Plotting with You: The Forensic Scientist in Ancient Times!-Chapter 364 - 363: Conflict

When Zhu Yu moved closer, Lu Yan and Lu Zhang were in a heated argument, exchanging sharp words, seemingly about to escalate into a full-blown quarrel.

Lu Qing stood by without interjecting, observing the scene with a detached demeanor. Occasionally, he would try to mediate with a comment, but it had as much effect as pouring a cup of tea onto a roaring bonfire — none at all.

However, Zhu Yu saw very clearly that Lu Qing’s act of being unable to interject was actually a façade, as he had no intention of stopping them from arguing.

Seeing Zhu Yu approach, Lu Qing asked with his eyes, and Zhu Yu beckoned him closer. She whispered about the plans concerning the talisman and rune she had previously ordered: "According to the rune’s intentions, this matter can indeed be executed swiftly in one go. But to do so, you’ll need to stop those two from arguing, as their troops will be crucial."

"That’s easy." Lu Qing nodded slightly and suddenly raised his voice, "Oh?! All at once? Does the Chief Historian really think this is doable?"

His sudden change in tone naturally drew the attention of Lu Yan and Lu Zhang, who paused their argument and looked over.

"What do you mean by all at once?" Lu Yan, being the impatient type, was particularly sensitive to these words. Having been cooped up in this small courtyard for days and recently receiving the grim news that his dispatched tax collectors had met untimely deaths, he was brimming with frustration with nowhere to vent it. Hearing these words, he became particularly interested, "Does the Chief Historian have a good idea?"

Lu Zhang, aware of Zhu Yu’s identity and having witnessed her skills before, was not on the same wavelength with Lu Yan and was feeling frustrated. He too looked over, curious to hear Zhu Yu’s advice to Lu Qing.

Following Lu Qing’s eye signal, Zhu Yu explained her previous discussions with the talisman and rune.

"Great idea! If you ask me, we should have done this ages ago! Delaying only worsens things; it must be executed in one fell swoop!" Lu Yan immediately agreed, itching to take action, "Brother, I think the Chief Historian’s plan is feasible! Let’s follow his suggestion!

My troops are on standby at the great camp. Brother, make a quick decision; I need your guards to help me mobilize and take down that damn Immortal Castle!"

Yan Shu, previously uninterested in the argument between Lu Yan and Lu Zhang, now sat up upon hearing about a possible action against the people of Immortal Castle.

After Lu Yan’s enthusiastic response, she instinctively glanced at Lu Zhang, who appeared conflicted, pursing his lips, neither opposing nor supporting the plan.

Yan Shu furrowed her brows.

Lu Qing glanced at Lu Zhang, seemingly unsurprised by his reaction, and didn’t push him, as if completely oblivious to it.

Lu Yan, however, lacked such patience and composure. Waiting for Lu Qing to speak but seeing him look at Lu Zhang, he realized that half of the forces outside the camp that were not under his command were under Lu Zhang. He then asked, "What do you say, second brother?"

"Well... I think we shouldn’t rush this..." Lu Zhang’s eyes wandered, not seeming afraid of battle, but rather uncertain and indecisive, "Do you really believe we can do it all at once without any hitch or mistake?"

"You!" Lu Yan raised his tone in frustration, "If you have reservations, just point them out!

If you can’t express them yourself, yet dismiss others’ good ideas, indecisively pretending to be cautious!

I’d say, second brother, perhaps you’re just unsure because our grandfather is not here by your side?!"

His words seemed to hit a nerve with Lu Zhang, who’s usually pale face flushed red, his eyes involuntarily darting to Yan Shu, catching her gaze, he quickly looked away in fright.

Lu Zhang felt increasingly embarrassed, realizing that Yan Shu must have seen his awkwardness. Her expression clearly showed no trace of "understanding" or "support," further annoying him and causing him to blush deeper with anger.

His face was nearly about to bleed from redness, glaring with wide eyes, almost tearing his sockets apart, shaking with a furious finger pointing at Lu Yan, "What nonsense are you spouting! Does everyone have to be as reckless as you to consider it a boon?!"

"Fine, you be cautious, explain how it should be handled more prudently if this approach is unsuitable?" By now, it was clear that Lu Qing had made his decision, and with an ally, Lu Yan was no longer as enraged, letting out a cold chuckle and crossing his arms, "What insightful view does second brother have? Your younger brother is eager to hear!"

Lu Zhang faltered, unable to articulate any distinct ideas, instinctively worrying about potential inadequacies or deviating from his grandfather Zhao Bi’s methods, fearing criticism later.

His hesitation only confirmed Lu Yan’s ridicule, making him feel more regretful.

"Forget it, I have no intention of disputing with you." He waved Lu Yan off irritably as if shooing him away, "If it were just you, I wouldn’t let you act recklessly alone.

However, since our elder brother is present today and the plan was proposed by the Chief Historian, it must have been meticulously considered. I’m willing to follow our elder brother’s decision, whatever it may be."

His words weren’t the most courteous to Lu Yan, which would typically have angered him.

But now, for Lu Yan, taking action was paramount. Regardless of whether Lu Zhang’s words were targeted at him, he didn’t care; instead, he eagerly looked at Lu Qing, "Brother, since we all have no objections, please make the arrangements quickly!"

Zhu Yu quietly listened on the side, her gaze subtly sweeping across Lu Zhang’s face, secretly sighing.

No wonder Lu Qing was neither tense nor guarded facing Lu Zhang alone, unlike in front of Duke Yan.

Without Duke Yan Zhao Bi’s ’brain,’ Lu Zhang was indeed not to be feared.

Just now, his words seemed to shift responsibility onto Lu Qing, making him bear all outcomes, while he stood aloof. In fact, he inadvertently transferred the entire strategic decision-making and leadership into Lu Qing’s hands.