Judging solely from what Zhang Heng saw, Binota Mine was undoubtedly in trouble.
The mine gates were tightly locked. No carts carrying ore came and went, and even the guards who had previously patrolled around the mine to keep nearby farmers from stealing ore had vanished.
Decius wore an expression that said he had known this would happen. "I told you, Cob had no reason to lie to us. There was nothing in it for him."
"Which side are you on, my friend?" Zhang Heng asked, turning to glance at Decius.
"Hmm?"
"Because if you still wanted to finish your job on time and deliver those bronze statues as scheduled, you'd better pray that Cob lied to you about this."
"But... what if he really wasn't lying?" Decius asked timidly.
"Then congratulations. You've botched the first task His Majesty entrusted to you," Zhang Heng said flatly.
Decius's expression immediately tightened. He knew the Eastern man before him was trying to scare him, but he had to admit that there was no refuting what Zhang Heng had said.
"If you understand your situation now, then let's get to work," Zhang Heng said.
With that, he directly climbed over the fence on the side of the mine. Decius hesitated for a moment before hurriedly following him.
The two walked down a somewhat muddy path, then climbed over an earthen slope. At last, they saw the mine entrance on the other side.
A group of slave miners moved in and out of the tunnel, carrying basket after basket of rocks and sand outside before dumping them. A man who looked like an overseer spotted Zhang Heng and Decius and took the initiative to approach them. He seemed to know Decius and asked in surprise, "Why are you here?"
Decius introduced the two of