Chen Xi squatted down, reached out and grabbed the leader, "Are you from Fragrance Pavilion? How come I’ve never seen you before?"
"You better release us, or our boss will never let you off!" The leader spat out blood as he spoke with difficulty. He did not make any threatening statements, as Xuu Chu’s strength was too awe-inspiring for him. Just one punch, and all the capable men he had brought along were seriously injured on the ground.
"Who’s your boss anyway? Even here at Mount Tai, or throughout the Great Han Dynasty, there are few who dare to offend us. So, tell me, who’s this audacious boss of yours? I quite like audacious people." Chen Xi’s face rippled with a devilish smile. Previously, when Ma Zhong said that these people were from Fragrance Pavilion, Liu Bei started glaring at Chen Xi. In his memory, Fragrance Pavilion was a business Chen Xi owned—how could it be involved in such things!
"My boss is none other than Liu Xuande’s military advisor, the Marquis within the Pass, Chen Zichuan," the leader declared angrily, glaring at Chen Xi.
The moment Ma Zhong heard this statement, he immediately went on alert, well aware that the young master squatting opposite him was Chen Xi. So how could those words said at the tavern be true? They were likely just a way to make illicit trades seem lawful. He felt foolish for believing these officials; this might already be like sheep entering the tiger’s den. Ma Zhong’s eyes flashed with panic, and he looked around silently at his younger brothers and sisters, signaling them to leave quickly.
"Kid, sometimes it’s best to do some investigation. By the way, I don’t remember ever ordering people to engage in human trafficking. And while we’re on the topic, Fragrance Pavilion has ceased dealing in flesh. What do you need little girls for?" Seeing Ma Zhong’s actions, Chen Xi rolled his eyes, then took out his noble seal ribbon and waved it in front of the leader, "I’m the boss you’re talking about. Now explain to me when I ever ordered you to do this."
"Marquis Chen, spare me, Marquis Chen, have mercy!" Upon seeing Chen Xi’s seal ribbon, the leader finally realized he had hit a wall and began to beg loudly for mercy.
"Stop, I want to know what’s going on with you and Fragrance Pavilion. Rest assured, if what you’re saying is true, I won’t hold it against you," Chen Xi said. It was difficult to comment on human trafficking at this time because, after all, in this era, many people voluntarily became slaves in exchange for food, and selling children was not uncommon. Of course, kind of costless business was somewhat excessive, but it was just that—excessive.
The leader, seeing Chen Xi’s expression, knew that if he did not tell the truth, he would die a miserable death. Left with no choice, he spilled the beans and told everything he had to.
"I really am unlucky. I said Fragrance Pavilion has changed trades; how could it still be recruiting? Send a few people to hand them over to Mann Chong, let him moderately punish them, just don’t kill them," Chen Xi said exasperatedly. He thought so; only a few knew Fragrance Pavilion was backed by him, so how come even these scoundrels are now aware?
"Now that things are clear, Fenggao was not affluent before, and there were many who sold their sons and daughters. As Fragrance Pavilion was involved in the flesh trade, it naturally had connections. Now that my entire jurisdiction has become affluent, let alone other things, the common people can still feed their children. So, who would sell their own kids without any problems? These people, losing a stable source, could only start snatching people," Chen Xi said helplessly.
The reason they bore the name of Fragrance Pavilion was precisely because it was big enough and imposing enough. When officials from Mount Tai of Qingzhou saw a group capturing beggars, they would often turn a blind eye, and upon hearing they were people from Fragrance Pavilion, they would interfere even less. It was practically a tacit sanction, a clear case of having connections that made things easier. But this time, they had run into the real deal.
"I knew Zichuan wouldn’t stoop so low. There are so many ways to make money; why bother with this kind of business?" Liu Bei nodded, giving Li Youu a sign. In his view, punishing those who tarnish the reputation of officials was a must! Unlike Chen Xi who might not delve deep into their crimes, Liu Bei believed in listing their offenses and beheading them to serve as a public warning!
Li Youu smiled to show he understood. Killing one or two traffickers to put the others in awe posed no stress for him. He thought back to the days when he had to intimidate the Yang Family’s officials in the Guanzi area, heads had rolled. Without such a bloody approach, even with the Yang Family’s combat power, Dong Zhuo could have been unfortunate.
"Sigh, things are about to get more complicated; such a hassle!" Chen Xi said with a look of displeasure on his face. Now he would have to legitimize some gray-market businesses, or else who knows how many people might act in his name and cause more chaos? He was not going to take the blame for others.
"Hey, Ma Zhong, let me be straight with you: I can’t be involved in such disgraceful deeds. If you trust my word, take your brother and sister with us. If not, continue to stay here. Are you willing to gamble on a life in the sunlight, or give up this chance and wait for a second unlikely opportunity?" Chen Xi couldn’t be bothered to persuade Ma Zhong any further. The skepticism in the latter’s eyes was evident; the credibility of past officials had been outrageously tarnished, and even Chen Xi found it challenging to rebuild it—it had to be done gradually.
"Stay here or leave with us, your choice," Chen Xi said as he glanced at all the children. Clearly, they were all looking to Ma Zhong for direction, who had eyes full of hesitation. Chen Xi couldn’t say much about this. After all, years of living rough would naturally make one cautious—otherwise, they would likely have been sold off long ago.
Liu Bei was also looking at Ma Zhong, who was scanning back and forth between the door and his siblings before finally settling his gaze on Liu Bei. "Lord Xuande, can I trust you? Will you truly not sell us to someone else?"
Chen Xi covered his eyes in resignation. What was this kid thinking? How much could you even sell him for? This is Ma Zhong, the Divine General and assassin, Ma Zhong—just that title alone speaks of your worth.
"I once vowed to ensure that people under my rule would have clothing and food, and you are also included. I will protect you until the age of sixteen!" Liu Bei stated solemnly. Even achieving this minimal goal, Liu Bei felt, would require significant effort on his part. Since he had seen their plight, he was determined to give them hope!
"I believe!" Ma Zhong declared after a long hesitation.
Liu Bei walked over and patted Ma Zhong on the head, "Let’s go. Take your brother and sister and leave this place. I will arrange something for you first, and when Chen Zichuan takes care of the other matters, you can go to school."
Chen Xi shook his head slightly, watching the group of children. He had quite an admiration for Ma Zhong; the lad was truly loyal. Without the burden of these little brats, Ma Zhong would probably blend in anywhere.
"Come over and have something to eat. General of the East will take us away from here soon," Ma Zhong said as he picked up the pouch he had discarded earlier, opened it, and offered the food to his siblings.
A flock of skinny kids rushed to Ma Zhong’s side, calling him ’brother’ non-stop, quickly devouring a large bag of meat. Their yearning expressions showed how hard their previous life must have been. But after eating, not a single child asked Ma Zhong for more, even in their innocence they knew not to trouble their brother further.
This damned era, these children should be in their parents’ arms, being pampered. Why does their sensibility cause such heartache? (To be continued. If you work, please visit Qidian ) to vote for recommendation tickets, monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please read at m.qidian.com.)