Plotting with You: The Forensic Scientist in Ancient Times!-Chapter 307 - 306: Compensation

Lu Qing saw that Zhu Yu remained silent, knowing that she feared Yan Shu would be wronged. He continued, "Lu Zhang dared not let the outside world know that the bride he married by imperial decree left because she couldn’t tolerate his rudeness and neglect. He would definitely help Yan Shu conceal the matter together with him.

In this way, the two of them have dirt on each other, turning into accomplices. Eventually, they would have to speak to one another, don’t you think that’s the case?"

Zhu Yu sighed and nodded, only able to lament in her heart about how fate plays tricks and how unpredictable life is.

When she was first bestowed to marry Lu Qing, it seemed neither the side of Jin Country nor Shuo Country expected much from the pair. Even Lu Qing and herself shared those same doubts.

Yet, by a twist of fate, they seemed to be exactly the person each needed and wanted the most.

The most anticipated and envied union of strength and strength—Lu Zhang and Yan Shu—looks rather gloomy now.

Zhu Yu narrowed her eyes.

The notion that everyone was optimistic... doesn’t seem quite right. Originally, she hadn’t thought of it this way. Now, she suddenly realized that perhaps from the very beginning, when Emperor Jin bestowed marriage upon Lu Qing and Lu Zhang, he didn’t intend for either to forge a blissful union.

First of all, myself and Lu Qing.

Before the two of us married, even the Miao Family didn’t know of my skill in post-mortem examinations, let alone the Emperor Jin from a thousand miles away.

The imperial decree back then didn’t even specify which daughter Zhu Cheng was to marry off; it all came down to a sudden decision by Zhu Cheng.

Emperor Jin’s motive might align with external speculation—he didn’t want Lu Qing to have the opportunity to gain a powerful Yue Family as his support.

As for Lu Zhang’s side, perhaps the outside world has it wrong too. Instead, Lu Qing’s prior opinion seems more reliable—the old fox seemingly used the appearance of a powerful marriage gift to trap Lu Zhang between Duke Yan and the Jie King, making him indecisive and ultimately offending one side to balance power.

In the past, she always thought Emperor Jin favored Duke Yan and treasured Lu Zhang, giving him extra attention, which is why he publicly reprimanded the "Golden-faced Imperial Censor" who reported Duke Yan’s misdeeds in front of eunuchs and asked Lu Zhang to counter with his own memorial, letting him shine before the ministers.

Having gone through all this, Zhu Yu gradually realized some implications.

A big tree may court wind, but it’s not necessarily a good thing. Such excessive promotion, indulgence, and honor thrust the other into the limelight, like a target under public scrutiny, behind which might lay greater worries.

"So, when you helped Father with the memorial praising Lu Zhang, more than just Lu Zhang himself was happy to see it, right?" she asked Lu Qing. "Letting Lu Zhang merit another success, with the Duke Yan faction more prominently flaunting it, the Holy Emperor should be quite pleased too.

Doing this pleases both sides, which is indeed ingenious."

"Three sides," Lu Qing corrected her with a shake of his head, "we’ve also benefited greatly."

Yan Daoxin’s sedative indeed proved effective; until dinner time, Lu Zhang remained in deep sleep, completely unawakened.

About half an hour after dinner, the steward came looking for Lu Qing and them, saying that Zhu Cheng invited them to the study for a talk.

Upon reaching the study, they found Zhu Cheng had already lit the lamps and welcomed them in. Watching as the talisman followed in, naturally standing guard at the door, he seemed pleased and had the steward close the door, instructing not to let anyone approach unnecessarily.

Once they were seated, Zhu Cheng looked troubled and, after a long sigh, began to speak to them both: "Earlier I was confused, and had it not been for your persistent persuasion and assistance, who knows what state our Zhu Family would be in today, or what disasters might have befallen the people of Shuo Country and Shuo Land.

All those times you tried to warn me, yet I just couldn’t bring myself to make a decisive decision. Each time I recall it now, I feel immensely ashamed.

As a Vassal King of Shuo Land, I acted without courage and lacked insight into people’s character. Yet, when you pointed it out, I became indecisive because of concerns and face, almost causing a major mistake... the more I think about it, the more ashamed I feel.

In the past, I didn’t do well in many areas. I hope you can forgive me and not hold it against me!"

Zhu Yu sighed again.

To say Zhu Cheng’s prior attitude didn’t anger her would be a lie.

If the matter didn’t concern the greater good and didn’t involve Lu Qing’s strategic arrangement, she would have long left Zhu Cheng to his own devices and let fate decide his outcome.

Fortunately, once everything was laid bare, Zhu Cheng did find his way back, with his attitude and understanding becoming clear and not muddle-headed anymore. It could only be said that he had lived too comfortably and peacefully before, indulging in his love for crafting peerless weapons, "distracted by toys until losing reason." Only when crises loomed did he finally awaken.

Lu Qing listened to Zhu Cheng’s speech, his expression remained placid as if all was in his expectations. Waving his hand, he said, "Father-in-law, we are all family, no need for such formal words.

When Jie King, by imperial decree, sent his daughter to marry Prince Yi as his wife, it was indeed splendid and sensational in the Capital.

Although my wife never expressed it verbally, I felt her sorrow and distress during that time.

So, I resolved back then to do all in my power to ensure she’s not belittled by others.

My father-in-law is Zhu Yu’s closest kin, and when the Zhu Family is stable, Zhu Yu stands firm in the outside world.

Thinking this way, rather than helping my father-in-law, it’s more like I’m striving to please my own wife."

He spoke with quite a bit of heartfelt sincerity, making Zhu Yu almost believe herself had genuinely been saddened by Yan Shu’s more impressive wedding send-off back then if her memory wasn’t so clear.

Of course, Lu Qing wasn’t spinning tales to deceive her. Clearly, Zhu Cheng bought into every word he said, and when he looked at Zhu Yu afterward, his eyes were filled with much more regret and self-blame.

"I was negligent as a father in the past, hardly ever caring or inquiring about you before you were married..." Zhu Cheng said, looking at his daughter’s noticeably thinner face from worry, coupled with Lu Qing’s previous remarks, his heart churned with bittersweet emotions, "How could I, Zhu Cheng, deserve such a courageous and wise daughter like you!

Both you and your mother have been wronged for so long! Fortunately, there’s still a long future ahead. After dealing with the mess caused by the Pang Family this time, I will ensure there’s a chance to properly compensate you and your mother, and I will elevate your mother to the status of the legitimate wife, henceforth making you Zhu Cheng’s legitimate daughter!

I’d like to see who dares underestimate you then!"