Chapter 12 Plan to save people
After Zhao received the imperial edict from Di Renjie, he ran towards Youzhou city at a rapid speed. The mud and water on the official road were stirred up by his speeding figure and splashed everywhere.

The cold rain beat down on him mercilessly, soaking through his clothing, soaking through his clothes, but it couldn't block his thoughts.

The most direct way to save the people is to find Fang Qian, take out the imperial edict, prove his identity, and then order him to release them.

However, Zhao knew that Fang Qian was extremely vicious and daring. He ordered him to release the people directly, fearing that he would pretend to obey and secretly stage a "rioters attacking the city" drama to kill people and silence them.

Zhao Ji knew in his heart that such an approach might not only put the villagers in a more dangerous situation, but also expose Di Renjie's whereabouts, so Fang Qian had to prepare in advance.

Therefore, he had to find another way, cleverly avoid Fang Qian's sight, and formulate a more thorough rescue plan.

If he acted alone, Zhao knew that he would not be able to break through the city gate on his own, and he would have nowhere to place the people after rescuing them.

The common people had no place to shelter from the rain, and ultimately could not escape the pursuit of Fang Qian's officers and soldiers, and ended up dead.

He knew he needed to find someone he could trust, someone who could provide a safe place to hide.

"It has to be big enough and preferably avoid Fang Qian's search."

Quickly recalling the situation of officials in Youzhou City in his mind, Zhao Ji suddenly thought of a person - the Chief Secretary of Youzhou City.

He vaguely remembered that in the original drama, Fang Qian rebelled, and two-thirds of the civil and military officials of the entire Youzhou government were involved, but some officials stuck to their original intentions and were not coerced by Fang Qian.

Youzhou Changshi was one of them, and was later entrusted with an important task by Di Renjie. If he could get his support, things would not be difficult to accomplish.

"Oh, that's the Chief of Youzhou. We must convince him to help. But since we just met by chance, it may not be easy to convince him to help."

Zhao Ji was determined in his heart, and he rushed to Youzhou City with more determined steps. After hurrying, he finally arrived at Youzhou City in the evening before the city gate closed.

Sharpening the knife does not delay the chopping of wood. Zhao Ji first returned to the inn, took off his wet clothes, and changed into a formal suit of Qianniuwei.

The waiter pointed out the location of the Chief Secretary's Mansion, and Zhao Ji went straight there.
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As the night deepened and rain fell heavily, Zhao Ji arrived in front of the Changshi's residence.

He casually shook off the rain on his body, reached out to try the innermost layer of his clothes, and found the imperial edict was still intact. Then he started banging on the door.

After a while, the door opened, and the servant of the Changshi Mansion, holding an umbrella and a lantern, asked, "Who are you looking for?"

"I'm looking for your chief secretary. There's something important in the government office. Please inform him." Zhao Ji said anxiously.

When the servant saw Zhao Ji's clothes and his wet clothes, he knew that he was an official with urgent matters, so he did not dare to stop him and took Zhao Ji to see the chief secretary very quickly.

The chief secretary was named Qiao Tai. When he saw Zhao Ji wearing the uniform of the Qianniu Guard, he felt that something was wrong and asked, "May I ask what can I do for you, General?"

Zhao Ji had no time for small talk and introduced himself: "I am a Qianniu Guard under the command of Di Gelao, the governor of Youzhou. I have something important to discuss with you."

After saying that, Zhao Ji did not continue to announce the imperial edict, but directly handed it to Qiao Taixiang to read.

Qiao Tai took the imperial edict, which had some water stains on it. He quickly glanced at it and bowed to the ground: "Qiao Tai, the Chief of Youzhou, I didn't know that the imperial envoy had arrived. I was sorry for not coming to greet you. Please forgive me."

"Sir, please get up quickly. Lord Di is not in Youzhou city right now. I am just paving the way for him." Zhao Ji said as he helped Qiao Tai up.

Qiao Tai stood up, a little puzzled: "So that's how it is. But why didn't the noble envoy go directly to the governor, Lord Fang, but came to me first?"

Zhao Ji did not answer directly, but asked Qiao Tai: "What do you think about the villagers of Daliushu Village being forced to rebel by the governor Fang Qian?"

Qiao Tai's eyes widened, and he looked at Zhao Ji in disbelief: "How did the envoy know about the villagers of Daliushu?"

Zhao was not sure whether Qiao Tai was a good or evil person, and was unwilling to easily reveal Di Renjie's whereabouts. He spoke in a slightly harsh tone, trying to force Qiao Tai to tell the truth: "Don't worry about this. I'm asking you on behalf of Lord Di. Just tell me your opinion."

This trick was indeed effective. Qiao Tai looked a little embarrassed. After a little hesitation, he expressed his opinion.

"The governor of this state, Lord Fang, is indeed a bit harsh in his administration. I have advised him several times, but he just won't listen. There is nothing I can do about it." Qiao Tai said helplessly.

Qiao Tai saw Zhao Ji's flat reaction and thought Zhao Ji didn't believe him. "Your Excellency, you don't know that Lord Fang has been in control of Youzhou's military and political affairs since a year ago. He only discusses matters with Sima Wu Yizhi. How can I, your humble servant, have a say?"

After saying this, Qiao Tai spread his hands, looking extremely aggrieved.

Seeing that Qiao Tai's expression and words did not seem false, Zhao Ji nodded secretly, judging that he should have nothing to do with Fang Qian.

Zhao Ji had made up his mind and gave Qiao Tai a big promise: "Don't worry, Lord Changshi. When Lord Di arrives, he will definitely deal with Fang Qian and give you justice."

"Now, take your men with me to the South Gate execution platform to rescue the elders of Daliushu Village." Zhao Ji finally stated his purpose.

Qiao Tai originally wanted to flatter Zhao Ji by saying "Mr. Di is wise", but he didn't expect Zhao Ji to have the second half of the sentence, and was stunned for a moment.

"What? This...this...this may not be easy to deal with." Qiao Tai seemed to be afraid of Fang Qian's tyranny and didn't know what to do.

"Why, are you scared? This is Elder Di's order, and we can't delay it!"

Zhao could understand Qiao Tai's emotions, but he still wanted to save the person and did not let go.

"That's not what I meant. It's just that the military and political affairs of Youzhou are in Fang Qian's hands. I can't even command a yamen runner, so how can I save people? I went to the execution ground with your Excellency, but the soldiers there didn't listen to me." Qiao Tai still looked embarrassed.

"We have to give it a try. If it doesn't work, we can make another plan. This is not a discussion with you, it's an imperial order!" Zhao Ji was a little displeased when he saw Qiao Tai shirking his responsibility.

"Your Excellency, why don't you wait for Lord Di to arrive before rescuing people?" Qiao Tai still refused.

Zhao Ji slammed the table, pointed his finger at Qiao Tai's nose, and shouted, "I see that you officials in Youzhou are in collusion and oppressing the people! It's raining so hard today, and those people are old and weak. When Lord Di arrives, how will they survive?"

"Fang Qian has given the villagers of Daliushu three days to surrender in the provincial capital, otherwise he will kill the elders on the execution platform. Tomorrow is the last day. Do you think I don't know?" Zhao Ji became more and more excited as he spoke, and was already really angry.

"As the chief secretary, you actually had the heart to watch a group of innocent old people die! Do you have any conscience at all? If all the officials in Youzhou are like you, it's no wonder that the people are living in poverty. When Lord Di arrives, I will sue you!"

"Just wait for the imperial guards to come and arrest you!" After saying these harsh words, Zhao Ji turned around and was about to leave.

Qiao Tai was scolded and cold sweat broke out on his forehead. He chased after him and grabbed Zhao Ji's arm, saying, "Wait a minute, envoy, wait a minute."

Zhao Ji turned around and looked at Qiao Tai: "What do you want to say?"

Qiao Tai sighed, gritted his teeth, stamped his feet, and said resignedly, "Well, I'll help you."

"Please tell me, Your Excellency. What do you want me to do?" Qiao Tai had a look on his face as if he was ready to die.

Zhao Ji didn't care whether Qiao Tai was reluctant or not, as long as he was willing to help: "Take a few reliable confidants and prepare a few carriages. Go with me to the execution platform, pretending to escort the prisoners back to the prison, and take the people back to the governor's mansion on the way."

Qiao Tai did not shirk his responsibility this time, but said worriedly, "The front part is easy to deal with, but I'm afraid the guards on the execution platform won't listen to me and won't release the person."

"Don't worry, I will let the guards listen to you, but they need to prepare some things." Zhao Ji smiled meaningfully.

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(End of this chapter)