Plotting with You: The Forensic Scientist in Ancient Times!-Chapter 204 - 203: No One Will Be Replaced

It was as if Zhu Yu sensed the anxiety and uneasiness transmitted through Lu Qing’s squeeze, and she finally spoke.

However, Lu Qing didn’t get a direct answer. Instead, he heard another question thrown by Zhu Yu: "Suppose your plan with Lu Chao is exceptionally smooth, and in the end, everything is accomplished, and great deeds are achieved.

At that time, would you feel that I am already useless, just a concubine’s daughter in a vassal prince’s family who is not favored, and do not match well with you as you are, thus kicking me out and seeking another woman whose identity and status are more aligned with yours, someone more suitable to be Princess Xiaoyao?"

"No." Lu Qing answered decisively, without a trace of hesitation, "As long as there is a Prince Xiaoyao in this world, Princess Xiaoyao can only be you, irrespective of the imperial decree."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yu pinched Lu Qing’s hand tightly with two fingers: "If that’s the case, why are you, a noble prince unwilling to abandon his first wife, while in your eyes, I would be someone who deserts allies in times of crisis, a betrayer who jumps ship to escape?"

Lu Qing was startled, feeling her genuine anger, otherwise, she wouldn’t have used formal speech to address him deliberately.

"Regardless of the final outcome, you haven’t found another person to be Princess Xiaoyao, and I have no intention of seeking another husband."

The piece of flesh on the back of his hand being pinched felt sore from Zhu Yu’s twist, yet Lu Qing felt an indescribable steady feeling within, even his mood improved, as if being fed a large spoonful of stone honey, making him feel light and airy, as if a gust of wind could blow him away.

He waited for Zhu Yu to release her hand, then turned his hand and enclosed hers in his palm: "Alright, no changes, none at all."

Zhu Yu tried to pull her hand away several times but couldn’t break free from Lu Qing’s firm grasp, so she gave up.

Neither spoke another word, simply staying quietly in the darkness, yet both had found their answers within.

That night, Zhu Yu slept exceptionally peacefully and comfortably; since leaving Prince Xiaoyao Mansion, it was the first time she rested so well.

Perhaps it was also because she finally understood why Lu Qing hadn’t shared many things with her earlier, not wanting to involve her too much. Now that everything was out in the open and they had a common goal, she was more relaxed, sleeping soundly without dreams, and upon awakening, Lu Qing had already risen earlier, just finished putting on his face disguise, and had prepared hers, waiting for her to get up.

Zhu Yu hurriedly sat up, rubbed her eyes: "Did I wake up late?"

"No worries, Yan Daoxin said it wouldn’t hurt for Pang Yuzhen to wait a bit longer, to ensure he carries the proper weight as a divine doctor." Lu Qing signaled Zhu Yu not to rush, "Did you sleep well last night?"

Zhu Yu nodded, unable to resist yawning again.

Lu Qing gazed at her, his pupils radiating a ripple-like soft light. He gestured Zhu Yu to sit by the table and helped her put a clean Taoist robe on over her inner garments: "The mornings and evenings in Shuo Land can still be chilly, don’t catch a cold."

After saying that, he began adhering the disguise onto Zhu Yu’s face.

Zhu Yu closed her eyes, feeling the gentle movements of Lu Qing’s fingers; the disguise felt cool against her face, causing goosebumps to rise involuntarily.

Yet, even with her eyes closed, she could distinctly feel Lu Qing’s gaze, like a brush meticulously painting upon her face.

Once Lu Qing’s hands ceased movement, Zhu Yu opened her eyes, meeting his deep, dark eyes, causing her heart to tremble fiercely in surprise.

"Hey, I say, are you two done yet?" Yan Daoxin’s voice came from outside, "I just sent Fu Lu to ask the servant waiting outside, and he said Zhu Yu’s mother is still in the main house helping Princess Shuo with her morning grooming, hasn’t left yet.

It seems Prince Shuo didn’t mention the matter of inviting Zhu Yu’s mother for a consultation to Princess Shuo.

If we head over now, it’s perfect timing; it lends the air of status without discrediting my master’s and my reputation, yet doesn’t leave enough time for Princess Shuo to find an excuse and send Zhu Yu’s mother away."

"We’re ready." Zhu Yu immediately responded, quickly fixing her hair and donning her Taoist robe as she headed outside.

Lu Qing followed closely behind her.

Thankfully, with the disguise on, Zhu Yu didn’t need to worry about her unnatural demeanor being detected by Yan Daoxin, leading to teasing.

Fortunately, Yan Daoxin didn’t notice anything. He looked over Zhu Yu and Lu Qing’s transformation effect, feeling quite satisfied: "I must say, Lu Qing’s craftsmanship is impressive.

Had I not seen you both like this before, seeing you suddenly emerge from this room might have shocked me!"

The three of them exited Li Garden, escorted by the servants from Prince Shuo Mansion, into Zhu Garden — where Zhu Cheng and Pang Yuzhen resided.

Outside, in the presence of others, Yan Daoxin put away his private chatter, his thin lips slightly pursed, his handsome face cold, immediately exuding an aloof, celestial aura.

The servants were unclear about the identity of these Daoists, only knowing that being accommodated in Li Garden meant they were not ordinary figures. Even the Prince went to chat late into the evening upon returning to the manor; the steward treated them with utmost respect, further solidifying the servants’ speculation.

Thus, the three were led to the entrance of Zhu Garden’s main house, where several elderly women with not particularly pleasant appearances but exceedingly arrogant demeanor stood by the door.

The leading servants, seasoned members of the Prince Mansion, still stood politely before them, saying: "The divine doctor invited by the Prince has arrived, please inform the Princess and see if it’s convenient for the doctor to enter now."

One of the darker and stout women scrutinized Yan Daoxin, looked at the two plain-looking, well-behaved young Daoists behind him. Perhaps Yan Daoxin’s aura and appearance were indeed captivating, she didn’t put on too much pretension, nodded, and turned inside.

Soon she returned, nodded at Yan Daoxin, then led the three inside.

They circumvented a screen, revealing a purple sandalwood carved round table, a sickly looking middle-aged woman in luxurious attire sat there with furrowed brows, eyes closed, supporting her forehead with one hand on the table.

Behind her stood a similarly aged woman, though much more plainly dressed, slender, face slightly sallow, gently massaging the sitting woman’s shoulders.

Zhu Yu quietly observed the two.

Unquestionably, the seated woman was Pang Yuzhen.

Behind her, massaging her shoulders, was Zhu Yu’s mother from the Miao Family.