Plotting with You: The Forensic Scientist in Ancient Times!-Chapter 101 - 100: Observing the Night Sky

The young eunuch was still quite young and hadn’t gained much power in the palace, nor did he possess the ability to flaunt importance. Seeing Zhu Yu in the company of Prince Xiaoyao earlier, he was naturally even more courteous.

"My lord, you speak too distantly. Feel free to ask, and I’ll tell you everything I can." He promptly smiled and responded to Zhu Yu.

"May I ask, Mr. Eunuch, what incense do you use? It smells so elegant and truly delightful. Could you tell me so I can get the same spices?" Zhu Yu inquired.

The little eunuch probably didn’t expect Zhu Yu to ask about this, but being praised was pleasing. He quickly covered his mouth with his sleeve, chuckled, and shook his head: "My lord, you’re joking with me. I serve the nobles, and naturally, shouldn’t have perfumes of my own.

If I were to use any incense indiscriminately and the nobles disliked it, it would be a grave offense.

The scent I carry depends on the incense the nobles use.

This incense, you likely won’t be able to acquire.

Last night I was on duty, attending to Your Majesty at Princess Consort Duan’s place. The items used by those nobles were all gifts from Your Majesty, and you wouldn’t find them elsewhere."

"Ah, no wonder, since it’s used by the nobles, it must be extraordinary!" Zhu Yu quickly agreed, but was doubting in her heart.

She was quite certain that this fragrance bore a thirty to forty percent similarity to what she had smelled in Qingshui County. Whether this similarity arose from coincidental ingredients or from Dou Dajiang adding Blazing Jade powder, she wasn’t sure.

Outside, they waited for a good while longer, until Zhu Yu’s feet began to ache. Finally, they waited until the end of the court session, and the civil and military officials emerged in twos and threes. Some appeared confident and satisfied, some with knitted brows, some conversed in low voices while walking, and others hurriedly left with heads held high.

Zhu Yu saw Lu Chao from a distance. His court attire was also a pale moon-white, embroidered with golden patterns.

Outside, he reverted to that distant coolness that kept people at arm’s length, with cold eyes, walking alone from the main hall. Ministers passing by him all greeted him, seemingly somewhat flattering, but he responded indifferently, with an aloof demeanor.

Others seemed accustomed to this attitude and did not find it inappropriate, nodding in courtesy before leaving.

As Lu Chao passed by Zhu Yu, he seemed to catch sight of her from the corner of his eye, but his steps did not slow down one bit, and he strode away without a reaction.

After a while, Lu Qing emerged alone, striding forward to stand before Zhu Yu, beckoning with his hand: "Come, follow me to see His Majesty."

After the court session, Emperor Jin remained in the South Study Room to review memorials, so the eunuch led them over.

The person leading their way was the same older eunuch from that night, whose face bore an ingratiating smile as he accompanied Lu Qing.

"Your Highness, you truly are our Emperor’s lucky star!" he said to Lu Qing in a sharp voice, "Yesterday, those officials wouldn’t even wait a night, and all submitted memorials to His Majesty, criticizing General Cao for not managing his family strictly, and the disgraceful conduct of the Cao family’s younger generation.

After reading those memorials, His Majesty was so upset that he couldn’t enjoy his dinner.

You know, General Cao had achieved many great accomplishments for His Majesty, and His Majesty has deep feelings of gratitude, so this truly made His Majesty quite troubled.

Later, His Majesty inquired and found out, initially, that General Cao’s nephew was not merely tarnishing the family’s reputation, but almost falsely accused of murder. If not for Your Highness’s assistance, the Great General might have faced a great disaster."

He spoke while glancing at Zhu Yu with an overly ingratiating smile: "So today His Majesty specifically asked you to bring along the meritorious Lord Chief Historian into the palace, presumably to bestow a reward!"

Lu Qing smiled slightly, reached into his court robe’s sleeve, and pulled out a small brocade pouch full of golden melon seeds, skillfully placing it into the eunuch’s hand: "For the next few days, Mr. Gao, you’ll have to work hard to help ease His Majesty’s mind. Do not let His Majesty worry excessively."

Mr. Gao seemed accustomed to Lu Qing’s generosity, his eyes nearly vanishing in a grin, pursing his lips hard enough to keep his teeth from showing as he laughed: "Oh, Your Highness, your words are too kind!

Being able to relieve stress for the Emperor is a blessing from a past life for this old servant!"

Zhu Yu walked behind, quietly taking note of everything, finally understanding why Lu Qing appeared as the Golden-faced Imperial Censor when meeting Emperor Jin last night, seemingly unaware of the situation."

Despite being someone close to Emperor Jin, this eunuch Mr. Gao clearly did not know the true identity of the Golden-faced Imperial Censor.

Thus, Prince Xiaoyao and the Golden-faced Imperial Censor must be two distinctly different people.

The two were quickly led to the door of the South Study Room. Mr. Gao gave Lu Qing a smile, walking backward in small steps to report, while Zhu Yu, feeling somewhat nervous, took a deep breath. But the tightness around her chest made it feel like she couldn’t fully breathe in, leaving her feeling suffocated.

"No need to panic, answer truthfully whatever His Majesty asks." Lu Qing, who saw her nervousness, hinted to her.

Zhu Yu nodded.

Mr. Gao quickly returned to indicate for the two to enter.

In the daylight, the South Study Room was well-lit. Emperor Jin, clad in a red-yellow round-neck dragon robe, sat behind the desk, with the usual towering piles of memorials in front of him. This time he seemed to be specifically waiting for their arrival, as upon seeing Lu Qing, he warmly gestured for him to come forward.

"Come here, my child," he said to Lu Qing, his tone carrying the closeness of a father to his son, "Last night, I tossed and turned all night, perhaps thinking too much. When I finally fell asleep, I dreamt of past acquaintances.

In the dream, I also saw your grandfather and your father, but no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t see them clearly.

This morning, during the court session, seeing you below, your look so increasingly resembles your grandfather, it suddenly reminded me of the dream from last night and made me somewhat saddened."

Lu Qing maintained a calm expression, consistently showing a slight smile, and he spoke with an extremely respectful attitude: "The deceased have already passed, Your Majesty need not dwell too much, preserving your health is of utmost importance.

I have no impression of my grandfather’s appearance, but if by seeing me, Your Majesty feels comforted, then I shall let Your Majesty observe more of me here.

If upon seeing my face Your Majesty feels thoughts of sorrow, I should rather don a veil hat to cover myself."

"That won’t be necessary. I am much comforted by your thoughtful intentions!" Emperor Jin slowly sighed, "Today Lu Chao said that he has been observing the stars lately, and found Jupiter to be converging with the moon, which is a great omen. He requested to leave the capital to pray for blessings on my behalf, and I have approved.

You are all my good children. With you all by my side, how can I not be at ease!"