"We're almost in Ashen Dawn territory. Listen carefully, all of you. Once we get there, don't talk about the Black Queen anymore. We'll deliver the goods to Ashen Dawn, keep our heads down, then head to the countryside with me."
The bearded man gave them a solemn warning.
Someone asked in confusion, "Why? Everyone already knows the Black Queen was captured. Why can't we even mention it?"
"These are the Fate Painter's orders. Throughout Ashen Dawn territory, no newspaper is allowed to print anything about the Black Queen, and private discussions are forbidden too.
"I reckon they're trying to suppress public opinion. After all, this really undermines Qin Mingshen's prestige."
The man in the black hat froze, then said indignantly, "What's that supposed to mean? Is Ashen Dawn really not planning to rescue the Black Queen? Are they just going to hide with their tails between their legs and pretend nothing happened?"
"Watch your mouth!" The bearded man's expression shifted slightly, and he hurriedly snapped, "This isn't something you or I can discuss. We're only responsible for delivering goods to Ashen Dawn. Nothing else is our business."
Then he lowered his voice. "My cousin in the logistics department said the Black Queen has already been branded a traitor within Ashen Dawn. She's a taboo subject now.
"You know Fire Man, Chen Lie? He's one of the Black Queen's followers. As soon as he learned she'd been captured, he went to Qin Mingshen, hoping he would send troops to rescue her. Guess what happened?"
"What?"
"He was locked up."
"What!?"
Everyone was shocked.
"He was arrested just for suggesting they send troops to rescue her? Qin Mingshen is being completely unreasonable!"
The bearded man shook his head. "It wasn't just a suggestion. My cousin said Chen Lie never even got to