Plotting with You: The Forensic Scientist in Ancient Times!-Chapter 511 - 510: Killing with a Borrowed Blade

"So, you mean that something might have happened on Yan Daoxin’s side as well? If that’s the case, how are we supposed to get through this?" Although Lu Qing’s calm demeanor made her feel like their situation might not be so passive, they were still in the most enigmatic Fan Country, which left a lingering unease in her heart.

It’s not about fearing anything else, but fearing those people would come directly for their lives. If that happens, even a strong tiger can’t fight off a pack of wolves; it’s too dangerous for them.

"The fake castle master already exposed my identity just now." Lu Qing wasn’t too worried about this. "No matter how big the issue is, the Golden-faced Imperial Censor might not have enough influence, but the name of Prince Xiaoyao is not something common people dare to offend lightly.

If the forces of King Fan had the courage to act first and report afterward, that fake castle master wouldn’t have gone to such lengths, laying so much groundwork.

So I speculate, his initial plan was probably to pin the crime of plotting against the Vassal King on us over here, then escort us back to the Capital.

Back in the Capital, how this matter is resolved will naturally be determined by the Holy Emperor."

With Lu Qing’s explanation, Zhu Yu completely understood.

This matter will ultimately be presented to Emperor Jin, and how Emperor Jin decides to deal with Lu Qing will require much deliberation.

No matter how out of place Fan Country is among the vassal states, it still counts as a fiefdom.

Even if in recent years King Fan turned everything into chaos in his pursuit of so-called immortality, causing misery to the people and allowing hidden forces to create trouble and harm neighboring countries.

Nonetheless, he is still a king, and dealing with him is within the jurisdiction of Emperor Jin; others cannot casually take his life.

Lu Qing, being the adopted son of Emperor Jin and Prince Xiaoyao, running off to Bhutan, suspected of killing King Fan and even decimating the entire family of the High Priest under King Fan.

If Emperor Jin were to shield him, other vassal kings would definitely feel discontent, fearing that if similar incidents occurred, the Emperor would also shield his own princes, disregarding the vassal kings’ lives, which would sow discord and lay the groundwork for future disasters.

But if Emperor Jin enforced strict justice, punishing Lu Qing to appease Fan Country’s emotions?

Doing so is understandable, provided there is no estrangement between Lu Qing and Emperor Jin, making it a fair and reasonable judgment.

At such a moment, everything the fake castle master told Lu Qing about the past would quietly come into play.

Even if Lu Qing believed only a small part, or even less, when the time came for impartial judgment by Emperor Jin to quell Fan Country’s wrath, he would inevitably feel pricked at heart, believing in what he had previously dismissed due to resentment.

Once he believes firmly, more hatred would arise, intertwining new and old grudges.

At that time, it’s unpredictable whether one might act impulsively driven by this surging hatred.

If Emperor Jin died or was harmed due to this, and Lu Qing, the instigator, lost his head, it would be an ideal outcome, achieving two goals at once.

If it turns out to be a false alarm and Emperor Jin is unharmed, Lu Qing’s life would still be forfeit, which for the plotters behind this is still a gain.

Thus, before they return to the Capital, their lives aren’t truly endangered, but once back, that’s a different story.

From all past occurrences, Zhu Yu couldn’t predict how Emperor Jin would handle this matter.

However, in any scenario, Lu Qing’s life seemed forfeit.

Zhu Yu looked at the calm Lu Qing, unable to hide the worry in her eyes.

Seeing this, Lu Qing chuckled, gently rubbing Zhu Yu’s furrowed brow with his finger, "Don’t look so worried. We still have a show to watch later, to see if what follows matches our speculations."

The four left the Great Priest Mansion, retracing their steps to the Fanwang Mansion.

A long distance from the Fanwang Mansion, they saw guards standing by the entrance, each armed and ready.

"Let’s go, it’s our turn on stage now." Lu Qing said lightly to Zhu Yu with a faint smile.

Zhu Yu took a deep breath, nodded, and continued to act as the little apprentice, following closely behind Lu Qing.

The talisman and Fu Lu were also tense and fully guarded. Even though they knew Lu Qing was being truthful, facing a confrontation still made it hard to remain entirely calm.

As they moved forward a few more steps, the guards at the Prince Mansion saw them and immediately surrounded them.

"Arrest these four miscreants!"

The lead guard ordered, and the guards encircling them instantly tightened their formation.

The talisman and Fu Lu drew their swords, glaring fiercely.

Their imposing manner momentarily intimidated the surrounding guards, causing them to halt involuntarily.

"Impudent!" The lead guard yelled from outside the circle, "Bring out their accomplice!"

As the voice faded, two individuals, also dressed as mansion guards, came out escorting the tightly bound Yan Daoxin.

Yan Daoxin looked relatively unscathed, without any visible wounds, just securely tied up, appearing slightly disheveled.

Seeing Lu Qing and Zhu Yu surrounded, he didn’t panic but impatiently muttered, "What took you so long?"

The composure of Lu Qing earlier, combined with Yan Daoxin’s current ease, relaxed Zhu Yu, who was a bit tense before.

"Silence! Who gave you permission to speak!" the lead guard shouted angrily, "Bring these conspirators against King Fan inside for interrogation!"

The guards, initially intimidated by the talisman and Fu Lu, regained their presence, obeying the orders despite their lingering fear, and tied up the four.

Zhu Yu was sure that the ropes used couldn’t restrain Fu Lu, and likely not Lu Qing or the talisman either, which calmed her as she was led into the Fanwang Mansion with her arms tied behind her.

This time, they didn’t need to zigzag their way to the sleeping quarters.

Entering the door, they were soon led to a relatively spacious courtyard.