Chapter 947: Could It Be That My Lord Is Guilty?

“My lord, another prisoner has appeared in the Bing-character prison block.”

Early in the morning, Mu Qingshan arrived at the office with the prisoner roster, “Xu Fugui has gone too far—this isn’t the first time. I believe he must be severely punished.”

Chen Guanlou cleared his throat and silently took the roster. “Don’t speak nonsense. There’s no extra person. The count is exact.”

“Are you blind, my lord? There’s clearly one extra person.”

“This is none of your concern.”

“My lord, could this matter be connected to you?”

“Stop speaking nonsense!” Chen Guanlou was deeply annoyed, tossing the roster aside and accusing Mu Qingshan of stirring up trouble for no reason.

Mu Qingshan picked up the roster and muttered, “If this was arranged by you, why not tell us beforehand? I’ve trained for years—I’m no longer naive. I won’t spread rumors outside; I’ll keep your secret.”

“Why assume everyone in the prison is a criminal?”

“If not a criminal, then what?”

“Can’t someone just come to the Tianlao for a vacation, to experience prison life?”

Mu Qingshan gave a look of utter disbelief. “My lord, have you heard what you just said? Is that even human speech?”

“Insolent!” Chen Guanlou sneered, waving him off. “Get on with your real duties. This month’s financial pressure is immense—do you still have time to care about the Bing-character prison block? You’re confusing priorities; it’s absurd. You should focus entirely on the Jia-character prison block—monitor those corrupt officials. Go urge Xu Fugui: where are the jailers collecting money? Why hasn’t the payment arrived? The superiors are pressing me, so I press you—none of you dare slack off.”

Mu Qingshan replied, “Yes, my lord,” then muttered under his breath, “Has the Ministry of Justice gone mad? Every day they squeeze the Tianlao—eventually they’ll drain it dry.”

“Enough nonsense! As a subordinate of the Ministry of Justice, aren’t you supposed to ease its burdens? Do you want to take on the burden of the Embroidered Uniform Guard next? Go—collect the money.”

Sun Daoning was pressing hard for funds.

To relieve his superiors, Chen Guanlou had to increase the pressure on those beneath him.

After dismissing Mu Qingshan, he visited the Bing-character prison block to check on Zhuang Yifei, who had voluntarily applied for incarceration. After all, he was a paying client—the Tianlao owed him proper service.

“Brother Zhuang, how are you feeling? Can you adapt?”

Conditions in the Bing-character prison block were the worst of the three. Light was scarce, cleaning was sloppy, blood had never been fully cleaned from the floors—dig deep and you might still find human remains, bits of flesh. Insects scurried everywhere, the stench overwhelming. In short, it was a mess.

Compared to the Bing-character block, the Jia-character prison block was like a five-star facility.

There were people who voluntarily requested incarceration—under these conditions? Hmph… No wonder he came with vengeance in his heart. Only someone burdened with an unavenged grudge would endure this.

“Thank you, Warden Chen, for your concern. I can adapt. I’ve endured environments ten times worse.”

“Good. If you need anything, tell the jailers. I’ve already instructed them not to harass you. Also, if you want extra meals, just pay.”

Understood. When I’ve avenged my grudge, I’ll fully submit to your judgment.

“Why would I judge you?” Chen Guanlou sneered. “The yamen will imprison you—you may not even make it into the Tianlao.”

“Warden Chen, as an official, you don’t oppose my actions. When I risked coming here, I expected to die. I thought you were all government men—you’d surely protect the Geng family.”

Chen Guanlou frowned. “You personally said everyone in the martial world praised me as benevolent and righteous. So you made that up? I knew it—I don’t move in those circles; who in the martial world even knows me?”

Zhuang Yifei looked embarrassed. “But I truly heard of your reputation. Everyone says you’re a man of honor, unlike other officials—principled, trustworthy. Otherwise, I’d never have dared come here.”

That was more like it.

His petty vanity satisfied, Chen Guanlou let the fabrication slide.

“Benevolent and righteous” was a compliment—and a chain.

He reminded Lu Datou, “Watch Zhuang Yifei. Don’t let Xu Fugui cause trouble. He paid—this money isn’t free. I’ll reward you later.”

Lu Datou patted his chest. “Brother, don’t worry. Once you’ve spoken, Xu Fugui won’t dare. He’s still knee-deep in shit—money’s all he sees. As long as Zhuang paid, everything’s fine. Still… I can’t fathom why anyone would pay to be locked up these days.”

“You know nothing—he’s experiencing life.”

“Isn’t he hiding from enemies?” Lu Datou asked curiously.

Chen Guanlou snorted. “I say he’s experiencing life—that’s what it is. Got it?”

“Got it! Brother, whatever you say goes. Besides, these days, there are all kinds of people—Zhuang isn’t the strangest.”

“Exactly!”

After settling everything, Chen Guanlou stepped out of the Bing-character prison block. The sun shone brightly—have a little wine, listen to some tunes, life was sweet.

But barely half a day passed when word came from the Hou Fu: the old matriarch had entered her final moments—her life was ending.

Chen Guanlou did not delay. He hurried to the Hou Fu with Dr. Mu.

Everyone from the Hou Fu had gathered—dozens of family members crowded around the old matriarch’s courtyard, filling it to bursting.

Several elder clan members had also arrived, whispering around the heir, Chen Guanfu.

“Bring Dr. Mu in—let him examine the old matriarch again!”

Even at this final hour, they clung to a sliver of hope.

Chen Guanlou signaled Dr. Mu to enter boldly—treat as needed. If he couldn’t save her, just be honest. Chen Guanlou would shield him from blame.

If medicine was needed, prescribe freely—as long as it helped.

Dr. Mu took a deep breath and entered the room with his medicine chest.

“Uncle Lou, I’m scared,” whispered little Chen Mengxun, slipping beside Chen Guanlou. “If the old matriarch passes, what will happen to the Hou Fu?”

“Didn’t your parents tell you?”

“They’re too busy. Since the old matriarch fell ill, they’ve been running nonstop—I didn’t want to trouble them.”

The girl was surprisingly sensible.

Chen Guanlou saw her pale face and comforted her: “Don’t be afraid! Even if the sky falls, taller people will hold it up. What about your imperial selection? Any news?”

“Probably not until next year.”

That made sense.

Once the old matriarch passed, Chen Mengxun, as a great-granddaughter, would observe three months of mourning—usually a full hundred days of intense grief. She couldn’t enter the palace carrying such ill fortune. And once she passed, the situation would shift. Whether she’d even be sent for the selection anymore would be uncertain.

Unsurprisingly, her death would trigger a power struggle.

All prior agreements would be overturned and rewritten.

“Follow your father’s lead! Trust your father, trust your grandfather. And don’t forget to train yourself.”