Plotting with You: The Forensic Scientist in Ancient Times!-Chapter 294 - 293: Silent Rage

Two meals for her and her mother?

Zhu Yu was stunned for a moment upon hearing these words, then looked at the Miao’s fragile figure, kneeling there and almost fainting, and instantly understood.

So, this mother and daughter were being secretly imprisoned here by their beloved Pang Family members. Unable to vent their frustration on the Pang Family, they took out all their resentment on her innocent mother, bringing only two meals a day. So what about her mother? Was she supposed to eat their leftovers?

Suppressing her anger, Zhu Yu calmly calculated her next steps.

She would have to deal with Wen Qiming soon.

Wen Qiming had previously been scheming behind Zhu Cheng’s back, and although he now had a chance to prove his loyalty, he was undoubtedly worried whether Zhu Cheng would let go of past grudges.

If someone with power equal to Zhu Cheng could vouch for him, it would give him confidence to work for Zhu Cheng.

Moreover, given Zhu Cheng’s hesitant and wavering attitude, perhaps Lu Qing also needed someone who is loyal not only to him but to Prince Xiaoyao as well.

Therefore, at this moment, her identity need not be kept so strictly hidden.

Having figured this out, Zhu Yu hesitated no longer, touched the edge of the false skin on her forehead, and slowly peeled it off, revealing her true face.

Pang Yuzhen and Zhu Ning were so stunned that they almost forgot to breathe.

Seeing it was Zhu Yu, Miao grew anxious, disregarding everything, and struggled to stand up: "How can it be you... you shouldn’t be here! Get out quickly, before anyone finds you!"

She was extremely weak, having knelt for a long time. As she suddenly tried to stand, her vision went black, her body swayed, and she almost collapsed.

Fortunately, by then Zhu Yu had rushed to her side, squatted down, and supported her.

"Mother, it’s alright now, don’t worry, we are safe," Zhu Yu softly consoled her mother, cautiously helping her up, settling her by the table, then took a cup from the tabletop and poured some tea for Miao, "Have some tea to soothe your throat; Chef Li will soon have breakfast ready and send it over."

Pang Yuzhen snapped out of her shock, saw Zhu Yu had seated Miao by the table and poured tea for her, and immediately became angry: "Who allowed you to get up?!"

"I did." Zhu Yu coldly glanced at her, "Instead of wasting energy on domineering and mistreating others, I suggest you and your mother worry about your future."

Then, she gently said to Miao: "Mother, rest easy, if you feel unwell, I’ll help you to the room to lie down and rest."

Miao was taken aback by Zhu Yu’s direct confrontation with Pang Yuzhen, and didn’t know whether to feel more moved or anxious. She clutched Zhu Yu’s hand, her eyes showing panic.

Zhu Yu squeezed back, smiling and nodding reassuringly.

Miao’s dry eyes gradually became moist.

For years, she had led a helpless life, brought to Prince Shuo Mansion as a dowry maid, sacrificed by Pang Yuzhen to consolidate her status as the main wife, and had even hurt deeply to gain peace for herself and her daughter at the mansion, losing her ability to bear children.

This constant compromise seemed to have become a part of her life.

Never had she imagined, in the past, she could only care for her daughter in a cowardly, sneaky manner, but now her daughter had the power to protect her.

Suddenly, Miao wanted to laugh and cry; her expression was peculiarly mixed.

Zhu Ning was also dumbstruck, subconsciously moving closer to Pang Yuzhen, seemingly nervous about being so close to Zhu Yu.

She remembered that most of the time this younger concubine’s sister had been silent, even when she was bullied out of jealousy for her beauty, Zhu Yu bore it quietly.

All these years, she had never seen Zhu Yu like this!

Even recently, knowing that Zhu Yu married well with Prince Xiaoyao’s favor and protection, Zhu Ning felt she was merely behaving differently because Lu Qing was nearby.

But today’s Zhu Yu exuded an aura that demanded respect.

Zhu Ning even worried that if she accidentally angered Zhu Yu now, she might indeed be bold enough to act against her...

Pang Yuzhen was also shaken by Zhu Yu’s attitude, but as the mistress of Prince Shuo Mansion, she had to maintain dignity unlike Zhu Ning.

She angrily nudged Zhu Ning under the table, coldly reprimanding Zhu Yu: "Zhu Yu, what a nerve you have!"

"I don’t care if you are now Princess Xiaoyao; here in the Zhu Family, you are a concubine’s daughter!"

She deliberately emphasized the words "concubine’s daughter": "As a concubine’s daughter, you should know your place!"

Now, with your father and brother not at home, you want to flaunt your power, disrespecting your legitimate mother and sister?!"

Miao, you have taught your daughter such improper manners, you deserve punishment!"

Miao’s shoulders shook; she instinctively tried to stand, but before she could move, Zhu Yu gently placed her hand on her shoulder, reassuring her.

"Princess Shuo is Secondary First Rank, and Princess Xiaoyao is also Secondary First Rank," Zhu Yu smiled lightly, standing behind Miao, lowering her eyes to Pang Yuzhen, "Prince Xiaoyao is a Prince of Upper Country, father is a Vassal King of Shuo Country – comparatively, Princess Xiaoyao ranks higher than Princess Shuo."

The Princess Consort of the Vassal King treating a Prince’s mother so harshly—indeed, this is the daughter raised by Pang Family."

Her gaze carried mocking and disdain when she mentioned this, yet her tone was especially calm, channeling Lu Qing’s previous demeanor with Duke Yan distinctively.

Pang Yuzhen was indeed furious, trembling all over, her eyes nearly spewing fire, looking as though she wanted to pounce and bite Zhu Yu.

Yet Zhu Yu spoke undeniable truth.

Whether Prince Xiaoyao was favored compared to other royal princes was the royal family’s internal affair.

A person like him may not be practical to associate with, but certainly was not someone to provoke.

Moreover, having met Lu Qing in person was vastly different from the rumors.

Thinking of the guards watching outside, dispatched by Pang Family...

No matter how angry, Pang Yuzhen couldn’t help feeling insecure, biting her teeth audibly, angry yet unable to express it aloud.