The ancient bricks and stones of the city wall looked so mottled and weathered under the sunlight.
The refugees, who had endured wind and rain on the road, were now overjoyed to finally have a city open its doors to them, and they wept with excitement.
They had found a way to survive; they saw hope for life.
Knowing the situation, Wu Xingwang plopped down on the ground, shaking his head and clicking his tongue. "So many people rushing in is just suicide!"
As far as he knew, none of the refugees who had entered Luochu City in the past few months had been able to leave.
Yun Mo, who was standing next to him, asked, "What's inside?"
"I don't know. I only know that the people inside regularly go to nearby cities to buy things, and I've seen refugees fleeing from disaster."
Originally, there were quite a few refugees following behind them, but gradually they all left.
The refugees dispersed, and everyone prepared to cook.
After discussing the matter with the Lin family villagers, the Yun brothers decided that, in order to ensure a smooth departure from the city the next day, they would go into the city in the afternoon to scout out the situation.
After all, all the information about Wu Xingwang came from other businessmen; he had never seen him in person.
"This trip is dangerous," Yunye reminded the Lin family villagers to act within their capabilities.
"I'll go!" Lin Yiheng was the first to step forward.
Seeing that her brother was going, Lin Yinan chimed in, "Brother, I'll go with you."
Yun Mo hesitated, not wanting to speak. He didn't want her to be the one charging into battle every time they encountered danger. If he tried to persuade her, she might not listen to him.
"Miss Lin, why don't you stay at the camp this time?" Yunye guessed his brother's idea and said to Lin Yinan.
Lin Yinan looked up and met his gaze. "You don't believe in my abilities?"
"It's dangerous inside the city," Yun Mo said.
"Leaving the city tomorrow would still be dangerous." Lin Yinan shrugged, as if to say, "So what?"
Finally, the Yun family was led out by Yun Mo, along with five junior guards: Yun Er, Yun San, Yun Wu, Yun Liu, and Yun Qi. The Lin family was led out by the skilled Lin Yiheng siblings, Su Yunzhi, Liu Ji, Lin Yuanzhi, Lin Tiezhuang, and two villagers with good fighting skills.
Lin Yinan was going to accompany the villagers to the city, and four gossipy women, led by Yu Suqin, gathered at the water source to spread rumors.
"When it comes to men's business, she's the one who loves to show off."
A woman whispered, "Haven't you noticed? Whenever Young Master Yun is around, she always tries to get involved. She must have taken a fancy to him."
"That's right. The Third Young Master leading five hundred guards is simply outstanding. If I were younger, I would also try to get a chance."
"She always has a long face, like everyone owes her money." The woman curled her lip in disdain.
Aunt Li and the village women came over with baskets to wash their dirty clothes, and happened to overhear their conversation.
She slammed the basket down on the ground, sternly snorted, "Every time it's crucial, it's Anan and his sister who contribute the most, while you old women who always hide in the back have no shame. If the men in each family were more capable, why would a girl have to rush to the front?"
Yu Suqin didn't take it seriously, "Do you think the Yun family's five hundred secret guards are pushovers?"
"Is the Yun family your son-in-law or your son, or are they people you support by paying for their food and clothing?" Tie Zhu's wife found it amusing.
Chunni's mother glanced coldly at the four of them. Her family had suffered a lot recently, and they were the ones who wanted to abandon them. "Which of you is more capable than Anan? I'll pack my bags and take my family of six to seek refuge with you right away."
As soon as Chunni's mother spoke, Yu Suqin and the others immediately fell silent.
No one is well-off right now, and nobody wants to feed six more mouths. Although the clan chief said that the public would provide subsidies when we go to the south, who knows when that will be?
At the city gate.
The bustling noise gradually subsided, and only a small number of refugees lingered at the city gate.
As Lin Yinan approached, he saw all sorts of human traffickers standing by the city wall, with a string of homeless people, their hands and feet bound, selling themselves behind them.
They looked critically at the few hesitant refugees, as if they were merchandise being sold, and whispered among themselves.
Those who sell their own possessions may suffer a bit and lack freedom, but they are not worried about food and clothing.
Those who do odd jobs may not have enough to eat, but at least they have freedom.
As Lin Yinan and his group approached, a well-dressed middle-aged man's eyes lit up. Thinking they were down-on-their-luck wandering knights, he stepped forward and earnestly tried to persuade them.
He used his silver tongue to loudly proclaim, "You gentlemen are in excellent physical condition. If you were to enter the mansion, you would surely be loved by noble ladies and young women."
Yun San was sold into a mansion when he was a child and suffered severe beatings and abuse. He reacted the most, his knuckles turning white as he gripped the knife handle.
Seeing this, Yun Er quickly pressed down on his hand, fearing that he might ruin his master's plans in a moment of impulsiveness.
Yun Mo glanced at the man indifferently, ignored him, and started walking into the city.
Among the refugees entering the city, a servant boy with light steps, clearly skilled in martial arts, took off running into the city.
Lin Yinan watched the figure disappear quickly, "We're being watched."
Yun Qi pointed in the direction of the servant, "Master, that person went to inform the servant."
"Everyone, look out for each other and don't get separated." Yun Mo glanced at the people around him.
Once inside the city, a wide street stretched out directly in front of the city gate.
After walking only a few steps, they were hit by a nauseating, putrid stench of blood.
Lin Yinan frowned. How many people must have been killed for the entire city to be filled with this smell?
She didn't dare to be careless, so she quickly took out a mask and put it under her face towel, while reminding everyone to pull their face towels up.
This street should be the main street of Luochu City. Shops line both sides of the street, including teahouses, restaurants, inns, pawnshops, workshops, cloth shops, and general stores. Occasionally, a few stalls are set up on the side of the street, displaying old and worn-out goods such as needles and thread, children's toys, shoe soles, and scraps of cloth.
The street was filled with shouts, laughter, and curses, creating a lively atmosphere.
Lin Yinan found it very strange, and then heard Su Yunzhi mutter, "Why can't we see a single ordinary person?"
"Strange, where did the refugees who just entered the city go?"
Yun Qi looked around anxiously, trying to find some clue.
Yun Mo said in a deep voice, "Everyone, keep an eye on the people around you. Something's wrong with this city."
As the group slowly approached, the shouts on the street ceased. The shopkeeper, waiter, and vendors scrutinized the group with probing eyes, and strange smiles appeared on their faces.
Meanwhile, inside a magnificent palace in the city.
A servant was kneeling with his head bowed in the center of the palace, his body trembling almost imperceptibly.
On the throne, the man stood expressionless, his eyes filled with a sinister and terrifying light. A flash of red light flickered in his pupils, his thin lips pressed into a straight line, and his voice was chilling and icy, "Is what you said true?"
The servant was so frightened that he immediately kowtowed, "I have told the truth, there is absolutely no falsehood!"
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