Plotting with You: The Forensic Scientist in Ancient Times!-Chapter 181 - 180: "The Best Plan

Seeing Lu Zhang speak this way, Lu Qing seemed as if he had finally made up his mind as well, nodding to him: "Enough! I never intended to return to the Capital quickly. So, I might as well take advantage of this opportune time and travel outside for a few more days.

After all, since my master had already divined and believed traveling afar would be beneficial, I have no reason to go against fate."

Upon hearing Lu Qing’s words, Lu Zhang seemed quite satisfied. He was never truly a man of deep thoughts, and at this moment, his emotions were almost visible in his eyes. Despite putting on a profound demeanor, it was futile and impossible to conceal.

Lu Qing ignored the emotions so plainly displayed on his face, and after a few more exchanges, it seemed that upon receiving the surprising news of the Jie Country’s poison in the Li State’s imperial guard camp, Lu Zhang lost interest in continuing the conversation and only wanted to quickly turn his horse around and rush back to the Jie border.

When it was time to part, Lu Zhang turned and called over his accompanying team, telling them that he had changed his mind. The flood in Huazhou ahead made traveling difficult, and he had other matters to attend to, needing to return to the Jin and Jie border.

Though none of his accompanying officials stood to oppose, having received Duke Yan’s instructions prior, and dared not easily defy Prince Yi’s intent, some inevitably questioned or looked doubtful.

Lu Zhang saw all of this, noticing Lu Qing’s companions standing behind him. Although silent, their support and trust were evident in their eyes.

He also recognized the Chief Historian who previously helped Cao Tianbao’s nephew clear his name. This person was still accompanying Lu Qing on this journey, clearly a trusted confidant.

In contrast to himself...

Lu Zhang felt an inexplicable sadness rise from within his heart.

These people were followers and henchmen of his maternal grandfather. Their flattery and support were based on his grandfather’s past merits and current influence.

If his grandfather suddenly decided to support Lu Chao or Lu Ze, or even someone reckless like Lu Yan, these people would probably turn away without hesitation and ignore him ever since?

Thinking of this, a wave of panic surged in Lu Zhang’s heart. He realized that though he seemed surrounded and glorified, it was as if he had no one by his side.

However, he didn’t have the mind to delve into these thoughts further. He mounted his horse and took his leave, clasping his hands to Lu Qing, leading his men and horses away in a hurry, leaving behind only the fading sound of hooves and the dust stirred beneath them.

Yan Daoxin watched those people walk farther and farther away, appearing to be in quite a hurry, and after a while, even the sound of the hooves was barely audible.

"I still don’t understand..." he said, puzzled, glancing at Lu Qing, then directing his gaze to Zhu Yu. He felt Zhu Yu was more patient to explain, "Isn’t Lu Zhang the son-in-law of the Jie King?

Why would he be told about the poison found at the Li State camp? Isn’t there a fear that he’d claim to turn back for an ambush but actually run off to leak the information?"

"The matter of the Li State camp has already been exposed, and several death soldiers have committed suicide. Over these days, Situ Jing likely has it under control.

If the Jie King had indeed instigated this, he would have got wind of it by now.

Moreover, before leaving, Lu Qing had already sent a secret letter back to the Capital to report to the Holy Emperor. The decisions regarding this matter are clear in the Holy Emperor’s mind, beyond Lu Zhang’s leaking of any words."

Zhu Yu shook her head at Yan Daoxin. Just moments ago, she had watched coldly from the side, observing Lu Qing’s intentions and how Lu Zhang was subtly lured by Lu Qing, seeing the whole process: "Over in Huazhou, Bai Qihong is leading craftsmen to cut through the mountains. If Lu Zhang were to stumble upon it, things would be compromised.

Upon hearing that it was hard to travel due to flooding ahead in Huazhou, Lu Zhang already showed signs of backing off. But without a sufficient reason, wouldn’t it seem like the border-patrolling Prince Yi, accustomed to luxury, couldn’t endure hardship, refusing to move forward just by hearing of a flood?"

Yan Daoxin realized: "It truly is as such! I haven’t interacted much with Lu Zhang, but in the few instances I have, I’ve seen that he’s fame-seeking. What he actually does is another matter; he just wants to uphold his reputation first.

If it was merely about the Huazhou flood, for the sake of a good name, he might have grit his teeth and gone."

"Do you think Lu Zhang will report what we told him to the Jie King?" Lu Qing signaled Fu Wen and Fu Lu to bring the horse over while asking Zhu Yu.

"He will not." Zhu Yu confidently shook her head, "Over the years, hasn’t he been Duke Yan’s good grandson?

When facing potential trouble, Duke Yan’s favorite move is to cut ties quickly. Having followed him, Lu Zhang, through influence and teaching, would also subconsciously make a similar choice.

So, regarding the incident of the Jie Country’s poisonous herbs at the Li State camp, he won’t report to or collude with the Jie King to alleviate their plight, but rather strictly guard against them and seek to clear himself.

If necessary, I believe he would even denounce his kin under his grandfather’s guidance to gain the Holy Emperor’s trust."

Saying this, she furrowed her brows, taking her reins from Fu Lu, and mounted her horse while asking: "But there’s one thing I still don’t understand.

You told Lu Zhang about the Jie Country’s poison to give him a reasonable excuse to avoid the path through Huazhou, preventing disruption to Bai Qihong’s canal work.

Yet, Lu Zhang revealed to you the matter of Jie bandits wielding Shuo Country-forged weapons as mountain lords in Lan territory... What’s his reason for doing this? Surely it’s not out of goodwill for his older brother?"

Her question carried evident mockery of Lu Zhang’s motives, causing Fu Wen and Fu Lu to chuckle.

"When have we ever seen a vegetarian wolf?" Lu Qing also smiled, shaking his head, "Lu Zhang’s nature is such—plainly indecisive, without good ideas, but unaware of it.

Usually, he barely has the chance to be out of Duke Yan’s sight. With Duke Yan’s assertive dominance, Lu Zhang has grown accustomed to relying on his arrangements. Now, unexpectedly alone, with uncertain paths and distanced from Duke Yan, he finds it hard to consult his intentions, facing inevitable confusion.

Given his character, the safest course would be to pull in a ’partner’ to ensure everyone acts alike—to bear the same responsibility or blame, never standing out on his own. This is his most secure ’strategy’."