Plotting with You: The Forensic Scientist in Ancient Times!-Chapter 214 - 213: Hidden Beauty

Zhu Cheng’s reaction, all in all, was within Zhu Yu’s expectations.

Over the years, the entanglements of interests between the Zhu Family and the Pang Family have become intricate, with the Pang Family like a parasitic fish louse residing in the mouth of the big fish, Zhu Cheng. Over time, it gradually digests the fish’s tongue, taking its place and absorbing nutrients, growing increasingly larger.

Now, trying to pull it out of the fish’s mouth all of a sudden is absolutely impossible and may end up in a lose-lose situation.

By then, the side that stirs up the Pang Family will enjoy the benefits without getting involved.

Therefore, even though Zhu Cheng firmly believes Zhu Yu’s words and intends to immediately take action to prevent future troubles, he cannot act rashly and hastily.

He said they should take a long-term view, and Zhu Yu did not express any opposition.

It was unclear whether he was touched by seeing elderly people working together with children to dig canals or was influenced by what he heard from Ding Qian about Vice Minister Bai of the court’s Ministry of Industry rolling up his trousers and working alongside the people to hasten the canal construction. Zhu Cheng stood by watching for a while, seemingly letting his thoughts settle, and then rolled up his sleeves, walked straight to the ditch, took a basket of soil from a child’s hands, and began to help with the work.

Zhu Yu followed along, Lu Qing nodded at the runes and talisman, and the three of them also stepped forward to assist.

Only Yan Daoxin refused to join.

He was a person who loved cleanliness dearly. When he was in Huazhou, enduring continuous rain while wrapped in a raincoat was something he tolerated, but now that he was in Huazhou, he certainly didn’t want to get covered in dirt and mud.

However, seeing everyone busy, Yan Daoxin felt embarrassed to stay idle, so he called over a nearby woman, pulled out a string of copper coins, and instructed her to visit a pharmacy to purchase some medicinal herbs as per his instructions, boil them at home, and distribute the resulting brew among those working here, as it could replenish and invigorate the body.

The woman, seeing his ethereal and handsome demeanor resembling a capable Taoist, gratefully accepted the copper coins and, pulling along her companion, hurried off to buy the herbs.

Thus, Zhu Cheng and the others stayed busy there for half a day. The craftsmen and local people working did not recognize him as the master of this Shuo Land, assuming he was one of the many who came from nearby to help. With no sense of unfamiliarity, some elderly individuals even praised Zhu Cheng for being sturdy and a skillful worker despite his age!

During this time, Ding Qian patrolled nearby, and when he glimpsed a familiar figure, he turned to look again. Initially thinking he might have been mistaken, he scrutinized, only to find his legs nearly giving out as he rushed over. Before he could say anything, Zhu Cheng shot him a glare. Helplessly, he pretended not to recognize him, then quickly lent a hand to help the local folks, working hard for half a day.

The people there didn’t recognize Zhu Cheng but were familiar with Ding Qian who had supervised before. Seeing this Lord Ding working alongside them inspired them greatly.

Understanding the mood, Ding Qian explained he was following Prince Shuo’s orders to work with the people and subsequently asked his constables to bring several large pots of sweet tea for everyone to drink.

Additionally, the women who had gone home to brew medicinal tea at Yan Daoxin’s instruction returned, and with something to eat and drink, everyone worked with even greater enthusiasm. People praised Prince Shuo for doing a great service for the people, grateful to have such a Vassal King for the Shuo People.

Although Zhu Cheng kept himself mixed within the crowd without speaking, judging by the expression in his eyes and the subtle changes on his mud-streaked face, he seemed to be quite appreciative of the situation.

Thus, they remained busy until afternoon when Zhu Cheng and Zhu Yu, along with others, rode hurriedly back to the capital, managing to return to the mansion before nightfall.

Upon returning, Zhu Cheng immediately instructed the servants to take hot water to each room for the esteemed guests at Li Garden to wash up.

Zhu Yu, having worn a disguise all day, felt uncomfortable, and upon returning, with Lu Qing’s help, she took it off, carefully washed her face with warm water, and finally felt she could breathe freely again.

After washing up, it wasn’t long before the Prince Mansion Steward and several old family servants brought meals.

Zhu Cheng almost followed behind the procession bringing the food.

Perhaps because today’s travels back and forth were exhausting, coupled with helping the townspeople, his appetite was especially good, so he called for a particularly sumptuous meal, with portions much larger than usual.

"You all must be hungry today, right? You’ve worked hard, so I asked the cook to prepare a few extra dishes for a hearty meal!" After returning to the mansion, Zhu Cheng didn’t mention the Pang Family matters at all, as if their previous conversation had never happened.

Zhu Yu sensibly refrained from opposing her father and called over the runes and talisman to join them for a meal, given how hard they had worked during the day.

However, the two brothers, adhering strictly to protocol, refused to agree, until Lu Qing interceded, serving each a large bowl of food and allowing them to sit aside and eat instead of standing guard.

The tranquil dining atmosphere did not last long, as they were only halfway through dinner—Zhu Yu had barely eaten her fill—when a commotion erupted in the courtyard outside. The runes and talisman hurriedly set their bowls aside, preparing to go out and investigate.

Having barely reached the door, they saw a group of people flooding in from outside.

These people were all young, dressed in attire typical of the Prince Mansion’s guards, centered around a young woman about Zhu Yu’s age. She was clothed in complex, luxurious garments, adorned with a head of jingling hairpins and pendants. Even though her appearance should exude calm elegance from head to toe, her rapid pace alongside the guards caused her hairpins to jingle noisily.

"Ning’er?!" Zhu Cheng, upon seeing this woman, sprang to his feet, startled, and instinctively stood protectively in front of Zhu Yu, blocking her from view. "What are you doing suddenly coming to Li Garden with so many people?

I’m dining with honored guests. Don’t make trouble; hurry back!"

"Father, I’m not making trouble! You’ve been secretive these past few days, leaving early and returning late. When you’re not away, you simply head to Li Garden without visiting Mother. I think you’re the one causing trouble!" Zhu Ning, having brought people over, wouldn’t leave just because of a few words from her father. "I’m curious about what’s so captivating here that draws you daily.

Are you hiding someone in Li Garden behind Mother’s back? I have come today to see for Mother!"