His Majesty Li Er was a little displeased with Li Junxian's secretiveness. He frowned and asked, "Have any other masterminds been found out?"
Li Junxian was a little frightened and quickly explained: "After investigation, it was found that three craftsmen and two officials of the Arms Supervision were involved in the sale of these crossbows. These crossbows were secretly transferred after being scrapped."
"According to the people in the Arms Supervisor, they were just trying to make some money, and the crossbows they sold were purchased by different people. They didn't know about it, and they didn't participate in the assassination of His Highness King Wu and Marquis Zhongyi."
"However, after investigation, it was found that the reason why these people in the weapons supervisor came up with the idea of selling scrapped crossbows was because Duan Guan, the second son of Baoguo Gong, was seduced from the side. However, Duan Guan was a man of meritorious service, and there was no conclusive evidence. In the end, the general will not
Dare to arrest people at will."
Wu King Li Ke and Zhongyi Hou Yang Fan were ambushed in broad daylight in the Qinling Mountains. The weapons used were crossbows from the Tang army.
If it weren't for the strength of Yang Fan's personal guards and the good luck of Yang Fan and Li Ke, they would have been shot into hedgehogs long ago.
It has now been more than ten days since the incident occurred, but the Baiqi led by Li Junxian have not yet figured out the ins and outs, let alone the person behind the scenes.
Now His Majesty Li Er specially asked him to come and report today, and seeing that Li Er's tone was a little unhappy, how could he not make Li Jun Xian Cheng frightened.
So I can only tell you everything about the investigation.
There are many nobles and noble families in Chang'an City, and Baiqi, even as the emperor's intelligence agency, cannot do whatever he wants.
After listening to it, Yang Fan was thoughtful and understood.
As a spy organization of the Tang Dynasty, Baiqi certainly cannot have poor intelligence capabilities.
It's just that due to various factors, I am somewhat constrained from being able to put my full effort into use.
Of course, these Baiqi cannot do whatever they want like the Jin Yiwei of later generations.
You must know that the officials at the Yushitai of the Tang Dynasty are not just for free.
His Majesty Li Er and others dared to point their noses and scold them, so it was natural that Li Junxian did not dare to act recklessly. It was foreseeable that the investigation results would not make much progress.
However, Baiqi's investigation was obviously in the right direction, but it encountered considerable resistance.
Li Ji stroked his short beard and interjected: "Have you ever traced the person who bought the crossbow?"
Long-range weapons with huge destructive power such as bows and crossbows are rarely used by ordinary people, and those who possess them privately will be prosecuted by the government.
Ordinary people would never buy such a useless thing.
If you start with the buyer, you may receive unexpected surprises.
Li Junxian said with some embarrassment: "A certain person also traced the origin of the buyers, but found nothing, because these buyers changed hands more than ten times in a row, and there was no way to find out where these crossbows ended up!"
Even if he had no intelligence experience, how could Li Junxian not think of this?
But come to think of it, it would be extremely difficult to find out the last owner from dozens of times it changed hands!
What's more, some of the people inside involve many powerful people.
For example, for a second-generation noble like Duan Guan, even Li Junxian would not dare to arrest anyone for interrogation without conclusive evidence.
After hearing Li Junxian's words, the veins on His Majesty Li Er's forehead popped out, and there was a faint sign of an explosion.
The reform of the imperial examination system was strongly opposed by the aristocratic family, and the case of assassinating the princes and ministers of the DPRK made no progress.
One after another, of course, His Majesty Li Er was stuck in his throat.
An intelligence agency in Nuo Da has been working for more than ten days, but it can't even find the person behind the scenes. It really disappoints His Majesty Li Er.
Li Junxian is brave and invincible on the battlefield, but he does not seem to be a talent for the intelligence organization.
The reason why Li Junxian was chosen as the leader of Baiqi was simply because of his loyalty.
Alas, every gain must come with a loss!
Who in this world is versatile in both civil and military affairs and is proficient in everything?
Although he thought so in his heart, His Majesty Li Er's eyes subconsciously turned to Yang Fan.
This guy was leaning against a pillar in the hall, squinting his eyes, as if it had nothing to do with him.
On such an important occasion, Yang Fan actually fell asleep. For some reason, His Majesty Li Er became angry just looking at this appearance.
In his opinion, this guy might as well make some noise to make people look more comfortable.
However, this guy seems to have some talent.
He knows medical skills, makes money, and has all kinds of wild ideas. Not only does he bring up the shortcomings of the imperial examination system, but he can also make his subordinates work together as soon as he arrives at the Ministry of Rites...
When you go to conquer Tubo, you can also gain first-class military honors as a transport admiral!
Although Yang Fan usually behaves carelessly, this guy is very thoughtful and does not stick to routines.
If you let him investigate the case, you might get an unexpected surprise!
With such thoughts in his mind, His Majesty Li Er could no longer hold back and turned around and said: "Marquis Zhongyi, I order you to assist Li Junxian in investigating this case from now on, and you must find out the whole story for me."
"There are still about ten days until the New Year's Eve. You must make an explanation before the New Year's Eve. Otherwise, you will not spend this New Year!"
Yang Fan was immediately stunned.
What's happening here?
Aren't you standing and listening?
Is this going to be a lie?
Although we are a little clever, we can occasionally make inventions.
But the foundation of all this is based on insights far beyond this era, standing on the shoulders of giants, and under the strong support of the system...
Asking him to solve the case, His Majesty Li Er must be crazy.
Yang Fan knows a lot!
Completely unprofessional.
Besides, Wu Meiniang had already reported this case to him. If the people and things involved were to be thoroughly investigated, it would definitely cause shock to the government and the public.
If a formal and thorough official investigation is carried out, it may not be possible to find evidence against the person behind the scenes.
Yang Fan can't expose the intelligence organization Wu Meiniang managed to run just for a case, right?
Once His Majesty Li Er finds out that he controls such an intelligence organization and is developing it so well, he may be beheaded.
In addition, although it was known that Cui and Duan Zhixuan were involved in the assassination.
But with the power and cunning of the two of them, there was no way they could have any clues for them to catch.
Of course, Yang Fan refused to do such a thankless job, so he opened his mouth and said: "My minister is still injured. He was beaten and tortured just now. His injuries have been increased. Your Majesty, please choose another person."
As he said that, his eyes couldn't help but drift towards Fang Xuanling, wanting this servant to speak for him.
After working hard in the officialdom for so long, he has already matured into a mature person. Fang Xuanling nodded without any trace and said:
"Your Majesty, Marquis Zhongyi is young and has no experience in investigating cases. How can he take on such a big responsibility?"
"The other party dared to assassinate the prince and ministers. Either it was because of recklessness in the world, or it was the work of a certain force in the court."
"Although Marquis Zhongyi has extraordinary talents and learning, he is still young and energetic. If he acts rashly, he may fall into the trap of the other party."
"Besides, if Marquis Zhongyi is one of the parties, if he gets involved in this case, I'm afraid it will cause controversy and the result won't be convincing. Your Majesty, please think again."
Changsun Wuji retorted with a smile: "The Prime Minister's words are wrong. Marquis Zhongyi's face is rosy and full of energy. How can there be any sign of injury?"
"Besides, Marquis Zhongyi has outstanding martial arts skills and unparalleled talents. Your Majesty has entrusted him with an important task today to train him better. As long as he is sharpened, he will be able to better shoulder more important tasks in the future."
"Young people can only make progress through continuous experience! However, the Prime Minister's worries are not unreasonable, but as long as Marquis Zhongyi did not use torture to extract confessions, I think it can convince everyone, not to mention General Li is beside him.
Supervisor, I believe that Marquis Zhongyi will definitely live up to His Majesty’s trust.”
Yang Fan gave Changsun Wuji a hard look. This old fox was obviously quarreling with him.
How can we find out the truth without torture...
How can you live up to His Majesty's expectations at such a young age...
This is all fucking bullshit.
It's strange that interrogating prisoners can reveal the truth without using some means.
Changsun Wuji's words seemed to be praising Yang Fan, but in fact they were adding insult to injury. If the truth could not be found through the investigation, wouldn't it mean that Yang Fan was not useful?
Li Ji was both pleased and worried. This assassination case was obviously not that simple.
I need to tell this kid to be careful later, but don't make a mess and worry my daughter.
However, His Majesty Li Er seemed to be full of confidence in Yang Fan: "The auxiliary machine is right, young people should exercise more, not to mention that they are only assisted by Marquis Zhongyi. Everything is still based on Li Junxian, so the matter is settled.
.”
Yang Fan originally wanted to refuse again, but when he saw His Majesty Li Er's threatening eyes, he immediately swallowed his words of refusal.
This is not an era in which everyone is equal in the future. If you keep refuting His Majesty Li Er's face, beating yourself up is a light thing, and it is possible to have your head chopped off.
Who made the emperor the boss?
Thinking of this, Yang Fan immediately changed his words: "I obey the order! I will definitely help General Li find out the truth. However, if the evidence is conclusive, will the court dare to bring the person behind the scenes to justice?"
Since there is no way to avoid it, Yang Fan must of course put the ugly words ahead.
Once the evidence is confirmed, it will definitely offend the other party to death. If the evidence is found, but Li Er hesitates and dares not take action, wouldn't it be a waste of his expression.
Besides, killing a chicken to scare the monkeys may also be a good way, so that they will not dare to provoke you easily in the future.
His Majesty Li Er took a deep look at Yang Fan, pondered for a moment and then nodded happily: "As long as the evidence is conclusive, I have my own opinion!"
"Okay, let's discuss so much for today. Li Junxian and all the Ai Qing will leave first, while Marquis Zhongyi will stay..."
"promise!"
After everyone left, apart from the old eunuch Wang Huangui, there were only two people in the palace, Li Er and Yang Fan.
Looking at Yang Fan who had been silent, His Majesty Li Er said angrily: "What? Are you complaining about the arrangement I just made?"
"Wei Chen doesn't dare." Yang Fan didn't show the slightest hint of dissatisfaction, and said calmly: "Father is the guide for his son, and the king is the guide for his ministers. What's more, Your Majesty is here to train Wei Chen... It's not too late for Wei Chen to be grateful!"
His Majesty Li Er is depressed.
This guy is really a bastard, and he still says he doesn’t dare?
His tone of voice was so unhappy, and he was clearly angry, and the anger was quite large.
Even "Father is the guide for his son, and the king is the guide for his ministers". Doesn't this mean that he is arbitrary?
But there is nothing His Majesty Li Er can do. Who makes this kid always bring him unexpected gains?
Two errands were arranged for Yang Fan today. Although they may seem unrelated, the two are still closely related.
On the one hand, the reform of the imperial examination system was proposed by this guy, so it would be most appropriate for Yang Fan to preside over it.
On the other hand, Yang Fan was asked to investigate the assassination case. If Yang Fan could find out the mastermind behind the scenes, the court could take action on these people to achieve the effect of killing the chicken to scare the monkeys.
Nowadays, aristocratic families are very resistant to the reformed imperial examination system.
When the time comes, Yang Fan will be able to frighten the family with the power of destroying the country and counterattacking to assassinate their enemies. His Majesty Li Er has good intentions.
However, Yang Fan's performance made His Majesty Li Er dumbfounded.
It's just that he is asked to preside over the reform of the imperial examination, and it's not like going to the mountains of swords and the sea of fire. This boy's resentment is really not small.
Staring at Yang Fan angrily, His Majesty Li Er said in a deep voice: "Letting you temporarily take charge of the imperial examination reform as the Minister of Rites is a decision I made after considering many aspects. Once the decision has been made, it cannot be changed.
However, if you have any requests, feel free to ask!"
Li Er's words are tantamount to giving Yang Fan a benefit, which means: "Boy, I know that I am in trouble for you. If you need anything, please provide conditions!"
Yang Fan was ecstatic in his heart. As expected, the child who can make trouble will be fed. He will neither swallow his fate nor make a fuss to resist. We can play a show of retreating in order to advance.
After properly showing his dissatisfaction, His Majesty Li Er gave in.
Yang Fan was feeling proud, but he didn't dare to show it on his face. He pretended to be indifferent and said, "Your Majesty, does he really agree to everything?"
He wanted to agree with his mouth, but His Majesty Li Er thought of Yang Fan's shameless character, narrowed his eyes, and asked cautiously: "Let's talk first?"
Uh..., Yang Fan was slightly startled, there was something wrong with the routine!
At this time, shouldn’t His Majesty Li Er agree with all his heart?
After thinking about it, I felt that for a smart man like His Majesty Li Er, it would be better not to play too many tricks.
His Majesty Li Er felt that it didn't matter if he had a little trick, after all, he had something to ask for.
But if it goes too far and really offends the emperor, it will be difficult to deal with it. The emperor will turn his face, but his relatives will not recognize him.
So Yang Fan quickly said: "Your Majesty wants Wei Chen to preside over the reform of the imperial examination. In addition to wanting a few people to assist Wei Chen, Wei Chen also wants your Majesty to grant Wei Chen a piece of land."
"You don't have to worry about this. If you need anyone, just ask." After saying that, His Majesty Li Er glanced at Yang Fan with interest and asked, "What land do you want?"
Yang Fan quickly said: "Ryukyu Islands, Weichen wants to build a dock here and use this land for going to sea!"
For going to sea?
His Majesty Li Er was stunned for a moment, and then he remembered that Yang Fan had said before that he would open up a new waterway, so he asked: "Has your sea-going ship been built?"
Yang Fan nodded: "There is news from Jiangzhou that sea ships can be launched in around June."
His Majesty Li Er stroked his beard under his chin and looked at the uncontrollable desire in Yang Fan's eyes, feeling proud in his heart.
You brat, don’t you want something for yourself?
But he talked about him in his mouth, saying: "In this expedition to Tubo, as the admiral of the capital, you beheaded tens of thousands of people, which really increased the military power of the Tang Dynasty. You can be said to be a first-class hero. What reward do you want?"
If it had been in the past, Yang Fan would have taken the opportunity to cry and demand a big reward no matter what.
But now Li Shimin was obviously using this as a bargaining chip, and Yang Fan felt a little aggrieved.
He had already made a plan in his mind and said: "The army of the Tang Dynasty is in great power, and all the barbarians have surrendered. The humble ministers are just meeting by chance and do not dare to be rewarded by His Majesty."
His Majesty Li Er was slightly stunned, as if he was surprised that Yang Fan was so humble and low-key.
According to common sense, shouldn't this guy be so good at playing tricks that he should be rewarded for his merits?
Although the reward for Yang Fan has been agreed upon long ago, the reason for raising it now is just to prevent the boy from complaining.
It seemed that this boy also guessed what he was thinking, so His Majesty Li Er stopped making excuses and explained in a serious tone:
"I can see your merits this time, but you made a lot of mistakes, so I won't hold you accountable or reward you."
"Today when the army returns to the court, I will reward all the heroes. As for your reward, it will be delivered to your house in the afternoon."
"Since you are determined to open up a new waterway, I will make Liuqiu your fiefdom. This can be regarded as your contribution to this expedition!"
In Li Shimin's view, Ryukyu was just an uninhabited island, which was a worthless island to the Tang Dynasty.
Yang Fan, on the other hand, was overjoyed: "Thank you for your Majesty's grace."
Although the title was not promoted, Yang Fan was still very happy because his official position suddenly changed from Fei Pao to Purple Robe.
As for the Liuqiu Islands becoming their own fiefdom, it can be said to be an unexpected surprise.