They deliberately approached seemingly ordinary shops, struck up conversations with the shopkeepers and clerks, and tried to extract information from snippets of conversation.
"Shopkeeper, with Wannian City under siege for so many days, have prices remained stable?"
In front of a cloth shop, Wang Bijiang touched a thick piece of blue cloth and asked a question.
The shopkeeper, a lean middle-aged man, sighed upon hearing this: "Thanks to the Grand Commander and the soldiers guarding the city, the city has long had reserves of grain and fodder, and the prices in the official market are stable, so there hasn't been a significant price increase."
"It's because of this chaos of war that good cloth can't get in from outside, and every bit we sell is less and less. Sir, look at this cloth, it's sturdy and durable, perfect for making clothes and shoes."
"Are the people in the city still safe and sound? I heard the attack on the city was quite fierce before?" Zhang Bi interrupted in a muffled voice, his eyes glancing at the "people" on the street.
The shopkeeper revealed a hint of pride: "We have fought several tough battles, but our Wannian City has high walls and deep moats, the Grand Commander is a brilliant strategist, and General Lin is a skilled defender. We did not let Feng... cough, we did not let the army outside the city gain any advantage."
"At first, the people were afraid, but now? With the Grand Commander here, they feel safe! You see, can't they still do business peacefully?"
Just then, a series of crisp cracking sounds came from the other end of the market, followed by children's shouts and a small commotion among the crowd.
Everyone looked over and saw a man dressed as a peddler, smiling broadly as he set off a string of firecrackers.
The baskets set up next to them were full of fireworks and firecrackers of all colors, as well as paper windmills and rattles for children to play with.
Several teenagers gathered around, watching longingly.
"Hey, you still have the mind to sell firecrackers at a time like this?" Zhang Bijiang muttered.
Wang Bijiang's pupils contracted slightly.
The peddler's actions of lighting the fire, stepping back, and covering his ears were swift and decisive, unlike those of an ordinary vendor.
Moreover, the smell of gunpowder from the firecrackers wafted over, giving him a vaguely peculiar feeling...
It smells more like the faint scent of gunpowder used in the military.
He took a closer look at the few "idlers" around the peddler. They stood slouching, but their eyes kept sweeping over him, and their gazes met briefly with those of another "peddler" on the street corner.
It's a hidden sentry!
These people are all scouts!
Is this where we set off firecrackers?
Is it paralysis, or a demonstration?
Does this imply that there is an abundance of gunpowder in the city, even enough for children to play with?
Just then, a muffled thunder-like sound came from the direction of the eastern city wall, and the ground beneath their feet seemed to tremble very slightly.
What is that sound?
General Wang suddenly looked up.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
