The Empress's First Running Dog

Chapter 92: Food Given as a Gift ( words)

Outside the main gate of Baima Prison.

When Zhao Duan got out of the car and walked straight into the yamen, he attracted a lot of surprised looks.

"Envoy? Why are you back?"

In his duty room, the dark-skinned, fleshy old official Zhu Kui stood up and smiled.

Zhao Duan ignored him and picked up the teapot on the table, taking a few gulps to relieve his dry mouth.

He immediately threw himself into the mahogany chair, squinted his eyes, and cursed with a smile:

"What nonsense! Isn't it my duty to go back to my own government office?"

Zhu Kui flatteringly picked up the palm-leaf fan to drive away the summer heat, and explained:
"The main thing is, isn't today the day you go to the imperial court to take up your post?"

Zhao Duan exhaled, enjoying the cool breeze, and sighed:
"There's a lot of trouble over there. A sharp knife can cut through the Gordian knot, but the knife also needs a rest."

Only when one has both jobs can the contrast become clear.

In the past, his days in Baima Prison were too comfortable, with nothing to do all day long. Today, when the intensity suddenly increased, he suddenly missed his old nest.

Compared with those troublesome captains, even Lao Zhu's ugly face seemed much more pleasing to the eye.

"Okay, I have something to tell you. Have the documents regarding the imperial court's brocade uniforms been delivered?" He got straight to the point.

Zhu Kui hurriedly took out the thick documents sealed in a brown paper bag:
"It's been delivered. It's sealed well."

Zhao Duan sat up straight, opened it and prepared to read.

That day, in the Emperor's Tower, Xu Zhenguan promoted him to a higher position, but also gave him the hidden task of investigating the "traitor".

But it was different from what was expected and he contacted Ma Yan directly.

The case of the "traitor" was handed over to him directly by the empress through Sun Lianying, bypassing the imperial court, in the form of a "white horse messenger taking on the task."

To put it more bluntly, it was the Empress who secretly ordered him to investigate the matter.

Ma Yan only thought that the empress sent Zhao Duan to solve the problems within the imperial court and deal with those troublemakers.

But they didn't know that Zhao Duan was also responsible for this task.

"Why is it arranged this way? Is it because you don't trust Ma Yan? But the empress also made it clear that she trusts him... Well, maybe it's to avoid suspicion and prevent the news from leaking out? After all, in theory, Ma Yan is indeed a suspect."

Zhao Duan thought about it and opened the brown paper bag.

He opened the thick stack of investigation files about the "suspect" of evil in the imperial court - it was obviously screened by Ma Yan himself, presented to Xu Zhenguan, and then passed to him.

After a quick look, there are dozens of pieces of information.

It describes in detail many details of the Zhuang Xiaocheng case.

For example, how did the imperial court learn about Zhuang Xiaocheng's whereabouts, who were the relevant personnel at all levels of the intelligence chain, who was the insider, etc.

He even used a red pen to circle and dot on the paper, marking the key suspects.

"Well, according to the file, after Zhuang Xiaocheng's whereabouts were reported, they were immediately classified as top secret, the highest level of confidentiality. Only Ma Yan and a few other detectives knew about it and were responsible for tracking the case."

"The reason why they didn't arrest him immediately was, firstly, to verify the source of the information, and secondly, to follow the clues and uncover the anti-treason network hiding in the capital."

"…After the empress ordered Ma Yan to conduct a self-investigation, all the people involved were investigated once, with the focus of the investigation being the source of the intelligence, but all the related clues were cut off."

"So, we can only use the stupid method to circle all the insiders. After all, in order to cooperate with the trap of the Kuangfu Society, the insider must be able to grasp the arrest trends at all times... Some have been eliminated, but there are still dozens of suspects left."

When Zhao Duan saw the suspect number, he couldn't help but feel a headache and complained wildly in his heart:
The confidentiality work is too poor!

But after reading it carefully, I found that this is not the case.

The reason why there are so many suspects is that subordinates around the key suspects who may indirectly obtain intelligence are also listed.

As for the key suspects, there are three in total, namely:

Peony Hall Investigation Division: Zhang Han
Pomegranate Hall: Iron Rule Pass

Narcissus Hall Investigation Division: Begonia (female)

...Well, they are all "officials" of the same level as me... Zhao Duan continued to look through the information and found that the remaining scattered suspects were spread across various halls.

The only one missing is "Lihuatang".

"My subordinates are so clean." Zhao Duan was extremely surprised.

Then he realized that, yes, Lihuatang didn't even have a boss. They were just a group of officials who were banished to the cold palace and had no access to major cases.

Isn’t it the cleanest?
Therefore, there may be another meaning behind the empress sending herself to Lihua Hall.

The people from Lihuatang are the least suspicious, so he can use them without worry to avoid his actions being discovered by an insider.

"Old Zhu, do you know anything about these three people?"

Zhao Duan flipped through the pages for a while, tapped the table with his fingers, and suddenly asked a question.

As he spoke, he pulled out the brief files of the three people and spread them on the table.

There is nothing sensitive on the paper, just a crude introduction to the characters.

Zhu Kui was standing guard at the door. He came back after hearing the words, glanced carefully, and said with a smile:

"Does your Excellency know the interpersonal relationships in the imperial court?"

In his opinion, it was quite normal for Zhao Duan, a new official, to ask Sun Lianying for information so as to quickly understand the ins and outs of the new government office.

"Stop talking nonsense and ask questions that should not be asked." Zhao Duan scolded with a smile.

Old Zhu has been hanging around at the bottom of society for many years and knows all the gods in the major government offices in the capital.

He wanted to learn more from his treasure subordinates.

Zhu Kui thought for a moment and said:
"I don't know much about them. I only know that they are the top three in terms of strength and achievements among the nine halls, and they are also the three most respected police officers."

He pointed at the top "Zhang Han" with his thick black finger and said:

“This person is the strongest, known as the number one person under the governor. Whether it is martial arts cultivation, ability to handle affairs, or the level of the hall, he is far ahead.

He is good at using a seven-foot sword and is a master of kendo. He has an iron-faced and impartial character and is both firm and flexible in his rule.

By the way, according to the new words you usually use, he is a "roll king", very crazy, and even the Jinyi captains of Mudan Hall are very crazy."

Damn... I hate the King of Rolls the most... Oh, by the way, Hou Renmeng was originally from Mudan Hall, and his temperament is probably deeply influenced by Zhang Han... Zhao Duan nodded:

"continue."

Zhu Kui picked up the second copy and said:
“This Tiechiguan, who was born in the military, ruled his people with great severity, had a fiery temper, and was good with a hammer.

It is said that when he was in the army in his early years, he would often attack a stronghold alone to suppress bandits, and his military exploits were so great that Xue Shence of the Privy Council once commented that he was a fierce general.

Fierce Zhang Fei? How strict is his rule... Zhao Duan muttered. He didn't like this kind of leader who didn't know how to sympathize with his subordinates. He was unlike himself...

Zhu Kui laughed and said:
"The last female police officer is quite powerful. People in the martial arts world call her Yi Dian Hong because she is good at using flying knives and never misses her target. Often, once blood appears on the enemy's body, the enemy will die. Although she is a woman, she is a heroine and very beautiful...

By the way, rumors have it that she has always wanted to change the name of Narcissus Hall to Haitang Hall named after her, but Ma Dugong disliked the name as too weak and said that when she surpassed Zhang Han and became the number one among the nine halls, he would allow her to change it.

Haitang...repetitive words, disgusting...good at using flying knives?

What a coincidence, I’m also good at it... Let’s learn from each other some other day and see how beautiful it is... Zhao Duan fantasized.

I had a preliminary impression of the three people.

Unfortunately, based on the files, it is impossible to tell who the traitor is.

"Yes, Ma Yan tried so hard but still couldn't find out. I'm a newcomer and I wasn't a great detective in my previous life. I don't know any criminal investigation techniques. If I can find out based on the files, then it's a miracle. I'm afraid we can't rush this matter."

Zhao Duan was thinking.

Knowing that it is not easy to catch the traitor, you need to be patient.

Especially, he had just taken office and many people were watching him. If he investigated at this time, it would easily arouse the vigilance of the traitor.

The best way is to first lower the vigilance of the traitor against him. As the saying goes, "repairing the plank road in the open while marching through Chencang in secret", Zhao Duan thought that he still had to use the routine.

He doesn't understand criminal investigation, so if he wants to catch the mole, he has to take an unconventional route.

"Huh, there's no need to put too much pressure on myself. I don't have to catch ghosts. My goal is to make merit and gain sales. As long as I can get enough sales, it's fine."

Zhao Duan decided to do both, one openly and one secretly, so that even if he failed to complete the empress's task, he would not lose out.

Roll up the file and put it back into the file bag.

Zhao Duan put his work behind him and chatted with Zhu Kui to relax:
"Old Zhu, I see it's not easy for you. Normally I'm in prison and you have to watch over me. When I'm not here, you also have to be on duty. It's unnecessary."

He enjoyed the breeze and squinted his eyes.

"I will focus on the imperial court for the next few days. There is nothing to do here, so you can hang out outside and relax."

Zhu Kui waved his fan vigorously, bringing coolness, and said with a smile:

"Thank you for your consideration, sir, but I am too old to play around anymore."

"Then you can go home and spend more time with your wife and children, and don't focus too much on official business. The work is for the government, but your health is your own." Zhao Duan sighed.

In his previous life, he died suddenly from overwork due to working for the public, and now he regrets it deeply.

Zhu Kui smiled:
"The child is studying in his hometown, and there is only an unsophisticated woman and an old couple at home."

Zhao Duan then remembered that Zhu Kui had a pair of children, but they were still young and were being fostered by his parents in his hometown.

It is said that this is to let the grandchildren spend more time with the elderly, and after they have finished the elementary school stage, they will be brought back to the capital to study, after all, the educational conditions will be better.

The original owner didn't take it seriously, but after all, it was his subordinates' private matter, so he didn't bother to care.

Zhao Duan felt sleepy, yawned, stood up, picked up the file bag, and walked towards the cubicle:
"I'm going to get some sleep."

Zhu Kui lowered his head and watched Zhao Duan leave.

The smile on the face of this experienced official gradually disappeared, and he became solemn and thoughtful.

……

…On that day, the news that Li Lang was imprisoned spread like a whirlwind throughout the imperial court.

The officials from various major halls were talking about this and had different reactions to the empress's pretty boy's style of doing things.

But one thing is consistent, that is, everyone is waiting to watch the fun, wanting to know how long it will take for the domineering and arrogant empress and her pretty boy to show off.

After all, Lihuatang is generally recognized to be difficult to manage. No matter how powerful it is, it cannot stop the people below from pretending to obey it but actually disobeying it.

The attitude of the Governor Ma Yan towards this is silence, which is also quite intriguing.

For a moment, countless eyes were focused, looking forward to the follow-up.

However, the protagonist in the storm, Zhao Duan, was leisurely and never appeared again that day.

night.

Zhao Duan, his stepmother and sister ate at the round table as usual.

Eugene kept picking food for him:
"Eat more meat, Dalang. You must be tired on your first day in office. I thought you would drink with your colleagues, so I prepared less food..."

He looked caring and guilty, as if he had done something wrong.

Zhao Duan ate a few bites and felt full.

Zhao Pan sat between his mother and brother with a calm and thin face, holding his chopsticks, and finally couldn't help but say:
"Mom, you're blocking me from picking up food."

She felt a little aggrieved. Her mother kept adding more food to the wolf's bowl, filling it up with a pile of food.

But I have nothing and the treatment is so different.

Eugene Hua's gentle eyes showed guilt. Just as she was about to speak, Zhao Duan put down his bowl and chopsticks, stood up and yawned:
"Can't eat anymore."

Then he looked at Zhao Pan, who was thin and slender because she was in the growth period, and threw his bowl in front of her and said with a smile:
"Girls should eat more meat when they are growing up."

Zhao Pan had a stern face, refusing to eat the food given out of pity. She lowered her eyes and worked hard to eat the white rice.

The long eyelashes caught the light under the lamp.

“Tsk, you’re quite arrogant, but the white rice you eat is also mine.

There are countless people in the world who cannot afford to eat good white rice all their lives, and who have meat but don't eat it. Anyway, I am not the one who suffers." Zhao Duan sneered and walked out.

"Da Lang, Pan'er is immature, don't be angry with her..."

Eugene Hua hurriedly chased after him, being as careful and humble as usual.

I don't know, it was said that the noble ladies from prominent families had seen so much of the fickleness of the world that they were like this.

In the dining hall.

Zhao Pan was stunned for a moment, then slowly raised her lotus-like face, with rice grains on her cheeks.

She stared at the bowl of greasy food placed in front of Zhao Duan, gritted her teeth, picked it up and swallowed it in big gulps.

……

……

The next day, early in the morning.

Zhao Duan arrived at the hall entrance again. After passing the lush pear tree in the courtyard, he was pleased to see that his four subordinates were sitting neatly in the hall.

"Your Highness, I have seen you!"

The four of them stood up and saluted, somewhat perfunctorily.

Zhao Duan didn't care. He sat down slowly in the main seat. His eyes swept over everyone and finally fell on the "confidential female secretary".

Qian Kerou changed her hairstyle today. Although she was still wearing a uniform, her black hair was tied up behind her head and slightly piled up.

The secretary tried to clumsily imitate the hairstyle of court ladies, thinking that this image was more in line with her new identity.

But inadvertently, I have grasped some of the essence of being a workplace OL.

Well... it's a pity that it's an ancient costume. If she changed into a black silk suit, a white shirt, red high heels, and a pair of rimless glasses... it would be perfect... Zhao Duan was a little distracted.

Then he asked casually:

"After I left yesterday, did anyone come looking for trouble?"

Qian Kerou shook her head and said honestly:
"No, the governor summoned the police officer in the yamen to discuss something, but since you were not there, we don't know what it was about."

Discussing matters? Zhao Duan raised his eyebrows, suppressed his doubts, and asked:

"What about Li Lang?"

"He's still in prison, but... I heard that an imperial physician was released in there." The confidential secretary said carefully.

Haha, Big Ice Tuozi is quite obedient... Zhao Duan smiled and asked:

"Didn't anyone from the Prince Consort's Mansion come to question him?"

"Never."

Tsk, this is quite interesting… Logically speaking, since my son was bullied in public by me, Princess Yunyang should either be furious or come to call for punishment.

But a day passed and there was no movement.

Was it indifference? Or was it that the empress was protecting me from the wind and rain? Zhao Duan was not sure.

"Sir, as you ordered, all the documents in the hall that need your review are here."

Qian Kerou saw that he was distracted, pointed at a stack of books on the table and said.

"Very good," Zhao Duan happily flipped through the pages at a fast speed, but gradually, his face darkened:

"that's it?"

Apart from basic personnel files and daily documents, there is very little, almost zero, content about "performance", that is, the cases under hand.

Qian Kerou said hurriedly: "Because the hall has never had a chief officer, everyone has nothing to do except these."

There are generally two types of work in the nine halls.

One category is for daily official duties. As a member of the imperial guards, the Zhaoya also has tasks such as patrolling the city defense and accompanying the emperor when he goes on tour.

The second category is tasks issued by the Empress.

Here, it is further divided into two types, namely "long-term tasks" and "short-term tasks".

For example, the case of the missing firearms craftsman was a short-term task. After the incident, the empress assigned Ma Yan to investigate.

Ma Dugong would then hand the case over to one or several of the Nine Halls.

Another example is "tracking down the rebels", which is a long-term task that all gangs have to shoulder, but it cannot be completed overnight.

The nature of Lihua Hall is almost like a "cold palace". Ma Yan never expected them to do anything. As long as they don't make any noise, he will just keep them around.

If someone is just trying to get by by gilding the lily, they might be happy to see it happen.

But Zhao Duan wanted to gain credit, and he didn't even have a serious task under him, so wouldn't he be in trouble?

"Is it possible to apply for the case from the Governor?" he asked with a frown.

Mr. Zheng, who was about to retire, said slowly:
"Your Excellency, in the yamen, as soon as the easy and valuable cases come out, they are already snatched up by other gangs. Our Lihua Gang is not yet fully staffed, and you are new in office. I am afraid that if you ask for it, you can only get some sporadic small cases, such as patrols."

"Haha, if I take something that others don't want, wouldn't that make me feel like I'm just eating something given out of pity? I'd be even worse than my sister." Zhao Duan sneered:

"If they swallowed too much, then spit it out. You go to the eight halls and deliver my message.

Just say that the Pear Flower Hall was empty before, and we gave them our share. Now that the Pear Flower Hall is being rebuilt, they should spit out what they ate from me.”

"This..." Several people looked at each other.

"Is it difficult?" Zhao Duan asked.

The four of them remembered the flying knife in the hall yesterday, and felt a slight chill on their necks, so they hurriedly responded and did it.

The halls were not far apart, and Zhao Duan sat alone in the lobby waiting.

After a while, the four returned one after another, but they all came back empty-handed and covered in dust:
"Your Excellency, we have visited the eight halls one by one and delivered your message."

Zhao Duan folded his hands on his lower abdomen, without moving:
"how?"

Qian Kerou looked unhappy and said indignantly:

"The Seventh and Eighth Halls both claimed that the police chief was not there, but they were obviously lying."

Shen Juan drooped his eyebrows and said unhappily:

"The Fifth and Sixth Halls said they were short of cases and couldn't spare any time. They promised to give it to you next month. Ha, it's just empty talk. They are just trying to fool you."

Old man Zheng looked as if he was used to it:
"The Third and Fourth Halls said that in the past we were unable to take on the responsibility ourselves, so they helped to share the burden. There is no reason for us to owe them money."

Hou Renmeng folded his arms, looked at his boss with a hint of joking, and said:

"I went to ask the First and Second Halls, which are Peony Hall and Pomegranate Hall. The former is closed to visitors. Even though I was originally from the Peony Hall, I am not allowed to enter now. Zhang Han is too lazy to pay attention to us."

After a pause, he pursed his lips and said with some anger:
"As for Pomegranate Hall, I've seen you."

Zhao Duan said calmly: "What do you mean?"

Hou Renmeng grinned and said:

"I was asked by Tie Chiguan to convey one word to you: Get lost!"

Momentary silence.

A breeze blew through the hall, and the thin documents on the table fluttered.

Zhao Duan narrowed his eyes, the corners of his mouth slowly rose, and he exclaimed with a smile:

“What a nice, gentle and easy-going bunch of people.”

(End of this chapter)