Plotting with You: The Forensic Scientist in Ancient Times!-Chapter 398 - 397: The Only Choice

"You, you stop uttering nonsense and ruining my reputation!" As soon as Lu Zhang heard Lu Yan mention those few lines of poetry earlier and Gu Lingyun’s name, he became even more furious, "This is clearly a baseless accusation, trying to pin the blame for your own incompetence on me!

What about the partridge’s call, what about the disorderly formation, you’re simply spewing nonsense, without any evidence!

Could it be that my people possess supernatural powers to make the bird call whenever it pleases, and make them silent whenever necessary?!

Moreover, I have no connection with the shopkeeper of the Headdress and Shoes Workshop. You better stop talking nonsense, or don’t blame me for being rude to you!"

"You disrespect me?!" Lu Yan hearing this, immediately laughed in anger, pointing at his own nose, "Then go ahead, show me your capabilities!

Rest assured, I won’t bully the weak, I’ll let you use one hand, come on!"

"Lu Yan!" Lu Qing frowned and interjected, "Don’t talk nonsense. If fighting is the solution, I’ll arrange a place for you two to have a proper match!"

Lu Yan snorted: "Brother, Lu Zhang truly thinks everyone is like him, living in comfort in the Capital all day, flaunting his status, and doesn’t know anything?!

Lu Zhang, your people indeed don’t have the supernatural ability to make the bird call whenever it pleases.

But you and your people are equally foolish! When deciding on a signal, did you consider the surrounding conditions?

In this area, there aren’t even any traces of partridges!

Without any partridges, where does the partridge call come from?!"

Upon hearing this, Lu Zhang was also a bit taken aback, apparently, he did not know where partridges are distributed, so when Lu Yan pointed out earlier, he thought it was aimed at him, not expecting this layer of reasoning.

This made him feel a bit overwhelmed, his gaze moved past Lu Yan and Lu Qing, towards the Colonel standing at the doorway behind them.

The Colonel, already inside by now, directly rushed over to stand in front of Lu Zhang: "Great General, be respectful to Prince Yi!

If it’s right or wrong, it can be reported to the Holy Emperor for judgment, private punishment should never be used!

The Prince was just kidnapped and is already shaken, how can he withstand such treatment from you?

On this border mission, we brothers were ordered before departure to only obey Prince Yi. But upon reaching here, the Prince asked us to prioritize the big picture, so we’ve been actively cooperating and fulfilling our duties.

Now that you, Great General, and your subordinates failed to capture the thief, you want to shift the blame onto us, and drag Prince Yi down too.

Such actions will lead to distrust and suspicion among us, and how could we work together effectively thereafter?!"

These words sound righteous, but coming from a mere Colonel, they seem somewhat improper.

Especially since the Colonel addressed Lu Zhang as "Prince Yi" but referred to Lu Yan as "Great General".

Although Lu Yan’s subordinates typically call him Great General, and he prefers that title, it’s still an internal matter.

Outside, he’s also a Prince, titled as Prince Xuan, and as Lu Zhang’s subordinate, should respectfully address him as "Prince Xuan".

Yet now referring to this side as "Prince Yi" and that side as "Great General", it starkly distinguishes their status, adding a sense of insubordination to Lu Yan’s anger. 𝚏𝕣𝕖𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚋𝚗𝐨𝐯𝕖𝕝.𝕔𝐨𝕞

Logically, a mere Colonel wouldn’t dare offend Lu Yan by speaking so audaciously.

But now, these words truly came from his mouth.

Upon hearing them, Lu Yan was infuriated, and if Lu Qing wasn’t holding him back, he might have already rushed over to deal with that Colonel.

Lu Zhang was in an awkward situation, and upon hearing his Colonel’s words, he seized the moment to angrily say: "Enough! Since the relationship is damaged today, there’s no possibility of continuing to work harmoniously. Instead of staying and causing suspicion, it’d be better to return and report!"

Having said that, he bowed to Lu Qing: "Brother, forgive me! I was only ordered to patrol the border, and I’ve done all I could and resolved matters. It’s time to return to the Capital to report.

I stayed because brother lacked manpower, offering some assistance, which was a bit beyond my duty.

With our capable Third Brother helping now, there’s no need for me to stay and cause more trouble. Lu Zhang will take his men, depart overnight, and head back to the Capital.

When brother returns from your travels, I’ll host a feast to welcome you back!"

Zhu Yu looked at Lu Qing, expecting him to mediate with some calming words, but he only calmly nodded to Lu Zhang.

"On your way back, it’s dangerous, beware day and night, and proceed cautiously," he bowed to Lu Zhang, "When I return to the Capital, let’s drink and feast together."

Though it sounded like mere courtesy words, Lu Zhang pondered, nodding, and waved to the Colonel and others: "Pack your bags, prepare to depart!"

"Yes!" His soldiers responded promptly and turned to leave.

The Colonel guarded Lu Zhang closely, following step by step. Lu Zhang walked out with a somber face, Lu Yan, held back by Lu Qing, could only glare with fiery eyes, seeming ready to pin Lu Zhang to the ground and give him a beating were Lu Qing not present.

As Lu Zhang reached Yan Shu, his gaze fell upon her, appearing slightly uneasy. After a brief hesitation, he didn’t halt and walked straight past.

Zhu Yu watched this unfold, unable to comment in front of outsiders, only offering a concerned gaze towards Yan Shu.

Yan Shu watched Lu Zhang move past, turned to Zhu Yu, and smiled: "It seems we must say farewell now..."

Her voice was utterly calm, devoid of any emotion, she suddenly radiated serenity, vastly different from her lively demeanor earlier.

"You..." Zhu Yu hesitated, wanting to say words to retain her, yet realizing she had no grounds.

Yan Shu quickly grasped her meaning, smiling: "Don’t worry, I’ll be fine.

For my family, this is my only choice."