Volume 1, Chapter 41: Daybreak-Grande Ming: Um tael de prata por minuto, uma velocidade de colonização inimaginável(Aquele que vende pernas de cordeiro no norte)

The night was ink-black, the moon hidden and the stars obscured. Li Fu’s voice cut through the silent night air, trembling with disbelief: "The lackeys of the Eastern Depot? How dare they be so bold!"

"What did they find?" he pressed urgently, a flicker of panic in his eyes.

The steward’s hands shook as he handed over a heavy ledger. Li Fu’s face turned paper-white in an instant: "The ledger... how can this be!"

"Quick! Saddle the horses!" Li Fu commanded, his voice filled with undeniable resolve. "We must leave this place of peril immediately!"

"But sir, the city gates..." the steward hesitated, his eyes full of worry.

"Don't worry about that!" Li Fu cut him off, a resolute gleam in his eyes. "Saddle the horses, we must go!"

However, before they could act, the sounds of chaotic footsteps and shouts echoed from the distance: "Catch them! Don't let them escape!"

In the darkness, the sound of hooves thundered like drumbeats, signaling the approaching storm. Li Fu’s heart sank to the bottom of his chest. He muttered to himself, "It’s over... everything is over..."

"Sir!" a subordinate suddenly cried out, "You cannot give up like this!"

A black horse, startled, let out a deafening whinny, as if wailing for the impending disaster.

"Search! Search every inch!" The agents of the Eastern Depot surged into the courtyard like wolves, their voices echoing in the night with an irresistible authority.

"Sir, we found it!" one agent shouted excitedly, clutching a secret letter in his hand.

"Take them!" The agents commanded, swarming toward Li Fu and his men like a rising tide.

"Seal everything!" A flash of despair crossed Li Fu’s eyes, yet he still struggled, "You cannot do this! I am innocent!"

His voice was drowned out by the clamor of the agents. The guards moved swiftly, sealing the assets within the manor one by one.

Lights blazed throughout the city, as if illuminating the path for the coming tempest. The city gates were locked tight, the garrison standing ready, their eyes filled with vigilance and murderous intent.

On the city walls, torches formed a line like a fire dragon winding through the night sky. Sun Chuanting stood atop the ramparts and sneered, "Poisoning themselves again. These fellows are truly cunning."

Inside the Eastern Depot’s prison, the captives huddled together, their eyes filled with fear and despair. Sun Chuanting coldly ordered, "Take them for interrogation. I want to know the whole truth."

The agents acted immediately, leading the prisoners away one by one. The horizon gradually paled to a fish-belly white, signaling the arrival of a new day.

The men continued their work, meticulously searching every corner, leaving no clue behind.

Voices began to rise in the city, as if making final preparations for the storm.

The manhunt continued throughout the city. The armaments in the cellar had been cleared out. Some of the monks had confessed, while others resisted stubbornly. The shops in the south of the city were sealed one by one, the merchants ashen-faced as they were escorted to the Eastern Depot.

Some attempted to flee, but it was all in vain.

At the docks, Zheng Zhilong’s naval forces were conducting their final search. Every merchant vessel was inspected, and those attempting to escape were intercepted one by one.

At this moment, Zhu Youjian remained calm, observing it all.