inspire-indiana Chapter 143 Cast a Wide Net, Conduct a Large-Scale Investigation
Chapter 143 Cast a Wide Net, Conduct a Large-Scale Investigation
Li Mao looked helpless and sighed, "Ziyi, some things involve the private affairs of the imperial family, and I don't want to involve others too much. Besides, this is Father's order, and I can handle it myself."
“How could I be anyone else? I am His Highness’s most trusted deputy general!” Guo Ziyi frowned, his voice firm: “This matter is of utmost importance. How could I stand idly by? I cannot do it, nor will I do it!”
Given Guo Ziyi's character, he would not allow Li Mao to be placed in danger.
Now that Guo Ziyi knows about this, it's indeed not easy to get rid of him.
This young friend is straightforward and decisive, and has always been one of my most trusted partners.
Finally, Li Mao patted Guo Ziyi on the shoulder and laughed, "You rascal, I wanted to take on less work for you, and you're still not happy? Since that's the case, I'll grant your wish and let you work hard with me in Xianyang City."
Guo Ziyi grinned and bowed respectfully: "Your Highness, please rest assured, we'll handle this together. With me here, you'll have nothing to worry about!"
Under Guo Ziyi's persistent pleading, the two joined forces once again.
However, this time it's not a battlefield, but a complex "werewolf" game to be played in Xianyang City to find the assassin, or the forces and conspiracies behind the assassin.
As early as the night the crown prince was assassinated, Li Longji ordered the city to be sealed off.
The city of Xianyang is now so impenetrable that not even a fly can escape.
Therefore, the assassin must still be in Xianyang City; we just need to find him, search him very carefully.
After resting for a while, Li Mao got up and, together with Guo Ziyi, prepared to stay up all night to thoroughly investigate the clues left by the assassin.
"Look at the hidden weapon used by assassins, it's a special cross-shaped dart," Li Mao said, pointing to a blueprint.
The drawing depicts an exquisite cross-shaped dart, a one-to-one replica of the hidden weapon taken from the prince.
Guo Ziyi observed carefully for a moment, then frowned: "I think I've seen this kind of hidden weapon before, but when was it... a few years ago, before I joined the army, I was focused on traveling around and understanding the advantages and disadvantages of different cities in attack and defense. I saw someone use it when they tried to assassinate the local military governor near Jiangnan Road."
“That means the assassin is likely from the south.” Li Mao nodded thoughtfully and said, “Let’s do this: we should thoroughly investigate all outsiders in Xianyang. Let’s start with those from the south and see if there are any suspicious individuals.”
Since the goal is to investigate outsiders, the natural approach is to start with the various inns.
Furthermore, every city gate that leads in and out must also be investigated. The city gates of Xianyang are heavily guarded, and anyone from afar must register before entering the city, which greatly facilitates Li Mao's investigation.
Three days later, all the investigations were completed.
Surprisingly, the first clue did not come from the city gate or the inn, but from a small tavern beside the Wei River.
"Yes, there was a tall man with a southern accent who spoke in a way that was hard to understand. A few days ago, he drank a lot of alcohol here. After getting drunk, he said some cynical things, and he also said, and he also said..." The tavern owner nodded and bowed, showing great respect to Guo Ziyi who came to ask questions, but hesitated when he got to the point.
Guo Ziyi said firmly, "Boss, don't worry. We are here on the Emperor's orders. Whatever you said, you will be forgiven."
The tavern owner then dared to say, "What did he say? That the world is not peaceful, and people from Chang'an are all fleeing to Xianyang. It's all upside down. He even said that this is... this is the Emperor angering Heaven and bringing divine retribution."
By the end, the boss was almost in tears.
He knew that what he had said was treasonous, and that, to put it more seriously, it was enough to get him beheaded.
But if they say nothing, the assassin will not be caught...
Such a big thing is too much for a small business owner like him to handle!
Since I'm going to die either way, I might as well say everything I can. His Majesty is merciful; seeing how honest I am, he'll surely forgive me.
Upon hearing this, Guo Ziyi glanced at Li Mao.
The tavern owner's words matched Li Heng's description of the scene perfectly.
However, Li Mao was, after all, a member of the imperial family, and he would probably feel bad hearing such words.
Guo Ziyi had intended to comfort His Highness, but to his surprise, he saw Li Mao smiling. Far from showing any displeasure, he seemed to think the traitor was quite right.
He quickly coughed and said, "Your Highness."
Li Mao immediately realized that his gloating expression was inappropriate.
He said solemnly, "It seems this person is inevitably connected to the assassination of the Crown Prince; otherwise, it wouldn't be such a coincidence. Find someone to draw a portrait based on the tavern owner's description and issue a city-wide warrant for his arrest."
There was a breakthrough, and Li Longji was finally given an explanation.
Li Mao and Guo Ziyi, who hadn't slept for several nights, also planned to rest for the night.
However, some people are just so annoying; even though they know you don't welcome them, they still shamelessly try to get close to you.
"Your Highness Prince Shou, His Majesty heard that you and General Guo have been working hard for several days without any definite results, so he specially sent me here. I'm here specifically to help you two analyze the situation and lend you a hand!" Gao Chen scurried forward, his expression carrying a hint of flattery and obsequiousness.
Guo Ziyi rolled his eyes at him, wanting to say something, but then suddenly remembered that Gao Chen was the emperor's eyes and ears, so he kept quiet.
Li Mao, however, had experience dealing with Gao Chen and did not object to his participation. Instead, he said, "Since Eunuch Gao is so enthusiastic, I will not stand on ceremony with you. Here, these are all the clues we have investigated in Xianyang City today. Organize them all. Ziyi and I will rest tonight, and we will leave everything to you."
“Your Highness, this…” Gao Chen’s scalp tingled when he saw the messy and thick pile of portraits and records. He tried to refuse: “We have never done this before and have no experience. I’m afraid one person can’t handle it.”
Li Mao raised an eyebrow and said sharply, "How could that be? Eunuch Gao is a great talent by Father Emperor's side. How can he be so self-deprecating! Just do your job. If anyone criticizes or questions your abilities, I will not let them off the hook."
After saying this, he gave Guo Ziyi a wink, and the two of them turned and left.
Even if Gao Chen were arrogant, he wouldn't dare to boss Li Mao around like this.
He could only follow Li Mao's instructions and work through the night to organize the investigation results.
"That Prince Shou is truly vengeful, still trying to make things difficult for me even now. Since that's the case, I'm no pushover either. I'll present my findings directly to His Majesty. Who do you think you are, Prince Shou, daring to boss me around? Bah!"