"You don’t need to keep remembering the favor he did for you," Zhu Yu mentioned, showing little emotion toward her father, who only realized things halfway through. "So those so-called mountain bandits who kidnapped the legitimate grandson back then were just a group of loyal guards from Prince Lan Mansion who recognized something was wrong, right?

From the way you behave, you’ve known for a long time that the grandson of Prince Lan has been hidden in this area all these years, haven’t you?

The reason you’ve been cautious on this journey without rushing to the capital is that you’re headed towards that group of ’mountain bandits’, or rather, towards that grandson of Prince Lan, right?"

Lu Qing smiled slightly, acknowledging Zhu Yu’s conclusion.

This made Zhu Yu somewhat puzzled: "How could you be so clear about something that happened over ten years ago? This information must not be exclusive to you and Lu Chao’s men; you probably learned it from the Holy Emperor.

If you all knew about it before, why did you never intervene or inquire until now, when you secretly came over?"

"The Holy Emperor indeed didn’t know about this." This time, however, Zhu Yu guessed wrong. Lu Qing shook his head, "I learned about these things while recuperating at Shanqing Temple, during the years I studied with my master, bit by bit."

Zhu Yu’s face showed signs of surprise.

This was something she hadn’t expected at all.

Her impression of Lu Qing’s master, Qi Yun Mountain People, had always been one of erudition and expertise in medicine and martial arts, with an eccentric and proud personality. He didn’t give face to anyone if it didn’t suit his intentions, not even the Emperor.

Based on this impression, she automatically assumed he was a transcendental hermit, indifferent to the mundane matters of the world and not even bothered to inquire about them.

Unexpectedly, this matter was unknown even to Emperor Jin, yet Lu Qing learned about it from Qi Yun Mountain People.

Lu Qing was amused by Zhu Yu’s surprise. He could easily guess how Zhu Yu would speculate about his master since very few people in the outside world truly understood his master’s character. 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

"Although my master is unwilling to be entangled by worldly affairs, he always had his ear to the ground. He once said that unless he had a heaven-sent talent to cover the Shanqing Temple with a heavenly glass cover, it would be impossible to completely avoid worldly matters.

He simply wished for quiet cultivation but never intended to gouge out his senses and become one who is blind and deaf. When disaster strikes, it would be truly troublesome not to notice the danger overhead." He explained to Zhu Yu.

Zhu Yu nodded in understanding: "Your master is indeed a wise man!"

"Indeed.

Since I heard about this from my master, I couldn’t involve myself in it publicly or privately, logically or sentimentally.

Firstly, this is an internal affair of Lan Country at its root. No one anticipated how severe it would become later.

Prince Lan did not report to the court for help. Even if the Holy Emperor knew, there would be no reason for interference.

Secondly, at that time, I was still quite young. It was challenging enough to manage my circumstances, let alone intervene in others’ affairs.

It wasn’t just me; Lu Chao was in a similar situation. For us, the most important thing then was to survive and grow up, to build the capacity to sustain ourselves before we could gradually address other matters.

Besides, the most crucial point is that the Holy Emperor did not know about it. If he was unaware, naturally, outsiders must remain ignorant, or it would be self-destructive.

Ever since finding this matter peculiar, I’ve kept an eye on it. Given the current situation, it should be properly used."

"Have they been hiding here all these years?" Zhu Yu lifted the curtain to look outside. After another day’s journey, they were surrounded by more hills and denser forests, which did seem like a good hiding place. "I wonder if they’ll show themselves."

"Think about Mu Hong, just to save his own life, he must be this cautious. Those guards, who’ve protected the grandson so meticulously over the years, must be even more vigilant than Mu Hong by a thousandfold," Lu Qing looked out, "You should have faith in the runes and talisman. If the people over there appear, they’ll certainly notice."

With that assurance, Zhu Yu felt relieved. While she might have doubts about others, she clearly knew the power of the runes and talisman from her long observation. Anyone who’s been with Lu Qing for so many years surely possesses not just loyalty, but great skills as well.

By nightfall, they stopped at a clearing in the forest to camp overnight.

The four of them parked the carriage by the woods and busily started preparing dinner. The Fu brothers searched for food, almost emptying everything from the carriage to find their food box hidden beneath.

Then, they collected firewood and started a fire, reheating some food they brought, and the four gathered around the fire, eating heartily.

As Zhu Yu warmed herself by the fire, she glanced at the pile of ornate boxes by the carriage, then at Lu Qing, slightly nodding towards the forest.

Lu Qing understood, nodded slightly, and Zhu Yu had no more doubts, relaxing while eating and drinking, occasionally discussing the journey.

The brothers were there too, eating and listening to Zhu Yu chat, occasionally letting out simple laughs, seemingly honest attendants.

But knowing them well, Zhu Yu could tell that both brothers maintained their vigilance, and their casual demeanor was merely an act.

Only after eating did they slowly pack the ornate boxes back into the carriage. The four then found a sheltered, flat spot near the fire to make beds for the night.

Even as Zhu Yu lay down, she was somewhat tense, unable to keep her eyes shut, often sneaking glances around and listening carefully for any sounds.

Lu Qing took out a thick pelisse from the carriage to cover her, gently tucking it in while whispering, "Just rest assured and sleep."

Then he sat under a large tree near Zhu Yu, leaning against it and closing his eyes to rest. His breathing was calm and steady, as if he had fallen asleep effortlessly.