Plotting with You: The Forensic Scientist in Ancient Times!-Chapter 222 - 221: Arrogance

Early the next morning, just as Zhu Yu predicted, Zhu Jie and Zhu Feng were ready to depart early to inspect the canal construction. This time, it seemed they meant business — unlike Zhu Cheng’s previous cursory visits. They were gathering some manpower and preparing carts loaded with tents and other supplies, indicating a serious intention to supervise the work.

"Is it safe for us to follow them for so long?" Zhu Yu asked Lu Qing, concerned that the Pang Family might act against Zhu Cheng’s arrangements at the residence.

"You can safely follow them; I’ll stay behind." Yan Daoxin waved at Zhu Yu and Lu Qing, saying, "Oh, leave the Fu Lu with me. With the two of us here, you can rest assured there will be no problems." 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

Upon hearing this suggestion, Zhu Yu exchanged a glance with Yan Daoxin and leaned in to whisper in his ear about the Miao Family’s previous incident, succinctly explaining how a single dose of medicine had led to infertility.

Yan Daoxin was startled: "A single dose to cause miscarriage is common, but one dose causing permanent infertility is indeed rare and extremely malicious.

No wonder when I took your mother’s pulse that day; I noticed signs of an interruption. I thought it was natural with age for a woman, so I didn’t find it strange. But I didn’t expect this causality!"

"So you hope for me to help regulate your mother’s body so she can... Hey, wait a minute, at her age, she probably can’t bear another child, right?"

"What nonsense are you on about!" Zhu Yu chastised him with a glance, half-annoyed, half-amused, "I’m hoping you’ll find a chance to check on my father as well.

The urgency may be different, but there might be subtle, quiet harm."

"You might be right; it’s indeed possible." Yan Daoxin, initially planning to stay behind for strategic reasons, was now intrigued by Zhu Yu’s suggestion. "I’ve found your father’s complexion quite robust; if there’s really something...it sounds interesting!

Alright, you both stop worrying about other matters and go take care of your tasks!"

Lu Qing and Zhu Yu then took their runes and went to fetch their horses, joining Zhu Jie and Zhu Feng, who were preparing to set off.

Zhu Jie and Zhu Feng were nearly ready to go, just about to mount their horses. The two brothers exchanged no words, creating a slightly awkward atmosphere.

Upon seeing the other three approaching, they both paused, Zhu Jie casting a fleeting glance over Lu Qing, seemingly unimpressed by his brother-in-law, Prince Xiaoyao. But when his gaze fell on Zhu Yu, he took a good, long look at her, eyebrows furrowing.

Today, Zhu Yu was dressed as she always did when accompanying Lu Qing on trips, binding her chest and wearing crisp, manly attire. Her face wasn’t covered with fake skin, yet Lu Qing had once again cleverly darkened her complexion slightly and thickened her eyebrows, making her appear like a slightly frail young man.

This disguise was already familiar to Lu Qing and the rune, but a first for Zhu Jie and Zhu Feng.

In the past, neither brother was particularly acquainted with their half-sister, not even Zhu Ning, with whom they rarely interacted.

According to their father’s beliefs, a good son wouldn’t be mingling with women all day.

Now seeing Zhu Ning seemingly transformed into a young man startled them.

Zhu Feng managed to recover quickly after the initial surprise, returning to calmness.

Zhu Jie wasn’t the same; soon after the shock, his face twisted into an expression of disdain: "What are you doing?"

"Good morning, eldest brother, second brother." Zhu Yu, dressed as a man, refrained from offering a female’s greeting, instead cupping her hands in salute, "The canal project was initiated by my husband, and we would like to contribute further.

I see my two brothers also intend to go there, so why not journey together?"

Zhu Yu spoke slyly, offering respectful greetings without the slightest pretense, while clearly stating — this was Lu Qing’s initiative, and he was the primary contributor. Thus, Lu Qing’s intention to participate required no one’s consent. Her asking was merely a formality to see if they wanted to travel together.

Zhu Jie and Zhu Feng were no fools and quickly understood her point.

Zhu Jie gave Zhu Yu another glance, filled with arrogance: "Women should behave like women and go where women should go.

Dressing neither male nor female, flaunting about, what does that look like!

If anyone’s willing to be shamed, then follow them."

After speaking, he snorted and mounted his horse first, beckoning for others to follow him outside. A group set into motion behind him, while others stayed put, seemingly waiting for Zhu Feng.

Zhu Feng hadn’t anticipated Zhu Jie’s unrelenting words, even excessively cutting. He awkwardly smiled at Lu Qing before glancing at Zhu Yu, laughing, "Second sister, this attire does appear quite heroic and slick. If truly a man, half the capital’s matchmakers would be flocking to our home.

If you don’t mind, why not accompany me.

Last night, my elder brother discussed with me; he leads his men to supervise the Black Stone Mountain area, and I go towards Risun Ridge.

By starting work at both ends and digging towards the center, the canal can penetrate Shuo’s driest and most water-scarce areas, finally merging into the Niu’er River to the east.

Engaging from both ends avoids the embarrassment of Jin Country diverting water while our canal remains unfinished.

But the road to Risun Ridge is far and rougher than Black Stone Mountain, would your sister manage?"

Risun Ridge, located at Shuo Country’s eastern edge, comprises mountainous terrain, posing not just a difficult path, but higher excavation challenges than in the Black Stone Mountain region.

Lu Qing and Zhu Yu exchanged a look, garnering a new impression of Zhu Jie.

"I can manage. If Second Brother doesn’t mind traveling with me, let’s team up; otherwise, the three of us can journey on our own," Zhu Yu replied straightforwardly.

Her candid demeanor intensified Zhu Feng’s sense of embarrassment, prompting him hurriedly to add, "Elder Brother is just like that, sharp-tongued... but..."

He paused, unable to find a suitable transition, awkwardly smiled, and shifted the topic, "Since Second Sister and the Prince aren’t afraid of hardships, I’d enjoy the company on the road, so let’s travel together!"