Chapter 2324: It's on Fire

Chapter 2324: It's on Fire

Qi Lie quickly took out a map and pointed, "Their black market is all outside the city. It's spacious, and convenient, but there should be underground passages leading into the city. Unfortunately, this isn't Changjin Prefecture, and I've been here for half a year without finding it."

The main reason was that the black market in the southwest was currently closed, and he couldn't blend in.

Furthermore, they were well-prepared, refusing entry to all strangers, and arresting anyone they found suspicious.

If one approach didn't work, they would try another. Since they couldn't infiltrate the black market, they had to find an alternative route.

During this time, he had gathered many people in the southwest. Most of the inhabitants here were exiles or descendants of exiled criminals.

These people could be valuable assets if used correctly.

Especially since they had been in the southwest for a long time, some of them were local leaders with connections and resources.

Thanks to these people, Qi Lie hadn't been discovered by the black market's people so far.

And because of them, the subordinates he had brought with him had all dispersed and integrated into Qingxuan County.

For example, the comrade who had changed clothes with Meng Yunzheng today.

If Meng Yunzheng needed to investigate the people from Zhengdao Village, Qi Lie could spare some manpower.

"If possible, check on those girls as well," Meng Yunzheng said.

Qi Lie nodded, "Alright. What's your plan for the next steps?"

"My options are limited at the moment. I'll have to wait for the other side to make a move. If there's any news, I'll leave a mark for you. Since you haven't been discovered yet, let's minimize our meetings unless necessary."

"Sounds good."

The two of them analyzed the current situation. Since the other side knew Qi Lie had arrived, they must have been well-prepared, putting them at a disadvantage.

Fortunately, Qi Lie had a significant number of people on his side. The county magistrate of Qingxuan County, whom Meng Yunzheng had suspected earlier, turned out to be one of their own.

Just like Xiang Weinan in the past, the Second Prince thought he was his person, but before the Emperor ascended the throne, he had already received the Emperor's favor and became his hidden chess piece.

Originally, after the Emperor ascended the throne, he intended to promote him, but unexpectedly, the Second Prince wanted to place him in Qingxuan County.

However, at first, the Second Prince didn't fully trust him and didn't mention anything about the black market. He simply had him stay in the area temporarily, telling him to act when needed.

After the county magistrate arrived in Qingxuan County, he tried to find out the Second Prince's intentions for placing him here. However, the constables in the county office were all loyal to the previous county magistrate, making it difficult for him to make any moves. He couldn't easily transfer these people either, as it would arouse suspicion from the Second Prince.

It was only after he finally gained control of the county office that the black market went silent because the Second Prince had been captured. It wasn't until Qi Lie arrived in the southwest that he realized this was the last remaining point of the black market.

Meng Yunzheng was relieved to know he was one of their own people. "Is there a secret passage from the county office to the black market?"

Qi Lie shook his head. "No."

Meng Yunzheng furrowed his brow, and after discussing with Qi Lie for a long time, he finally got up at the Hour of the Tiger (3 a.m.).

"I have to go back. Contact me if anything comes up."

"Be careful."

Meng Yunzheng got up and quickly left the mortuary.

He still needed to return to his comrade's residence to change his clothes before heading back to the inn. However, just as he was about to reach the house, a scream came from not far away, "It's on fire! Get some water, it's on fire!"