Plotting with You: The Forensic Scientist in Ancient Times!-Chapter 97 - 96: Wins and Losses for Everyone

Zhu Yu suddenly realized that she had just overlooked this aspect.

Today, Duke Yan’s attitude towards the Cao family members undoubtedly served as a wake-up call to everyone who has already, or is contemplating to, attach themselves to him, clearly severing the expectation of "seeking the shade under a big tree."

It is important to know that although some of these people undoubtedly intend to attach themselves to the powers-that-be, craving for wealth and a bright future, there are certainly those of genuine talent and insight, aspiring to be like choice birds selecting the best tree, or ministers picking a worthy lord, hoping to gain the respect of Duke Yan or Lu Zhang. 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

Such people naturally hold loyalty and righteousness in high regard. Even if they don’t think it’s necessary to sacrifice themselves for their allies entirely, at the very least, they should not be the first to cut ties when others are still trying to uncover the truth.

Thinking of this, Zhu Yu suddenly felt a shiver in her heart, looking up at Lu Qing: "Did we offend Duke Yan again today?"

Lu Qing looked at Zhu Yu carefully. Seeing her serious expression while asking, yet showing no fear, he was quite satisfied.

As an ally, if one is so afraid of Duke Yan they shrink at the mention of his name, terrified of getting on his bad side, that’s what would be concerning.

"Just set your heart at ease," Lu Qing comforted Zhu Yu, "the feud between us and Duke Yan has long been settled, at most it’s a matter of life, nothing more, no need to worry.

Perhaps you can even see the optimistic side, today you helped clear Cao Chenfeng’s name, helping the Cao family avoid infamy, which is not a small favor, and given Cao Tianbao’s fair-minded nature, he’ll definitely remember this."

"Speaking of which, it really is strange." Zhu Yu propped her chin, looking at Lu Qing with an increasingly puzzled expression, "You didn’t remind me to ask.

When attending the banquet, you said you and General Cao were mutually disdainful, no matter what you gave him, he would dislike you, so you simply gave him a tiny peach pit instead.

But in this situation, which even Duke Yan avoids, you actively pushed me out to help?"

"Can you tell who orchestrated today’s events?" Lu Qing answered with a question.

Zhu Yu shook her head: "Did you figure it out?"

Of course, she couldn’t see it. Not to mention her, even Duke Yan and Cao Tianbao might not immediately discern who was digging such a big pit for them.

Lu Qing spread his hands: "Coincidentally, I haven’t figured it out yet either.

Since no one can tell, then everyone is suspicious.

At times like this, even if I do nothing, just stand by, Zhao Bi and the others would somehow pin the blame on me, so why not go with the flow and have you assist instead.

This way, I can clear myself from being the instigator, and by the way, you can earn a big favor with Cao Tianbao.

Although he and Zhao Bi are currently on the same path, fundamentally they are not the same kind of people. He can’t do what Zhao Bi does — dividing enemies and friends strictly by stance, ruthlessly and mercilessly.

Cao Tianbao’s high prestige in the military is not only due to his thunderous methods and valiant charging but also because of strict military discipline, reward for merit, and punishment for faults.

Any soldier loyal to him is sure to receive deserved rewards and promotions, with no betrayal or abandonment.

Thus, if today the other side was targeting Duke Yan himself, we could have just watched from the sidelines, as no good would come out either way.

But it’s different with Cao Tianbao, he simply trusted the wrong person, and is genuinely a truthful man, so we can’t judge without distinction."

Zhu Yu nodded, she thoroughly understood this time.

This old guy noticed that someone wanted to use this setup to both weaken Cao Tianbao’s momentum, crushing plans to pave the way for his descendants, and also play on Duke Yan’s character, using this opportunity to create a crack in the once rock-solid "Duke Yan — Assistant General" alliance.

And Lu Qing took the opportunity to go along with this. Originally no one believed in Cao Chenfeng, so it wasn’t obvious how heartless Duke Yan was, but at such a time, even Prince Xiaoyao, usually at odds with Cao Tianbao, was willing to let his own Chief Historian come out to prove Cao Chenfeng’s innocence, making Zhao Bi’s urging of Cao Tianbao to cut ties with his nephew seem particularly unsympathetic.

In this world, whether good or evil, warm or cold, is always seen by contrast.

Regardless of whether Duke Yan’s attitude can genuinely sour Cao Tianbao’s heart, for now, Duke Yan is definitely feeling pricked by Lu Qing.

As one of the top military generals in Da Jin, Cao Tianbao is naturally Zhao Bi’s most unbreakable ally.

If there’s anyone Zhao Bi least wants Cao Tianbao to owe a favor to in this world, it must be Lu Qing.

Now, this favor is owed, undoubtedly a thorn that cannot be pulled out easily.

If Zhao Bi forces Cao Tianbao to act ruthlessly against Lu Qing and Zhu Yu, disregarding past favors, it would further highlight his cold-bloodedness and cruelty.

If he allows Cao Tianbao to find a chance to return the favor, Zhao Bi would surely be even more angry.

After all, supposed friendship is built on the back-and-forth of favors owed and returned.

Thinking back, Lord Cao wanted to retain the Martial Saint for his use, but upon realizing it was impossible, he respected his loyalty, and let him return to his former master.

This act earned the Martial Saint’s gratitude, gaining a life-saving opportunity for Lord Cao during subsequent encounters.

As Lu Qing just said, selling a favor to someone like Cao Tianbao is definitely worthwhile.

Zhu Yu looked at the carefree Lu Qing and thought his exterior definitely hid the essence of a cunning fox.

Not long after, Liu Yueyao came in with two others, bringing a meal in a food box. As Lu Qing had said, the dishes were abundant and appetizing, making one’s taste buds tingle.

Zhu Yu, who had been hungry all day, if not for Lu Qing previously giving her a piece of candy and the two pieces of cake earlier, would have been famished by now. With a table full of sumptuous dishes in front of her, she didn’t hold back, eagerly taking a bowl of rice and began eating.

Lu Qing seemed not as hungry, though eating with a bowl of rice, seemed distracted, not entirely focused on the meal.

About halfway through the meal, outside, Liu Yueyao gently knocked on the door: "Sir, Mr. Mo has arrived."

The door was then pushed open, and a person slowly walked in from outside.