Chapter 623

After seeing Chen Guanlou off, the Head Steward went to see the Heir, Chen Guanfu.

"How did it go?" Chen Guanfu asked casually.

The Head Steward bowed slightly and said, "He didn't give a definitive answer, but judging by his attitude, he isn't very willing."

Chen Guanfu picked up his brush, took a glance, and asked offhandedly, "Why isn't he willing? Is he dissatisfied with the reward?"

"That's not it. I think he just simply doesn't like the Li family and isn't very willing to help them handle matters."

"Has the Li family offended him?"

"That hasn't happened. However, I know his character somewhat; perhaps it's because of the Li family's brother-in-law."

Chen Guanfu's expression was clearly surprised, "Are you saying he pities the poor and cherishes the weak?"

"In his daily life, he is quite good to the orphans and widows in the clan. He has money and is willing to spend it. That brother-in-law of the Li family is said to be a lecher who has ruined many girls from good families. If he were bullying wealthy families of the same status as him, Chen Guanlou probably wouldn't dislike him and might even think highly of him. But the Li family's brother-in-law only picks on small, humble households to bully and humiliate. Those who practice Wu Gong all have the heart of a hero, so he just happened to run into it. I heard the man was locked in the Heavenly Prison and suffered greatly. If the Li family hadn't sent silver in time, he probably would have already died in prison."

Before the Head Steward went to talk to Chen Guanlou, he naturally understood the situation first, so he could act with a clear target. And so, as soon as the Heir asked, he spoke eloquently, and everything he said was based on facts.

Chen Guanfu nodded knowingly, "If the Li family's brother-in-law fell into his hands and is still alive, he has a big life." After finishing, he smiled, "Forget it, no need to ask about this matter in the future. Helping the Li family is just a matter of face, done in passing. If the Li family has the ability to extricate themselves, I don't mind helping at a critical moment. If they don't have that ability and are eaten alive by others, I'll just pretend I don't see it and save myself the annoyance."

"How should I report this to the Master?"

"Tell the truth. The Master cares about old feelings, but I do not. A bunch of monsters and demons—can't find a single one when there's trouble. But when they get into trouble themselves, they all have the thick skin to come knocking. The Master is a man who values feelings and righteousness; he lets bygones be bygones as soon as someone apologizes. I am not that magnanimous; not only am I not magnanimous, I am also very petty."

Chen Guanfu has a thorough understanding of himself.

The reason the second branch of the Hou Fu could be arrogant for many years is naturally because the Master doesn't like to dwell on these small matters and has a magnanimous temperament.

Chen Guanfu is very petty; he has been back for such a long time and has already disciplined the second branch family until they are perfectly obedient. Even the old lady has calmed down quite a bit now.

As the saying goes, evil people need evil people to grind them down.

After leaving the Hou Fu, Chen Guanlou saw that it wasn't late, so he simply changed his route and went to Master Du's house to sponge a meal.

Master Du's son and grandson were not at home today; they said they had gone out to socialize.

Master Du is old; except for the banquets at the Hou Fu, he never attends outside invitations unless they are from big shots in the scholarly world with whom he can build a connection.

Master Du was very happy to see him. Upon learning that he hadn't eaten yet, he hurriedly asked the old servant to prepare a few dishes to go with the wine.

Chen Guanlou took out money again, told someone to go out and buy a pot of wine, and then go to the restaurant to get a few dishes.

He never treats himself poorly when it comes to eating; anyway, he has money, and he is a bachelor with no one else to feed. With so much money, he can spend it however he likes; he certainly couldn't finish it all just by eating. He spends money openly, without any plan.

Sister Chunxiang often tries to persuade him to save money with earnest words. He listens every time, but forgets it every time he hears it, never taking it to heart.

His eldest sister also advises him not to spend money recklessly every time they meet. He nods and laughs the same way, and forgets it afterward.

Why would a bachelor save money? That's crazy.

Even if he doesn't save money, as long as he doesn't set up large-scale industries or keep women, the money in his hands won't be spent within a few years.

The weather was hot, so the two of them set up a table in the courtyard.

The wine and dishes were all served, and it was very sumptuous.

Chen Guanlou ate until he was half full in one breath before he could spare the time to chat with Master Du.

"It's been a long time since I visited you, Master. Have you been busy?"

"A bit busier than before. The clan school has expanded, there are more students, and things are more complicated."

"I see you're in good spirits." Chen Guanlou sipped his wine.

Master Du chuckled, "It's alright, it's alright! How about you? You haven't been idle these past few months, have you?"

"The Heavenly Prison is never idle. People come and go inside, so I have to worry about it. But I haven't been busy these past few days; the biggest cases are just Minister Li's nephew and his brother-in-law. No other cases have caused such a stir."

Master Du was very gossipy and subconsciously lowered his voice to ask, "I heard you almost killed that brother-in-law."

"Where did that rumor come from?" Chen Guanlou smiled without smiling, "Even you have heard it, Master. Sigh, a person just can't do their job; it's best to just lie down. I detained the prisoner according to the rules, and yet there's gossip."

"It's not really gossip. Many people say you did the right thing."

"Really?" Chen Guanlou was quite surprised.

Master Du nodded, "Because the Li family's case involves Minister Li, everyone in the capital is paying attention, so the news spread very quickly. Many people say that your handling of the Li family's brother-in-law is very satisfying. That kind of local bully deserves to be handled like that. When I was in my hometown, I also saw similar bullies. I have to be thankful that the women in my family are plain-looking and we have no assets for others to covet, so we could live in peace."

Tsk!

After listening, Chen Guanlou directly complained, "The local areas are rotting into this state; I think this world will be finished sooner or later."

"Stop talking nonsense." Master Du was scared to death. Although he often heard rebellious words from Chen Guanlou's mouth, he still felt shocked every time.

This mouth of Chen Guanlou's, he really dares to say anything.

There is nothing he doesn't dare to say.

Chen Guanlou didn't care, eating and drinking while chatting, "The imperial court sends out inspectors every year, and censors also regularly patrol the local areas. And yet, this is the result... Heh... For so many years, I haven't seen many local bullies being dealt with. The Li family's brother-in-law was just unlucky; he didn't keep his eyes open and provoked someone with a background, which is why he was reported. If he had kept his eyes open, he probably would have continued to plague the local area for several more years. That bunch of censors and inspectors can't see or hear such local scourges that one can find out about with a casual inquiry. You tell me, is this world going to be finished or not?"

"That's not how you put it. The sins committed by the Late Emperor, even if the new Emperor has the heart to correct them, it takes time." Master Du's thinking is naturally that of the monarch-subject relationship. As long as the knife doesn't fall on his own head, he will defend the imperial power from beginning to end.

Chen Guanlou has been receiving the theory that rebellion is justified since he was a child—emperors take turns, and this year it's my turn. From the bottom of his heart, he views imperial power as a reactionary force and wishes someone would overturn it.

As for what happens after it's overturned, when a new imperial power is born and repeats the old path, that's another story. At least the common people can have a few decades of breathing room. When they can't breathe anymore, they can just overturn it again.