Chapter 1716 & 1717: Full-level Boss Dressed As a Peasant Girl
Chapter 1716: Xia Yi Reveals Her Identity
As they discussed, their sense of unease grew, and what was even more frightening was that they recalled the deaths of several people over the past days. Those individuals had conflicts with Cheng's family or their relatives.
Their anger started to rise. "This corrupt official, how could he do something so heartless?"
"Yeah, we pleaded for help from that corrupt official. He must have accepted many benefits from our families."
"No, we need to rescue our families."
There was no need for Meng Yunzheng and the others to say much. These people were already indignant and discussing animatedly, and the outcome of their discussion wasn't surprising.
None of them were willing to abandon their parents, spouses, and children and escape on their own.
Everyone's opinions were unanimous; they wanted to return and rescue their families.
The current issue was how to do it. At this point, everyone's gaze fell on Meng Yunzheng's group.
Seeing that they were almost done speaking, Meng Yunzheng began, "Indeed, we need to rescue them, but it won't be easy to do so. Including the Meng family, there are a total of twenty-eight households. These twenty-eight households aren't small ones with only three to five people. Besides, everyone has relatives and friends. We can't just escape on our own and leave them behind, can we? There are very few people moving around outside Chenggu County's city right now. If all of us act together, we will undoubtedly attract the attention of the patrolling soldiers and won't be able to escape."
Uncle Yang agreed, "That's right, it's not realistic to have everyone flee together."
"So, we simply won't flee."
Young Master He and the others were puzzled. "What do you mean?" Were they supposed to let themselves be slaughtered?
Meng Yunzheng smiled, "We've already cooperated once and taken control of this Black Market. Why can't we do the same for Chenggu County?"
Everyone was momentarily stunned, and then, as they realized what he meant, they gasped in disbelief.
Young Master He stuttered, "T-take control of Chenggu County?"
The Black Market and Chenggu County were fundamentally different. The Black Market imprisoned them and was filled with ruthless people, steeped in darkness and evil. Moreover, thanks to the efforts of Meng Yunzheng and his group, there were only around thirty people left for them to fight.
But taking control of Chenggu County meant dealing with the officials, the imperial appointments, and the soldiers.
Uncle Yang was even more shocked, his tone heavy as he said, "Young Master Meng, we're all ordinary citizens. Going against the officials is rebelling against the higher authority. I believe what you say about Magistrate Cheng being a rebel. However, he's still an official appointed by the court. Forget about us, even the garrisoned troops can't act without imperial orders. I'm afraid that, in the end, we would be the ones to end up in chains."
Uncle Yang concern wasn't unfounded; it was a common belief that civilians shouldn't challenge officials. Even if Magistrate Cheng was a rebel, it was the imperial officials' responsibility to deal with him. It was beyond their capacity to take action.
Without orders, even if their actions were virtuous, in the eyes of others, they might be seen as an organized rebellion against the court and the government.
Meng Yunzheng understood their worries.
He turned to Xia Yi.
She nodded and stepped forward with a serious expression. "I am Xia Yi, a royal guard in attendance to His Majesty. I was ordered to infiltrate the Black Market. I've been collecting evidence of their rebellious activities, and now that the evidence is clear, His Majesty has issued orders for us to act accordingly."
She was a secret guard, but after this mission, she would step into the light.
However, upon hearing her introduction, the people present widened their eyes in disbelief and stared at her.
She, she, did she just say who she was? A guard in attendance to His Majesty? A royal guard in attendance to the Emperor?
........
Chapter 1717: Enthusiasm Ignites
Not far away, the group of girls who had been closely acquainted with Xia Yi were now feeling weak in the knees. Especially Qiao Rou, who gulped nervously.
Why did she have so many secrets? Had she praised the royal guard just the other day?
Qiao Rou desperately tried to recall if she had ever shown any disrespect to her before. Although Xia Yi was a girl, she was now an official and a martially skilled one at that—so frightening.
The girls didn't dare to look at her. Uncle Yang and the others were also convinced they were witnessing a mirage.
This girl who had fought alongside them was actually... a person from the Emperor's side?
Were they dreaming? One day, they thought they might not be able to hold out for reinforcements and would be tormented to death by the Black Market. The next day, not only did they get assistance from Meng Xiucai Lu Xiangjun, but even someone from the Emperor's side was present.
Xia Yi continued, "This operation isn't my personal decision. I am acting on a decree from the Emperor, rallying civilian volunteers to assist the government in quelling the rebellion. I hope that you can lend a hand and help apprehend the rebels, restoring peace and tranquility to Chenggu County."
Uncle Yang and the others gulped nervously, feeling an unexpected surge of excitement.
They were helping the Emperor; they were going to earn merits.
However, even though they were feeling a bit anxious and thrilled, Uncle Yang told himself to remain calm. He took a deep breath and asked, "Are you really a royal guard? What... proof do you have?"
Xia Yi took out a token from her sleeve. "Please take a look."
The token was a symbol of an official's identity in this dynasty.
People like Young Master He and the others were scholars, and even if they hadn't seen a imperial token before, they could recognize it.
The token before them was made of silver. At the very least, a silver token indicated an official of the fifth rank or higher.
Shu Yu blinked in surprise. Such an important item, where did Xia Yi usually keep it? She must have been searched when she entered undercover, right?
Well, it was true that secret guards were quite resourceful.
After Uncle Yang saw the token, his demeanor instantly grew more respectful. He quickly handed it back and suppressed his excitement as he said, "We will follow your instructions."
Xia Yi nodded. "Very well, then next, let Young Master Meng arrange the plan."
With a composed expression, she stepped back, not awkwardly passing the responsibility to a mere scholar.
Uncle Yang and the others were taken aback for a moment, but they quickly calmed down.
Lady Xia's decision was correct. After all, Young Master Meng was capable, and he was familiar with the outside situation. Yes, it was most appropriate for him to lead.
Meng Yunzheng cleared his throat and didn't waste any time. He quickly explained the current situation.
"You all don't need to worry too much. We're not acting alone, and General Huang has already led his troops to deal with the bandits outside the city. Most of the Black Market's people have gone out to face General Huang's forces. Once we handle Chenggu County, General Huang won't have any concerns, so we just need to focus on our own tasks."
Upon hearing this, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
This reassured them. Frankly, apart from worrying about the County Magistrate, they had also been concerned about the group of people who had left the Black Market. Those people dared to pose as bandits, intrude into the county, and commit arson and murder. There was no guarantee they wouldn't come back for revenge after Meng Yunzheng's group managed to take control of Chenggu County.
Meng Yunzheng's words greatly stabilized everyone's hearts.
With their worries dispelled, everyone's enthusiasm soared.
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