Yuan Lun's 'partisans', the prisoners on death row, were about to be beheaded in the bustling market. But that's normal. Today, in order to solve the serious crime as soon as possible, no people are allowed to watch, so as to delay the important event.
The sound of gunshots resounded. The soldiers showed their swords and pointed them at the heads of the people kneeling under them.
Ye Yongjia turned around and walked towards the other end of the street.
"torture!"
He heard Governor Zhao shouting, but the knife seemed to be moving very quickly, and he didn't hear anyone's screams or the sound of heads falling to the ground. The soldier with blood on his hands didn't say a word. He just thought he had cut down a tree and was no different from a woodcutter.
But Yuan Lun, who was on the road, drank the wine and poison in one gulp, and died before he could taste what it was like to be a commoner. This made Lu Deguang more willing to let go and take over power. He secretly raised fifty dead men. These people were either gangsters or desperadoes. They were all taken into the account of the prefect because they were exhausted and money-strapped.
But even so, Lu Deguang still felt that Chenzhou was short of generals, so he appealed to the governor to ask for more troops in the name of guarding against thieves. Governor Fang has been very cautious since he was demoted to Henan Province. Now that he has dismissed Yuan Lun, I am afraid that the Liu party will resent him and the young disciples of Liu Zhen will be jealous and wish to reduce their military power in order to protect themselves. Therefore, when he saw his son, he was so happy that he descended from the sky. He wrote to the emperor, asking him to mobilize the garrison in Kaifeng and rush to Chenzhou. After all, Zhennian regarded Governor Fang as his biggest enemy, so he approved the proposal.
Lu Deguang was overjoyed when he saw those majestic troops. He immediately set up a military camp outside the city. He claimed to be wary of thieves, but in fact he wanted to raise elites, so he ordered them to train hard every day to practice fighting.
These plans were not heard by Ye Yongjia, and what Ye Yongjia did was just patrolling, catching thieves, verifying household registration and other general affairs. He already felt Lu Deguang's alienation from him.
But this matter that could have been entrusted to him was transferred to Professor Zhao's mission.
"Send a villain to Runing?"
"My brother," Lu Deguang smiled and patted him on the back, "Do you know who the prefect of Runing is?"
"I'm sorry that I don't know, but I would like to ask the magistrate to clear up any doubts."
"He is my former colleague in the Ministry of Rites. His surname is Zhong. As for his name, you don't need to know."
"I understand."
Lu Deguang coughed and continued: "He had been on good terms with me when he was in the capital, but he did not dare to impeach the Liu Party. Because I left office, he wanted to work with me and asked someone to appoint you as Runing. When I have free time, , so that I can go there to visit friends, but now things are becoming more and more complicated, and there is less time to reminisce about the past."
"I sent you today because I wanted to ask him to join me in raising righteous soldiers. If the two governments are in chaos, the Liu Party will be anxious. In the end, great things will be accomplished."
Professor Zhao didn't think so. He thought for a while and said cautiously: "I'm going to make a bold statement."
He raised his head and smiled apologetically at Magistrate Lu. Lu Deguang nodded, and then he added: "Although your Excellency is friendly with Mr. Zhong, if you are not sure about such a big matter, if he informs the court, I'm afraid it will be too late to regret it." That’s it, all important matters are over.”
"You think too little." Lu Deguang shook his head, "You have a bright mind, but it's a pity that you are just a little smart. As a high-ranking magistrate, how could I make such an oversight on such an important joint?"
Professor Zhao couldn't help but feel ashamed.
"I know this person's character very well. Although he is fierce in appearance and weak in spirit, he is quick to adapt, but he desires power and position, is not greedy for small gains, and is willing to be subordinate to others. He can be the arm of our government. Why not?"
Professor Zhao nodded quickly: "The prefect is still wise."
"That being the case, there's no need to say anything else. Let's set off quickly."
Lu Deguang prepared an entourage for Professor Zhao, picked a horse with strong legs and sent it outside the city. Professor Zhao got on the horse and galloped south towards Runing.
Professor Zhao's whereabouts were hidden this time, and even Zhong Zhifu was not informed in advance. However, when he saw the Chenzhou Governor suddenly appeared in front of him, he was not surprised. Instead, he asked in a very normal tone: "Who are you?" Someone sent by Lu Xiandi?"
"Your Excellency, your guess is accurate," Professor Zhao said with a smile, "I am the cousin of Magistrate Lu, called Professor Zhao, and he is currently the governor of Chenzhou."
After hearing this, Magistrate Zhong stood up and came out from the other side of the table, bowing to Professor Zhao: "Nice to meet you, nice to meet you."
"The villain has come back here under the orders of Magistrate Lu. He has come to Xiangyang to join us in a righteous cause and fight against the Liu thieves. If you are so ambitious and bold, we will set a date to raise troops together. I don't know..." Professor Zhao's eyes were round and he stared at him.
However, Zhong Zhifu frowned and pondered for a long time. Finally, he walked to the table and knocked on the table with his hand.
"Okay!" he replied cheerfully.
"You go back and tell him that once he gets a letter, I will never delay it, and I will definitely live up to my friendship!"
"That's great," Professor Zhao said with a smile, "Then I'll take my leave first." After that, he walked out the door with small steps.
"Don't let others know." Magistrate Zhong reminded him from behind.
Professor Zhao paused: "Of course I understand."
He turned around and walked out of the study, and ran straight back to the lobby. He was just a few steps away from the Yamen, that is, just when he reached the two stone lions, he suddenly saw an elegant-looking official stopping him.
"Are you...?" Zhao Shou was looking at him carefully.
"I am the general judge here. My surname is Chen, my given name is Tongpao, and my courtesy name is Gongzhou." His eyes were like a crescent moon, and he spoke kindly, but Professor Zhao felt a cold aura and had to be careful.
"Oh, Chen Tong's decision is fine, let me go now." He took a step forward and was quickly grabbed by Chen Tongpao: "I have never seen you on weekdays. In order to prevent thieves and spies, I can tell you your identity. , so as not to arouse suspicion."
Professor Zhao turned around and looked at him. He had no choice but to say, "My name is Professor Zhao, and he is the cousin of Lu Deguang, the prefect of Chenzhou. Is that all right?"
Tongpao Chen showed his malicious smile again: "It turns out he is from Magistrate Lu. He is a close friend of Mr. Zhong."
Professor Zhao glared at him: "You know?"
"I am Zhong Zhifu's confidant, of course I know. You don't need to be on guard against me." Chen Tongpao said with a smile.
"I don't need to guard against you," Professor Zhao dusted his sleeves a few times, "I'll take my leave now."
"Wait a minute, wait a minute," Chen Tongpao pulled him over again, "Are you so disrespectful? This is a rare visit, and I want to ask about the situation over there."
Professor Zhao was originally afraid of making mistakes if he spoke too much, so he was naturally tired of him stalking him like this. But when he saw that he said he was a confidant of Magistrate Zhong, and was afraid of offending Magistrate Zhong, he regretted it again, so he reluctantly agreed: "Then I’ll go.”
Chen Tongpao's mansion is located not far from the Yamen, and the two of them walked about thirty steps to get there. Several servants were waiting inside. Chen Tongpao asked them to meet Professor Zhao, saying, "This is an honored guest." He asked them to step aside and talk to Governor Zhao in the hall.
The two entered the hall, and several slaves prepared fruits and poured wine. Since Professor Zhao refused to drink, he changed the tea to serve, and then they finally started chatting.
