The first rule that the patrol team had to abide by was to mind their own business. It might sound ridiculous, but considering the terrible situation that Aris and the others were facing, it was understandable.
Unfortunately, Aris did not know that the Asian man in front of him was here to cause trouble. The reason why Zhang Heng did not make a move was because he wanted to collect information from all sides and wait for the right entry point to appear. Now that he had collected enough information, and he had found the entry point, the next step was to take action.
Aris also had a headache when it came to how to deal with this Asian man who had just joined the patrol team.
The higher-ups only mentioned that Zhang Heng would assist them in maintaining the law and order of this area, but they did not explain Zhang Heng's identity and position in detail. Logically speaking, Aris only needed to treat Zhang Heng as a newcomer in this situation. However, Zhang Heng was from the palace, and rumor had it that Commodus valued him very much. When the two met for the first time, although Zhang Heng was polite, Aris could tell that he was not someone who liked to listen to others.
"I don't know what your plans are after joining the patrol team. Do you want to patrol at night with us, or do you want to maintain law and order during the day with the deputy captain, Spirata?"
Zhang Heng was going to ask this question before Aris did. Since the captain spoke first, Zhang Heng continued, "Actually, I want to borrow your team for a while."
"Borrow my team?" Aris was stunned when he heard what Zhang Heng said. "Do you mean you want to be the captain?"
Zhang Heng's request was undoubtedly rude. When Aris first came back from the army a few years ago, he might have immediately let Zhang Heng know who the boss of the patrol team was. However, after spending so many years in this stagnant place, his temper had almost worn off. The position of the patrol captain was no longer that important to him. Anyone could take the position, but it came with a lot of responsibilities. Not only were there twelve people behind him, but there were also twelve families. Aris could not easily hand over the position.
"No, you will still be the captain. You can do whatever you want, as long as you are willing to listen to my commands during critical moments," Zhang Heng said.
"What do you mean by critical moments?" Aris frowned.
"For example, tonight, I need you to accompany me to the tavern," Zhang Heng said.
"To the tavern? For what?"
I noticed that many of your men don't have suitable armor. According to what you said, it's quite dangerous to patrol. Isn't the lack of money the main reason for your current predicament? Since that's the case, let's make some money first. "Zhang Heng looked around," I've noticed that many of your men don't have suitable armor. According to you, it's quite dangerous when you're patrolling.
"How do you make money at the tavern? Are you a waiter?" Someone could not help but interject.
"No, just stand still," Zhang Heng said. "Of Of me. You can make money at the tavern?"
"Can you make money just by standing still?" Another person expressed his doubts. In fact, his words represented the thoughts of most people.
The group of them had been here for at least half a year, and they knew how difficult it was to make money in this godforsaken place. Even washing dishes would require a commission from the local forces, and it was likely that there would be more than one dish. Zhang Heng, on the other hand, claimed that he could make money just by standing there. It sounded like a fantasy to him.
"There's no point in me lying to you. I'll be exposed soon. So, are you willing to come with me tonight?" Zhang Heng's gaze swept across the crowd.
When everyone heard this, they turned their attention to their captain, Aris. Compared to an outsider like Zhang Heng, they were more willing to trust their old captain.
Aris knew his men too well. Everyone had been poor for too long, and they had been living a hard life. When they heard that there was a chance to make money, they were actually tempted. It was only out of respect that they allowed him, the captain, to make the decision. Even if he disagreed, it would not make much sense for him to use his prestige to suppress the matter.
Because if he could do it once, could he do it a second time, or a third time? Zhang Heng did not have to do anything. All he had to do was ask once a day, and eventually, someone would not be able to hold it in. It was just a matter of time. After figuring this out, it was not difficult to understand why Zhang Heng looked so relaxed on the other side. It was as if he was not worried that he would reject him.
Aris did not stop him anymore. "Okay, we will be under your command tonight."
"Along with the patrol team during the day. Let's go together. We can rest when we come back," Zhang Heng said.
Aris understood the principle of making money together. Since he did not stop the first team, of course, he would not stop the second team. He nodded when he heard Zhang Heng's words. "Spirata and the others should be back soon."
In fact, when Aris said this, five people led by Spirata walked back from the street outside. One of them was still holding a piece of wood in his hand, waiting to repair the half-repaired table. However, when he heard his colleagues talking about going to the tavern to make money, their reaction was similar to Aris and the others' when they first heard the news. They looked a little incredulous.
But since they were cheated, they would just have to make an extra trip. Hence, they were willing to join in.
So, Zhang Heng finally gathered all twelve members of the patrol team, and together, they walked to a tavern called Blackwater Bay.
However, Zhang Heng did not walk into Blackwater Bay immediately. Instead, he waited for a while, waiting for the money snatcher he met in the afternoon. His three companions also ran out of the alley.
Zhang Heng now knew that the money snatcher's name was Secius, and his nickname was Soap.
Zhang Heng did not know why he had such a nickname. Perhaps it was because he was very slippery, and it was not easy to catch him when he robbed someone. But it did not matter. Anyway, this kind of thing was not important.
Zhang Heng asked Soap, "Are Iron Handcuff and his men in there now?"
Soap nodded, "Yes. On the last day of each week, the thieves on the three nearby streets have to report to Iron Handcuff. At the same time, they have to hand over the money they robbed this week. Those who robbed more will be rewarded, and those who robbed less will be punished."
When it came to punishment, a look of fear appeared on his face again. "The seven people you killed earlier, the leader is called Black Mamba, Iron Handcuff's right-hand man. He also has a very powerful thug called Broken Finger. All the thieves on the three nearby streets have to listen to them."
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