183, The Call from the Bottom of the Lake

Tonight, for the scholars of the Capital, was destined to be a sleepless one.

Just as many literary men, disheartened and anxious, returned home, ready to bed down,

a squad of menacing government officers knocked on their doors.

"Master, Master, something terrible has happened, the government officers are at the door!" At the Chen Residence.

Hanlin Academy Scholar Chen Zhengru was immersed in reading at his desk when suddenly, a frightened servant burst in, pushing the door open.

"What?"

Chen Zhengru sprang to his feet. Before he could react, he saw that the officers had already swarmed in, with none other than Hundred Households Zhou Cang at the lead.

Who now said with a smile:

"Scholar Chen, we suspect that the recent climate in the Capital relates to rebels. Please don't make it difficult for us, and accede to accompany us back."

Chen Zhengru's face paled dramatically, and he said:

"Zhao Douan is but a sixth-rank, with no authority to arrest an official like me."