Plotting with You: The Forensic Scientist in Ancient Times!-Chapter 367 - 366: The Sword

"Brother, you must be joking." Lu Yan listened to Lu Qing’s affirmation of himself and felt quite comforted, but upon hearing the words "bright future," he couldn’t help but smirk mockingly, tilting his head toward the guest hall, "With Second Brother’s maternal grandfather around, who else besides Second Brother would dare claim to have any future prospects?

Back then, knowing I didn’t have the brains to get involved in the muddy waters of the Capital, when Fourth Brother submitted a petition to leave the Capital and defend the border, I thought since he’s always cautious in his dealings, if I submitted the petition with him, wouldn’t that work out!

And what was the result?

My fief was placed in Qu State, and there, I fought bandits and quelled upheavals. Although I admittedly couldn’t control my temper and killed prisoners, at the very least, my efforts should have counted for something. But in the end? I was punished for not being summoned, not even allowed near the Capital!"

"I just mentioned your short temper and how your nature is susceptible to manipulation. Have you thought of anything?" Lu Qing smiled slightly, hinting, "Although we didn’t grow up together, I somewhat understand your temper and disposition.

If it weren’t for someone provoking you to the point of irrationality, you naturally would be hot-headed, but not to the point of killing all the prisoners without leaving a single one alive."

Lu Yan froze for a moment, frowned, and carefully recalled the situation at that time. Some initially overlooked details gradually emerged: "...Speaking of which... those Jie country bandits were causing a ruckus, which was already unsettling me. Plus, someone by my side kept telling me how those people didn’t respect me, were provocative in their words and actions, virtually looking down on me, and were certain I didn’t have the guts to act against them...

Later... I really couldn’t hold back my anger...

Seeing it that way..."

"Seeing it that way, it seems the people around Third Brother still need to be closely observed." Lu Qing stopped short, changing the subject, "Even ants cling to life, let alone humans.

We may not be extraordinary, but at the very least, we must choose someone who can pave a path for ourselves to uphold this world."

After speaking, he stood up, and as he passed by Lu Yan, he patted him thrice on the shoulder, not too lightly or heavily, then walked toward the opposite corridor, taking a few steps before turning back to remind Lu Yan, "Third Brother, today, during the day, you must rest and conserve your energy; there will surely be a chance for you to shine."

Zhu Yu, quietly listening all along, saw that Lu Qing was about to leave, so he got up and followed him. The two of them directly went upstairs, closed the door after entering the room.

"Ask what you want to ask." Once the door was shut, Lu Qing’s demeanor changed from the formal manner he displayed before Lu Yan.

He sat at the edge of the bed, stretched out his long arm, and pulled Zhu Yu over, causing Zhu Yu to stumble and fall onto his lap.

"Are you insane?" Zhu Yu was startled, lowered his voice, and scolded him, "Lu Zhang is manageable, but in broad daylight, if Lu Yan barges in without thinking, your reputation could become indefensible."

Lu Qing chuckled, unconcerned: "Lu Yan is straightforward and of simple mind, unlike others who are convoluted. What I said to him just now is enough to keep him pondering for a while. He won’t seek me out anytime soon.

Currently hiding from him is because he is too impulsive and lacks depth, so I can’t completely rely on him.

If he allies with us in the future, wouldn’t Third Uncle eventually recognize his own sister-in-law?"

Zhu Yu sensed a hint of confidence in Lu Qing’s words, "Lu Chao bypassed Lu Yan before and first approached the cautious Lu Jun, thinking Lu Yan was a tough nut to crack?

Do you think a few words from you can sway him?"

"Before, Yan Daoxin said Madam is the person in the world who can quickly understand my intentions, so why are you slow to realize this time?" Lu Qing appeared somewhat aggrieved, "Haven’t I been persistently trying to persuade him all this time?"

Zhu Yu paused, thought carefully, and indeed realized it was true.

Lu Yan is inherently impulsive, acting without considering the consequences, which led his brothers to look down on him and his father to dislike him. The more it was like this, the more it led to adverse effects. Instead of correcting himself, Lu Yan seemed to adopt a rebellious attitude.

Such a person might initially appear volatile, like a prickly porcupine, but beneath that stubborn and difficult exterior lies a heart that desperately longs to be seen, accepted, and recognized.

Yet this kind of person, stubborn as they may be, is not foolish. They can clearly sense contrived sycophancy and deceitfulness.

Ever since Lu Qing met Lu Yan, he conducted himself with genuine sincerity in their interactions. Whether sparring or drinking together, it allowed Lu Yan to feel the sincerity, bridging the gap between them that wasn’t necessarily close initially.

Later, Lu Qing showed complete trust in Lu Yan, assigning him tasks to verify the terrain of Immortal Castle. Upon discovering individuals in the dungeon resembling the tax collectors working under Lu Yan, he didn’t hide it from him out of fear of his impulsiveness. 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂

On the contrary, Lu Qing understood Lu Yan’s thoughts, merely giving a caution before he acted, never obstructing his actions, as if believing Lu Yan wouldn’t deliberately cause trouble.

Lu Yan was precisely caught by this attitude of his. Regardless of his sharp tongue and impatience facing Lu Zhang, he was steady when dealing with Lu Qing.

Ultimately, this fellow was subtly and persistently working on Lu Yan’s mind, using Lu Zhang as a clear target, effectively making himself a trustworthy and amiable elder brother in Lu Yan’s eyes!

"Lu Jun is cautious and meticulous. If Lu Chao can convince him to agree, it should be stable. But Lu Yan... isn’t he still unstable?" Zhu Yu was still worried despite understanding.

Lu Qing wrapped his arms around her waist, let out a slow sigh, "The most suitable ally is hard to come by.

Lu Yan may not be the most stable choice, but I have to admit that his lack of depth is both a blessing and a curse.

If he were merely of mediocre quality, he could be ignored. Yet, he is skilled in martial arts, a good military leader, and due to not being deeply scheming, his boldness exceeds his strategy, transforming him from the talent of a general to a human sword.

A treasured sword is indeed extremely sharp, slicing through hair, but whether its blade is stained with the enemy’s blood or its own depends on whose hand is on the hilt."