Plotting with You: The Forensic Scientist in Ancient Times!-Chapter 327 - 326: Drink Until We Drop

Lu Qing watched the silhouette of Lu Zhang swiftly disappearing into the distance, a hint of helplessness on his face, but he didn’t open his mouth to stop him.

Lu Yan, of course, showed even less of a reaction; having Lu Zhang leave in anger was exactly what he desired.

With a disdainful snort, he turned to Lu Qing and asked, "Brother, how did you end up teaming up with him? I never expected that."

Hearing this, Lu Qing laughed, but didn’t really answer his question, instead he asked, "Where is the Third Prince stationed?"

"To be honest, brother, we rushed all the way from Qu State without setting up camp," Lu Yan wasn’t particularly insistent on his previous question, and since Lu Qing didn’t answer, he didn’t press on. "We planned to strike Immortal Castle in one go, and only consider camping afterward.

Unexpectedly, we encountered you on the way."

Zhu Yu, listening by the side, couldn’t help but click his tongue softly.

Lu Yan certainly lived up to his fiery temper and reputation. If they hadn’t happened to meet here today, this fellow really intended to charge ahead and take down the Immortal Castle first, then talk about it?

It’s truly fortunate they met; otherwise, this might have resulted in yet another unsolvable tangle.

"With the Third Prince leading troops all the way from Qu State, it’s a long and weary journey, why not set up camp at our base first, take a break; the matters of Immortal Castle might not be as simple as they appear at first glance," Lu Qing said seriously to Lu Yan, "The Third Prince has already been punished previously, and this time, under no circumstances can the same mistake be repeated.

Otherwise, although Prince Yi’s previous remarks were made in a fit of pique, if repeated multiple times, one cannot guarantee that others won’t begin to think so."

This suggestion was clearly not part of Lu Yan’s original plan, but it did seem reasonable.

So he gladly accepted, immediately ordering a retreat and followed Lu Qing to set up near Lu Zhang’s camp.

"Brother, while I was rushing here, I brought some wine. Since we’ve settled, how about us brothers drink together tonight?" After reaching the camp, Lu Yan proposed to Lu Qing.

Lu Qing readily agreed: "That would be great, we haven’t had such an opportunity to gather in a long time, let’s drink to our heart’s content tonight."

His straightforwardness put Lu Yan in a good mood and he immediately ordered people to bring over several jars of wine.

"Did the Third Prince only bring a little wine on the journey?" Lu Qing glanced at the wine placed to the side and asked with a smile.

"Of course not, it seems my brother finds it insufficient?" Lu Yan was momentarily stunned but then chuckled, "Then it’s simple! Come, bring over all the wine I have!"

The soldiers obeyed, quickly fetched more, and soon there were over twenty jars of wine set up in the tent.

Zhu Yu couldn’t help but click his tongue and, taking advantage of the moment when Lu Yan stepped out, he pulled Lu Qing aside and whispered, "You’re not actually planning to drink all that with him, are you? Wouldn’t that lead to some trouble?"

"The wine can’t be left untouched.

Lu Yan is naturally fiery and impatient, and drinking just fuels the fire.

To prevent further issues later, it’s best to eliminate this ’source of trouble’." Lu Qing whispered, covering his mouth and lightly squeezed Zhu Yu’s hand, "I know what I’m doing, don’t worry."

Zhu Yu nodded, acknowledging that Lu Qing has always been cautious and won’t act recklessly. Seeing his confidence, Zhu Yu decided not to worry unnecessarily.

As night fell, a bonfire was lit, and a sumptuous feast was laid out within the large tent.

Lu Qing and Lu Zhang had brought various provisions gifted by Zhu Cheng before departure, plus the wine Lu Yan carried with him, even without a skilled cook to prepare them finely, it was a rare delicacy while traveling.

Lu Zhang, though irritated by Lu Yan that afternoon, and considering his brother’s presence, viewed himself as being of greater status, thus should be magnanimous. So even with a stiff face, he gracefully took his seat at Lu Qing’s invitation.

With Lu Yan present, unaware of other matters, Lu Qing knew it wasn’t convenient for Zhu Yu and the others to sit together. But if not allowed to be present, it would worry them, so he had a separate table set at the other end of the tent for them - himself and Lu Yan along with Yan Daoxin, Zhu Yu, and Yan Shu to dine.

Apart from the wine, the dishes were identical to those on the table where Lu Family’s three princes were seated.

Lu Yan didn’t recognize Zhu Yu, having always stayed in his fief and not easily allowed into the Capital, so naturally, he didn’t attend Lu Qing’s wedding feast nor witnessed Zhu Yu’s moment in the limelight in the Capital, thinking of her as an ordinary retainer of Lu Qing’s.

However, the friendship between Yan Daoxin and Lu Qing, as well as the brotherly bond between Lu Qing and the Fu Brothers, were things Lu Yan had heard of.

Now seeing Lu Qing specially arrange a table nearby, he naturally thought it was intended for Yan Daoxin and the Fu Brothers. As for the other two young guests who appeared to be retainers, he guessed they were merely tagging along.

With food and wine, Lu Yan was in high spirits, choosing to ignore Lu Zhang’s cold demeanor as he drank merrily with Lu Qing, the atmosphere quite pleasant. After a few rounds of drinks, he suddenly became interested and proposed a sword duel with Lu Qing.

Lu Qing readily accepted this suggestion, and the two drew their swords and went out to the open ground to spar. For a moment, the flickering flames reflected on the shiny sword edges, and the snapping of burning wood mingled with the clashing swords’ sounds.

Lu Yan, passionate about martial arts from a young age, had requested to guard the frontier early, spending countless years on horseback was hardly an exaggeration. Combined with his fiery straightforward character, his swordsmanship was fierce and aggressive, brimming with killing intent.

Faced with Lu Yan’s fierce attack, Lu Qing was calm and poised, his movements agile, smoothly turning defense into attack, reversing the situation within a few moves, forcing the previously aggressive Lu Yan to gradually lose ground, eventually being at a disadvantage. 𝓯𝙧𝓮𝓮𝒘𝓮𝙗𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒆𝓵.𝓬𝓸𝒎

Unwilling to admit defeat or show weakness easily, Lu Yan continuously sought opportunities to reverse the situation, yet his efforts remained futile.

After a prolonged engagement, Lu Yan finally leaped back a few steps, sheathed his sword, saluted Lu Qing, and said, "I hadn’t realized before that brother possesses such excellent skills!

Refreshing! Truly refreshing! Since arriving in Qu State, I haven’t had this much fun!

Thank goodness for today’s encounter with you on the way; not only did I avoid making another mistake, but I also had the rare pleasure of sparring like this!

Let’s go, go, go! Let’s head back and drink! I’m glad we brought the wine, let’s drink till dawn!"

Lu Qing threw back his head and laughed heartily, affectionately draping his arm over Lu Yan’s shoulder, as the two returned together to the tent.