Plotting with You: The Forensic Scientist in Ancient Times!-Chapter 526 - 525: Uproar

"There is indeed such a possibility." Lu Qing nodded, "Just with Cao Tianbao alone, there have already been more than one troublesome issue.

Initially, attempts were made to discreetly tarnish General Cao’s reputation through his nephew, and not long after, the issue of privately manufacturing weapons surfaced.

Although my secret memo helped clear his name regarding that crime, at the time, in terms of face, he and the Holy Emperor had somewhat of a public fallout. Though not hurting the relationship drastically, it certainly drove a wedge that didn’t exist before.

These years, General Cao has been following Duke Yan’s lead with great loyalty. While Duke Yan welcomes such devotion, from the Holy Emperor’s perspective, when looking at this matter and these people, if it were you, what would you think?"

Zhu Yu didn’t even need to think much before shaking his head, "If I were in the Holy Emperor’s position, I would feel that what were once my right-hand men now seem to secretly belong to someone else.

This makes me as uneasy now as the reassurance I once felt is fading away."

"So, the previous two probes, though not greatly impacting General Cao’s court position, highlighted his relationship with Duke Yan," Lu Qing sneered. "Even if the Holy Emperor hadn’t noticed or chose to ignore it before, he’s forced to face it now.

Not only him, but the ties between Cao Tianbao and Zhao Bi have also been laid bare before the court officials, and everyone is watching.

At this time, it undoubtedly pushes Zhao Bi to the center of the storm, like pressing him into a frying pan.

With Zhao Bi’s personality, the recent days are likely not easy for him. If because of the criticisms aimed at Cao Tianbao, he fears being implicated and cuts ties with him, it would be like severing his own arm.

Yet, if he doesn’t cut ties, he might draw unnecessary suspicions upon himself.

Through Cao Tianbao’s ’private weapon manufacturing,’ the issue of Duke Yan’s factional influence becomes a transparent concern.

An old minister with significant achievements has cultivated numerous protégés over the years—among them, generals holding military power—and this general is also accused of privately manufacturing weapons...

All these factors combined make things difficult for Duke Yan, putting him between a rock and a hard place."

"Do you think he really has some rebellious plot that he’s afraid will be uncovered?" Zhu Yu couldn’t help but ask softly.

Lu Qing glanced at her with a smile, "Perhaps he does, or maybe not. It may exist, or it may not. It’s not something that he alone can decide.

In the beginning, when he was cultivating his own confidants in court, his intentions were his own business.

Now, with this power scale, what he wants to do depends on others’ words and the Holy Emperor’s view."

Zhu Yu agreed deeply with his words.

A significant court official inherently has the merit of supporting the throne, having been entrusted with heavy responsibilities by Emperor Jin over the years, surely understands his nature.

In such a context, to still so ostentatiously cultivate protégés proves he is ambitiously plotting something.

Such actions, much like "melons in the field," haven’t troubled Zhao Bi all these years, and he even attempted to act against Lu Qing multiple times during this period.

By now, possibly without any indication from Emperor Jin, who in the court or beyond would doubt that he harbors some ulterior motives?

As for whether this motive involves installing his grandson on the throne, that’s up for interpretation.

Seeing her thoughtful expression, Lu Qing added, "If he hadn’t made any other moves, it would be hard to guess, but now that Lu Zhang has gone to Duke Yan Mansion multiple times, Zhao Bi might truly be plotting something, eager to pull Lu Zhang into his fold using their blood ties as a sort of ’insurance card.’

"So, is Lu Zhang convinced by his grandfather or is he undecided and wavering?" Zhu Yu asked.

"Lu Zhang has always been easily influenced, and if he is indecisive, it suggests that whatever Duke Yan is planning must involve some risks. However, aside from risk, the part his grandfather revealed to him must also be highly tempting, causing his dilemma."

Zhu Yu felt that Lu Qing made a good point and then she thought of Yan Shu.

In any scheme by Duke Yan, perhaps the biggest beneficiary is Lu Zhang, yet it would surely exclude the Jie Country and the Jie King.

Previous incidents indicate that Duke Yan clearly does not wish for Lu Zhang to have a solid and powerful alliance with the Yue Family, diluting his influence over Lu Zhang.

He desires Lu Zhang to have a seemingly strong, yet firmly suppressed alliance, with the ultimate control over the fate of the Jie.

Such a notion is evidently contrary to the intentions of the Jie King and Yan Shu.

Whether this is beneficial for Lu Zhang is hard to say.

For Yan Shu, it certainly adds more disappointment to a marriage already not to her liking.

During this period, she doesn’t even know how she and Lu Qing will move ahead, leaving little room for pondering over others.

So they waited in Shackles Prison for two more days, and Emperor Jin still hadn’t summoned them for questioning. Instead, Lu Ze came by again.

This time, Lu Ze seemed to be in high spirits, spirited and with a quickened step, wearing a broad-sleeved blue robe, like a bird flying towards their cell.

"Brother! Great news! Great news! Our father seems to have mostly recovered from his migraine and attended court today!" He excitedly said to Lu Qing by the bars, "Though I’ve heard his spirits aren’t yet quite as strong as before, the ability to attend morning court is a significant improvement.

I requested an audience today, but our father did not grant it. Apparently, he’s still somewhat fatigued after court, but it’s a sign that the situation is improving.

When our father summons you for questioning, make sure to explain everything clearly, brother, and leave here soon.

During this morning’s court session, there was already an uproar over a prince being detained in a place meant for outsiders. If it weren’t for our father’s recent recovery from illness, the disputes might have been even fiercer."