Plotting with You: The Forensic Scientist in Ancient Times!-Chapter 236 - 235: Worlds Apart

Zhu Feng didn’t continue his sentence, showing some restraint in Lu Qing’s presence.

All those talks about being torn and constrained were just formalities. If this matter is indeed deeply entangled with the Pang Family, once it falls into Zhu Jie’s hands, there will likely be no further discussion.

The missing strong men and the piles of stark bones may never see a clear conclusion.

Lu Qing naturally noticed the implication in his words, and raised his eyebrows, smiling as he asked, "Who said this matter has anything to do with the Pang Family?"

Zhu Feng froze for a moment, while Zhu Yu, who was familiar with Lu Qing’s tactics, pursed her lips with a smile.

Her smile seemed to make Zhu Feng realize something, and his frown relaxed as he nodded.

"In this way, my elder brother will indeed spare no effort. Even if it requires digging three feet deep, he will ensure this matter is thoroughly investigated, wishing to prove himself before our father.

However..." He showed worry, "The Prince may not understand the Pang Family’s way of handling things.

My elder brother behaves decisively precisely because he tries his best to cater to and imitate the Pang Family.

If my elder brother fully investigates this and the Pang Family feels threatened...I can’t guarantee what the Pang Family would do."

He sighed, "Even though my elder brother is close with our maternal family and is very cordial with our uncle, the Pang Family...is not one to prioritize family bonds first.

Urgent as I am to uncover the truth and capture the villain who committed such cruel acts, I do not wish to use my own brother’s life as bait—that’s far too risky!

Is there a more secure method?"

Finishing his speech, he looked at Lu Qing, waiting for his reply.

Lu Qing just smiled, shook his head, and sighed, "Second young master, you should draw back a bit from worrying about your elder brother, and first take care of yourself."

"Me?" Zhu Feng was taken aback, not understanding what Lu Qing meant.

"Do you think if the Pang Family felt threatened by having their unsavory deeds exposed, they would only harm Zhu Jie?"

Lu Qing gave Zhu Feng a somewhat helpless look, thinking that Zhu Cheng’s second young master was less astute and smart than his own wife. If this matter were to be discussed with Zhu Yu, there would be no need for so many words, just a slight hint, and she would understand.

"Let me ask, has your maternal family’s attitude toward Prince Shuo changed in recent years compared to the past?" He suppressed the urge to sigh and asked patiently.

Zhu Feng answered straightforwardly, "It’s a world of difference. Initially, my uncle was respectful and courteous to my father.

Now... let’s just say that only the surface courtesies are somewhat maintained..."

"Does your maternal family have cousins of similar age to yours?" Lu Qing asked, "Are they meticulously nurtured with strict demands?"

"There is a cousin, slightly younger than me by half a year, indeed under strict discipline, without any leniency," Zhu Feng nodded, his eyes faltering for a moment before quickly revealing a look of realization mixed with astonishment.

Seeing his expression, Lu Qing knew he’d figured things out. So he continued, "Therefore, if Zhu Jie, to increase his chances of becoming the Princely Heir, does something that threatens the Pang Family’s interests, they might take action against him.

But if, for self-preservation, the Pang Family is forced to eliminate the promising nephew they raised, on Prince Shuo’s side, between the remaining two legitimate sons, your chances of becoming the Princely Heir are obviously much greater than a child under ten.

However, from the Pang Family’s perspective, the question of who – you, who doesn’t align with their views and is hard to manipulate, or a young child novice to worldly affairs – is more in line with their interests and ambitions, seems not too difficult to answer."

Zhu Feng’s expression turned grave, lips tightly pressed, eyes slightly lowered, lost in deep thought.

Lu Qing silently observed his reaction, waited a while, and then unhurriedly spoke again, "But you can rest assured, I will have a constable secretly keep an eye on the situation, ensuring Zhu Jie is not in life-threatening danger."

Hearing this, Zhu Feng’s furrowed brows slightly relaxed, and he nodded slowly, "If that’s the case, there’s no time to lose. I’ll immediately have a trusted person leave at night to send a message to Black Stone Mountain.

Since many strong men are missing around Black Stone Mountain, and father is somewhat aware, my elder brother would surely want to investigate as well. Knowing about the bones found at Risun Ridge now, he would certainly be eager to request permission to investigate." 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝘦𝓌𝑒𝑏𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝒸𝘰𝑚

Lu Qing nodded.

Zhu Feng initially intended to go outside but changed his mind at the moment of getting up.

He called a confidant into the tent and instructed him, "You set out tonight, travel swiftly to Black Stone Mountain, find my elder brother, and tell him that the land around Risun Ridge is barren, and we can’t muster enough grain locally. Ask him if he can transport some surplus grains from Black Stone Mountain for our supply.

If he inquires about the situation here, discreetly inform him about today’s discovery of many bones, making sure to be as secretive as possible."

The trustworthy guard was a steady person too. Taking Zhu Feng’s orders, he solemnly saluted, "Yes, don’t worry, second young master. I know how to handle this."

With that, he quickly strode out to prepare the horse, wasting no time.

Watching as Zhu Feng arranged for a confidant to deliver the message in front of them, Lu Qing realized this was also a demonstration of his intent, showing Lu Qing and the others that he had fully embraced their strategy and arrangements.

Therefore, Lu Qing also reacted with equal openness. In front of Zhu Feng, he took a piece of paper, with Zhu Yu helping to grind the ink beside him, and wrote a brief note, instructing about closely monitoring Zhu Jie’s every move to ensure his safety. Once the ink dried, he folded the note and handed it to Zhu Yu.

"Rune," he called out loudly for Rune.

Rune was already waiting at the tent entrance, ready to bring in food once their official business was done. Hearing Lu Qing summon him, he hastily brought in the food box, "Master, what are your instructions?"

"Go out with the second master, find a quiet place with few people, and send a message," Lu Qing directed Rune, then turned to Zhu Yu, "You know how to summon someone."

Zhu Yu was slightly stunned, then quickly recalled the silver whistle Lu Qing had given her to keep, nodding in comprehension. She got up and walked out with Rune.

Lu Qing watched Zhu Yu leave, glanced at the food box Rune had left, then looked up at Zhu Feng, who was also watching Zhu Yu exit the tent. "Zhu Yu will be back in about the time it takes a stick of incense to burn.

Why don’t you and I have a chat while we have the time, second young master?"