Lu Yin wasn't used to it. Just one person's name—three characters—had made so many powerful people change their attitudes. How much prestige did that take?
"This junior doesn't understand," Lu Yin said, confused.
Chou Bao looked at Xu Wuji. "Bringing Xuan Qi into Tianjian Mansion was the most correct decision you've ever made."
Xu Wuji scoffed. "As if I needed you to tell me."
Chou Bao looked back at Lu Yin. "I've done nothing to earn or lose favor here. You want to take Lao Dian away, but that won't work. He joined the New Inn, and the New Inn shielded him from his enemies. He should have stayed here like everyone else. But he broke the rules. The New Inn has no place for someone like that."
"Everyone here has a story, and a reason they couldn't leave. But they all stayed. The rules were made for their sake. Once they're broken, the New Inn loses its purpose. Do you understand?"
Lu Yin nodded. "This junior understands. I'm grateful that Senior has told me so much. But Lao Dian was exposed because I pressured him. To the New Inn, he's a detestable man who broke the rules. To me, though, he's a subordinate. What can I do to make the New Inn let go of its resentment and make amends for breaking the rules?"
"The rules are the rules. No one is allowed to break them. The people here don't care about their lives, but they care about these rules. The rules are their lives."
"You won't even let us meet?" Xu Wuji shouted.
The New Inn's atmosphere grew tense once more. Everyone glared at Xu Wuji, as if they would attack at Chou Bao's command.
A moment of silence passed.
"Out of respect for Senior Xu Wuwei, I'll