This answer did not surprise Zhu Yu.

Lu Qing has always been someone who plans ahead meticulously, so getting such a lucky result might also be a testament to thorough preparation.

The days in this small courtyard are comfortable and peaceful, but somewhat stagnant. Thinking of the drama worth anticipating next, Zhu Yu felt quite good.

In the process of waiting for the spectacle, Lu Qing was not idle, he took Zhu Yu out to buy quite a few new clothes, all thick garments suitable for winter. They were made of tightly woven fabric, coated with a sticky lacquer made from persimmons, giving them a membrane-like appearance that blocks wind and rain in winter.

Inside this fabric, there was a substantial lining of silkworm silk, making it heavy to hold but not burdensome to wear, allowing for ease of movement.

Apart from these silk quilted clothes, Lu Qing also had a few large goose down cloaks made. The inside was filled with the finest down from a goose’s belly, but the outside was made with inconspicuous fabric and patterns, looking like an ordinary cotton cloak.

The tailor shop owner found this request rather strange since others wearing fine clothes typically want everyone to see, fearing their money is not well-spent. This customer’s request was something he had never encountered before.

"What is the guest planning to do? We’ve just passed Double Ninth, usually, people wait a while before buying winter clothing. Are you going out? Why the rush?" The owner couldn’t hold back and asked Lu Qing, "The fine silkworm silk... using such fabric is somewhat a waste of good material..."

Upon hearing this, Lu Qing only responded with a faint smile, not addressing the owner’s questions.

Seeing this, the tailor shop owner wisely stopped prying further.

Though the combination might waste good materials, those who spend the silver have the last word, especially since the customer clearly didn’t want to elaborate. The owner, saying no more, followed Lu Qing’s requirements.

While arranging these items, Zhu Yu and the others specifically wandered near the scholar’s inn, where many scholars from various regions stayed while heading to the capital for exams.

Though the two of them could not linger long, Zhu Yu sensed a strange atmosphere during their brief walk-through. 𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂

It seemed the scholars there were surrounded by a faint sense of anxiety, with no one engaging in light-hearted casual chats, nor did they see anyone reading.

These people either appeared hurried, worried, whispering to each other, and seemed to possess a sense of tension and caution to varying degrees.

"What’s with them...?" After walking further away, Zhu Yu asked Lu Qing.

In the past, she hadn’t interacted much with those exam-bound scholars, unaware of their usual temperaments, and unsure about the odd situation that made her feel something was amiss.

"Probably, rumors were spread a few times and distorted," Lu Qing chuckled, "Though we don’t know what they’ve twisted into now, based on their reactions... it seems to be the outcome we anticipated."

Within two or three days, the winter clothes were ready, collected by Rune with a ticket.

Looking at the items, Zhu Yu could roughly guess, as Lu Qing had mentioned before, Emperor Jin had given them enough hints, which meant their next destination was Lan Country.

Lan Country is rainy, cold and damp in winter, often drizzling endlessly. While traveling, one shouldn’t stand out too much, hence brocades, rabbit fur, and fox fur are unsuitable; and non-waterproof fabrics are impractical.

Thus, a style combining warmth and mobility, with wind and waterproof fabric that appears ordinary, is the most practical and reliable choice.

Along with Rune returning, there was also big news.

"Sir, Madam, the streets outside are abuzz, they’re all talking about a significant event that happened at the morning court today!" Rune, usually very composed, was visibly excited. Even though he tried hard to restrain himself, the light in his eyes revealed his emotion, "Today, Duke Yan was impeached!"

"Oh? Tell us, who and why was he impeached?" Lu Qing asked.

Zhu Yu quickly put down the book in her hands and sat by the table, waiting for Rune to speak again.

"During the morning court today, suddenly Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, Luo Yushu, impeached Duke Yan. I heard it took everyone by surprise, including Duke Yan himself.

Luo Yushu submitted a memorial exposing Zhao Bi of Duke Yan for exploiting his position for personal gain, forming cliques and excluding dissidents over the years. He even demanded tribute items presented to Emperor Jin by surrounding vassal states.

He also submitted a very detailed list, revealing the tribute items Duke Yan had embezzled over the years."

"Who did you say impeached him?!" Despite imagining many different scenarios, Zhu Yu had never expected the petition accuser of Duke Yan would be Luo Yushu.

Though she had never interacted with Minister Luo directly, she knew he was a close confidant of Duke Yan, originally from a humble background. He’d risen through the ranks with his talent and Duke Yan’s support, securing a lucrative position as the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel.

Zhu Yu always thought Luo Yushu was the greatest beneficiary among those around Zhao Bi, and naturally, he would be most aligned with him. After all, should Zhao Bi succeed, Luo Yushu would ascend alongside him.

Unexpectedly, this fellow dared to betray his benefactor at such a critical moment!

"Could there be any grudges between them?" Zhu Yu asked Lu Qing.

These things she did not know, but having navigated among these people for so many years, Lu Qing should be well aware of them.

"Grudges... well, not exactly, but Luo Yushu has spent many years by Duke Yan’s side and knows him through and through. It meant that they were destined to part ways someday. It was unexpected though that Luo Yushu would act so ruthlessly and without sentiment."

Lu Qing seemed unsurprised, instead showing a faint smile, full of irony: "In this respect, they truly are a good master and student, both equally relentless in their pursuit of goals, eager to eliminate each other in a heartbeat."