Plotting with You: The Forensic Scientist in Ancient Times!-Chapter 365 - 364: The Switch

Zhu Yu’s eyes were on Lu Zhang, but her mind was occupied with thoughts of Lu Chao, who was elsewhere at the moment.

Both were Princes, sons of Emperor Jin, yet Lu Chao and Lu Zhang were worlds apart.

Although Lu Chao was born to Emperor Jin and Empress, he did not receive any particular favoritism or care. His demeanor was typically aloof and understated, with court ministers showing him respect but no particular regard.

At a casual glance, it might seem Lu Chao only had a confidant in Lu Qing, appearing largely detached from court affairs and skirting the edges.

Yet, in reality, Lu Chao was quite aware of what needed to be done and when, skillfully plotting and laying plans, handling matters privately with Lu Qing in an orderly fashion.

In contrast, Lu Zhang was quite the opposite.

In the Capital and the court, he was the center of attention, surrounded by flattery and eager sycophants wherever he went, described without exaggeration as having unmatched prominence.

Yet in private, this seemingly illustrious Prince and royal had no real initiatives, lacking meticulousness in his actions and depth in his scheming, entirely mismatched with his lofty position.

Clearly, compared to the cautious and quietly industrious Prince Xu, Lu Chao, Lu Zhang, the "clever and capable" Prince Yi, seemed somewhat hollow, his reputation undeserved.

Or perhaps those powerful ministers were truly revering and flattering Duke Yan, who stood behind Lu Zhang, rather than Lu Zhang himself?

Should the day come when Lu Zhang finds himself at odds with his domineering maternal grandfather, Zhu Yu could envision the stance of those who once supported him.

She didn’t believe Lu Zhang was entirely unaware of the lurking dangers.

Perhaps he was unwilling to face them, or maybe he was simply afraid.

Thinking of this, separating the surface splendor, how different were Lu Zhang and Lu Qing?

Both thrust into the limelight, compelled forward against their will.

Yet Lu Qing’s public facade of cynicism and carefreeness was false, while his private calm wisdom and meticulousness were genuine.

Conversely, behind Lu Zhang’s facade of success lay hollowness and indecision.

With this new perspective, Zhu Yu’s feelings toward Lu Zhang changed from earlier indignation on behalf of Lu Qing to sheer pity.

Lu Zhang aimed to avoid a clash with Lu Yan, while also evading responsibility, cunningly handing over the initiative to Lu Qing, who seemed to have been waiting for this moment.

Lu Qing sighed slowly before saying, "Last night we discovered their secret in the underground chamber. From the situation just now, it’s clear they are suspicious. The longer we wait, the less advantageous it becomes for us. Let’s follow Chief Historian Yu’s plan. First, swap out the sachets carried by their Protectors. If they truly contain the antidote to the confusing smoke, we can temporarily control the situation at the Castle and wait for reinforcements before making further arrangements."

"Fine, as long as there’s action, I’ll follow the instructions, brother!" Lu Yan gritted his teeth and clenched his fists, "If they dare challenge me, I’ll make them realize the consequences of provoking a wrathful man! If I let them off easily, I’ll start writing ’Lu’ backward from now on!"

"Don’t be reckless!" Lu Zhang rebuked, "Even if you’re talking nonsense, leave the Lu family’s ancestors out of it!"

Lu Yan rolled his eyes and ignored him.

Lu Zhang was at a loss with Lu Yan, hoping Lu Qing would mediate. Turning his head, he saw Lu Qing and Zhu Yu were already discussing with Yan Daoxin how to replace the contents of the sachets, leaving him sulking alone.

Lu Yan didn’t bother with him, stepping over to listen to the plan to ensure he wasn’t excluded from the next steps.

Yan Daoxin, who had recently been questioned by the burly Protectors, had a keen sense of smell, especially regarding medicinal herbs and spices. When Lu Qing asked if he could prepare some similarly scented herbs or spices for swapping with the runes, Yan Daoxin quickly agreed, promising his assistance.

"One condition: Save a pinch of the antidote for me when you swap the seductive fragrance. I want to study it later." He stated his request after agreeing.

"Of course, that’s not a problem," Lu Qing nodded affirmatively.

"Great, then just wait." With Lu Qing’s agreement, Yan Daoxin began to prepare the herbs but was stopped by Lu Qing before taking a step. "What else?"

"Prepare some seductive fragrance as well, and make sure it’s potent," Lu Qing instructed.

Yan Daoxin grinned, "I’m quite skilled at that."

With that, he swaggered upstairs back to his room, shutting the door with silence following.

"Brother, what about me? What do you want me to do?" Lu Yan asked Lu Qing.

Seeing Lu Yan’s eagerness, Lu Qing smiled helplessly and beckoned, "I do have a very important task for you."

"Great! Just give the word, brother!" Lu Yan said enthusiastically, nodding without hesitation.

A moment later—

"Brother, this important task you mentioned is playing chess?!" Lu Yan sat across from a leisurely chess-setting Lu Qing at the stone table, his voice filled with displeasure.

"Third Brother, do you know why, despite being the most valiant among us and always leading the charge, you never received recognition? Instead, you often faced rebuke and punishment?" Lu Qing, noticing Lu Yan’s discontent, remained calm, responding with a peaceful demeanor and tone.

Due to their location at the Immortal Castle, Lu Qing no longer addressed Lu Zhang and Lu Yan as "Second Prince" and "Third Prince," making his words particularly sincere.

Lu Yan paused, regarding Lu Qing with a softened expression.

In the past, Emperor Jin frequently scolded him for being reckless and quick-tempered, prone to causing trouble. Others treated him likewise, viewing him almost like a dangerous beast, engaging with caution to avoid provoking him or unjustly unloading responsibilities on him, leaving him scapegoated and unable to defend himself.

No one had ever complimented him as "valiant" or "preemptive."

Lu Yan’s tense facial muscles relaxed slightly, and his tone involuntarily softened, "Please enlighten me, brother."