Chapter 92 The food that comes (5,000 words)
Outside the main entrance of Baima Prison.
When Zhao Duan got out of the car and walked straight into the Yamen, he attracted many surprised looks.
"Your Majesty? Why are you back?"
In his duty room, Zhu Kui, an old official with dark skin and a fleshy face, stood up and laughed.
Zhao Duan ignored him and picked up the teapot on the table. He took a few sips to relieve his thirst.
He immediately threw himself into the mahogany chair, squinted his eyes, smiled and cursed:
"You bastard, why don't I go back to my own Yamen and take it for granted?"
Zhu Kui picked up the Cattail Fan flatteringly, used it to drive away the heat, and explained: "The main thing is, isn't today the day when you go to the imperial office to take up your post?"
Zhao Duan exhaled, enjoyed the cool breeze, and sighed: "There is a lot of trouble over there. Although a sharp knife can cut through the mess, the knife also needs to rest."
Only by holding two positions can the contrast be clear and clear.
In the past, the days in the White Horse Prison were too comfortable, with nothing to do all day long. Today, the intensity suddenly increased, and he suddenly missed his old home.
Compared with those thorn-headed captains and Lao Zhu's ugly face, they are much more pleasing to the eye.
"Okay, I have something to do when I get back. Have you delivered the documents regarding the imperial office?" He got to the point.
Zhu Kui hurriedly took out the thick information sealed in a brown paper bag:
"It's here. It's sealed well."
Zhao Duan sat up straight, took it apart, and prepared to read.
That day, Xu Zhenguan promoted him to the emperor's palace, but also gave him the hidden task of investigating the "ghost".
But it was different from what he expected, contacting Ma Yan directly.
The "ghost" case was actually handed over to him by the empress directly through Sun Lianying, bypassing the imperial office, in the form of a "white horse messenger taking over the task".
To put it more bluntly, the empress privately ordered him to investigate the matter secretly.
Ma Yan only thought that the empress sent Zhao Duan here to solve the problems within the imperial office and clean up those thorns.
But he didn't know that Zhao Duan was also responsible for this task.
"Why this arrangement? Is it because you can't trust Ma Yan? But the empress made it clear that she trusts the other party... Well, maybe it's to avoid suspicion and prevent leaks? After all, theoretically, Ma Yan is indeed suspected."
Zhao Duan thought about it and opened the brown paper bag.
He opened the thick stack of investigation files on the "suspects" of the ghosts in Zhaoyamen - apparently Ma Yan submitted them to Xu Zhenguan after self-screening and then handed them over to him.
After a rough browse, there are dozens of information in total.
Describes in detail many details of the Zhuang Xiaocheng case.
For example, how did Zhaoya know Zhuang Xiaocheng's whereabouts in the first place, who were the relevant personnel at all levels in the intelligence chain, who were the insiders, etc.
On the paper, ink pens were used to circle dots to mark the key suspects.
"Well, according to the file description, after Zhuang Xiaocheng's whereabouts were reported, it was immediately classified as top secret, the highest level of confidentiality. Only Ma Yan and a few detectives knew about it and were responsible for following the case."
"The reason why he was not arrested immediately was firstly to verify the source of the information, and secondly to follow the clues and fish out the anti-thief network hidden in the capital."
"... After the empress ordered Ma Yan to conduct a self-investigation, all the people involved were investigated once. The focus of the investigation was on the source of the intelligence, but all relevant clues were cut off."
"So, we can only use stupid methods to identify all the insiders. After all, in order to cooperate with Kuangfu Society's trap, the insider must be able to keep track of the arrest trends... Some have been eliminated, but there are still dozens of suspects left. many."
When Zhao Duan saw the number of suspects, his head hurt and he complained wildly:
The confidentiality work is so bad!
But after reading it carefully, I found that this is not the case.
The reason why there are so many suspects is that the subordinates who are close to the key suspects and who may indirectly obtain information are also included.
As for the key suspects, there are three in total, namely:
Mudantang Police Department: Zhang Han
Pomegranate Hall Police Department: Tiechuguan
Narcissus Hall Inspector: Haitang (female)
...Well, they are all "court officials" at the same level as me... Zhao Duan continued to browse the information and found other scattered suspects scattered throughout the halls.
Only there is no "Ewha Hall".
"My subordinates are so clean." Zhao Duan was extremely surprised.
Then I realized that, yes, Lihuatang didn’t even have a superior. It was just a group of official servants who had been relegated to the sidelines and had no access to major cases.
Isn’t it the cleanest?
Therefore, the empress imprisoning herself in the Lihuatang may have another meaning.
The people from Lihuatang are the least suspicious, so he can use it with confidence to avoid being noticed by the insider.
"Lao Zhu, do you know anything about these three people?"
Zhao Duan browsed for a while, tapped his fingers on the table, and suddenly asked a question.
As he spoke, he took out the brief files of the three people and spread them on the table.
There is nothing sensitive on the page, just a crude introduction to the characters.
Zhu Kui stood guard at the door. He came back after hearing this, took a cautious glance, and said with a smile:
"Do you understand the interpersonal relationships in the imperial office?"
When he thought about it, Zhao Duan took office as a new official and asked Sun Lianying for information to quickly grasp the depth and shallowness of the new Yamen. This was extremely normal.
"Stop talking nonsense, you shouldn't be asking blind questions." Zhao Duan scolded with a smile.
Lao Zhu has been working as a low-level servant for many years, and he is very familiar with the gods at the gates of major government offices in the capital.
He wanted to know more from his treasured subordinates.
Zhu Kui thought for a moment and said: "I don't know much about them in my humble position. I only know that they are among the top three in terms of strength and merit among the nine halls, and they are also the three most respected detectives."
He used his thick black finger to point to "Zhang Han" at the top and said:
"This person is the strongest and is known as the number one person under the Governor. He is the leader in terms of martial arts cultivation and ability to do things, including the standard of the court.
He is good at wielding a seven-foot sword and is a master of swordsmanship. He has a selfless character and is both strong and soft when he governs.
By the way, according to the new words you usually talk about, he is a ‘king of scrolls’. He is very crazy, and even the captain of Jinyi of Peony Hall is also crazy. "
Damn... I hate King Juan the most... By the way, Hou Renmeng is from the original Peony Hall, and his temper is probably deeply influenced by Zhang Han... Zhao Duan nodded:
"continue."
Zhu Kui picked up the second copy and said: "This Tiechuguan was born in the military, and his rule was extremely strict. He had a fiery personality and was good at using hammers.
It is said that when he was in the army in his early years, when he went out to suppress bandits, he would often attack a stronghold alone and achieve great success. Xue Shence of the Privy Council once commented that this man was a fierce general. "
Zhang Fei fiercely? The rule is strict, how strict... Zhao Duan murmured, he didn't like this kind of leader who didn't know how to care for his subordinates, unlike himself...
Zhu Kui said with a smile: "The last female detective is very powerful. People in the world call her a bit red because she is good at using flying knives. She always kills her enemies as soon as they see red. Although she is a woman, she is a heroine, and she is also very beautiful...
By the way, there are rumors that she has always wanted to change Narcissus Hall to 'Haitang Hall' named after her. Ma Dugong thought that the name was too weak and said that when she surpassed Zhang Han and reached the top of the Nine Halls, she would Allow her to change. "
Haitangtang...duplicate words, disgusting heart...good at using flying knives?
Coincidentally, I am also good at it... let's compete some other time and see how beautiful it is... Zhao Duan thought in reverie.
I had a preliminary impression of the three of them.
Unfortunately, it's hard to tell who is the mole based on the files.
"That's right, Ma Yan didn't find out even after all his efforts. I'm a newcomer, and I wasn't a great detective in my previous life. I don't know criminal investigation techniques at all. If I can find out based on the file information, then there is a ghost. I'm afraid this matter can't be rushed. ”
Zhao Duan thought.
You know it’s not easy to catch the mole, so you have to be patient.
Especially since he had just taken up his post, so many people were watching him. If he went to investigate at this time, it would be very easy to alert the insider.
The best way is to lower the inner ghost's wariness against him first. As the saying goes, "Building plank roads in the open and secretly visiting Chencang", Zhao Duan thought, he still has to resort to tricks.
He doesn't understand criminal investigation, so if he wants to find out the mole, he must take an unconventional route.
"Huh, there's no need to put too much pressure on yourself. It's not necessary to catch ghosts. My goal is to make meritorious deeds and get results. As long as I get enough results, that's fine."
Zhao Duan decided to work with both hands, one light and one dark, so that even if he failed to complete the mission of the empress, it would not be a loss.
Roll up the dossier and stuff it back into the portfolio.
Zhao Duan put work behind him and chatted and relaxed with Zhu Kui: "Old Zhu, I think it's not easy for you. Usually I am in prison, and you have to watch me. Even if you’re not here, you still have to be on duty, it’s not necessary.”
He enjoyed the breeze and said with squinted eyes:
"In the next few days, my focus will be on Zhao Yamen. There is nothing going on here. You can also hang out outside and relax."
Zhu Kui waved his fan vigorously to bring coolness and said with a smile:
"Thank you for your sympathy, sir, but at this humble age, I can't play anymore."
"Then go home and spend more time with your wife and children. Don't focus too much on official matters. The affairs belong to the yamen, and the body belongs to you." Zhao Duan sighed with emotion.
In his previous life, he died suddenly from overwork for the sake of the public, and now he regrets it endlessly.
Zhu Kui smiled: "The child is studying in his hometown, and there is only an ignorant woman in the house, an old couple."
Zhao Duan then remembered that Zhu Kui had a pair of children, but they were still young and were fostered by his parents in his hometown.
It is said that it is to allow the grandchildren to spend more time with the elderly, and then take them back to the capital to study after they have passed the elementary school stage. After all, the educational conditions are better.
The original owner disapproved of this, but after all, it was a subordinate's private matter and he didn't bother to interfere.
Zhao Duan felt sleepy and yawned. He stood up, picked up the file bag, and walked towards the cubicle: "I'm going to take a nap."
Zhu Kui lowered his eyebrows and watched Zhao Duan leave.
The smile on this elderly official's face disappeared little by little, turning into serious and thoughtful.
…
…
On that day, the news that Li Lang was imprisoned swept through the entire imperial office like a whirlwind. The officials in various halls were talking a lot, and they had different reactions to the empress' pretty face's behavior.
But one thing is consistent, that is, everyone is waiting to watch the excitement and want to know how long it will take for the domineering and arrogant empress to show off her pretty face.
After all, Lihuatang is known to be difficult to manage, and no matter how powerful it is, it can't hold back the people below it.
The governor Ma Yan's attitude towards this was silent, which was also quite intriguing.
For a time, countless eyes focused on it, looking forward to the follow-up.
However, the protagonist in the storm, Zhao Duan, was enjoying himself and never appeared again that day.
night.
Zhao Duan, his stepmother and sister ate at the round table as usual.
Eugene couldn't help but bring him food:
"Dalang, please eat more meat. You must be tired on your first day on the job. I thought you would have wine with your colleagues, but the food was not prepared..."
He was caring and caring, with a guilty look on his face, as if he had done something wrong.
She is not tall, and she had a slim figure when she was a girl. She kept standing up when picking up vegetables, her plump body leaned forward, and her arms hung on the soup bowl.
The light of the lake in the bowl reflects the proud scenery of the mountains.
Zhao Duan ate a few mouthfuls and felt full.
Zhao Pan, with a calm and thin face, sat between his mother and brother, holding his chopsticks, and finally couldn't help but said:
"Mom, you are blocking me from picking up the food."
She was a little aggrieved. Her mother kept adding food to the evil wolf, and there was a tall pile in the bowl.
But I have nothing, and the treatment is very different.
An apology appeared on Eugene Hua's soft brows. Just as he was about to speak, Zhao Duan put down the bowl and chopsticks, stood up and yawned:
"I can't eat any more."
Then he looked at Zhao Pan, who was thin because he was in the growth stage. He threw his bowl in front of her and said with a smile: "When a girl grows, she should eat more meat." of."
Zhao Pan had a pretty face and refused to eat the food he brought. He lowered his eyes and worked hard to pick up the white rice.
The long eyelashes caught the light under the lamp.
“Tsk, that’s quite arrogant, but the white rice you eat is also mine.
I don’t know how many people in the world can’t afford to eat high-quality white rice all their lives, and they won’t eat meat if they have it. Anyway, it’s not me who is losing. "Zhao Duan smiled and walked out.
"Da Lang, Pan'er is ignorant, don't get angry with her..."
Eugene Hua hurriedly chased him out, being cautious and humble as usual.
I don't know, it was once said that a noblewoman from a wealthy family had to see how many times the world was cold and miserable to be like this.
In the dining hall.
Zhao Pan was stunned for a moment, then slowly raised his face, which was as clear as water and hibiscus, with rice grains stained on his cheeks.
She stared at Zhao Duan's bowl of rich food in front of her, gritted her teeth, picked it up and swallowed it.
…
…
The next day, early morning.
Zhao Duan arrived at the entrance of the hall again. After crossing the lush pear tree in the courtyard, he was pleased to see the four subordinates sitting neatly in the hall.
"I've seen you in this humble position, sir!"
The four of them stood up and saluted, which was a little perfunctory.
Zhao Duan didn't pay attention. He took his seat slowly and slowly. His eyes swept over everyone and finally landed on the "Confidential Female Secretary".
Qian Kerou changed her hairstyle today. Although she was still in uniform, her black hair was tied back and slightly rolled up.
Trying to parody the hair accessories worn by female officials in the palace, the secretary felt that this image was more in line with her new identity.
But invisibly, I got some of the essence of workplace OL.
Well...it's a pity that it's a period costume. If you put on a black silk skirt, a white shirt, red-soled high heels, and a pair of rimless glasses...it would be perfect...Zhao Duan was a little distracted.
Then he asked casually:
"Did anyone come to cause trouble after I left yesterday?"
Qian Kerou shook his head and said honestly: "No, the governor summoned the Jisi in the Yamen to discuss something, but you are not here, so I don't know what it is."
Discussion? Zhao Duan raised his eyebrows, suppressed his doubts, and asked:
"What about Li Lang?"
"Still in jail, but... I heard that an imperial doctor was let in." The confidential secretary said carefully.
Haha, Da Bingtuozi listened to the advice... Zhao Duan smiled and asked:
"Isn't there anyone in the Prince Consort's house to question me?"
"No."
Tsk, that’s interesting... It stands to reason that if my son was bullied by me in public, Princess Yunyang, not to mention getting furious, should come to investigate.
But a day passed and nothing happened.
Is it indifference? Or is it that the empress protects me from the wind and rain? Zhao Duan was not sure.
"Sir, according to your instructions, all the documents in the hall that you need to see are here."
Seeing that he was distracted, Qian Kerou pointed at a pile on the table and said.
"Very good," Zhao Duan read through it happily, very quickly, but gradually, his face darkened:
"That's all?"
In addition to basic personnel files and daily official documents, there is very little content about "performance", that is, the cases under hand, almost zero.
Qian Kerou said hurriedly: "Because there is no chief official in the hall, everyone has nothing to do except these."
There are generally two types of jobs at the entrance of the Nine Halls.
The first type is for daily official duties. As a member of the Forbidden Army, the imperial edict also has the task of patrolling the city defense and accompanying the emperor when he goes on patrol.
Category 2: missions issued by the Empress.
Here, it is subdivided into two types, namely "long-term tasks" and "short-term tasks".
For example, the case of the disappearance of the firearms craftsman was a short-term mission. After the incident, the empress assigned Ma Yan to investigate.
Ma Dugong will hand over the case to one or more of the nine halls.
Another example is "tracking down traitors", which is a long-term task that all the gang members shoulder, but it cannot be completed overnight.
The nature of Lihuatang was almost like a "cold palace". Ma Yan never expected them to do anything. As long as they didn't make a fuss, they would be fine.
If you are dawdling with gold, you may be happy to see the results.
But Zhao Duan wants to make achievements, and he doesn't have any serious tasks under his hands. How can he be just sitting on a candle?
"Is it possible to file a case with the Governor?" he asked with a frown.
Old Man Zheng, who was about to retire, said slowly: "Sir, in the yamen, as soon as the easy and valuable cases come out, they have been snatched away by other officials. Our Lihuatang has not yet reached its full capacity. What are you doing?" As a new employee, I'm afraid I can only get some sporadic small cases, such as patrols. "
"Haha, if I take what others don't want, won't I become a freeloader? Even worse than my sister?" Zhao Duan sneered:
"If they swallow too much, spit it out. You can go to the Eighth Hall entrance separately and deliver my message.
Just say that in the past when Ewha Hall was empty, our share was given to them, but now that Ewha Hall has been rebuilt, they ate what was mine and spit it out for me. "
"This..." Several people looked at each other.
"Is it difficult?" Zhao Duan asked.
The four of them thought of the flying knives in the hall yesterday and felt a slight chill on their necks, so they hurriedly answered the call and went to do it.
The entrance to the hall was not far away, and Zhao Duan sat alone in the lobby waiting.
After a while, the four people returned one after another, but they were all empty-handed and disgraced: "Your Excellency, we visited eight halls in turn to convey your message."
Zhao Duan folded his hands on his lower abdomen and remained motionless:
"How?"
Qian Kerou looked unhappy and said angrily:
"Tang Seventh and Eighth Hall all claimed that Ji Si was not here, but they were obviously lying."
Shen Juan drooped his eyebrows and said sadly:
"Fifth and Sixth Hall said that the cases in hand are too scarce and cannot be distributed. They promised to give them back next month. Hehe, they are talking nonsense and fooling the devil."
Old Man Zheng looked like he was not surprised:
"Tang 3 and Tang 4 said that in the past, we were unable to take care of it ourselves, so they helped share the debt. There is no reason to pay back the debt."
Hou Renmeng crossed his arms, looked at his boss with a hint of joking, and said:
"I went to ask about the first and second halls, namely Peony and Pomegranate. The former closed the door and thanked guests. Even though I was originally from Peony Hall, I am not allowed in now. Zhang Han doesn't bother to talk to us at all."
After a pause, he pursed his lips and said angrily: "As for Shiliutang, you've met me."
Zhao Duan said calmly: "How to say?"
Hou Ren grinned fiercely and said:
"Tiechuguan asked me to convey one word to you, sir: get out!"
There was a moment of silence.
There was a breeze blowing through the hall, and the thin paperwork on the table was fluttering.
Zhao Duan narrowed his eyes, slowly raised the corners of his mouth, smiled, and praised:
"What a group of nice, elegant and easy-going people."
Thanks to Chitong for the 1,000-point character reward!
(End of this chapter)