Saving System: Calm Down, My Fleeing Host!

Chapter 319 - 311: An Unexpected Bombshell

"Even so, times have changed. You know that the mountains are blocked by snow now. It’s impossible for new goods to arrive on time. All I have are the original goods, and if you buy all the strong and sturdy ones, how will others look at the remaining old, weak, and young children? How can I continue my business?"

"Is Manager Liu suggesting that you don’t want to do business with me?"

"Oh, Han Sect Master, what are you saying? I’m truly honored that you would choose from our offerings."

"If that’s the case, why are you hesitant? Is there something hidden beneath the surface? Why don’t you speak frankly, Manager Liu?"

This cunning Manager Liu is beating around the bush, trying to get him to buy the old and weak along with the young, isn’t he?

It’s not like anyone can’t see through his little tricks.

"Haha, Han Sect Master is indeed a straightforward person. However, I am helpless. The owner insists on it, and as a mere subordinate, I can only comply."

"Do you know the consequences of offending the Dark Pavilion, Manager Liu?"

Since when could a mere manager threaten him like this?

"How could I dare, how could I dare? I am just following orders."

Truth be told, even a powerful dragon cannot suppress a local snake. Although the Dark Pavilion’s influence is strong and widespread, it matters little. People take into account the dog’s owner before beating it. The forces in Luoyang City are deeply entrenched, and slave trading operates in both light and shadow. I don’t think the Dark Pavilion would tear open for such a trivial matter.

Han Yi sneered coldly. Manager Liu assumed he wouldn’t tear open, and was therefore fearless.

"I am not someone who can be easily dismissed. If Manager Liu cannot make the decision, I can directly speak with the Zhongli Family Head."

His slender fingers rhythmically tapped the table as he continued, "Perhaps I could also involve Lord Governor."

Upon hearing this, Manager Liu broke out in a cold sweat. It seems the Dark Pavilion holds far more information than he expected, knowing that the slave trade is a Zhongli Family enterprise.

They also know about his dealings with the Governor. If the Zhongli Family learns of this, his entire family might not survive.

Yet people always have a sense of luck, perhaps the other side is merely bluffing him. He has always been cautious in his actions and should not have left any evidence.

With nerves taut, he forced himself to calm down, "What do you mean, Han Sect Master? I don’t understand."

"It’s fine if you don’t understand. You’ve lurked in the slave market for years, you should know how many such actions you’ve taken to line your own pockets, and what affairs you’ve secretly handled for the Governor. The Zhongli Family doesn’t know, right? If I didn’t have evidence, would I casually mention these things?"

"Think carefully about what you did a month ago at the end of the second hour. If the Zhongli Family finds out, your family’s life and death would be a matter of a single word. So whether you admit it or not actually doesn’t matter much. It all depends on my mood."

Manager Liu’s face turned pale, his spine chilled, having no more of the composed pretension he had earlier, he knelt with a thump before Han Yi, trembling as he spoke, "I was wrong, Han Sect Master. Please choose whomever you wish."

Han Yi snorted, some people need to see the coffin before they shed tears.

Buying and selling people for such a small venture, there must be some shady dealings behind it.

Many of the collected messages from various points were based on Manager Liu’s years of lining his pockets. As for what happened a month ago, there was indeed something fishy, but their people hadn’t found any useful clues.

He had merely probed by mentioning the matter, and Manager Liu’s startled fear flashed in his eyes, suggesting that this was not a minor issue.

"Tsk tsk, what a pity the Zhongli Family would make a great backing. But you chose the pirate ship, seems like you have no way back. You appear prosperous and calm on the surface, thinking everything is flawless. Inside, tormented like an ant on a hot pan, fearful every day, cautious and meticulous. Look at your eye sockets, haven’t had a good night’s sleep, have you? Aren’t you afraid your family might suffer unforeseeable harm?"

Every word the opposite party said hammered into Manager Liu’s chest, one after another, rapidly without letting him refute, collapsing his inner fortified walls inch by inch.

Manager Liu crumpled on the ground, knowing full well that betrayal is a grave crime, both afraid and anxious, muttering to himself, "I didn’t, I didn’t, it was all the Governor’s idea, not my business, not my business..."

"Come on, tell me about what happened during the deal a month ago," Han Yi couldn’t help but remind again.

At this moment, Han Yi sat on the armchair, imposing yet extraordinarily calm and composed, deeply impressing Qi Fei, with just a few words, he forced the proud Manager Liu to surrender.

Under the flickering light, Manager Liu hunched over, hands and feet trembling, making it seem as though this matter was deathly serious, untouchable compared to the slave trade confessions.

"I, I, I just lent a small hand."

"Oh~!" The tail of this sound dragged especially long, seemingly clutching Manager Liu’s throat, unable to defend.

Seeming to suddenly recall something, his entire being grew agitated, "Really, at first I thought they were just buying one or two babies, but then they kept forcing. I didn’t want to either, I have kids at home too. How could I willingly commit such heinous acts."

Han Yi raised an eyebrow slightly, this... there is a large amount of information.

Manager Liu, pale-faced, intermittently explained the story from beginning to end, as if giving up entirely, detailing everything. After finishing, he seemed relieved of a heavy stone in his heart, relaxed and waited for the judgment.

Looking at him in this state, Han Yi’s expression grew even heavier, the cloud of doubt in his heart not reduced but intensified.

The interests involved are unexpected, originally he was just bluffing the other party to gain leverage for convenience, didn’t expect the depths were far beyond ordinary.

This matter needed to be reported to his master for decisions.

At present, completing Miss Cheng’s assigned task was most urgent.

Immediately, he restored an expressionless stern face, scanning across those present on the ground.

"Rise and answer, how many people does Manager Liu have here?"

Manager Liu paused, is there no inquiry into that matter? How is that possible, why would the other come so intimidating to ask him then?

Such a big leverage, would the opposite easily let go?

Knowing the Dark Pavilion is a huge information network, if they’ve learned this secret, do they not sell it to others?

Manager Liu, puzzled beyond comprehension, had his thoughts interrupted by a sudden rebuke.

"Master is asking you, what are you dawdling around for?" Qi Fei saw the opposite dazedly standing there, reminded him with a word.

"Oh oh, in, in response to Han Sect Master, a batch of over 1400 people was just brought in before the snow blocked the mountain, with each of the other two points having over 500 people. Due to the chaos outside, there haven’t been public sales, only some wealthy households in the city have had managers come and buy a few maidservants. Plus, the Liu Family has sent people to purchase a group of people, most others are still available, there are at least over 800 young and strong laborers."

"You gather the people from various places together, count the numbers, I will return tomorrow at this time to inspect the goods."

"Understood, understood."

Seeing the other not pursue the earlier matter, Manager Liu dared to speak, "Regarding my earlier words..."