Plotting with You: The Forensic Scientist in Ancient Times!-Chapter 239 - 238: Adding Fuel to the Fire

Zhu Yu felt that Lu Qing’s consideration was not without reason. If the talks went smoothly with her present, it would be a win-win situation. However, if Zhu Feng was uncooperative, her presence might indeed hinder Lu Qing from exerting himself fully.

"What’s the second reason?" she asked, somewhat puzzled.

To her, the reason Lu Qing had mentioned earlier was already sufficient, and she couldn’t think of any other possible reasons.

"In the past, the Chifu Guard were someone else’s ’shadow.’ I can’t let you be exposed to them." Lu Qing’s tone was plain, but his expression seemed quite solemn. "But if they’re on our side, then we are essentially one. They need to recognize the person qualified to command them."

Zhu Yu looked up at Lu Qing, finding him particularly handsome today.

It’s often said that sincerity is always a killer weapon. Now it seems it’s indeed true.

His candid expression and earnest eyes were exceptionally moving at this moment.

Suddenly, there was nothing more for the two to say, and they just looked at each other, as the air around the table seemed to thin somewhat.

However, in this current situation, it was not suitable for such sentimental thoughts.

Zhu Yu felt she should find a topic to break the atmosphere that disturbed her ’professionalism.’

"How about you teach me martial arts?" she blurted out, voicing the thought that had popped into her mind while outside earlier.

Lu Qing was momentarily stunned, then got up and pulled Zhu Yu to her feet, giving her a once-over to ensure she was unscathed, only then slightly relaxing: "Why did you suddenly have such a thought? Did you encounter any trouble when you went out?"

"No, it went quite smoothly. It’s just that every time there’s a potential risk, I become the weakest link. That feeling isn’t pleasant." Zhu Yu didn’t expect his reaction to be so strong, and hurriedly waved her hand, "Earlier, when going out with the rune to deliver a message, as we approached the woods, I was thinking about how to leave an escape route should any unforeseen problems arise, to ensure I wouldn’t drag down the rune.

I know my mind works well, but not every danger can be overcome with just a clever head.

So I thought, I don’t want to become some martial arts master, just learn a few moves to help me escape in critical moments."

Lu Qing listened to her and nodded with a smile: "Alright, madam’s consideration is not without reason.

Though from your previous understanding of acupoints, it seems you’re not exactly a martial arts prodigy, yet your hands do have some strength. I will personally teach you, and mastering the basics of self-defense should not be a problem.

However, before that, you need to carefully complete one task, or else learning martial arts will be hopeless."

"What is it?" Zhu Yu asked curiously.

Lu Qing suppressed a laugh and pointed to the untouched food on the table: "Eat well.

If you don’t eat properly, you won’t even have the strength to walk, let alone protect yourself in critical moments."

In fact, after a whole day, Zhu Yu was indeed so tired that she had little appetite, but not having an appetite didn’t stop her from eating. Now, she’s very concerned about her life, and steadfastly avoids anything detrimental to her health.

So, they temporarily set aside their unfinished conversation and took the opportunity to fill their stomachs while the food was still warm.

"Rest early tonight, we’ll set off at dawn tomorrow, heading back to the capital." Lu Qing said to Zhu Yu, "After Zhu Jie receives the news, he will surely check the situation in the Risun Ridge area. If we remain here, it will likely arouse his suspicion. It’s easier for him to let his guard down if only Zhu Feng is left here.

Moreover, considering the Pang Family’s influence is so substantial, relying solely on someone as impulsive as Zhu Jie isn’t enough. We also need to return to the capital and stoke the fire under your father’s watchful eyes.

Your second brother mentioned earlier that if I want to inspect the batch of weapons the Pang Family delivered for the court’s needs, it requires your father’s approval. Just perfect, let’s return and see what kind of quality the Pang Family has delivered.

If the batch of weapons indeed has issues, once they reach the Capital and are in the hands of the Ministry of War, it might be too late to do anything."

Zhu Yu had no objections to Lu Qing’s arrangements. Although many skeletons had been found today in this area, there wasn’t much more investigative value to gain, and staying here would not yield further results. Better to return to the capital.

One aspect is that batch of weapons fabricated by the Pang Family; another is she wanted to hear Yan Daoxin’s response, to see if her father was also being schemed against secretly, and whether there was foul play in his daily life.

They thought after a busy day, she would be exhausted and fall asleep immediately, but instead, upon lying down she tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep. A strange mix of anxiety and exhilaration lingered deep inside her.

In her past life, although it was busy and faces varied in the many situations she encountered, what she needed to do was within her capability, revealing the truth through the dead bodies.

The deceased never lied through their remains.

This was the first time she was involved in such a complex open and hidden struggle.

In the past, "succeed or die trying" was more about expressing determination or cheering oneself up.

This time, with all she had experienced previously, truly brought a new understanding to the phrase.

Behind her, Lu Qing lay quietly, without a single movement.

Zhu Yu fidgeted for a while, eventually unable to resist asking softly in the dark: "Do you think the Pang Family is truly the mastermind behind these bizarre events in Shuo Country?"

Originally silent, Lu Qing lightly chuckled, not answering her question, but instead asked: "Aren’t you afraid I might be asleep and won’t hear what you said?"

"I’m not afraid; your breathing rhythm clearly indicates you haven’t fallen asleep, very much awake." Zhu Yu confidently replied. Whether a person was awake or asleep, the motion and rhythm of breathing couldn’t fool her ears.

"The Pang Family is likely just an unwitting puppet, thinking they’re clever and thoroughly scheming, unaware that strings have long been attached to them." Lu Qing this time answered her previous question, his tone also filled with certainty, "The Pang Family’s intentions are not hard to guess, believing they found a helper to leverage, plotting merely for your father’s throne.

And the true mastermind behind the scenes who is fanning the flames and facilitating all this desires much more than the Pang Family.

They hope Shuo Country will bear the charge of rebellion intentions, and thereby implicate it onto me.

The strange incidents in Shuo Country are merely one ’blossom’ in their widespread scheme."