Plotting with You: The Forensic Scientist in Ancient Times!-Chapter 525 - 524: Worth the Trip

"Since the Holy Emperor is unwell, you shouldn’t go and add to his troubles." Lu Qing waved his hand, "There’s nothing wrong with staying here, the food’s good, the accommodation’s comfortable."

"Stop joking with me! In a place like this, it’s a wonder to be comfortable at all!" Lu Ze frowned, giving a disdainful glance at the cell behind Lu Qing, clearly very displeased with the environment there.

Lu Qing smiled without rebutting, then, as if something suddenly occurred to him, he asked Lu Ze, "What has your second prince brother been busy with lately?"

Suddenly being asked about Lu Zhang, Lu Ze was taken aback, "I really don’t know... It’s not like you don’t know, my second prince brother and I aren’t close, he somewhat looks down on me, why would he ever tell me what he’s doing!

When I used to enter the palace, I might catch him at court, but with Father unwell and court sessions called off, I haven’t seen him at all lately.

However, I’ve heard that the carriages from Prince Yi Mansion have frequently been heading to Duke Yan Mansion lately."

"There’s nothing strange about that, it’s his mother’s family, it’s natural for them to visit often." Lu Qing nodded indifferently.

"You’re absolutely right!" Lu Ze nodded, not sure if he was truly agreeing or just going along, "Given his closeness with his maternal grandfather’s family, it’s different from others, it’s not even inappropriate for him to go there at night occasionally.

Even if he doesn’t return home, staying overnight at his maternal grandfather’s place isn’t unreasonable."

Lu Qing chuckled, waving his hand at Lu Ze, "Alright, I know you don’t like talking about him, so let’s not bring it up. That was my fault earlier, for treading on a sore point.

We haven’t seen each other in a long time, I should be more concerned about you instead of asking about others!

By the way, how’s the marriage arrangement with the granddaughter of the Imperial College Sacrificial Officer going?

The Holy Emperor has given you two to three years, likely to ensure your marriage is well-prepared while also hoping you can focus on your studies and make further progress.

I think you should take this time to find a suitable opportunity to meet the young lady, get to know each other, and develop feelings in advance, which is always good.

I guess, given how much your mother concubine loves you, she’s already started preparing for your grand marriage, so don’t go bothering her over trivial matters."

"Brother!" Lu Ze seemed not to enjoy this topic, waving his hand with slight resistance, his expression not looking too pleased, "At this time, you’re still interested in these insignificant matters!"

"Look at what you’re saying, a marriage arranged by the Holy Emperor cannot be a trivial matter, it’s a major event in life." Lu Qing laughed off his concerns, "Especially as the counterpart is from a reputed scholarly family, the legitimate granddaughter of the Sacrificial Officer, reputed to be the most talented among the sisters, receiving much love from her grandfather.

The Holy Emperor has put so much thought into selecting such a match for you.

Your second prince brother once hoped desperately to marry a talented woman, but couldn’t achieve it, so you should cherish it well, focus on your studies now, otherwise, if you can’t answer questions after getting married when her grandfather tests you on knowledge, even the Holy Emperor might have words for you."

Lu Ze lowered his gaze, a hint of gloom in his eyes, his expression briefly turning cold.

However, he adjusted quickly, his expression soon turning mournful, waving his hands at Lu Qing: "My dear brother, my own brother, now I understand!

You’re just too bored being locked in this prison, so you’re picking on me for fun!

Alright, alright, it’s indeed not easy for you right now, so if teasing me a bit can ease your heart, I don’t mind.

Anyway, rest easy, as a prince here, the servants wouldn’t dare give you trouble.

Father’s probably just momentarily angry, who told you to catch him during one of his headache spells!

Lately, I will go and talk to my mother concubine, asking her to find a suitable opportunity to speak with Father again! If there’s any good news, I’ll definitely tell you!"

With that, he waved his hand, fearing Lu Qing would talk about the marriage again, he hurriedly left, and the two attendants who came with him quickly followed, the three of them leaving the Shackles Prison.

Once they were gone, the Shackles Prison returned to tranquility.

Zhu Yu had been sitting silently on the side, without approaching.

Now she played the role of a small attendant beside Lu Qing, naturally having no right to move closer to Prince Shu.

But Lu Ze hadn’t bothered to avoid anyone while speaking, so Zhu Yu heard every word exchanged between him and Lu Qing. Now that Lu Ze had left, she propped her chin up, eyes watching the direction he departed to, the now empty corridor’s end, deep in thought.

Lu Qing stood up and stretched his slightly cramped limbs, sauntering to Zhu Yu’s side and sitting down next to her.

"What’s on your mind?" he asked after waiting for a while.

"I was thinking, Prince Shu’s visit wasn’t in vain." Zhu Yu glanced at Lu Qing, a little mockingly, "His words seem to indicate that he’s not close to Lu Zhang, yet he’s quite clear on Lu Zhang’s affairs.

Previously, when he visited our home, he told you that Lu Zhang had volunteered to inspect the border between Jin Country and Jie, Shuo Land.

This time, he claims hardly to run into Lu Zhang, yet he’s plainly knowledgeable about Lu Zhang’s frequent visits to Duke Yan Mansion.

Previously, I only felt vague suspicions, as it was our first meeting with limited opportunities to know more, so I wasn’t sure.

After this meeting, I dare say, Prince Shu is truly an intriguing person."

Lu Qing smiled at her words, exhaling lightly: "To be born within the palace walls, grow up smoothly, neither dying young nor losing any limbs, reaching adulthood whole and complete is itself an extraordinary feat.

Moreover, not just this, but to receive special favor, enjoying privileges other brothers have never had, it cannot simply be said that he’s intriguing on his own.

To be precise, both he and his mother concubine are quite remarkable."

Zhu Yu nodded, sincerely agreeing.

"Wasn’t the trouble with General Cao resolved?" she asked Lu Qing, lowering her voice in doubt, "Yet Lu Zhang keeps visiting Duke Yan so often, seemingly disregarding discretion...

Could it be that Duke Yan has other pressing issues?"