Plotting with You: The Forensic Scientist in Ancient Times!-Chapter 309 - 308: Benevolent Ruler

Zhu Yu sat there with a calm expression, but upon hearing Zhu Cheng’s words, even his heart began to race.

"What rumors is Father-in-law referring to?" Lu Qing asked casually.

Perhaps because he appeared so calm, Zhu Cheng didn’t sense any problem and naturally began to speak: "In the past, I heard two completely different versions.

One says that back then, that branch of the Lu Family was brave and skilled in battle, with distinguished military achievements, and deeply valued by the Holy Emperor. It was precisely because of this trust and esteem that another courtier, who also had considerable accomplishments, became apprehensive, fearing that once the Holy Emperor ascended to the throne, the Lu Family would become immensely powerful. Several father and son members would share all the key positions, and no one could easily shake their status.

Therefore, to prevent them from threatening his position at court in the future, this person took advantage of the chaotic situation just before the grand enterprise was about to succeed, when the Holy Emperor was too occupied to investigate, and secretly had them assassinated. By the time the Holy Emperor got the news, that branch of the family had already been completely wiped out.

However, for some unknown reason, a child survived by sheer luck, and when the Holy Emperor found out, he immediately brought the child into the palace to be raised, protecting him, allowing this sole surviving child to grow up safely."

Zhu Cheng paused for a moment, glanced outside instinctively, and lowered his voice: "The other version is entirely different. It says that although the Holy Emperor was grateful and highly valued the old courtier who supported him and followed him through thick and thin, he was inherently suspicious. The Lu Family had been too kind to him, being part of the same family...

So... fearing that they might one day overshadow the ruler and become uncontrollable, it would be difficult to deal with them. If they were unwilling to remain subordinate, it would be a never-ending threat.

Thus, he secretly ordered those underground to eliminate that branch of the family, accidentally leaving a survivor, which fortunately turned out to be a baby who remembered nothing. He then raised the child by his side, not only preventing him from hearing inappropriate rumors outside but also showcasing his deep remembrance of past kindness, making others believe he was a benevolent ruler."

As Zhu Cheng spoke, he kept an eye on Lu Qing’s expression. Seeing no reaction, he relaxed slightly and added: "Originally, I had doubts about these two rumors from outside.

Now, seeing that the golden silk armor has been returned to you by the Holy Emperor, it seems that the external rumors may be somewhat unfounded. It shows the Holy Emperor still cares for you and remembers the past loyalty of your family."

"Naturally." Lu Qing smiled and nodded, "I didn’t expect that Father-in-law could hear so much even in Shuo Country."

Zhu Cheng laughed awkwardly and sighed: "Thinking about it now, with mountains and rivers so far, the stories reaching us are naturally inaccurate. Had I not listened to bits and pieces, I wouldn’t have misunderstood my virtuous son-in-law back then."

"Then I should thank Father-in-law for the misunderstanding back then." Lu Qing smiled at Zhu Yu, implying something.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Cheng felt even more embarrassed, awkwardly at a loss for words.

Indeed, had he known that Lu Qing was such an outstanding talent, skilled in both literature and martial arts, he would never have married off a concubine’s daughter to him. In that case, the one sent to marry him would naturally have been his only beloved daughter, Zhu Ning.

Thinking about what would have happened if Zhu Ning had actually married him, the state of the Zhu Family now—with the betrayal and schemes of the Pang Family on one side and a son-in-law, Prince Xiaoyao, who wished to keep his distance from the Yue Family—Zhu Cheng couldn’t help but feel a sense of post-crisis relief.

But with Lu Qing’s words, Zhu Cheng’s feelings of guilt surged again. Embarrassed to say anything else, he could only warmly express to Zhu Yu that nothing could make up for past mistakes, but he would be her support in the future.

Zhu Yu, playing along, expressed emotion, and after a while longer, returned to the Li Garden with Lu Qing.

Despite appearing relaxed and natural in front of her father, Zhu Yu felt a heavy heart shrouded in an impenetrable cloud.

Back at the Li Garden, Zhu Yu hastily pulled Lu Qing into their room, shutting the door tightly.

"Madam is so anxious, it’s making me feel a bit shy." Lu Qing tried his usual way of teasing Zhu Yu.

But this time, just as he reached out, before he could even touch Zhu Yu’s cheek, she firmly grabbed his hand and pressed it down.

"If you truly consider me your own, stop deliberately changing the subject." Zhu Yu said gravely, pulling Lu Qing’s hand, making him sit by the table. "The two rumors my father mentioned, if he could hear them in Shuo Land, it’s impossible you haven’t heard a peep all these years, right?"

"Both versions, I indeed heard of before." Lu Qing did not deny it and nodded calmly.

"Which speculation do you think is more credible?" Zhu Yu asked, furrowing her brows.

"What does Madam think?" Lu Qing didn’t answer but asked in return.

"I can’t say." Zhu Yu shook her head. "Originally, I thought the reason you were sent to transcribe scriptures at Shanqing Temple was to waste away your time. Later, even assigning you a position with an impressive title but no real power as the ’Golden-faced Imperial Censor’ seemed to be merely exploiting you. 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

If viewed from this angle, the rumor that he doesn’t value you and raising you was only to maintain appearances and uphold a false reputation seems plausible.

But I know you were initially raised by the Empress. If not for her health failing, perhaps none of what followed would have happened.

When you were poisoned and in danger, if he intended to wipe you, the last bloodline, out, he wouldn’t have gone through the trouble of sending you to the Qi Yun Mountain People...

If you hadn’t remained at Shanqing Temple under the pretense of scripture transcription and instead returned to the palace after recovering, you’d likely be nothing but bones now."

"Both rumors your father heard, I am fully aware of despite living most of my life outside the Capital. Do you think he hasn’t heard such rumors as well?" Lu Qing sighed slowly, "He is known to be suspicious with deep thoughts; if he can hear such things, he wouldn’t think I am completely ignorant either.

As for which version I heard and believed, he wouldn’t directly ask me but speculate in his heart."