Chapter 1720: Leaving the Black Market (Patreon)

Chapter 1720: Leaving the Black Market

After arranging the laborers, Meng Yunzheng turned his attention to the group of young women.

Naturally, these young women couldn't join them to confront the soldiers from Chenggu County, and they couldn't be easily accommodated after leaving the secret passage either.

He consulted Xia Yi's opinion and eventually said, "There are still many captured rebels in the Black Market. We can't just kill them all. Once the situation settles down, they'll have to be handed over to the court for judgment. So, I'll have to trouble you all, young ladies, to watch over these rebels here."

Upon hearing this, the young women breathed a sigh of relief.

Just like the laborers and working girls, they also wanted to contribute. For these girls who were accustomed to surviving in the darkness, having a meaningful role was crucial for their sense of existence.

Having tasks to do would also mean that they wouldn't be abandoned without reason later on.

Therefore, they quickly assured them, "Rest assured, we promise to keep a close watch on these rebels and ensure none of them escape."

They then discussed and soon came up with a plan. They brought the previously detained rebels from the infirmary to the prison cells, locking them inside using chains. They handed the keys directly to Xia Yi.

Qiao Rou said, "This way, even if these rebels try to use sweet words to trick us into releasing them, we won't be able to."

Without the keys and without weapons, it would be extremely difficult for them to escape. Although the Black Market had an armory, they couldn't access it.

There were quite a number of rebels in the cells, including the thirty-odd people captured earlier, as well as a few who had been injured by wild beasts. In total, there were over fifty people.

If these people attempted any mischief, using persuasion or threats to make them release them, it was indeed quite likely.

Recognizing their limitations, Qiao Rou and the others took the safer route of cutting off their options.

Xia Yi agreed, "That's right."

Qiao Rou and the others let out a relieved sigh, feeling somewhat pleased.

However, Xia Yi didn't mention that even if they blocked the rebels' escape, it wouldn't matter. Earlier in the infirmary, Meng Yunzheng had given each of them medicine.

To test its effectiveness, they had even brought in a loyal Black Market member and demonstrated the consequences of consuming the poisoned substance. Witnessing the effects of the poison, the rebels were less likely to act recklessly for fear of their lives.

With everything arranged, Meng Yunzheng saw that it was getting late and prepared to leave.

Aside from the laborers and the group of young women, some of Lu Wu's men had also stayed behind in the Black Market. Their mobility was compromised, making it more appropriate for them to remain within.

As they left, the laborers and young women came to see them off. Before departing, they expressed some lingering worries. The leader of the laborers asked uncertainly, "M-Master, you will come to take us away later, right?"

Xia Yi nodded, "Of course, it's only natural. You've all been victims. Once the rebellion is quelled, the court will take proper care of you. You will receive compensation and be assured of a better life."

Hearing this, everyone felt relieved. Though they knew their future was uncertain and that life wouldn't return to its peaceful state after leaving the Black Market, at least there was hope for alternatives.

Xia Yi's assurance put their minds at ease.

Meng Yunzheng waved his hand, "Let's go."

Their group consisted of a significant number of people, totaling around fifty.

Marching with determination, they quickly entered the entrance of the secret passage, heading toward Chenggu County.