Chapter 113 - Chapter 113: Patrol Rumor Price Han’s

platform smelled the same every morning: tea, clean ink, and the faint arrogance of a man who believed rules were teeth. Wuchen climbed the steps with empty hands, bowed low, and painted weakness into his fingers before Han even looked up. Rumor, Han said mildly. Wuchen bowed deeper and delivered the line Gu Yan gave him, quiet like he was ashamed to repeat it. This one heard patrol is considering moving Guard Du Zheng off third shift, Wuchen whispered. Han's brush paused. A heartbeat of stillness. Then his mouth curled without warmth. Moving him, Han murmured. Patrol moves pieces when they think someone is watching their hands. He sipped tea and asked softly. Where did you hear it? Wuchen bowed. This one heard tired patrol boys complain near the north corridor, he said, keeping it ordinary. Han nodded once as if satisfied by the shape, not the proof. Then Han leaned forward, eyes bright. Good, he said. That rumor has a price. Wuchen's stomach tightened. Han continued, voice mild. If patrol moves Du Zheng, it means patrol admits the gate is dirty. If patrol admits dirt, I can demand the pass ledger again and call it "cleaning." He smiled faintly. And if patrol refuses, I make an example out of the guard before patrol can hide him. Wuchen kept his gaze down, fingers trembling ugly. Han's clerk stepped closer, waiting. Han tapped his teacup once. Bring Du Zheng's countersign ledger, he said. And send a note to Ridge Patrol office: I will inspect third shift register personally tonight. The clerk bowed. Yes, Deacon. Wuchen's throat went dry. Han was pushing immediately. Not tomorrow. Tonight. Han looked at Wuchen. You see? he said softly. One rumor moves ink. Ink moves men. Wuchen bowed. Yes. Han's smile thinned. Now you pay, he murmured. Wuchen's stomach dropped. Pay? Han's voice stayed polite. You will be at the north wall gate tonight when I inspect, he said. You will stand where patrol can see you. You will stand where Lan's lung can see you. And you will stand where my clerk can write your name if anything smells wrong. Wuchen's fingers went cold. Yes, Deacon. Han leaned back. If you want to be a mouth, he said mildly, you must also be a witness. Witnesses are useful because they can be blamed. Wuchen bowed lower, trembling ugly. Han waved him away. Go, he said. Bring me better rumors tomorrow. Wuchen descended, breath stacked, three grains steady and heavy. He returned to Gu Yan and reported Han's immediate push: inspection tonight, note to Ridge Patrol, and Wuchen ordered to stand at the gate as visible witness. Gu Yan listened without smiling. When Wuchen finished, Gu Yan tapped the table once. Good, he murmured. Han will squeeze patrol in lantern light. Wei's voice was flat. And patrol will try to hide Du Zheng or move him before night. Gu Yan nodded. Exactly, he said softly. He looked at Wuchen. Tonight you go to the gate, he murmured. Empty hands. Painted weakness. But you watch one thing. Wuchen swallowed. What thing? Gu Yan's eyes brightened faintly. Watch who speaks to Du Zheng first when word of Han's inspection reaches patrol, he said. If it's Zuo, we learn his spine. If it's Qian Luo, we learn his teeth. If it's a junior, we learn they're ready to sacrifice. Wei added quietly. And if Lan's lung appears early, Lan is trying to steal before Han arrives. Gu Yan nodded once. Exactly. Wuchen bowed. Understood. By late afternoon, corridors shifted. Patrol boys ran messages. Clerks sharpened brushes. Du Zheng's face was seen briefly near the incense passage, pale and tight, then gone. Someone had pulled him off the visible path. Hiding him. Or moving him. At nightfall, Wuchen took position near the inner corridor bend by the north wall gate, head lowered, hands empty, fingers trembling ugly. Lantern flames leaned in wind. The stage was set. Han would come to inspect. Patrol would decide whether to present Du Zheng or replace him. Lan would decide whether to bite for the original signature slip under Han's seal. And Qian Luo, the shadow hand with calm eyes, would decide whether Wuchen was a tool worth keeping… or a hinge that needed to be removed.