Song Ning traded a bowl of porridge for quite a few things, and when the rest of the group returned, there was hardly any porridge left in their bowls.

Fearing discovery, they picked up their bowls and pretended to drink porridge, waiting for the drug to take effect.

Suddenly, someone cried out, and then many people started to have stomach aches, and for a while, the sound of farting filled the air.

The people at the soup kitchen and the guards all turned away in disgust, quickly waving their hands and saying, "Go away, go away, stay far away."

Many people went to relieve themselves in the nearby bushes, and Song Ning quickly took the opportunity to cover her stomach and pretend to go to the toilet.

This method is effective, but it's definitely not a pleasant experience.

All around her were "puffing" sounds, so Song Ning pinched her nose and walked away.

In an instant, many people suffered from diarrhea. Taking advantage of the guards' laxity, the group exchanged glances and slowly moved away.

Once the soup kitchen was out of sight, Song Ning and the others finally stood up and breathed a sigh of relief.

"Miss Song, what should we do next?"

"Let's find a place to stay first and then look around the city to gather information."

They need to find a place to store the provisions before they can make any further plans.

The group found a secluded spot, changed their clothes, and wiped the mud off their faces.

They disguised themselves before entering the city, so those people shouldn't recognize them.

The two brothers, Liu Da and Liu Er, exchanged glances, wondering what exactly was in Miss Song's bundle.

That bag looked small, but I didn't expect it could hold so much stuff.

But Miss Song said not to ask questions that shouldn't be asked, and that they just need to complete the task as required.

"Let's spend the next few days wandering around the city, going to places with lots of people. The main thing is to listen, and when the time is right, we can ask a few questions, but don't ask too many, lest we arouse suspicion."

"Also, if you discover anything, be sure to notify me immediately, or leave a mark like this on the wall. In case of danger, survival is the priority; do not act recklessly..."

Several grown men, facing Song Ning at this moment, actually felt that Song Ning was more like an adult than they were.

"Remember this: we are now in enemy territory. A slight mistake could cost us our lives or even endanger others. So, whatever we say or do, we must think it through carefully. Let's try our best to get back alive."

Everyone here has elderly parents and young children to support. Ten taels of silver could buy their lives. Since she's leading the team, she has to ensure their safety.

“Miss Song, to be honest, before you said these words, none of us thought we could go back alive,” Liu Da suddenly said.

“We all know this time it’s a one-way trip, but there’s no other way. The families of those who go will receive ten taels of silver. My parents are sick, and I have children at home. My brother and I will receive twenty taels of silver. With this money, our family can live a better life. Even if we die, it will be worth it.”

Liu Da had a smile on his lips as he said these words, while Liu Er beside him lowered his head and remained silent.

"Are you all just after that money?"

Uncle Yang and Dazhuang both nodded.

Song Ning didn't want to say anything sentimental at this time, so she said firmly, "Don't worry, I will definitely take you back. My home is in Tianxiang County. When the time comes, you can move your family there. I will take anyone in the family who can do the work."

"But before that, we need to complete the mission first, and then meet up here again at sunset."

The five men scattered: Liu Da went to the teahouse, Liu Er went to the opera house, Uncle Yang went to the market, and Da Zhuang went to the restaurant.

Song Ning, on the other hand, went to a brothel.

In Qingyang, there is a place called Xianleju. I heard that you can listen to music and drink tea there. As long as you are willing to spend money, you can even have a courtesan keep you company alone.

Song Ning had found all of this out along the way.

Arriving at the entrance of Xianleju, I was somewhat excited. To be honest, anyone would be curious about ancient brothels, right?

She had never had a chance to come in before, but today she could finally go in openly and legitimately.

Unexpectedly, one day she was able to visit a brothel.

As soon as he entered, a middle-aged woman dressed in a flamboyant manner greeted him with a smile: "This... um... young master, you look unfamiliar."

"Mrs. Yang has a good eye. This is my first time here. Call me two girls, no, four, and the best of them all." As she spoke, she handed over a money bag.

Mrs. Yang weighed the money bag in her hand, her smile bringing out wrinkles at the corners of her eyes: "Don't worry, all the girls here are exceptionally good."

She immediately called out, "Xiao Hong, quickly take our distinguished guest upstairs."

Song Ning followed the maid into the private room upstairs. Wine was served outside, and soon four pretty young women came in.

She was envious of his figure and appearance.

"Young master, this is the most skillfully made item at our Xianleju."

Song Ning nodded: "Well then, let's play a piece called 'Xi Jiang Yue' first. If you play it well, there will be a reward."

"Hurry, hurry, hurry up and play a song for the prince."

When Madam Yang came out of the private room, she instructed the maid outside: "Take good care of her. If there is any disturbance, report it immediately."

"yes."

Inside the room, Song Ning was immersed in the aroma of wine and the sound of the zither.

Two pretty young ladies were playing the piano for her across from her, and two other young ladies were massaging her shoulders and legs beside her. This was truly an exceptionally pleasant life.

If she didn't have other missions to complete, she would have stayed here for at least a few days.

While drinking, Song Ning chatted casually with the four people, and the conversation eventually turned to the current situation in Qingyang City.

"Is Qingyang really going to become the territory of Beiliang in the future?" Song Ning sighed.

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