Chapter 2324: It’s On Fire

Qi Lie quickly took out a map, "Their black market is located outside the city. Firstly, the area is spacious, and secondly, it’s convenient. However, there should be a secret passage inside the city leading directly there. It’s just a pity that this is not Changjin Prefecture, and after being here for over half a year, I still haven’t found it."

The main reason is that the southwest’s black market is currently closed, and he cannot infiltrate it.

Moreover, the other side is already on guard, rejecting unfamiliar individuals entirely. Not only that, but they immediately apprehend anyone suspicious.

However, if this side doesn’t work, then change direction. Since he can’t infiltrate the black market, he must find another way.

During this time, he has integrated quite a few people from the southwest. In this region of the southwest, half of the people are exiled individuals or descendants of exiled criminals.

These people, if used well, are a source of assistance.

Especially since they’ve been mingling in the southwest for a long time, some are even local tyrants, skilled with connections.

Thanks to these people, Qi Lie has not been discovered by the black market.

And because of these people, the subordinates Qi Lie brought were dispersed to infiltrate Qingxuan County.

For example, today’s staff who changed clothes with Meng Yunzheng.

If Meng Yunzheng wants to investigate the people from Righteous Dao Village, Qi Lie can still spare some manpower.

"If possible, investigate those young ladies as well."

Qi Lie nodded, "Alright. What’s your plan next?"

"What I can do is limited. I can only respond according to their moves, waiting for them to make their move. If I get any information, I’ll leave you a mark. Since you haven’t been discovered yet, we’ll try to reduce meetings unless absolutely necessary."

"That’s fine."

The two analyzed the current situation. Since the other side knew Qi Lie had arrived, they must have prepared thoroughly beforehand, which puts them at a disadvantage in the current circumstances.

Fortunately, Qi Lie has quite a few people on his side. Earlier, Meng Yunzheng suspected Qingxuan County’s county magistrate, and unexpectedly, he turned out to be one of their own.

This county magistrate is just like Xiang Weinan back then. The Second Prince thought he was his man, but in fact, before the Emperor ascended the throne, he had received the Emperor’s favor and became his secret agent.

Originally, the Emperor intended to promote him after ascending the throne, but the Second Prince wanted to insert him into Qingxuan County.

Initially, the Second Prince did not fully trust him, didn’t tell him about the black market, and only asked him to stay here temporarily and to act when needed later.

After arriving at the county town, the county magistrate tried to find out why the Second Prince had placed him here. However, the constables and officers in the county office were from the previous county magistrate, making it challenging for him to act. He couldn’t easily transfer these people away, or it would arouse the Second Prince’s suspicion.

After he finally gained control of the county office, the black market went silent due to the Second Prince being captured, no longer showing its head. It was only when Qi Lie arrived in the southwest that he realized this was the last black market location.

Meng Yunzheng felt more at ease now that he knew the county magistrate was one of his own. "Is there a secret passage from the county office to the black market?"

Qi Lie shook his head, "No."

Meng Yunzheng furrowed his brow, discussed with Qi Lie for a long time, and then finally stood up at 3 a.m to 5 a.m.

"I have to go back. Contact me if there’s anything."

"Be careful."

Meng Yunzheng rose and quickly left Yizhuang.

He still had to return to the staff’s residence to change back into his clothes before heading back to the inn. However, just as he was avoiding the patrolling officers and was about to reach the house, a sudden scream came from not far away, "Fire, get water quickly, fire."