"Oh no..." Lu Qing heard this, frowned and looked at Zhu Yu.
Zhu Yu was startled by his reaction and quickly looked at him nervously.
"In such a short ti, you’ve seen through both the Duke Yan and his grandson. You truly have the potential to beco a major threat to Zhao Bi." Lu Qing rubbed his temples, "It seems I need to be more attentive on how to protect madam in the future."
Only then did Zhu Yu realize that Lu Qing was teasing her and nothing bad had happened, so she relaxed her brow and glared at him playfully: "So I was right?"
"Maybe others wouldn’t be so, but Zhao Bi does have such a style. We can indeed use this to make an assumption." Lu Qing sighed slowly, "Zhao Bi’s scheming isn’t all that deep actually, it’s just that his influence is enormous, giving him enough confidence.
Without this vast power he’s accumulated over the years, along with a few capable old pals who have gone through thick and thin with him... he wouldn’t be much of a threat."
Zhu Yu heard the implication in Lu Qing’s words, understandingly smiled: "No wonder many things lately have been targeting Cao Tianbao."
"I’m afraid Cao Tianbao is only the biggest target of the opponents, not necessarily the most important one." Lu Qing looked at Zhu Yu, seeing her expression change from pondering to realization, his smile grew deeper.
"Right, you’re saying... Lu Zhang won’t retreat again at this critical juncture, will he?" Zhu Yu thought about how Lu Qing’s secret report clarified Shuo Country’s suspicions but didn’t ntion the Jie country’s fabricated soldier issue, feeling a bit worried, "Previously during the Holy Emperor’s marriage decree, the Jie King had put on a grand display of marrying off his daughter, yet the old scoundrel incited Lu Zhang to neglect Yan Shu.
He’s clearly hoping Lu Zhang doesn’t get too close to the Jie King’s forces. At this ti, he’s barely managing to clarify Cao Tianbao’s affair, surely he doesn’t want Lu Zhang to do anything for Jie Country.
After all, the man’s mind is unpredictable and not one to trust easily. If Lu Zhang does sothing to arouse his suspicion at this critical mont, the gains won’t be worth the risk.
Anyway, from his perspective, Lu Zhang continually cold shoulders Yan Shu, and this arranged marriage was sanctioned by the Holy Emperor, not sothing Lu Zhang sought himself. Ultimately, if Jie Country’s suspicion can’t be cleared, they could simply sever ties. Maybe even use Jie Country to stage a ’righteous family break’ to showcase Lu Zhang’s virtue!
Moreover, by doing so, he can beco the one who single-handedly elevates Lu Zhang to a high position. By then, he and the Zhao Family behind him can enjoy unparalleled and supre prestige, surpassing anything today, without worrying about the Jie King taking a share."
"You’re right, Zhao Bi indeed has that intention, but if we want to clear Jie Country’s na, Lu Zhang himself must submit a morial. If I do it, that would be overstepping, possibly yielding counterproductive results."
Lu Qing knows Zhu Yu is slightly worried about Yan Shu’s situation: "Who is the Golden-faced Imperial Censor - others may not know, but the Holy Emperor does.
So regardless of how I prove Shuo Country’s innocence, it’s unquestionable in his eyes because it’s his own Yue Family. From my interest’s perspective, helping Shuo Country remove suspicion is justified.
But if it involves Jie Country, it’s problematic. Originally, rumors suggest that Jie and Shuo were secretly collaborating, so if I bring up Jie Country’s clarification, who knows if it would be seen as your father’s instruction, which would solidify the collusion between the two countries, possibly plotting unrest."
Zhu Yu understood Lu Qing’s words made sense. They aren’t yet at the stage where they can ’benefit the world’. Being able to tread securely at each step and not fall into others’ traps is already good, so she doesn’t have the thought of rashly handling delicate matters, only worries about Lu Zhang being indecisive.
"Actually, you don’t have to distrust Lu Zhang so much." Lu Qing saw her expression and guessed what she was thinking, "The things you ntioned were all viewed from the Duke Yan’s perspective, but Lu Zhang, though sowhat impressionable, isn’t completely brainless.
In fact, regarding his own situation, Lu Zhang has his own plans and considerations.
Choosing to align with Zhao Bi in the past was because the Duke Yan’s faction has deep roots. In the court, the Capital, it’s a presence that can shake the ground with a stomp.
No matter how wary the Holy Emperor is of the Jie King, he’s just a Vassal King, far from the frontiers, without influence in Jin Country, and is a heavily guarded target.
By comparison, the answer to who is more beneficial for him soday to rise is obvious.
So the choice Lu Zhang made initially was understandable, aligned with his interests.
But now, disregarding his past interactions with Yan Shu outside of the Capital, simply from the present situation, his choices would also change.
Just because it’s clear the Duke Yan’s faction has been targeted, the opponents have repeatedly entrapped them, and this ti, without the secret report to testify, the loyalty between Cao Tianbao and the Holy Emperor would have ended.
Although this scare has temporarily dispelled previous crises, who can guarantee there aren’t lingering doubts?
According to Lu Zhang’s personality, at this ti, he wouldn’t fail to plan for himself, at least not to strain relations with the Yue Family.
Jie Country is rely a scapegoat in this matter, he’s fully aware, so if the matter can be clarified, it’s equivalent to leaving himself more options.
If the maternal grandfather loses power, at least he won’t be left empty-handed, without any support."
Zhu Yu snorted, although she didn’t say anything explicitly, her cold snort contained full contempt and disdain.
Lu Qing saw her expression and finally couldn’t help but extend his hand to pinch her cheek: "There’s no need for such disdain. He’s not like or Lu Chao. Growing up with Duke Yan’s protection, he never faced anything alone, without support.
That kind of situation, he hasn’t even imagined, let alone experienced.
It’s not the way he willingly chose to beco.
Inside that Imperial Palace, everyone is the sa, being involuntarily driven."
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