Plotting with You: The Forensic Scientist in Ancient Times!-Chapter 100 - 99: Fragrance

Regarding Zhao Xin, Lu Qing and Lu Chao did not say much. They both tacitly agreed to handle it gradually.

After finishing the meal, Liu Yueyao came in with her people to clear the table and brought in a pot of hot tea, along with some news: "Someone just came back and said that General Cao’s nephew was tied to a stone pillar at the street corner, brutally whipped, and then they said they would no longer care about his life or death.

Following that, the owner of Qiong Niu Manor truly brought a group of family members, young and old, to kneel and ask for forgiveness in front of General Cao’s house. General Cao couldn’t stop them, and finally, the officials from Jingzhao Mansion sent governmental officials over to drive them away."

Lu Qing laughed after hearing this, looked at Zhu Yu, then looked at Lu Chao: "This matter was handled both cleverly and foolishly.

On one hand, Cao Tianbao had publicly severed ties with his nephew, and on the other, Zhuang Zhi led people to kowtow outside his mansion, essentially nullifying the previous efforts. 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

The common people in the capital are unaware of the details and only see Zhuang Zhi’s daughter being violated and killed by Cao Tianbao’s nephew, yet the Zhuang Family still kneels to Cao Tianbao.

The reputation of General Cao will likely be hard to restore from now on.

"Where is the foolishness in this?" Zhu Yu asked, somewhat puzzled.

"The foolishness lies in being too eager for quick benefits," Lu Qing countered Zhu Yu, "If you were Zhuang Zhi today, would you really run to kowtow at Cao Tianbao’s door at this critical time?"

Zhu Yu suddenly understood.

Switching her context with Zhuang Zhi’s, many things became clear.

Regardless of Da Jin or the other vassal states, merchants are always a "rich but not noble" group. Even if they possess enormous wealth, they still do not belong to high society. To earn respect, they must ensure their descendants achieve fame, and it’s even better if they can enter officialdom.

In other words, even a seventh-rank official could turn a wealthy merchant’s life upside down, let alone a powerful Great General like Cao Tianbao.

If it were me, having falsely accused Cao Tianbao’s nephew of murder, now that the truth has come out, whether Cao Tianbao cares or not, I would certainly not dare continue provoking him at this critical juncture.

The Assistant General wanted to trouble a mere winery owner, which would be easier than crushing an ant.

Yet, Zhuang Zhi chose this particular time to make Cao Tianbao’s situation more awkward under a guise of apology. He is either completely brainless or someone is instructing him from behind, disregarding all consequences.

Considering everything so far, the former is impossible.

So, Zhuang Zhi being manipulated to keep causing troubles for Cao Tianbao turns out to be the biggest possibility.

Lu Qing could see these signs, it occurred to him easily, but could it be that nobody sensible around Cao Tianbao and Duke Yan would link these things?

If someone could calmly ponder the oddities here, it would make the opponent more vigilant. Once this plan succeeds, it will be difficult for it to succeed again.

Thinking this way, Zhu Yu felt that the person behind this, as Lu Qing said, was too eager and impatient, making the actions appear crude.

"Have people keep an eye on Qiong Niu Mountain Villa and Zhuang Zhi, and find out more details," Lu Qing instructed Liu Yueyao.

"Yes," Liu Yueyao gently bowed and silently retreated.

"I remember you’re quite skilled in stargazing." Lu Qing poured three cups of tea, handed one to Zhu Yu, and took one, saying to Lu Chao, "You are like a caged bird in the capital, blind and deaf. The best strategy now is to leave."

"I already have plans for this," Lu Chao nodded, raised his cup, "You should also be very careful."

That night, returning to the Prince Xiao Yao Mansion from Yunyin Pavilion was already quite late. Although Zhu Yu had many doubts, she was too tired from the day’s events, so after a simple wash, she fell asleep immediately. She awoke groggily after a while, sensing someone shaking her. Forcing herself to open her eyes, she saw Lu Qing sitting beside her bed, as the sky outside was just starting to brighten.

Zhu Yu’s sleepiness dissipated mostly, and she promptly sat up: "Is there something the Prince needs?"

"Get up and get dressed. Just now, a message was sent from the palace saying that His Majesty wants to meet the capable Chief Historian from my mansion after court today." Lu Qing’s tone was as casual as if he had just suggested taking Zhu Yu to the market.

Zhu Yu was startled and became fully awake, looking somewhat bewildered at Lu Qing.

"Why panic?" Lu Qing chuckled at her reaction, "You’ve obviously entered the palace with me to see His Majesty before. Why weren’t you afraid then?"

"I had a mask then, and no one knew my identity." Zhu Yu frowned.

"Don’t worry, no matter how well-informed His Majesty is, it’s unlikely he knows what Zhu Cheng’s concubine’s daughter looks like." Lu Qing laughed, "Didn’t you say before that you accompany me on errands, though under the title of Chief Historian, you don’t have a letter of recommendation? If you’re lucky today, you might receive one."

Zhu Yu quickly waved her hand, instinctively feeling that Emperor Jin is not someone easily deceived. Whether she gets a letter of recommendation or not doesn’t matter; what matters is escaping safely from under his piercing gaze.

If that’s the case, there is no time to waste. Zhu Yu hurriedly got up, went behind the screen, wrapped her upper body tightly with cloth strips until almost breathless, then donned a high-collared inner garment, still covered by a plain narrow-sleeved robe.

After repeatedly checking her appearance in the mirror to ensure everything was fine, she went out, heart heavy, to find Lu Qing, joining him on horseback to the Imperial Palace.

Once in the palace, Lu Qing had to attend court. Naturally, Zhu Yu couldn’t follow him and had to wait outside the hall.

Though said to be outside the hall, the distance was quite far from the main hall, requiring her to wait with several eunuchs there.

Those eunuchs were quite young, the oldest looking no more than seventeen or eighteen, and the youngest appeared around fourteen or fifteen.

Initially anxious and wanting to minimize her presence, Zhu Yu found herself troubled by her overly sensitive nose. Standing there, a breeze came, and she caught a faint scent, which felt unfamiliar at first, yet carried a sense of déjà vu as it lingered in her nose.

Curiously sniffing again, Zhu Yu turned and bowed slightly to a nearby sixteen or seventeen-year-old eunuch: "Sir, I have a somewhat bold question, may I ask it?"