Live-in Son-in-law-Chapter 1237: Making Amends for One’s Mistakes

Lu Zhao stood up, hurriedly bowed and gestured, saying, "Please come inside, Eldest Princess."

After speaking, he quickly led the way.

The group arrived at the main hall of the War General Mansion.

Everyone took their seats, and Lu Zhao ordered tea.

Afterward, Lu Zhao looked at Yun Qinglian, "Eldest Princess, you have visited in disguise. What plans do we have next? I can arrange things in advance."

Yun Qinglian looked at him, "I visit in disguise, and you plan things in advance?"

Lu Zhao's expression stiffened; he was constantly guessing Yun Qinglian's intentions and had mistakenly said the wrong thing, quickly changing his words, "Forgive me, Eldest Princess, what I meant by arrangements were your daily needs, which would not affect your secret visit."

Yun Qinglian said nothing, her expression calm, causing Lu Zhao to feel uneasy.

The Eldest Prince came to kill Qin Yi and the Eldest Princess, but now both of them suddenly appeared. Meanwhile, the Eldest Prince's whereabouts are unknown, which made him feel a bad premonition. Now facing the Eldest Princess, he had no idea how to handle the situation.

Bai Yichen suddenly said indifferently, "Actually, the Eldest Princess's secret visit has already failed."

Lu Zhao was confused, looking at Bai Yichen.

Qin Yi curiously asked, "Old Bai, why do you say that?"

Bai Yichen looked at Lu Zhao, his gaze becoming sharp, "Because the Eldest Princess was assassinated in Fanhua City and nearly lost her life. This indicates that someone already knew the Eldest Princess's whereabouts."

Qin Yi nodded slightly, "As expected, Old Bai, your thoughts are meticulous. Why didn't I think of that?"

Yun Qinglian calmly watched Bai Yichen and Qin Yi put pressure on Lu Zhao.

Lu Zhao felt a chill in his heart, looking at Bai Yichen's expression, felt increasing unease. Bai Yichen's emphasis on the assassination happening in Fanhua City was the key.

Lu Zhao hurriedly stood up, approached Yun Qinglian, and knelt on one knee, "As the War General of Fanhua City, it was truly unforgivable that the Princess was assassinated. Please punish me, Princess."

Yun Qinglian looked at him and finally spoke slowly, "War General Lu, did you know I came to Fanhua City?"

"I did not know."

"Then why are you guilty?"

Lu Zhao's forehead was covered with cold sweat; pleading for punishment was a common practice for subordinates like him, but Yun Qinglian's seriousness left him at a loss for words.

"War General Lu, you indeed bear guilt." Yun Qinglian suddenly said.

Lu Zhao was taken aback, looking at Yun Qinglian, "Please enlighten me, Princess."

Yun Qinglian said indifferently, "Do you know of the Iron Armor Sect, War General Lu?"

Lu Zhao felt the name was familiar, but could not immediately recall where he'd heard it.

Yun Qinglian sneered, "It seems War General Lu is aware. The Iron Armor Sect wreaks havoc, harming the people. The villagers came to seek assistance, why did War General Lu ignore their pleas?"

Lu Zhao remembered; there were indeed villagers asking for help, but he was busy currying favor with the Eldest Prince and paid no attention.

"Lu Zhao, as a War General of the Empire, responsible for maintaining peace, ignored the people's cry for help. Such actions show you're unworthy of your position. Do you admit your guilt?"

Lu Zhao felt a jolt in his heart, hurriedly pleading guilty, "I admit my guilt."

Yun Qinglian said indifferently, "Since you admit guilt, then I..."

Just as Yun Qinglian was about to hold Lu Zhao accountable, Qin Yi spoke, "Eldest Princess, War General Lu has meritorious achievements and oversees such a large city alone. It's understandable he cannot attend to everything. Occasional negligence can be excused."

Yun Qinglian looked at Qin Yi, "Negligence is negligence, no excuses."

Qin Yi said, "Eldest Princess, my suggestion is to allow War General Lu to amend his faults through merits."

"How can he amend his faults through merits?"

Qin Yi glanced at Lu Zhao and then said, "The Eldest Princess visited in disguise yet was assassinated, indicating someone constantly tracked her movements. Such a malignant individual must be brought to justice. As the War General of Fanhua City, capturing the culprit behind the assassination properly falls under his responsibility."

Yun Qinglian was puzzled, looking at Qin Yi; the assassin was masked and dressed in black, making it impossible to identify him. What was Qin Yi planning?

Qin Yi looked at Lu Zhao, "War General Lu, are you willing to exchange merits for faults?"

Lu Zhao scoffed inwardly; did he have a choice now? He realized the Eldest Princess came to deal with him. The fate of the Eldest Prince seemed grim.

"I am willing."

Qin Yi smiled, "Good, bring paper and ink, I will draw the culprit's features for you."

Lu Zhao ordered for paper and ink promptly.

Qin Yi swiftly sketched, presenting a portrait on the paper soon after.

Bai Yichen leaned forward to look, his eyes widening in surprise, questioning if it truly depicted a person.

Yet Qin Yi was satisfied with his work, admiring his masterpiece, thinking even renowned painters paled in comparison. Self-assured, he handed the portrait to Lu Zhao, "War General Lu, the person here is the one who attempted the assassination on the Eldest Princess. I believe you'll uncover him quickly."

Lu Zhao took a look and was utterly bewildered. This drawing depicted a person? It was merely a circle with a few dots for features. Where would he find such a person?

"War General Lu, the chance to amend faults through merit has been offered to you. Assassinating a Princess is a crime of great severity, implicating entire families. Find the culprit and redeem yourself; fail, and even the current Eldest Prince's plea would be useless."

Lu Zhao's heart tightened; usually people would say not even an Immortal could save you, but Qin Yi referred to the Eldest Prince.

He glanced at Qin Yi, seeing the delighted smile, felt an inexplicable chill. It seemed the Eldest Prince truly encountered trouble.

Yun Qinglian said, "Well, since Qin Yi pleads for you, I shall give you a chance to amend faults through merits. You have one day to capture the culprit."

Lu Zhao felt a chill; though no one stated it outright, evidence suggested the Eldest Princess knew of his relation with the Eldest Prince.

He glanced at Qin Yi, eyes flaring with intense murderous intent. At first thankful for Qin Yi's plea, he now realized the malicious intent.

Failing to help the villagers was mere negligence, not severe, even if punished wouldn't be harsh. But now tasked with finding the Princess's assassin—a serious crime—failure meant disregarding royal authority, likely costing him his position and career.

He understood clearly; the Eldest Princess was using this as a pretext against him. With Qin Yi's abominable drawing, finding the culprit was impossible.

Yun Qinglian said indifferently, "War General Lu, is there any difficulty? If so, I can report to the Emperor to send someone for the investigation."

Lu Zhao was filled with bitter resentment; if the Emperor had to intervene, it meant his incompetence, likely leading to dismissal.

"Rest assured, Eldest Princess, I promise to find the culprit." Determined to protect his position, Lu Zhao assured fervently.

Qin Yi, Bai Yichen, and Yun Qinglian exchanged glances, their lips subtly curved with a hint of cunning.