As an intelligence agency, Baiqi is not stationed in the city like the Liubu Yamen in order to facilitate information gathering.
Instead, an independent barracks was established on the bank of the Weishui River not far outside the city.
There are willow trees here. Although the cold winter has deprived the willow branches of spring, the thousands of crystal branches solidified by ice and snow are even more beautiful.
Generally speaking, the place where an intelligence agency is located should be quiet and secretive.
When Yang Fan arrived not far from Baiqi's station, the entire barracks seemed very lively, with people coming in and out all the time, and many people were clearing away the snow.
Li Junxian, the leader of the Hundred Cavalry, was standing at the door of the barracks, pacing back and forth, obviously waiting for something.
Seeing Yang Fan leading a group of soldiers towards the station through the wind and snow, Li Junxian couldn't help but reveal a smile on his dead coffin face.
As for His Majesty Li Er specially sending Yang Fan to assist him in investigating the ambush case, Li Junxian did not feel that he had been deprived of power or that Li Er did not trust him.
As the saying goes, there are specialties in the art industry, but Li Junxian was really not familiar with the spy business, and he wished Li Er could send someone to replace him.
Almost none of Yang Fan's daily actions could escape Bai Qi's investigation. It can be said that apart from Yang Fan himself, Li Junxian may be the one who knows this little brother's abilities best.
Judging from His Majesty Li Er's evaluation of Yang Fan, this young Minister of Rites can be said to have a bright future.
Moreover, the relationship between the two has always been good, and they are even close friends. Li Junxian came to wait at the door, which can be said to show his attention and closeness.
The soldiers who were busy working in the barracks yard occasionally secretly paid attention to their general's actions.
Everyone was surprised to see Li Junxian change from pacing anxiously to standing still and looking far away, and even a smile on his face.
No matter when and where, his generals are cold, dignified and stern.
No matter when facing his subordinates, officials or the emperor, he always showed a cold face. When had he ever smiled so happily?
What's more, his general came to the door to wait before dawn, which shows that he attaches great importance to it.
Everyone followed Li Junxian's gaze and saw Yang Fan who had arrived at the door more than ten meters away.
For a time, everyone couldn't help but have a little more respect for this famous Marquis in Chang'an.
Being treated by this strict and cold-hearted general is not something that just anyone can do.
Yang Fan saw Jun Xian at the door at a glance, got off his horse, quickly walked over, raised his hands and saluted, "I've seen General Li before. How dare I trouble General Li to wait at the door when the weather is freezing."
At this time, Li Junxian stopped smiling and nodded coldly: "It doesn't matter, I just came here."
After saying that, he motioned for Yang Fan to follow, turned and walked into the barracks behind him.
Seeing that the place where Li Junxian was standing had been trampled into ice, Yang Fan was moved but said nothing and followed step by step.
After arriving in the main hall, the two sat opposite each other. Yang Fan looked at Li Junxian with a sad face and complained: "In the ambush case, you, the commander of Baiqi, are actually helpless. Who will believe it?"
"Besides, more than ten days have passed and I don't even know who the mastermind behind the scenes is. Isn't it a shame?"
"Brother, you're just embarrassing yourself, but you're also bringing your brother and I with you. It's really harmful to others. In this weather, wouldn't it be nice to sleep with your wife in your arms? Alas, I'm really working hard!"
Regarding Yang Fan's complaints, Li Junxian didn't take it seriously. Instead, he smiled bitterly and said: "You ask me to do it. This secret spy information is not what I am good at. Taking over Baiqi was just a helpless move. Your Majesty also
Knowing this, he was not harsh on me."
"But this time, too many people are involved, and it's really a bit tricky!"
Alas, Yang Fan sighed slightly in his heart.
After Wu Meiniang's guidance, I can understand the reason why His Majesty Li Er asked him to come over to investigate.
But now that I have such a troublesome errand, I'm afraid I won't be able to go home for a while!
After all, how to investigate, how to investigate, and how many people to investigate can achieve the effect of killing chickens and scare monkeys. This degree is very difficult to grasp.
His Majesty Li Er has set a time limit and must conclude the case before the end of the year.
The emperor's golden words are not just words.
Thinking of this, Yang Fan asked listlessly: "What should we do now?"
Li Junxian took a sip of hot tea and said as if it had nothing to do with him: "I will do whatever you say?"
Yang Fan looked confused and asked: "What do you mean?"
Li Junxian cupped his hands in the direction of the palace, with a matter-of-fact expression: "Yesterday, His Majesty appointed you, brother, to investigate the case. Naturally, you will do whatever you say?"
Yang Fan was dumbfounded: "Didn't His Majesty ask me to assist you?"
Li Junxian looked like a rogue and said plausibly: "It's useless to help. If I have that ability, do I need your help?"
"Since His Majesty appointed you to come here, of course it is you who makes the decision. The so-called assistance is just a fool's errand."
"In fact, you are the biggest in this case now, and everyone in Baiqi listens to you!"
"Here, this is the pass in and out of the palace."
He grabbed the token thrown by Li Junxian, his hands were cold to the core, and his dark appearance shone with a cold light.
One side of the token is engraved with a dragon pattern, and the other side is engraved with the Chinese character Qin. Judging from the degree of wear and tear on the token, it is obviously quite old.
It’s just that the appearance of the tokens was really bad. Yang Fan couldn’t help but complain:
"You Baiqi are too poor. Shouldn't such a high-end token be carved from jade?"
"Aren't you a bit panicked if you use a piece of cold iron to make up for the number?"
Hearing this, Li Junxian, who was drinking tea leisurely, almost choked to death.
He pointed his finger at Yang Fan, but unfortunately he choked and his face turned red and he could not speak. He was obviously shocked.
This brother's brain circuit and focus are indeed different.
Shouldn't we pay more attention to the function of this token?
What does it have to do with the material of the token?
As His Majesty Li Er's confidant, Li Junxian was also shocked when His Majesty Li Er asked him to transfer this token to Yang Fan.
This is the order of the King of Qin used by His Majesty Li Er before he ascended the throne, and it represents his identity.
Seeing Li Junxian's appearance, Yang Fan was not a fool.
Of course, I could see that this token was not simple, otherwise the secret agent commander would not be surprised, but he kept asking: "Brother, what is the purpose of this token?"
It took a long time for Li Junxian to recover, and he choked in frustration.
However, he did not tell the origin of the token, but just explained: "This token can open the gates of Chang'an City and the Imperial Palace after the curfew..."
Of course, the role of this token is not limited to this. With this token, even the inner courtyard of the palace can be accessed unimpeded, and even a small number of forbidden troops can be mobilized.
Hearing this, Yang Fan quickly put the token away, as if it was a good thing, and the curfew would be in vain for him in the future.
The most depressing thing about Yang Fan's arrival in the Tang Dynasty was not the lack of mobile phones and televisions, but the curfew that started right after dark.
Although the curfew mainly targets ordinary people, it is of no use to nobles, and many nobles do not abide by it.
But as long as you have this token, you can live a normal night life in the future.
If His Majesty Li Er knew that the token Yang Fan had given him was used in this way, I wonder if he would be so angry that he would vomit blood.
However, Yang Fan can't control that much. The biggest headache now is how to investigate the case.
Although he is a time traveler, how can Yang Fan know how to find evidence?
I pulled my hair and thought for a long time, but still couldn't figure it out.
It seems that if you want to get conclusive evidence, you have to start with the weapons supervisor, so he said: "Since His Majesty has asked us to take charge of this case, let's first go to the weapons supervisor officials and craftsmen involved in the case to record a statement."
Li Junxian rolled his eyes: "What else do you mean? We have already tortured and questioned these people!"
Yang Fan became a little annoyed and said with a red face: "Didn't you tell me earlier?"
Li Junxian was speechless and said gloomily: "You didn't ask, boss!"
Yang Fan stiffened his neck: "You're actually willing to talk back. Don't you think I'm the biggest in this case?"
Li Junxian didn't know whether to laugh or cry, so he had to lead Yang Fan to a check-in room.
Looking around, Yang Fan was quite interested in this Tang Dynasty's spy organization.
The check-in hall is very spacious, as large as an acre of land, and is neatly planned.
The rows of desks and cabinets on both sides are full of small drawers, and the rows of desks in the middle have various files like mountains.
People sitting behind the desk can talk and move around at will, looking very busy.
These people turned a blind eye to the arrival of Li Junxian and Yang Fan.
When they came to a corner, Li Junxian pointed to a handsome young man and introduced: "The person in charge of compiling the information on this case is Qin Huaidao, the son of Duke Yi Guo."
Before Li Junxian could introduce Yang Fan, Qin Huaidao bowed his hands and saluted: "Huaidao has met Marquis Zhongyi."
This young man is about fifteen or sixteen years old, with a dignified and comely appearance, and shrewd eyes. He is obviously a smart young man.
Yang Fan secretly sighed, it turns out he is a second-generation scholar.
Qin Qiong is an absolute supporter of His Majesty Li Er. No wonder Qin Huaidao was able to serve in Baiqi, so he waved his hand and returned the courtesy: "No need to be polite."
The words were very polite.
Qin Qiong, Duke of Yi State, was a famous general, even more brave than Cheng Yaojin.
Qin Qiong first served as a general of the Sui Dynasty, serving under Lai Hu'er, Zhang Xutuo, and Pei Renji. Later, he defected to Li Mi, the leader of the Wagang army, along with Pei Renji. After the defeat of Wagang, he defected to Wang Shichong, and later defected to Li Tang with Cheng Yaojin and others.
After joining the Tang Dynasty, he followed Li Shimin to conquer the north and south and fought against the Tang Dynasty. After the unification of the Tang Dynasty, Qin Qiong suffered from a long illness and died of illness in the twelfth year of Zhenguan (638). During his lifetime, he was ranked as General Zuo Wuwei and Duke Yi Guo.
Of course, the most well-known thing is the door god posted in every household. This made Qin Qiong known to everyone in later generations. He never expected to meet his son in this place.
Seeing Yang Fan being so polite, Qin Huaidao was a little excited: "How polite Marquis Zhongyi is, are you here to see the archives?"
It can be seen from his delighted face and adoring eyes that this guy is definitely a fan of Yang Fan.
No wonder, since Yang Fan defeated Tubo in one battle and became a famous war god in the army, Yang Fan has naturally become the idol of these young people with dreams.
Yang Fan nodded and said, "Excuse me!"
"Please come this way!" As he said, Qin Huaidao led Yang Fan to a huge table and pointed at the table: "The files for interrogation and tracking of all suspects are here. Marquis Zhongyi can read them at will."
Following Qin Huaidao's fingers, Yang Fan's face turned a little pale.
The desk was two to three meters long, and it was filled with piles of case files. It would take at least several days to read them all.
By then the day lilies will be cold, let alone the case being closed.
Could this be the result Li Junxian and the others got after more than ten days?
Sitting down on the chair next to him, Yang Fan picked up a few files and started reading...
These files have not been summarized and seem to be very time-consuming and laborious because each file contains too much content.
When Yang Fan rubbed his head and put down the file, Li Junxian asked eagerly: "Did you find anything?"
After hearing this, Qin Huaidao turned his head and looked at Yang Fan expectantly, as if to think about whether this Zhongyi Hou was as awesome as the rumors...
Looking at the expressions of the two of them, Yang Fan smiled bitterly and said: "I only read a few files. I am not a god, so what can I gain? These materials are too messy!"
Li Junxian scratched his head in distress: "Yes, there is so much information! It won't take me a while to read it all. What's more important is that I didn't find any useful clues."
Qin Huaidao also intervened at the right time: "General Li said Wen was wrong. I have read these files more than once, but I didn't find any problems."
Yang Fan didn't know what to do. He pondered for a long time and asked: "This case still needs to be found from several officials in the Ordnance Supervision to find evidence."
Li Junxian and Qin Huaidao looked at each other, somewhat helpless.
Everyone knows that the people in the Ordnance Supervision are important clues, but after searching for so long, no useful information has been found. This route is probably not feasible.
Originally, Li Junxian was quite looking forward to Yang Fan's unconventional style of acting.
Seeing that Yang Fan was helpless and back to the starting point, he was inevitably a little disappointed. He sighed and said helplessly:
"It's good now. We don't have to spend this year anymore. Alas, I don't know how to explain it to His Majesty."
Yang Fan also had a look of helplessness on his face: "Your Majesty, it's true. This is obviously a matter for you and me, bro. I can't come to you during the Chinese New Year. Why did you involve me too?"
Is there anyone more unlucky than him?
What's more important is that we can obviously guess the person behind the scenes, but it's a pity that there is no evidence.
How can we guide them to investigate the Duan family and the Cui family? They must be convincing!
Yang Fan was a little troubled.
Li Junxian's face was a little dark, and he was extremely depressed:
"Hey, brother, what are you talking about? Doesn't it mean that we share the same responsibility for the difficulties?"
The two looked at each other angrily, just sitting there staring at each other.
After a long time, Yang Fan asked again: "Can you find the person who bought the crossbow from the weapons supervisory official?"
"All found!" It was Qin Huaidao who spoke this time.
"Oh?" Yang Fan perked up: "Has the result of the interrogation been obtained?"
Qin Huaidao said: "There are a total of six people who buy crossbows. Unfortunately, they are just middlemen. They change hands quickly after buying them."
Yang Fan waved his hand: "That's not easy. Can't we just catch these people who bought again and interrogate them?"
"As long as you dare not to confess, you will be punished with severe punishment. Isn't it what you Baiqi are good at if you use severe torture to extract a confession?"
"If you still don't want to confess, I have some new things here. I'm sure they can tell you that they even peeked at a woman taking a bath when they were children."
Li Junxian's mouth twitched. Why did he feel that this brother was a bit unreliable? He seemed so excited when it came to torture. How could he be beaten into submission?
But he said: "After these bows and crossbows were leaked out, they have been passed through the hands of no less than a dozen people, and there are many nobles and nobles in the court and children of aristocratic families. If they are all captured and tortured, there must be those who have been wronged. How will they be punished then?"
Your Majesty, please explain?"
Yang Fan couldn't help but sigh inwardly. After all, he was afraid of public opinion and the Yushitai.
However, His Majesty Li Er has indeed done a good job in this regard. Even if he creates a spy organization, he must not mess around with it.
If this were left to the Ming Dynasty and the infamous Jin Yiwei took action, who would care about you?
No matter what kind of honor you are, even if you are a cabinet minister, as long as I have doubts, I will arrest you and throw you into prison. You will be tortured through eighteen kinds of torture first, regardless of whether you are wronged or not.
It's a pity that it didn't work in the Tang Dynasty because His Majesty Li Er was not in the right position and cherished feathers too much.
This doesn't work, that doesn't work either. Yang Fan scratched his head and scratched his ears: "Then we can't just watch and ignore it, right? If so, how can we find evidence?"
Li Junxian was also a little helpless: "We didn't just watch. All our spies were sent out, and all suspects were closely monitored, hoping that they would reveal their flaws."
Yang Fan shook his head disapprovingly.
This spy chief is too naive. He expects the suspect to reveal his flaws on his own?
What a beautiful thought!
Now that the assassination failed, these people were obviously frightened. How could they dare to do anything else?
Faced with such suspects, we should alert them, make them panic, and then arrest them and intimidate them.
As long as you use the right methods, you will definitely find trouble. If you don't take the initiative, you won't be able to catch these people.
It's a pity that these words cannot be said openly, otherwise they will really offend people to death.
With nothing to do, Yang Fan passed the time and continued to look through the files.
Moreover, Yang Fan discovered that as soon as the contents of the dossier were mentioned, Li Junxian was confused about all the questions, but Qin Huaidao could answer them quickly.
It seems that this old man may be good at charging into battle, but when faced with the task of collecting intelligence, he is not interested at all. Instead, he turns a blind eye.
This Qin Huaidao looks young, but he is rigorous and meticulous in his words and deeds, making him a good candidate for a spy job.
Yang Fan looked at it and asked: "How were these materials collected?"
Qin Huaidao quickly explained: "We have arranged for continuous surveillance of every suspect."
"Every word and deed in the suspect's life, every person he met, everything he did, and even every word he said were recorded in as much detail as possible and then summarized here."
Yang Fan gave Qin Huaidao a different look, this guy is really a talent!
Unexpectedly, the guy who looks like a scholar is actually an intelligence expert!
Most of the collected materials seem to be nonsense, but they are actually very useful. You just need to use methods to filter out what you need!