Chapter 1669: The Black Market's Prison Cells (Patreon)

Chapter 1669: The Black Market's Prison Cells

Meng Yunzheng glanced at the bandit sideways. "Do you even have the qualification to negotiate terms now? Moreover, what if the person I'm here to rescue is inside there?"

"It's impossible."

"How do you know it's impossible?"

"I..." The bandit couldn't be certain; he was just a housekeeper.

Seeing Meng Yunzheng's expressionless face, he eventually didn't say anything. He felt a growing sense of losing control, but he obediently led them to the left.

Two guards were positioned at the entrance here.

Both of them lazily leaned against the wall, eating. Upon seeing the newcomers, they raised their gazes slightly. "What are you doing?"

The bandit smirked and spoke lecherously, "We're here to pick a girl for some fun."

The two guards showed an unconcerned expression and said cheerfully, "Alright, go in and take a look. We've been closed these days, so these girls haven't had anyone to serve. They might be thirsty."

Shu Yu clenched her fist abruptly, and a glint of coldness flickered in her lowered eyes.

Meng Yunzheng also furrowed his brow, exhaled slowly, and followed the bandit inside.

Unlike the well-lit outside, this area was noticeably darker. There was a long path ahead, and on either side were rows of cells, just like the ones used to hold prisoners in the government office.

Since the bandit had said they were here to select a girl, all three carried lanterns. Together with the candles originally placed on the sides, it was much brighter.

The first few cells ahead contained ragged-looking individuals who were now sitting listlessly against the walls, seemingly oblivious to what was happening outside.

The bandit whispered an explanation, "They were brought here to do hard labor."

No wonder they were all men, and they all looked malnourished and worn, as if they had endured hardships.

Going further inside, the people in the cells were different from those in the previous ones. These individuals were filthy, some covered in blood, but their clothing was relatively intact.

The bandit explained, "These are the ones brought from Chenggu County."

Among these captives were young gentlemen, middle-aged men, and even toddlers.

According to the information Shu Yu had received, there were supposedly girls among the captives as well. However, she didn't know where they were being held or if they were... still alive.

She took a slow, deep breath, feeling the increasing agitation within her. The Second Prince and Third Prince were truly despicable.

Meng Yunzheng discreetly squeezed her hand and whispered, "Stay calm."

"I know." Shu Yu closed her eyes and gradually calmed herself.

However, the cries from nearby cells remained impossible to block out. The cries and screams they heard earlier outside were coming from these two cells.

Among them, some seemed to be injured, some were being beaten, and some were on the brink of death.

Yet, the guards at the entrance paid no heed, seemingly indifferent to whether they lived or died.

The bandit, who was guiding them, walked up to the cell doors and rapped on them with a clang, "Shut up, all of you! What's all this wailing? Keep it up, and I'll throw all of you to the wild beasts."

One young gentleman couldn't bear it any longer. He rushed to the door, gripping the wooden bars, his eyes bloodshot. "Kill me! You beasts, you won't have a good end. You won't die well!"

"Wish to die? I can pull you out right now and let those beasts feast on you..." Before the words were even out of his mouth, the bandit caught sight of Meng Yunzheng and Shu Yu standing nearby. He quickly covered his mouth and altered his tone, "Don't blame us for today. If the Emperor hadn't withheld amnesty, pushing us into a corner..."