"Zhao Bi is considered a powerful rival, but not a formidable enemy," Lu Qing slowly shook his head, lightly sighed, "He spent so many years, gradually planning, and finally amassed a huge faction. In previous interactions with him, you saw how protective and wise he was."

"Given his nature, I believe he could privately embezzle some tributes."

"But letting his legitimate grandson make such a bold move to privately recruit government soldiers, conducting such a deed that makes the Holy Emperor wary, obviously does not match his usual character."

"I’ve always thought he intends to use his great support in the court to steadily elevate Lu Zhang to that high position. Then, when all is justified, he will slowly sideline Lu Zhang, who lacks initiative and backing, turning him into a puppet."

"Thereafter, he could find some different reason, at an opportune moment, with a legitimate excuse to replace him. Eventually, Da Jin truly changes hands, adopting the Zhao surname."

Zhu Yu found Lu Qing’s reasoning very sensible. Although she hadn’t interacted with Zhao Bi often, from her observations, Zhao Bi’s manner indeed matched Lu Qing’s description, aligning with the goals he has pursued all these years."

"In that case..."

"So you think Zhao Bocai’s actions outside might not be fully known to Zhao Bi, that someone secretly instigated Zhao Bocai, making him defy his grandfather, unwittingly ruining his grandfather’s entire plan?" Zhu Yu understood. "Previously, Zhao Bocai often followed Lu Zhang like a shadow."

"Whether borrowing power from authority or being deliberately arranged by Zhao Bi to cultivate some brotherly bond with Lu Zhang, willing or not, he followed Lu Zhang like a shadow."

"But later, due to rumors of collusion between Jie Land and Shuo Land involving illegal weapon production, Lu Zhang volunteered to patrol the borders. Zhao Bocai didn’t follow, which was understandable, likely because Zhao Bi couldn’t bear the thought of his grandson taking such risks. If they failed to catch the fox and instead brought disgrace, it would be a huge loss."

"After that, Lu Zhang went through many experiences with us. Returning to the Capital with Yan Shu, he seemed to stop associating with Zhao Bocai."

"I specifically asked Liu Yueyao about this earlier; her people have been discreetly observing. It can be confirmed that a rift indeed formed between the cousins after Lu Zhang returned to the Capital."

"Thus, Zhao Bocai probably realized that Lu Zhang no longer wanted him by his side, growing somewhat resentful, exploited by those with ulterior motives, instigating to the point that he couldn’t hold back, thinking he could aid his grandfather?"

Zhu Yu, always being a guest under Lu Qing outside, the Chief Historian of Prince Xiaoyao Mansion, naturally had no opportunity to converse with Zhao Bocai. But even if only having seen him from afar a few times, she still formed a deep impression of that young man."

Unlike Zhao Bi, who although inwardly wildly ambitious and audacious, outwardly pretends to be serene and composed, Zhao Bocai, despite not daring any move under his grandfather’s watch, still expresses subtle arrogance and ambition through his eyes and expressions."

Such a person, no matter how adeptly pretending to be competent, is in fact a mere puppet inflated by his grandfather’s meticulous scheming and vast influence."

Protected so well by his grandfather’s comprehensive plans, Zhao Bocai lacks the capability and cunning to be independently decisive yet believes himself to be a talent of great caliber, thus easily incited by others."

"It should be that opportunity you mentioned." Lu Qing gazed into the distance, lightly sighing, "Lu Zhang may not be exceptionally intelligent but he isn’t a fool."

"In the past, he was kept in the dark, unaware of external circumstances."

"Once he ventured out, coincidentally having a chance to meet Yan Shu outside the Capital, he saw and heard things differing from those previously instilled in him, naturally altering his understanding."

"I believe after the encounter, Lu Zhang will have a better judgment on his actual situation and the correct path ahead."

"Perhaps his realization also displeased Zhao Bocai, leading to him falling into other’s traps."

"I don’t have a brotherly bond with Lu Zhang, but frankly speaking, compared to Zhao Bocai, Lu Zhang possesses a higher intellect."

"Hmm, being the relatively less foolish one among two fools is indeed somewhat commendable," Zhu Yu nodded seriously, remarking thoughtfully.

Lu Qing had been somewhat preoccupied but couldn’t resist laughing when Zhu Yu unexpectedly made such a comment.

After laughing, he sighed again: "Since Zhao Bi first carried the fragrance of Chang’e Drunk, he was likely already being watched, used as a pawn, and now, this pawn has lost its utility and become obstructive, thus being eliminated."

"Coincidentally, the opponent needed to eliminate a competitor, and the Holy Emperor needed an example, thus leading to Zhao Bi’s fate."

"I’m worried now that with our experience, the methods of the person behind the scenes are quite ruthless, Zhao Bi’s family’s journey home... may not be peaceful." 𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞

Lu Qing mentioned Zhao Bi needing to leave the Capital and return home, which reminded Zhu Yu of something: "Wasn’t there mention of Lu Zhang in the letter earlier?"

"That part I didn’t quite understand; could you clarify it for me!"

"Yes, because Lu Zhang always aligned with his maternal grandfather, people outside know his grandfather wants to support him, so this time Zhao Bocai’s illegal recruitment of government soldiers was exposed. Lu Zhang was inevitably implicated, suspected of planning a rebellion."

"Thus, the Holy Emperor, in anger, ordered his exile from the Capital, sending him to defend the borders, calculating that by now, he has probably already set off."

Zhu Yu, having neither fondness nor bitterness towards Lu Zhang, only found him remarkably confused previously, devoid of personal thoughts, beneath the surface charm rather muddled."

"Everything is destiny; our road stretches ahead, better to conserve energy and refrain from misplaced sorrow for others." Zhu Yu paused, sighing, "Just wondering what will become of Yan Shu..."

"No need to rush; there will be news." Lu Qing comforted her while pulling out the flint to ignite the secret letter in his hand.

The thin paper swiftly curled in the flame, transforming into a light, drifting black ash, blown away by the wind into the remaining sunlight’s dim glow.