Chapter Twenty: Why the Death Penalty Again?
“Besides smuggling salt, we can expand into other businesses...”
No sooner had Chen spoken than Zhao Xiaoliu, who had been silent all along, couldn’t help but interject.
“Hey, old man, do you think what Young Master Xie says could be false?”
“Although the Black Wind Bandits deal with bloodthirsty business, our word has always been as good as gold!”
Hearing this, the merchant began weighing the pros and cons, a flicker of interest sparking in his eyes.
He narrowed his eyes slightly, quickly brainstorming all sorts of possibilities.
Collaborating with the Black Wind Bandits, despite the great risks, promised tempting profits.
The smuggled salt trade was obvious, but timber and medicinal herbs, if managed properly, could also yield substantial returns.
Moreover, having the Black Wind Bandits ensure transport security would save considerable trouble.
With this in mind, the merchant lifted his gaze to meet Chen’s and said,
“What you’re proposing isn’t impossible.”
“But I have one condition: every trade must be meticulously planned in advance to guarantee nothing goes wrong.”
“Also, I want to assess your strength first, especially your capability in transporting goods.”
Chen smiled faintly and replied,
“Of course. Every brother in the Black Wind Bandits is capable; you can rest assured about transportation.”
“As for planning, we will discuss and make sure you’re satisfied.”
Iron Bull shouted impatiently from the side,
“Enough dilly-dallying! If we’re cooperating, let’s be straightforward. If not, we won’t be polite!”
Wang Hu chimed in, “Exactly! We don’t have time to waste with you!”
Chen shot them a glance, signaling for silence, then turned back to the merchant.
“They’re a bit impatient; please don’t mind them. So, when shall we start discussing the details of our cooperation?”
The merchant pondered for a moment and said, “How about I come back here in three days for a thorough negotiation?”
“In the meantime, prepare your plans and ideas.”
Chen nodded, “Alright, three days it is. I believe our cooperation will be most pleasant.”
Upon returning to the Black Wind Bandits’ lair, Chen wasted no time and immediately gathered everyone in the council hall.
Inside the hall, the atmosphere was heavy, with all eyes fixed on Chen.
His expression grave, Chen explained in detail the plan to cooperate with the merchant and the potential risks involved.
“Brothers, this deal carries risks, but it’s also a great opportunity for us to grow.”
“We can partner with the merchant to engage in smuggled salt, timber, and medicinal herb businesses, bringing us better lives.”
“However, if the authorities discover the salt smuggling, the consequences will be unimaginable.”
The bandits’ faces showed worry.
This new business model was unfamiliar, and the risks enormous, leaving their hearts uneasy.
Yet, looking at Chen’s resolute gaze, recalling all he’d done for the bandits, and driven by their desire for wealth, they gradually expressed their support.
“Young Master Xie, we trust you! Whatever you say, we’ll do!” Iron Bull was the first to stand, shouting loudly.
“Yes, Young Master Xie, we’re all with you!”
Cheers filled the hall, a spirit of unity surging through the group.
Just then, a familiar system alert suddenly rang in Chen’s mind.
[Ding!]
[After three days of careful consideration, the merchant has decided, for his own safety, to abandon cooperation with Chen...]
[The merchant plans to collude with the authorities at the negotiation site in three days to arrest Chen and the Black Wind Bandits.]
[Unprepared, Chen and his men will be caught.]
[Xie Qingshuang will heroically sacrifice herself to save Chen...]
[Chen Tong will ultimately be sentenced to death for smuggling salt...]
Chen felt as if struck by lightning. His face turned deathly pale, his body trembling slightly, eyes filled with shock and despair.
“How could this be...” Chen muttered in disbelief, his heart heavy with unwillingness and anger.
After a moment’s thought, a notion flashed in Chen’s mind.
“Brother Xie, what’s wrong with you?” Xie Qingshuang keenly noticed Chen’s abnormal demeanor and asked with concern.
All eyes turned to Chen, filled with confusion and worry.
Taking a deep breath to steady himself, Chen wore an inscrutable expression.
“Chief, brothers, I... I just communicated with the divine. The gods revealed that the merchant will betray us in three days. He will collude with the authorities to ambush us at the negotiation site.”
“And... and Chief, you will be in danger trying to save me.”
Chen slowly disclosed the prophecy.
The room erupted instantly.
“What? That wretched merchant dares to do this!” Iron Bull roared in anger, pounding the table until wood splinters flew.
“What shall we do? Is our fate sealed like this?”
Wang Hu asked anxiously, eyes brimming with helplessness.
Chen’s gaze hardened as he looked over the crowd and declared loudly,
“No, we must never bow to fate so easily.”
“The gods have given us this warning as a chance to change our destiny.”
“Over the next three days, we must be vigilant. Assign capable brothers to watch the negotiation site closely. At the first sign of trouble, report immediately.”
“Meanwhile, everyone put your heads together to strategize how to deal with the authorities.”
“As long as we unite our hearts and focus our strength, there is no obstacle we cannot overcome. We will shatter this damn prophecy!”
Chen’s voice echoed through the hall, carrying an irresistible force.
Hearing this, the once fearful and discouraged bandits were instantly invigorated.
The flame of defiance, once shadowed by fate’s gloom, blazed anew.
Iron Bull stomped his chest loudly, face flushed red, and shouted,
“You’re right, Young Master Xie! We’re not cowards; we won’t let that treacherous merchant and the authorities control us.”
“We’ll fight to the death!”
“Yes, fight! We all follow Young Master Xie!” “That’s right, even if it means death, why fear them?”
One by one, the men rallied, the hall resounding with cries of defiance and unity.
Yet, determination alone was insufficient; they needed concrete preparations.
Time was pressing; every second was precious.
Chen immediately turned and communicated with the system in his mind, using the copper coins accumulated from previous heists to begin a tense exchange.