Plotting with You: The Forensic Scientist in Ancient Times!-Chapter 182 - 181: The Checkpoint

"Mountains and rivers may change, but one’s nature is hard to alter. This rascal has never changed from childhood to adulthood!" Yan Daoxin sneered disdainfully from the side.

"Actually, what you said earlier, fearing to neglect the betrothed wife would seem disrespectful to the Holy Emperor, probably struck a chord with Lu Zhang." Zhu Yu firmly held the reins, applying force to the horse’s belly, making it trot briskly, "He has already hidden away following Duke Yan’s instruction, trying to distance himself from the Commandery Princess of Jie Country, this matter is an arrow that cannot be turned back; whether the Holy Emperor will feel slighted or not, he cannot change his mind.

Given this, wanting to bring you along makes sense; it’s probably the best idea he could come up with himself. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝙬𝙚𝓫𝒏𝓸𝓿𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝙤𝓶

Not to mention that both of you did the same thing; whether ’law doesn’t punish en masse’ applies or not, at least with you involved, he won’t be singled out, thus easing explanations to the Holy Emperor and his maternal grandfather."

"But he, being clever in his own right, never dreamed that someone would not intend to return to the Capital this early.

Now it’s perfect, going with the flow, he can use your words as a shield!" Yan Daoxin chuckled, casting a mocking glance at Lu Qing, "Claiming to heed advice, neglecting the betrothed wife in Prince Mansion’s inner house, only to rush off to visit the in-laws in Tai Shan!"

"I heard there are quite a few unwed sisters in my wife’s family," Lu Qing rode ahead, listening to Yan Daoxin’s words, slightly tilting his head with a slightly cheeky smile, "If my junior brother envies so, I’ll help you plead with my, as yet unmet, in-laws and see if he’d be willing to grant you one."

"Bah! You rascal, don’t disturb my Dao heart!" Yan Daoxin spat at Lu Qing, squeezing his horse’s belly, surpassing Lu Qing and riding ahead.

This time on their journey, the five did not stop halfway for a rest, riding through the night, arriving at Ping Mountain Pass shortly after dawn.

Ping Mountain Pass was bustling, however only a few journeyed to Shuo Country, while many from Shuo Country with ordinations tried entering Jin Country.

Those trying to enter Jin Country from Shuo Country underwent thorough examination and questioning by the garrison officer.

Whereas there were very few going from Jin Country to Shuo Country.

Zhu Yu and Lu Qing followed behind Yan Daoxin, step by step approaching the garrison officer.

She held the ordination document, trying to maintain steady breathing to avoid showing signs of anxiety.

Knowing that the ordination document was forged by Yan Daoxin made Zhu Yu nervous, fearing the garrison officer might detect something.

However, after much worry, sweating in her palms almost soaking the document, upon reaching the two garrison officers, she found they barely even glanced at her and the others, seeming uninterested upon seeing Daoist-dressed individuals. They merely scanned Yan Daoxin’s document, waved their hands, and returned to their idle chatter, yawning together.

Just like that, they effortlessly passed Ping Mountain Pass, Zhu Yu sighed in relief, yet felt as though stones from Black Stone Mountain weighed on her heart.

With Shuo Country labeled with such suspicions recently, her puzzlement now seemed clearer— with such lax garrison officers, how could those with intentions not smoothly blend in and wreak havoc!

Lu Qing noticed Zhu Yu’s furrowed brow, estimating her concern over their easy entry into Shuo’s borders.

But having just crossed Ping Mountain Pass under the soldiers’ noses, it was inconvenient to speak, so he gestured reassurances, remounted, and continued ahead.

Initially, the rune worried about the overnight rush without daytime rest, fearing Zhu Yu couldn’t endure, planning to quickly find a place to rest after crossing.

Yet Zhu Yu, troubled over how easily she passed the border, preferred not to pause, fearing any delay might cause unexpected issues, complicating matters.

Since she didn’t wish to rest, Lu Qing and Yan Daoxin didn’t mind. The five continued journeying, stopping beside a village road toward the afternoon where they halted Zhu Yu.

"Sharpening the axe won’t delay chopping firewood; we’ve traveled long, we can’t keep going without food and drink!" Yan Daoxin said to Zhu Yu.

Lu Qing also guided his horse alongside Zhu Yu’s, pulling her reins: "From here to Shuo Country’s capital takes at least half a day on swift horses; even if we rush without pause, the gates will be shut upon arrival, we won’t make it into the city today regardless.

During this travel, have you noticed the landscapes of the path?"

Zhu Yu was startled, shaking her head, instinctively pulling her reins to slow her horse.

Passing the border, the soldier’s lax attitude triggered alarms within her, preoccupying her mind entirely.

She finally found contentment in her current life, knowing if her father and Shuo Country were unjustly accused of rebellion, both herself and her betrothed Lu Qing would be implicated inevitably.

At that time, there’d be nothing to plan, once their heads rolled, they could genuinely rest at last.

During the journey, her aim was reaching the capital, securing border inspections, and clarifying the Black Iron and weapons issues.

Only by understanding the basics could she discuss the next steps with Lu Qing.

Acknowledging Lu Qing’s reminder, she realized covert plans leave traces as they develop.

Situ Jing mentioned his father and brothers capturing Jie Country bandit weapons made of Black Iron.

Lu Zhang said Emperor Jin received secret reports indicating Jie Country bandits in Lan territory used Shuo-forged weapons.

What they captured certainly wasn’t all unidentified arms, likely just a minor fraction.

Perhaps Zhu Cheng remained oblivious, yet there’d be signs available among people.

"Up ahead is a tea shed, let’s sit a while, drink some tea, and take a break," Lu Qing saw she’d slowed down, realizing she’d listened, "Before meeting your father, we should have our own assessment."