Chapter 2346: More People Arrive at Righteous Dao Village Again

Coincidentally, Meng Yunzheng also had something to discuss with him, so he nodded immediately.

"Good, the spicy stir-fried chicken my sister-in-law made last time was impeccable in color, aroma, and taste. A few days ago, Yu was still mentioning it to me. I see there’s still some time before it gets dark, how about we take a stroll in the mountains and hunt a couple of wild chickens. If we’re lucky, we might catch something big, just in time to send it to the Governor Mansion tomorrow."

Hearing this, Ma Lu’s eyes lit up, "I’ll go too."

Years ago, he had collaborated with Meng Yunzheng to hunt a tiger, and he had been longing for years, this chance was rare, and there might be a big gain.

Meng Yunzheng naturally would not refuse, Shu Yu didn’t go, instead, she looked at Fang Xiyue, who came after hearing the news, and said, "I’ll rest at the Manor and chat with Ayue."

So Meng Yunzheng, Xu Dali, Ma Lu, and Xia Yan set off together towards the mountains.

They weaved through the village, and as they were about to reach the foot of the mountain, Meng Yunzheng saw a figure sitting outside one of the courtyard gates, holding a crude cane, with one leg crippled, looking lifeless.

Upon seeing the four of them walk by, this person lifted his head to glance at them and then leaned back against the door frame, completely devoid of spirit.

However, when Meng Yunzheng clearly saw his appearance, his expression shifted, but he continued to walk forward as if nothing had happened.

Once in the mountains, Ma Lu dashed inside, and Meng Yunzheng shook his head, instructing Xia Yan, "Follow him closely, don’t lose him."

As Xia Yan left, Xu Dali whispered, "A few families who were exiled arrived again a few days ago."

Meng Yunzheng, thoughtful, recalled the man he had just seen, "The crippled man sitting at the door just now was one of them?"

"Yes, they arrived a few days ago. It seems this man accidentally rolled down a mountain on the way to exile, breaking his leg, and delayed treatment, so now he couldn’t do any heavy work. His family seems to resent him; they go to work during the day and lock him in the house, hoping he could do some chores, but on the first day, he smashed things. Later, they just locked the courtyard gate after leaving him at the door. Seeing his state, it won’t be long before something happens."

Such occurrences were not rare. Many prisoners exiled to Righteous Dao Village came from well-off families, unable to endure the disparity, many went mad or committed suicide.

"Sir Meng, I’ll pay more attention to these people."

Yet, Meng Yunzheng said, "No need, don’t focus on anyone, including those on the list you gave me last time. Just keep doing your own thing as before, even if you see something you shouldn’t, pretend you didn’t see it. I’m afraid Righteous Dao Village will soon descend into chaos; what you need to do is protect yourself and your family."

That crippled man was someone Meng Yunzheng knew. While working by the Fifth Prince, he met many who followed him, including Qi Lie, Xiang Weinan, Lord Jing, and the crippled man he had just seen.

Judging by the timing, Qi Lie must have arranged for him to come after receiving his message. Among the newly exiled families Xu Dali mentioned, there were probably quite a few insiders.

The crippled man, in fact, had quite the skills; his disability was just an act to let others lower their guard for easier maneuvering.

Upon hearing Righteous Dao Village would fall into turmoil, Xu Dali was alarmed but quickly responded, "I understand."

He asked no further questions, knowing what he should know, Sir Meng would naturally tell him.

"One more thing, I want your help."

"Go ahead."