My daily cultivation progress is calculated.

Chapter 13 Promotion

Prison No. 1, a cell.

Hu Youtian held the account book in his hand, looking at the jailer in the cell.

"What's going on? Didn't I tell you to raise the price? Why is it still so little?"

As the longest-serving jailer in Class A, Li Tiezhu was well aware of the unspoken rules of Class A; a price increase couldn't be achieved simply by casually suggesting it.

"Hu Tou, you can't mention that! Don't be fooled by these officials being in prison; they could kill us with a snap of their fingers. If they get out one day, we'll all be doomed."

"This won't work, that won't work, the higher-ups are pressuring us for payment, what should we do?"

Hu Youtian looked at him, while Li Tiezhu kept his head down and remained silent.

He was feeling frustrated. Back in the days when he was in cell number C, he could give an order and the candles in the torture chambers would stay lit all night, and the next day, prisoners' families would come to the prison to make arrangements.

Unlike Class A, which is fraught with constraints and red lines everywhere, it has already lost a lot of money before it even gets a chance to enjoy the feeling of having a sack full of cash.

"I don't care how difficult things are for you. I'm giving you seven days. I need to see the money. Otherwise, I won't be happy, and you won't get away with it either."

Prisons B and C didn't have as many concerns as Prison A; Xu Shaogong had just announced last night that he would pay silver to take the blame.

The prison guards started "giving money" during the day, targeting the wealthy prisoners, afraid that if they were late, someone else would take it.

The prisoners were in a terrible state; their cries of agony never stopped.

However, there were exceptions; the "dregs" thrown in by the Embroidered Uniform Guard were ignored.

When Shen Yan went to the prison to work at night, he walked through each cell and saw that all the prisoners inside were injured.

He had never experienced such a scene before, and was somewhat surprised, so he asked Sun Fugui.

"Brother Sun, what happened in the prison today?"

"The higher-ups want money, so where else can we prison guards get it? It's not just from the prisoners. You get used to it."

Shen Yan nodded. Once you're in the prison, you have no choice but to give it to them. There are hundreds of torture instruments in the torture chamber; there's bound to be one that suits you.

Soon, an official document arrived from the Ministry of Justice.

The three people who drew the death lottery yesterday were pushed out and made scapegoats.

The three were punished with twenty strokes of the cane in court. This was the superior officer making an example of them to warn others, intending to kill these people.

The officials don't care who dies; the important thing is that someone has to die because of this.

Everyone handed over their life-saving money, which was handed over by Xu Shaogong. The Ministry of Justice official who delivered the message saw the thickness of the banknotes, put them into his pocket, and looked quite pleased.

Upon seeing this, the jailers were relieved and understood that the matter was over.

Just as the official from the Ministry of Justice was about to leave, he suddenly turned around and said something to Xu Shaogong.

"By the way, Vice Minister Yang saw a prison guard last night who was very conscientious and responsible. He was the only one who was dedicated to his duties and performed well. He is a talented person."

After saying that, he left.

Upon hearing this, Xu Shaogong immediately understood.

The officers summoned Shen Yan to his cell.

"Shen Yan, are you getting used to working in the imperial prison?"

"Thank you for your concern, sir. Everything is fine in the prison. I'm quite used to it here."

"Hmm, not bad. I've seen how diligently you've worked these past few days, and last night you even defended the last shred of dignity for our prison."

"You flatter me, sir. I was merely doing my duty, and it is all thanks to your excellent guidance."

"Let's keep things separate. While my daily guidance is undoubtedly a factor, your quick wit is also a factor. I'm considering promoting you to head of cell A. What do you think?"

Shen Yan was startled by this sudden promotion and was sent to the first-class prison. This meant he was now in Hu Youtian's territory.

Given his relationship with Hu Youtian, how could he possibly have a good life?

He didn't even need to think; he had already spoken out his refusal.

"My lord, I feel that I haven't been in the prison long enough. I should train more in cell C to avoid interfering with your business."

"Abilities are developed through practice. First, you'll get the job done, then you'll learn how to do it. I believe you can handle it. Go back and prepare."

Shen Yan's face was somewhat bitter, but he could only thank him and leave.

Xu Shaogong was well aware of the despicable dealings between Shen Yan and Hu Youtian; it was Xu Shaogong who had given his approval for Hu Youtian to become a prison guard in Prison No. 1.

However, since his superiors in the Ministry of Justice had spoken, he naturally couldn't remain silent, otherwise he would appear ignorant.

There were no vacancies for prison guards, only the position of head jailer.

If he can't handle being thrown into prison number A and can't survive under Hu Youtian, then it's only because Shen Yan is a good-for-nothing.

It's not Xu Shaogong's fault.

The news of Shen Yan's promotion quickly reached the Bing prison, and Sun Fugui was the first to rush up to congratulate him.

"Congratulations! From now on, I'll have to address you as Lord Shen when we meet."

"Brother Sun, don't badmouth me. You know perfectly well what's going on between Hu Youtian and me, don't you?"

"Getting promoted is a good thing. None of us brothers have been able to get promoted after all these years. You're the one who's successful."

Shen Yan had only been in the prison for a short time, and his rapid promotion naturally attracted the envy of many.

However, since it was personally appointed by the Ministry of Justice, they dared not show the slightest dissatisfaction.

He could only pray in his heart that Hu Youtian would do something to teach Shen Yan a lesson and make them laugh at him.

Ma Danian also knew that Shen Yan was about to be transferred to work in Prison No. 1, and patted him on the shoulder.

"Xiao Shen, do a good job. If you really can't keep going, we'll keep your spot in cell C open forever."

"Thank you, Horse Head."

"Today I am hosting a dinner at Chunfenglou. I hope everyone will come and join me after you finish your shifts."

Just as Sun Fugui said, Shen Yan has at least been promoted, so it's only right that he celebrates with his colleagues.

Chunfeng Tower was a famous brothel in Bianjing, and Shen Yan's choice to hold the gathering there was considered grand by the jailers.

Since Shen Yan was about to go to Prison A, Ma Danian arranged for someone else to be on night duty tonight.

After delivering the lunch in the afternoon, Shen Yan was about to say goodbye to Cell No. 3 for good.

Arriving outside Zhu Zhengyang's cell, I knew his death was inevitable, and I had come to terms with it.

"Old Zhu, I'm leaving Cell C. No one will be bringing you roast chicken anymore."

"The jailer quit? Found another job?"

"No, I'm going to work in cell A."

Zhu Zhengyang could tell that Shen Yan's qi and blood were robust, and he seemed to have made considerable progress compared to a few days ago.

He shared some of his martial arts experience with Shen Yan.

It is difficult for martial artists to discern each other's strength without ever fighting.

Li Wu's ability to see that Shen Yan was about to enter the ranks was indeed remarkable.

After chatting for a few minutes, Shen Yan left.

……

……

Prison No. 1, the jailer's cell.

Hu Youtian was already aware that Shen Yan was about to become the head of the guard in Prison A.

He knew things were bad when he heard the words the Ministry of Justice official said before leaving.

Hu Youtian stared blankly at the prison guard's token in his hand, lost in thought.

"Shen Yanlai is working in the Jia prison and is favored by Vice Minister Yang. Could he be next in line for my position?"

His worries were not unfounded. It was only a matter of Yang Wanli saying a word for Shen Yan to replace him. Would he have any room to resist then?

"If Shen Yan takes over, will there still be a place for me in this prison? No, I can't just sit here doing nothing."

Hu Youtian found his trusted confidant, Da Niu, and whispered a few words of advice to him.

After giving his instructions, Hu Youtian stared fiercely at Da Niu's departing figure.

"Blame Shen Yan!"