35. Officials
The guards following Yun Zhihe were all carefully selected by Xuanyuan Ying. They were highly skilled in martial arts, and it was no problem for them to fight ten people at once.
He just walked while asking for information about Longcheng, and the more he listened, the more furrowed his brows became.
Longcheng is home to all the fertile farmland in the world, but this year a plague broke out, destroying the roots of the plants and trees and resulting in no harvest.
In short, Longcheng is now short of food and clothing, and is plagued by epidemics.
They followed the servant down the tower, frowning and looking around.
This place was originally the wealthy area of Longcheng. When the plague broke out, the wealthy businessmen did not take it seriously at first. Later, the plague became more serious. The Longcheng County Magistrate was afraid of being blamed by the emperor, so he closed the city privately. It was too late to leave when people wanted to.
This wealthy area is guarded by guards and has tight security, so the refugees cannot rush in.
"Oh, this is, this is Madam Yun sent by the court."
A pregnant woman came over from a distance and saluted Yun Zhihe with a flattering look on her face.
She was the unforgivable magistrate of Longcheng County.
Yun Zhihe frowned.
Her surname was Xuanyuan. When the matter was reported to the court, she was only frightened for a few days. Until now, she still thought that the Xuanyuan family would protect her.
Yun Zhihe paused, raised her hand to stop the guards who had received the imperial edict from beheading her on the spot, and nodded gently to the magistrate of Longcheng County.
The magistrate of Longcheng County was about to greet her to rest. He was extremely happy that someone was coming to take over her mess. As they walked, Yun Zhihe was trying to find out the news.
"Sir, this place is very safe. There are guards outside. Those low-class people can't get in even if they have great abilities."
She proudly introduced her defensive skills to Yun Zhihe.
Yun Zhihe looked up in astonishment, the corners of his lips curled up slightly, and he asked softly, "What have you done since the outbreak of the plague?"
"Of course. I will confiscate the deceased's property and collect taxes on time. This year's tax payment will not be less than a penny."
"I have also sent someone to prepare a feast for you and the ladies of the guards to welcome you. I am waiting for you all to come."
She was fat and spoke while walking with difficulty.
"The grain in the grain store is also gathered here, so we don't have to worry about food or clothing now."
She laughed "hehe", bent over, and tried to please him in a servile manner.
Yun Zhihe was stroking his sleeves with his fingertips. He paused abruptly after hearing her words and asked.
"You have taken away the food from the granary. What will the people eat?"
The magistrate of Longcheng County was stunned. He heard the question in her words and spoke carefully.
"Well, well, Longcheng is rich, and the people must have enough food at home... Sir, there's no need to worry..."
"I can barely take care of myself, so why would I...care about others?"
The more she spoke, the smaller her voice became, perhaps because she felt a little guilty.
How can there still be food left after the city has been locked down for months?!
After hearing her words, Yun Zhihe hummed softly, and it was hard to tell whether it was a reproach or joy. The smile on the corner of his lips disappeared, and he looked calm and indifferent.
Just follow her quietly.
To be honest, this young lady who took over the position is really pretty.
His eyes are cold and his figure is outstanding.
He is so young that if he didn't hold the document of appointment, you wouldn't be able to tell that he is an official.
They walked into the main house, which was prosperous and luxurious, with every detail being exquisite and as beautiful as an imperial palace.
The hollow mahogany door is carved with complex and elegant patterns. The finest brocade is spread on the ground like a blanket. A set of exquisite tea sets is quietly placed on the table. The texture is delicate and it looks like it is made of the best material.
A screen divided the room into two halves. The screen was embroidered with great skill and was as hazy as a veil. Through the screen, one could see faint human figures floating around and heard some soft voices.
She had been the magistrate of Longcheng County for only a few years, but all the merchants in the city came to curry her favor and received many benefits, both openly and secretly. Therefore, the county government office where the magistrate lived was also decorated extremely beautifully.
Looking at it this way, he really is the local emperor of Longcheng.
“Ahem…”
She coughed lightly a few times, deliberately hinting at something, and looked at Yun Zhihe with a flattering smile on her face.
As soon as the cough fell, several young men with soft figures and handsome faces appeared from behind the screen, walking out from behind the screen in a delicate and shy manner.
She was wearing a transparent gauze, with a gold chain wrapped around her slender waist and chest. If you looked closely, you could see that it didn't cover any sensitive parts at all.
The magistrate of Longcheng County smiled, as if he was seeking credit for it.
"Your Excellency has been exhausted from the long journey, and these innocent young men have come to welcome you and prepare for your arrival..."
Anyone could see that this was bribery.
Azhi had not yet married. After taking a look, she immediately closed her eyes, and her ears turned red. The other guards also glanced away knowingly.
Everyone knows that this is a gift for Yun Zhihe.
Yun Zhihe said nothing, just looked at the Longcheng County Magistrate calmly.
She thought Yun Zhihe was dissatisfied with these young men, and her face looked a little embarrassed.
"Sir... I don't know if the lowly people outside are infected with the disease. It's hard to find such a clean and beautiful young man. If you don't mind... I have a few men who have just lost their virginity in my house..."
As if he was savoring the taste and reluctant to let it go, he gritted his teeth and continued, "That figure and face are also very attractive. I just tasted it last night and will bring it to you right away."
"Do you think...is this possible?"
Yun Zhihe closed his eyes. The surging anger had reached its peak as he walked along the way. His chest was burning with pain, and he could only suppress it and breathe steadily.
She opened her eyes, looked at the Longcheng County Magistrate with a dim expression, and asked softly in a hoarse voice.
"Do you... admit your guilt?"
Her voice was clear and melodious, as resounding as a silver bell, and she enunciated every word.
Those beautiful eyes, as clear as glass, flashed with tiny halos, and seemed to be looking at her persistently, trying to see a hint of guilt.
The Longcheng County Magistrate paused and stammered in confusion.
"Ah...ah? Your humble servant, what have I done wrong?"
"Squeak—"
Yun Zhihe suddenly pulled out the imperial edict with one hand, and the scroll unfolded downwards, making a loud sound of paper.
She stared into the eyes of the Longcheng County Magistrate, speaking word by word.
"By the providence of Heaven, the Emperor proclaims—"
"The Magistrate of Longcheng County was unkind and derelict in his duty. He concealed the epidemic and colluded with court officials to cover up his negligence. How audacious! His crime is unforgivable!"
"—Kill them on the spot! No room for argument!"
There was a fierceness in her voice, and it echoed in the hall.
Everyone was shocked.
Especially the magistrate of Longcheng County, she was stunned for a moment, and sat down in fear. She tried to grab Yun Zhihe's clothes anxiously, but was suddenly suppressed by the guards who received the order and pinned to the ground.
"My Lord! My Lord! I am a member of the Xuanyuan clan! I would never issue such an imperial decree! My Lord!"
“This must be a misunderstanding—!!”
She screamed at the top of her lungs.
There was still disbelief on her face, but the imperial edict was bright and the font was clear, and she couldn't see the difference after reading it several times.
Ah Zhi stuffed a piece of cloth into her mouth, causing her to sob. Her face flushed red, and she couldn't utter a word to defend herself.
Yun Zhihe closed his eyes, exhaled, and opened his eyes again, looking down at her from above.
"Longcheng was hit by an epidemic, and as the county magistrate, you concealed the truth, colluded with court officials, exacerbated the situation, and privately sealed off the city! This is a crime!"
Her fingertips holding the imperial edict suddenly tightened, making a "crackling" sound of uncontrollable pain.
"The people of this city are living in poverty, starving to death everywhere, and yet you are still here, indulging in sensual pleasures, indulging in male pleasures, living a life of luxury and debauchery! This is your second crime!"
The young men huddled together and looked up at the woman standing gracefully in the lobby.
She is born with a cold and beautiful appearance, but there is fire in her eyes, burning everywhere, which is particularly touching.
"As an official and a woman, you are so unkind and unjust, so licentious and shameless. Where do you put the country and the people?! Can you go out and see the people?!"
Her voice gradually became hoarse, and her voice became louder and louder, as if she was hoarsely denouncing the sinners on behalf of the people outside.
Fingers tremble.
The magistrate of Longcheng County struggled desperately, but was held down by the female guards, and let out a fierce groan.
"The city is littered with corpses and in ruins. How can you be a woman and an official? You are a good-for-nothing! How shameless!"
"The people are suffering so much, and they are wailing. Have you seen it?!"
Her voice trembled at the end, hoarsely chewing on hatred.
"——These are the three sins!"
Yun Zhihe became angrier and angrier as she spoke, as if her clear and resounding voice was the only one between heaven and earth, like the morning bell and the evening drum, shocking and beating the hearts of everyone present.
For a moment, the hall was silent, without a sound.
She raised her hand, and the guard came back to his senses, the blade about to reach his neck.
Yun Zhihe closed her eyes, her fair face turned red and a thin layer of sweat appeared on her face. Her chest rose and fell and she breathed steadily.
He opened his eyes again and spoke softly.
“…Execution.”
The sound fell to the ground, along with the cold blade falling on the neck.
“Puff——”
The knife fell, blood splattered
"ah--!"
The screams of the young men huddled in the corner rang in my ears, one after another.
She indifferently wiped the blood splattered on her face with her thumb, without avoiding the splattering blood. She raised her eyes lazily, with a drop of blood dripping on her eyelashes.
"...I had hoped you would feel some regret."
Drops of blood slid down his fair face, clouding his eyes and eyebrows.
Drop by drop, soaking the white clothes.
Yun Zhihe grew up in a culture of rites and music, read the books of sages, and did things that were just like the beautiful scenery and bright moon. He lived in harmony with the world and was not stained by dirt.
Even though this was the first time she had ever seen a dead person's head, and her neat white clothes were soaked with thick blood stains, she remained unafraid.
The head of the Longcheng County Magistrate rolled to the ground, his face was hideous, his eyes were open, and blood was flowing, wetting the luxurious brocade.
The young men in the corner began to cry, one after another, from tiny whimpers to hoarse cries, tears of joy and relief.
Yun Zhihe leaned down with an indifferent expression, and lifted the head of the Longcheng County Magistrate with his slender white fingers. The head was sticky and covered with blood.
She walked out step by step with her head in her hand.
The guards followed her bloodstained steps, and everyone was silent.
He raised his eyes to look at Madam Xiaoyun's back.
Firm and persistent, unyielding and holy, with his back straight and his hair moving slightly, even with blood-stained clothes, he still looked bright and beautiful.
This is Madam Xiaoyun.
That lady Xiaoyun, who is praised by everyone in the capital and whose name is recorded in history books, is as elegant as the breeze and bright moon.
For some unknown reason, Ah Zhi's eyes became moist.
She watched the young lady grow up, from a naive and brave girl to the upright and righteous Lady Xiaoyun.
The blood from the head dripped all the way from the safe block to the defended door, leaving a winding trail of blood.
No one dared to stop it, and no one objected.
The guard at the gate was stunned and trembling as he tried to stop them, asking in a hoarse voice.
"Sir... the victims are rioting... how can you be safe...?"
Yun Zhihe glanced at her, her face still covered in blood, red and white, extremely shocking.
“…Open the door.”
The voice is soft.
The victims outside the door probably heard the commotion here and began to gather together, shouting.
The guard finally gritted his teeth and the door opened slowly.
The people who wanted to rush in stared blankly at Yun Zhihe, who was dressed in a white dress stained with blood. She was tall and graceful, with flowing black hair. Her face was bloodstained, but she looked calm.
In his hand... he was holding the dog official's head.
His face was hideous and he died with his eyes open.
Everyone was shocked.
The bustling crowd gradually fell silent.
Yun Zhihe raised the head in her hand and shouted to the people.
"The dog official has been beheaded!"
The crowd suddenly cheered, the crowd shook, and the voices of men and women mixed together, which was particularly shocking.
At this time, she spoke again.
"I am Yun Zhihe, an official appointed by the imperial court, and the new magistrate of Longcheng County!"
Upon hearing this, the crowd, which had been happy, began to stir again.
The people, who had already lost confidence in the court after being locked down for months, looked at each other in bewilderment. Their anger finally ignited their rationality, and they suddenly let out a shout.
"You corrupt officials of the imperial court! You're definitely here to extort money from the people again! Get out of Longcheng and open the city gates!"
This sound resounded through the sky.
The crowd was silent.
But one call led to a hundred responses, and soon all I could hear was—
"Get out of Longcheng! Open the city gates!"
"Get out of Longcheng! Open the city gates!"
The crowd was excited.
…
Yun Zhihe paused, raised his eyes sternly, and threw the head in his hand away. The head fell to the ground with a heavy muffled sound.
More blood splattered.
She took out the dagger from her bosom. The dagger was small, exquisite, black, and had a bloody sheen.
This dagger was thrown to her by Lou Zhi when he caught up with her on horseback after she had been away for a few days.
She was on her way, the morning dew was heavy and she felt a little cold, when she heard the crisp sound of horse hooves and exclamations from behind.
Looking out the window, Lou Zhi was wearing a set of soft armor with sharp blades, outlining his strong and slender waist. He had a bit of abstinence and obscurity, and his hair was simply tied up, which made him look particularly dashing.
The horse stopped and a gust of wind and sand was stirred up.
He paused, and seemed to casually throw a dagger to Yun Zhihe, who caught it in a panic.
Yun Zhihe was extremely stunned, holding the dagger in his hand which still had Lou Zhi's body temperature in it in a daze.
It is warm yet has a biting chill, making it a magical weapon.
Lou Zhi said nothing.
She and him... weren't very familiar with each other, so why would he chase her thousands of miles to give her this dagger?
Lou Zhi had been traveling for several days, and there was a hint of fatigue between his brows. His horse neighed, and the caravan also stopped because of this incident.
Everyone looked at the two of them.
Lou Zhi sat on a tall, dark horse, looking down at her with his eyes slightly lowered, his voice particularly hoarse and rough.
"Longcheng is dangerous, use a dagger to protect yourself."
Seeing Yun Zhihe's dazed expression again, he paused before speaking.
"I've been ordered to leave the city on some business. I'll come to see you on the way. Don't worry."
Yun Zhihe then breathed a sigh of relief, nodded, and took the dagger.
Now, she stood in front of the crowd, her white clothes and hair fluttering in the wind.
Yun Zhihe picked up the dagger given by Lou Zhi, and then pulled it out suddenly. The blade was sharp and flashed with bloody light.
I could hear angry shouts rising higher and higher in my ears, "Get out of Longcheng! Open the city gates!"
"Court officials, get out of Longcheng!"
“Get out!”
"Get out! Open the gates!"
…
They held plowing rakes, brooms, and iron rods in their hands, all pointing at her and roaring hoarsely.
Yun Zhihe turned around and gathered a bunch of her hair. Her eyes were scorching and tenacious. She looked at the people again, closed her eyes, and shouted loudly with a sound coming from her chest.
"I, Yun, stand with Longcheng!"
She put the dagger against her hair and shouted at the top of her voice, her voice light and hoarse.
"I shave my head and swear—"
With a wave of his hand, the hair broke.
The cut black hair drifted away in the wind, falling into the air in pieces.
The soft hair was blown by the wind, as flexible as her eyebrows.
Azhi looked at her in shock.
When a woman cuts her hair, everyone knows the meaning.
——It’s a death oath.
For a moment, there was silence, and no one made any noise anymore.
The angry crowd suddenly quieted down and looked at her in disbelief.
Yun Zhihe bit his lower lip until it bled, and the blood mixed with the Longcheng County Magistrate's blood was gorgeous and shocking.
The pain and sadness surging in her chest mixed together and rushed straight to her eyes, as if to make her cry.
She exhaled deeply, her breath shuddering.
He lowered his eyes and smiled bitterly.
Why do you feel so bitter? As an official, you have to see starving people everywhere, people are excited, the rich are unkind, and officials are shameless. The people... are so innocent!
She raised her head again, speaking in a resounding and clear voice.
"I, Yun Zhihe, swear hereby to shave my head and take my place..."
"Now I am the magistrate of Longcheng County. Seeing the suffering of the people, I feel indignant and heartbroken. As an official and a minister, why should I feel so miserable?"
"As long as Longcheng is not at peace, I will not leave!"
"If the epidemic persists and Longcheng burns down, I, Yun Zhihe, will be buried in Longcheng along with the people of this city, and we will all go to hell together!"
"I, Yun Zhihe, fear no life or death. I swear on my life that I will never live in vain!"
She closed her eyes, raised her head, and revealed her beautiful white neck.
"As long as Longcheng survives, I will survive. If Longcheng dies, I will die!"
The dagger cut through the hair like mud, and when it was pressed against the neck, a drop of blood soon flowed out, and then a trickle of blood fell, sliding across the collarbone and falling into the clothes.
My neck hurts.
The shaved hair fluttered in front of the people.
They looked at the girl standing in the middle, with compassion and pity in her eyes, and a free and easy voice. She seemed like a fairy in a painting, like the moon in the clouds, high above, yet saving the world.
Yun Zhihe's voice was hoarse and trembling.
Then some people choked up and some shed tears.
The shouting and cursing subsided, leaving only one sentence that came from nowhere.
"I... believe you, I believe you..."
"We believe you..."
“…I believe you are a good official.”
With a strong sense of grievance, as if he had found someone to rely on, he sobbed and cried loudly.
The scattered weapons in his hands fell to the ground with a clanging sound.
One by one, piece by piece, no one looks indifferently at what is in front of us anymore.
Sobbing and crying.
They put down their weapons and began to wail, adding a touch of dead silence to the ruined Longcheng.
Yun Zhihe pursed his lips, put down the dagger, and lowered his eyes to look at the hair on the ground.
——tears fell.
The author has something to say:
Only a bunch of hair was cut, but Mr. He is still a long-haired beauty
Slightly repaired
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