Chapter 1650: The Identity of Bandits (Patreon)

Chapter 1650: The Identity of Bandits

Although Meng Qi had never doubted Meng Yunzheng's words, he knew his cousin's abilities well. Without any factual basis, he wouldn't speak without thinking.

Because of this, Meng Qi felt a chill creeping through his body.

At such a critical moment, if even the government cannot be trusted, what else can be believed?

As they were talking, the three of them arrived at a small stall. The stall sold wontons, run by an elderly couple.

There was no one else at the stall except for the couple, and they looked dejectedly at the deserted street.

"Boss, three bowls of wontons," Shu Yu called out and sat down at the table.

The elderly couple was taken aback but quickly became happy and hurriedly served them the wontons.

The wontons were delicious, and as Meng Qi took the first bite, he couldn't help but exhale a breath. He hadn't eaten such hot food in several days, even though he occasionally cautiously came out of the secret room to get some fresh air.

However, their meals were meager, and at such times, filling their stomachs was all that mattered.

Especially these past two days, with Meng Pei and Meng Xiaoshu not around, the situation at the Meng family's escort agency had clearly become dangerous, leaving them with no chance to come out of the secret room for fresh air.

But he only sighed for a moment and then quickened his pace. He couldn't delay; he had to finish eating quickly and go look for his father.

Meng Qi was single-minded, and in no time, he finished a large bowl of wontons.

However, when he raised his head, he noticed that Shu Yu had only taken a few bites and was eating slowly, showing no signs of urgency.

Meng Qi was about to urge him on but hesitated, thinking it might not be appropriate, so he closed his mouth and patiently waited for Shu Yu to eat at her own pace.

Meng Yunzheng had already finished eating, and he looked at Meng Qi and asked, "Do you want more?"

Meng Qi immediately shook his head, "It's enough."

Meng Yunzheng nodded and stood up directly. Meng Qi was about to follow suit, but Meng Yunzheng said, "You stay seated."

Meng Qi's motion to stand froze, and he obediently sat back down.

Then, he saw Meng Yunzheng walk up to the elderly couple and give them some copper coins. While giving them the money, he casually asked, "Why are you still selling wontons at such a time? There aren't many people on the streets, and it's not very safe."

The stall owner sighed in response, "Who said it wasn't? We just set up the stall early in the morning. Apart from the patrolling officers, you guys are the only ones who came to eat."

Moreover, the grumpy officer on credit still owes us. Who knows when he'll pay?

"But there's no other way. We can make a few coins, or else what will we eat and drink?"

Meng Yunzheng sighed in agreement, "It's not easy for you all. Nowadays, it's hard for everyone in Chenggu County. I wonder where these bandits came from and why they suddenly appeared to harm the common people."

"Shh, young man, lower your voice. There might still be bandits hiding in the city, ready to cause trouble at any moment," the stall owner looked around cautiously, making sure the area was clear of anyone else except for them, before finally relaxing.

Then, he whispered to Meng Yunzheng, "I heard from the soldiers who came to eat breakfast here yesterday that these bandits were originally death row convicts or people who were sent into exile. They were planning to wait for the new emperor to grant a general amnesty, but it's been almost a year now, and nothing has happened. With no hope left, they resorted to desperate measures."

Meng Yunzheng narrowed his eyes, "Is that so?"