Plotting with You: The Forensic Scientist in Ancient Times!-Chapter 256 - 255: Underhanded Tricks

Zhu Cheng hesitated for a moment, weighed the sword hilt in his hand again, and then looked at a stone pillar large enough for two people to embrace. Gathering his strength, he slashed at the pillar with the sword.

With a clang, at the very moment the blade struck heavily against the pillar, the sword vibrated and snapped in half at the waist. One half remained attached to the hilt, still in Zhu Cheng’s hand, while the other half fell to the ground with another clang.

The sound of the short sword hitting the ground was much softer than the one made when striking the pillar, yet it felt like a sledgehammer pounding on Zhu Cheng’s heart, causing it to skip a beat. He was terrified; in an instant, the hair on his back stood on end, goosebumps rose all over his body, and soon his inner shirt was drenched in cold sweat.

If it weren’t for his son-in-law, Prince Xiaoyao, who insisted on inspecting this batch of weapons, he might not have opened the boxes until it was time for transportation.

After all, when the goods were initially delivered, he was shown several swords and sabers that had no issues, only then did he agree to seal them.

Who could have imagined there would be such deceit hidden within!

Somewhat unwilling to believe it all, he hurriedly dropped the broken sword as if it was scalding, fetched another one from the box, and swung it at the pillar.

Once again, a sword shattered instantly, no different from the previous one.

Zhu Cheng’s panic was unmistakable on his face, making his originally dark complexion turn even darker.

Ignoring everything else, he urgently opened another box and hastily grabbed two swords from it.

The result was no different from the earlier sabers.

Besides panic, Zhu Cheng’s eyes also showed more frustration.

He continuously opened boxes, randomly picking weapons from inside to test them.

The outcome was without exception; they all broke.

Zhu Yu was somewhat shocked.

Previously, she suspected these weapons might have problems, but she didn’t imagine it would be this severe.

She turned to look at Lu Qing beside her, noticing his brows were furrowed. Clearly, the situation before them exceeded his previous estimates as well.

Not just them, even Zhu Cheng’s guards were somewhat dumbstruck.

They had followed Zhu Cheng for many years, knowing best how much their Prince valued the forging and tempering of weapons, always hoping to produce exceptional ones, and taking pride in the forging skills of Shuo Country.

Yet now, the court demanded a batch of weapons, and after sealing the boxes, they were found to be substandard, an unbearable situation tantamount to trampling the Prince’s reputation into the mud...

Box by box was opened, and each sword or saber tested added to the growing pile of broken blades on the ground, deepening Zhu Cheng’s gloom.

Though not a person with an acute mind, he had lived long enough, walked enough paths, and eaten enough rice to learn many things, preventing him from being too bewildered.

The swords and sabers initially shown to him for inspection were obviously not the same as those stored in these boxes.

Someone had banked on his trust to carelessly dig a pit for him.

After verifying every box, Zhu Cheng tossed the broken sword in his hand, panting heavily.

In another warehouse, a batch of long spears and halberds remained sealed, but he had lost all desire to inspect them.

For the outcome was clear from the scatter of broken swords and sabers covering the floor of this room.

Panting heavily, Zhu Cheng’s palms reddened, trembling slightly.

He felt lightly drained, more out of dread and anger than exhaustion.

"Someone! Get me Pang Yutang dragged here at once, today I demand an explanation from him!"

"Father! You mustn’t!" Zhu Yu hurriedly intervened, collapsing on her knees before Zhu Cheng before he could react.

"What... what are you doing?!" Zhu Cheng was startled by Zhu Yu’s sudden drastic reaction, having quietly observed everything until now.

"Father, if you truly wish to thoroughly investigate the truth and resolve the multiple lurking crises in Shuo Land, do not call upon anyone from the Pang Family for questioning!" Zhu Yu passionately implored Zhu Cheng, "Haven’t you thought about why a mere Pang Family dares to commit such an outrageous act of deception?

Consider if the Pang Family is prone to impulsive and shortsighted actions? Even if you summon their housekeeper for questioning, wouldn’t he produce a well-rehearsed defense, adept at shifting blame onto others while avoiding responsibility?

Rather than wasting time listening to their excuses and watching them abscond from accountability, isn’t it better to resolve to investigate the matter thoroughly!

Father, our Shuo Country is not as solid as we think; it’s riddled with holes. The issue with the weapons to be sent to Jin Country is merely a festering sore at the surface, and deeper could be pus-filled, which if not treated, will rot to the core, causing irreparable damage!"

Zhu Cheng, accustomed to family women indulging in trivial pursuits, or attending elegant gatherings like Zhu Ning, never imagined he’d one day receive such heartfelt advice from his daughter.

"Father, Shuo Land’s passes are now virtually unguarded. We infiltrated with forged ordination papers easily in the past; now even Princess Yan Shu from Jie Country enters Shuo Land without any public verification or paperwork from Jin Country.

If we could do it, so could others.

Previously, weapons suspected to be from Shuo Land entered foreign hands, including Black Iron blades. Now this batch meant for the court, supervised by you, is flawed. If we don’t resolve these latent threats decisively, we risk being cornered into a catastrophe, wearing a blame we can’t shake off!

You are the Prince of Shuo Land, even disregarding the Zhu Family’s safety, how can you not consider the well-being of your people?!

Many able-bodied men have disappeared mysteriously in several places, and yet you remain unmoved. Should an uprising occur, leaving only the elderly, sick, and weak, how will we respond then?

Please, Father, awaken and act decisively instead of hesitating!"

Stunned by Zhu Yu’s words, Zhu Cheng remained motionless briefly before hastily reaching to help her up, inadvertently grasping a wound on her wrist.

Feeling his earnest attempt to lift his daughter, exerting some strength, the unexpected pain caused Zhu Yu to flinch.

Startled, Zhu Cheng quickly released his grip, shifting to her arm, "Stand up first. I won’t send for the Pang Family then!"