Chapter 981: Rupture

The strong often die at the hands of those close to them!

Zhuang Yifei could not escape this rule!

He was betrayed by his closest friend; when the Embroidered Uniform Guard descended from the sky, he was still stunned.

Two fists cannot fight four hands—the Embroidered Uniform Guard attacked as a mob with no regard for honor, aided by a ninth-rank martial cultivator, and ultimately he was utterly defeated and captured.

He did not choose to die on the spot, because he still clung to hope—he remembered Chen Guanlou’s promise to pull him out of the Embroidered Uniform Guard’s hands.

The five hundred taels as deposit had finally served their purpose.

One can only say that Chen Guanlou’s curse has grown even more potent.

He said he couldn’t escape—and he truly couldn’t!

He said he’d fall into the hands of the Embroidered Uniform Guard—and he truly did!

He could only hope Chen Guanlou would keep his word!

When Chen Guanlou learned Zhuang Yifei had been captured, the Embroidered Uniform Guard were already urgently transporting him back to the capital for trial.

Time was extremely tight!

Getting a prisoner out of the Embroidered Uniform Guard’s hands was no easy task.

But he had taken the money—he had to do it, no matter how hard.

Seeking help from others was useless; even Sun Daoning might not help.

Sun Daoning always viewed the Embroidered Uniform Guard as venomous snakes and scorpions—he would never involve himself unless absolutely necessary. Moreover, without benefit, it was nearly impossible to sway Old Sun.

Old Sun was a money-grubber—this habit was terrible.

If Old Sun wouldn’t do it, then only Xiao Jincheng could be relied upon.

He sent Xiao Jincheng an invitation, arranging to drink on a flower boat that night.

Worried the man might refuse, he wrote on the invitation that the courtesan’s top courtesan had already been reserved.

Over a thousand taels had already been spent—just ask the Xiao family: will you show face? Will you show face to a ninth-rank martial cultivator?

The face of a ninth-rank martial cultivator must be honored.

Xiao Jincheng readily accepted the invitation.

As night fell, Chen Guanlou had long been waiting on the flower boat; the wine and dishes were laid out, ready to begin the feast the moment the guest arrived.

Xiao Jincheng arrived punctually, giving ample face.

“Lord Xiao, you are our honored guest! Come, come, please take your seat!”

“Chen Jailer, you’re too kind.”

“Kindness is only proper. You’re busy—we rarely meet. This time, you came to my invitation; I’ll remember this favor. Let me toast you first.”

At this moment, the courtesan and her companions entered, playing a lively tune that filled the boat with merriment.

No rush to discuss business—first, enjoy.

A courtesan is a courtesan—seductive and potent!

Chen Guanlou indulged fully, dragging the stone-faced Xiao Jincheng into the revelry. Even if the man refused to cooperate, the girls had their own ways.

When the mood was right and everyone had drunk their fill, he clapped his hands; the girls, sensing the cue, all withdrew.

He personally poured Xiao Jincheng a cup of wine. “Lord Xiao, you must have guessed why I invited you tonight—I have a favor to ask.”

Xiao Jincheng kept his stone face and refused to drink. “Jailer Chen, just say it plainly.”

Chen Guanlou stared at him, hesitated slightly, then said: “Fine, I’ll be direct. Can the prisoner Zhuang Yifei be transferred to Tianlaomiao?”

“Why? Do you know the Zhuang man?”

“I know him, sort of. Can you agree?”

“I’m afraid not.”

Xiao Jincheng refused!

Chen Guanlou raised an eyebrow—he had expected no smooth sailing. Negotiating with the Xiao man required five or six rounds of back-and-forth before anything got done.

He was straightforward—he didn’t play tricks. Tricks were useless before the Xiao man.

He spoke plainly:

“I requested the transfer for two reasons: first, someone paid me in advance to arrange it. I took the money—I must deliver. Second, if the prisoner is held in Tianlaomiao and lives safely until execution day, it demonstrates the solemnity of the law.

But if he’s locked in the Imperial Prison, you know better than anyone what awaits him. When he’s brought to the execution ground, will he even be recognizable? The Embroidered Uniform Guard’s reputation will be dragged down by the Imperial Prison!”

Xiao Jincheng smiled faintly. “Zhuang Yifei murdered a government official—killing an official is tantamount to rebellion. Jailer Chen, you have wide connections! To befriend a rebel and scramble to help him—how can I not suspect you? Could you have been involved in the murder of Minister Geng?”

“Any evidence?” Chen Guanlou sneered—he didn’t hold back.

Begging for help was one thing; being falsely accused was another.

When begging, he could play the grandson. But if falsely accused and still played the grandson, he’d become a real grandson—he must strike back hard.

“If you handle cases like this, how many wrongful convictions does the Embroidered Uniform Guard produce each year? How many innocent people have died in your hands? The ghosts of the Imperial Prison still wail overhead—and are you so eager to beat a confession out of me?”

“Do you think Tianlaomiao’s skies are free of wailing ghosts?” Xiao Jincheng mocked. “We’re both in the prison business—why get so worked up, Jailer Chen?”

Chen Guanlou laughed. “I’m not worked up. I simply hate being falsely accused to my face. If you suspect me of involvement in Minister Geng’s murder, produce evidence—I won’t mind going to the Embroidered Uniform Guard. But without evidence, don’t utter such words again.”

Xiao Jincheng nodded agreeably. “Jailer Chen speaks wisely!”

“Can you reconsider the transfer?”

“Sorry—this matter is non-negotiable.”

“Murdering an official!” Chen Guanlou sighed. “Such a major case—can your Embroidered Uniform Guard handle it? Given your methods, I must suspect you’ll coerce false confessions. How will you satisfy public opinion?”

“This is no concern of yours, Jailer Chen.”

“I merely fear you’ll corrupt the law and tarnish the court’s reputation. But if the prisoner is held in Tianlaomiao, there’s no such worry. Tianlaomiao is now the most regulated prison in the capital. Ask any official in court—they all speak highly of Tianlaomiao!”

Xiao Jincheng’s stone face finally cracked into a smile—though it was anything but kind. “If you can persuade the Ministry of Justice to take this case from the Embroidered Uniform Guard, then Zhuang Yifei may be lawfully transferred to Tianlaomiao.”

Chen Guanlou raised an eyebrow, displeased.

If he could persuade Sun Daoning to wrest this case from the Embroidered Uniform Guard, why would he be here, wasting money on this banquet?

“Lord Xiao, can you give me a face?”

“For any other matter, I’d agree. But this case is imperial decree—I’m powerless. Return the silver you took. Next time, remember this lesson: don’t be greedy, don’t reach out. Not every case is worth the money. That’s all I have to say—Jailer Chen, mind yourself!”

Xiao Jincheng finished his tirade, bowed slightly, and rose to leave.

Chen Guanlou watched his back and laughed bitterly.

Usually, it was he who said “mind yourself.” Today, he was the one being lectured!

Tsk!

He was furious!

He couldn’t stand that arrogant demeanor—the stone face, day after day—who’s he trying to scare?

If open methods won’t work, then let’s go covert.

Not for anything else—just to make the Embroidered Uniform Guard suffer. No face given? Fine—let’s see who’s better at this game.