saw even third- or fourth-grade warriors.

Chen Guanlou ate and drank, smiled faintly, and said: "In my view, the stronger you are, the freer you become. I don't mean you can do anything you want—but at least, while doing your duty, no one should dare interfere. If strength makes you less free than a lowly soldier, then… hah…" He downed a gulp of wine and sneered, "Then I'll just kill them all. Kill enough, and their thoughts will finally be clear."