Upon hearing Tang Qiqi's words, Cui Zhirong's arrogance instantly vanished, replaced by a look of terror. He dared not utter another sound and silently hid his large body in the shadows.
Tang Qiqi said with disgust, "It's too late to hide now. You've successfully attracted my attention. Come on, bring on the torture. I'll examine your injuries in a bit. If you haven't satisfied Lord Cui, you'll have to keep him company!"
After Tang Qiqi finished explaining, she asked the jailer to show her around the prison.
Tang Qiqi, dressed in a moon-white long gown, stood out starkly in the dark, foul-smelling prison. Oblivious to her own presence, she asked the jailer, "Who are the people imprisoned here? What crimes have they committed? Which ones are the most heinous criminals? Do you know?" The jailer, trembling with fear, replied, "Your Honor, this servant is only responsible for guarding the prisoners. What crimes they have committed, this servant knows nothing of, and dares not speak presumptuously."
Tang Qiqi's eyes casually swept over the jailer, and she said indifferently, "So you mean anyone can replace you? What use are you to me then!"
These words were spoken softly, yet they sent chills down one's spine. The jailer's legs trembled instantly, and he knelt down on the ground: "My lord, please calm your anger! This servant will tell you everything I know!" He didn't want to end up like Cui Zhirong, the lord!
Tang Qiqi sighed and said, "Sigh, why do you all like kneeling so much? So, you know about these prisoners now? Then tell me about it!"
It turns out that many of those imprisoned here were criminals who took risks to commit crimes because they couldn't pay their taxes, while others were imprisoned simply because they were dissatisfied with Cui Zhirong's exploitation and said a few unpleasant things.
Upon hearing this, Tang Qiqi stared intently at the jailer and said, "Since you seem honest enough, you can continue to be the jailer. Make arrangements to release them unless they are truly heinous criminals. Tell them to come to the county office first thing tomorrow morning. I will give them a job. Where is that Zhao Shijie being held?"
The jailer led Tang Qiqi to a pitch-black room, thoughtfully lit a torch, and then tactfully withdrew.
Tang Qiqi had expected Zhao Shijie to have a hard time in prison, but she never imagined he would be tortured to this extent. His body was covered in dried bloodstains, his clothes clung tightly to his flesh, and he was so thin that he was unrecognizable. His disheveled hair completely covered his face, and he lay there motionless, not knowing whether he was dead or alive.
"Young Master Zhao?" Tang Qiqi called out tentatively, but there was no response.
"Young Master Zhao, can you hear me?" Tang Qiqi leaned closer, but there was still no response.
So she moved closer to Zhao Shijie and reached out to smooth his disheveled hair.
Zhao Shijie suddenly opened his eyes, startling Tang Qiqi.
Tang Qiqi composed herself and said, "Young Master Zhao, I heard you were wrongfully imprisoned, so I've come to fetch you upon your release!"
Zhao Shijie didn't even glance at Tang Qiqi, turning around directly and giving her a haughty back view.
Li Liang, enraged, snapped, "You blind fool! Our Regent is personally coming to the prison to fetch you! Get up and thank him!"
Zhao Shijie remained lying motionless, and Li Liang gritted his teeth in anger, wishing he could go up and beat him up.
Tang Qiqi gestured for him to calm down, but said coldly, "As expected, I was wrong about Zhao Shijie. I thought he was a real man who could sacrifice himself for others, but after seeing him today, I see he's nothing special. Fine, since he doesn't want to leave, let him be Cui Zhirong's neighbor. Let him waste his time in prison listening to Cui Zhirong's wails!"
Upon hearing this, Zhao Shijie's body moved slightly.
Li Liang asked in confusion, "Sir, he's putting on airs with you like this, yet you still let him witness his enemy being tortured. Why are you being so kind!"
"There's nothing I can do; I'm naturally inclined to help others. But even though Cui Zhirong is gone, Qingtan County is still a disorganized mess. We can't find anyone who can command respect, and the conflicts between officials and the people are irreconcilable. We're opening granaries to distribute grain and appease the people now, but I'm afraid that once we leave, the evil forces will make a comeback. It's truly pitiful and lamentable!"
Zhao Shijie suddenly said, "Since you are a person sent by the imperial court, it would be irresponsible of you to leave without properly handling the affairs of Qingtan!"
Tang Qiqi sneered: "Be responsible. There are so many counties under Lanling's jurisdiction waiting for me to inspect. I can't disregard the lives of others for the sake of a small place like Qingtan. However, I will execute Cui Zhirong before I leave, which will also be considered as eliminating a scourge for the people!"
Tang Qiqi left immediately after speaking, showing no intention of staying even a moment later. Zhao Shijie suddenly stood up and hurriedly said, "Wait a minute!"
Tang Qiqi asked casually, "Does Young Master Zhao have something to say?"
Zhao Shijie asked, "All crows are black, so how can you prove that you are a good official who wholeheartedly serves the people?"
"There's nothing to prove!" Tang Qiqi shrugged and said, "Maybe I'm even worse than Cui Zhirong! I want you to be the magistrate of Qingtan County and take over this mess. Are you willing? Tell me your answer right now. I'm not a patient person..."
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