Chapter 2324 Fire
Qi Lie quickly took out a map. "Their black markets are all outside the city, firstly because the area is wider, and secondly because it's more convenient. However, there should be tunnels inside the city that lead directly there. It's just a pity that this isn't Changjin Prefecture. I've been here for more than half a year, and I still haven't found it."
The main problem is that the black market in the southwest is closed now, so he can't get in.
Moreover, the other party was already on guard, refusing entry to all strangers, and arresting anyone suspected of being suspicious.
However, if this approach doesn't work, we'll try another one. If we can't infiltrate the black market, we'll find another way.
During this period, he brought together many people in the Southwest. The majority of people in the Southwest were exiled people or descendants of exiled prisoners.
If used well, these people can be a great asset.
They've been operating in the Southwest for a long time, and some are even local bigwigs with connections and influence.
Because of these people, Qi Lie has not been discovered by the black market so far.
Because of these people, Qi Lie's men were scattered and infiltrated into Qingxuan County.
For example, the guy who changed clothes with Meng Yunzheng today.
If Meng Yunzheng wanted to investigate the people in Zhengdao Village, Qi Lie could still spare the manpower.
"If possible, we should also check those ladies' information."
Qi Lie nodded. "Okay. So, what are your plans next?"
"There's only so much I can do. I can only play along and wait for them to make their move. If I get any information, I'll leave a mark on you. Since you haven't been discovered yet, let's minimize our meetings unless absolutely necessary."
"Alright."
The two analyzed the current situation. Since the other side knew that Qi Lie was coming, they must have made ample preparations beforehand, and the current situation was unfavorable to them.
Fortunately, Qi Lie had a lot of manpower on his side. The magistrate of Qingxuan County, whom Meng Yunzheng had suspected earlier, turned out to be one of their own.
Just like Xiang Weinan before him, the second prince thought he was one of his men, but in fact, he had received favors from the emperor before the emperor ascended the throne and had become his secret pawn.
Originally, the emperor intended to promote him after ascending the throne, but the second prince wanted to place him in Qingxuan County instead.
At first, the Second Prince did not fully trust him and did not tell him about the black market. He only asked him to wait here for the time being and to take action when needed.
After arriving in the county town, the magistrate tried to find out the Second Prince's intention in placing him there. However, the constables and officers in the county government were all men under the previous magistrate, making it difficult for him to do anything. He also couldn't easily transfer these people away, otherwise it would arouse the Second Prince's suspicion.
After he finally managed to take control of the county government, the black market disappeared after the Second Prince was arrested and never resurfaced. It wasn't until Qi Lie came to the Southwest that he realized this was the last black market location.
Knowing that he was one of their own made Meng Yunzheng feel a little more at ease. "Is there a secret passage in the county government office leading to the black market?"
Qi Lie shook his head. "No."
Meng Yunzheng frowned. He and Qi Lie discussed for a long time before getting up at the hour of Yin (3-5 AM).
"I have to go back now. Contact me if you need anything."
Be careful.
Meng Yunzheng got up and quickly left the mortuary.
He still needed to go back to the innkeeper's lodgings to change his clothes before returning to the inn. However, just as he was about to reach the house, having avoided the patrolling officers, a scream suddenly came from not far away: "Fire! Quick, get water! Fire!"
(End of this chapter)
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