Plotting with You: The Forensic Scientist in Ancient Times!-Chapter 218 - 217: The Two Legitimate Brothers

Everyone present, including the Miao Family, was bewildered by Lu Qing’s actions, standing there dazed, with their eyes instinctively turning to Pang Yuzhen.

Although it was true that Zhu Yu, as a concubine’s daughter of the Miao Family, had no inappropriateness with Lu Qing respectfully calling her "Honorable Mother-in-law."

It was just that on usual days in the Prince Mansion, everyone seemed accustomed to believing that besides Zhu Cheng, the most esteemed person in this household was Pang Yuzhen. No matter what good things there were, they had to be presented to her first; nothing could bypass her and fall into others’ hands directly.

The Miao Family’s eyes showed a bit of tension, but seeing Lu Qing present her with the gifts so respectfully, she instinctively reached out to take them, not daring to flaunt them too much in front of Pang Yuzhen, only managing a kindly smile at Lu Qing and nodded.

"These clothes were all specially tailored by the best seamstresses in the Capital according to Honorable Mother-in-law’s figure. If you don’t mind, please feel free to wear them." Lu Qing told the Miao Family while glancing, perhaps intentionally or unintentionally, at the somewhat worn clothes they were wearing.

Zhu Cheng turned his head following his gaze; he had almost been overlooking the Miao Family for so long and had never felt there was anything wrong. It was only today, with everyone gathered in the Li Garden classroom, that he noticed the Miao Family’s clothes did indeed appear a bit worn.

Seeing her expression of both surprise and fear, Zhu Cheng sighed and said to the Miao Family, "Since it’s a gift from your daughter, you should keep it and wear it."

Zhu Yu stood there impassively, inwardly marveling at how considerate Lu Qing indeed was.

Previously, he had casually asked her once about the Miao Family without elaborating, merely inquiring whom Zhu Yu resembled more.

At the time, she had said she resembled the Miao Family greatly, not just in look but even in stature. After that, Lu Qing never brought it up again, yet he had secretly prepared gifts for the Miao Family and sent them in her name.

One must admit, this was indeed well thought out, not only subtly undermining Pang Yuzhen’s power, bringing her a quiet sense of satisfaction, but also giving Pang Yuzhen little room to dispute it.

After all, a daughter arranging clothes for her mother, no matter what, couldn’t be faulted. Previously, as the legitimate mother, how Pang Yuzhen treated the concubine’s daughters in the family was something Zhu Cheng and the servants were well aware of.

Besides, now Zhu Yu was a Secondary First Rank Princess. From whichever perspective, Pang Yuzhen couldn’t argue with her. 𝚏𝕣𝕖𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚋𝚗𝐨𝐯𝕖𝕝.𝕔𝐨𝕞

"My virtuous son-in-law and Zhu Yu will remain for a few days. If you have matters to discuss, there’s no need to rush. It’s getting late today, and the reason I summoned you all here today is to inform you about something." Zhu Cheng cleared his throat, surveying everyone, and said to all present, "This time, their secret return is mainly to help us in Shuo Country with the construction of the water channel, a major endeavor.

The construction of the channel is closely related to the people of Shuo Land and can bring blessings to them. There must be no mistakes.

Therefore, starting today, no female family members or children are allowed to go out, whether for appointments or anything else, nor can there be correspondence with outsiders. Do not let anyone know about their return.

If Zhu Jie or Zhu Feng needs to, they can go out, but under no circumstances should they reveal that your younger sister and brother-in-law have returned.

This is a serious matter. Anyone who disobeys and causes trouble, I will use your blood to feed my treasured swords!"

In normal times, Zhu Cheng was carefree, even though he was somewhat rough-spoken, he seldom spoke harshly to the household’s women and children. Such a solemn warning, even with a hint of threat in his words, was a first in many years.

Everyone looked at each other, a few concubines nervously glancing at Pang Yuzhen.

Pang Yuzhen, whose face had been rather unpleasant earlier, was stunned upon hearing that Zhu Yu and Lu Qing had returned to help resolve the long-standing water shortage issue for Shuo Country. Listening to Zhu Cheng’s stern words, her expression calmed down.

After Zhu Cheng finished speaking, she leisurely changed her posture, glanced around at the others with an authoritative demeanor of the family head’s wife, and then spoke, "Did you all hear what the Prince said clearly?

For such a major matter, if anyone causes trouble at this critical juncture, not only will the Prince punish them, but even if I find out, I shall also punish severely."

On the side, Zhu Ning knelt, realizing she was to be confined in the mansion and couldn’t go anywhere, despite having previously promised to attend a poetry gathering with her girlfriends. Anxious, she kept signaling to Pang Yuzhen with her eyes.

On ordinary days, Pang Yuzhen might have tried to plead for her and see if she could make an exception, but this time, she was well aware of how important the matter of building the water channel was for Shuo Country. Although she too was surprised at how the infamous and powerless Prince Xiaoyao managed to accomplish such a major task, at this critical point, she dared not add to Zhu Cheng’s aggravation by creating problems.

Having pampered Zhu Ning since she was a child, as a mother, she knew how loose her daughter’s tongue was.

So, Pang Yuzhen glowered sternly at Zhu Ning, indicating for her not to create trouble.

Zhu Ning could only lower her head reluctantly, displeased but unable to do anything.

"Father, the construction of the water channel is a matter of great importance, involving many aspects. Leaving it all to outsiders for arrangement is not very reliable. I am willing to help you shoulder the burden and supervise the channel construction!" Zhu Jie stood up, casting a glance at Lu Qing and raising his chin slightly, he said loudly to Zhu Cheng with a fist-palm salute.

Zhu Feng also stood up: "Father, constructing the water channel is a great boon to the people of Shuo; I too am willing to devote my efforts to hastening the realization of this lasting benefit."

The responses of both sons pleased Zhu Cheng greatly. Though Zhu Jie’s initial mention of "outsiders" made Zhu Cheng unconsciously glance at Lu Qing’s reaction, he still felt comforted by their proactive attitudes: "Good, good, my sons are willing to work for the people, this is a good thing, so go and help.

But remember what I reminded you of tonight." Zhu Jie and Zhu Cheng quickly responded affirmatively.

Lu Qing stood there, his expression appearing indifferent. Still, while Zhu Cheng was focused on advising his two sons, he discreetly scrutinized Zhu Jie from head to toe. Then, after Zhu Jie finished speaking with Zhu Cheng and sat back down, he nonchalantly looked away without revealing any hint of his thoughts to anyone.