"Why does the Prince suspect ?!" Zhu Yu, much like an inexperienced yet stubborn young lad, stiffened his neck, appearing wronged and indignant. "My elder brother was even willing to contribute such a precious ’Chang’e Drunk’ to the Prince. I ca along with him, is it possible that we just ca to boast before you?
My master instructed not to take the Truth-telling Pill when I leave, and I naturally must follow my master’s orders.
However, just because I cannot bring the prepared ones doesn’t prove I cannot make them!
If the Prince could arrange for the herbs I need, give a few days, and I can prepare it again for the Prince!"
"Oh? That certainly isn’t a problem." Prince Lan’s eyes lit up upon hearing this, and he involuntarily sat a bit straighter. "Since that’s the case, write down the herbs you need, and I will have soone prepare them for you. You may well concoct it, allowing to see your skills."
Zhu Yu nodded readily. Prince Lan called for paper and pen and handed them to her. She swiftly wrote down several herbs, which Prince Lan had soone bring over for review.
"Though these herbs are rare, they are not impossible to find. I have my ways.
But... such a miraculous pill only requires this small list of herbs?" Prince Lan looked a bit puzzled, glancing from the short list in his hand back to Zhu Yu.
"Of course not." Zhu Yu replied confidently, chest out and head up, "My master says that the recipe handed down by our grandmaster must not be disclosed, else I would be expelled from the school.
So the recipe stays in my mind, not to be shared with outsiders.
I ca out with my brother this ti, carrying so herbs with . To concoct the Truth-telling Pill, I only miss these few hard-to-find ingredients.
If the Prince can have soone help find these, I will naturally be able to make the Truth-telling Pill for you!"
Prince Lan’s earlier enthusiasm faded slightly from his face; he had hoped to acquire the recipe for such a wondrous pill, but didn’t expect the young person before him to be so obedient to his master.
He could only nod, passing the list to an attendant beside him. "Then see to it this young gentleman gets what he needs from this list. I truly want to see if there’s such a miraculous thing in this world!"
Clearly, Zhu Yu’s act of first dangling the bait of the ’Truth-telling Pill,’ yet failing to present a completed one or surrender the full recipe, left Prince Lan a little disenchanted. Afterward, he did not engage much with her and Lu Qing, eventually finding an excuse to dismiss them for rest.
This was exactly what Lu Qing and Zhu Yu desired, as it’s said that speaking too much leads to slips. They just needed a legitimate reason to stay at the Prince Lan Mansion, and didn’t wish for more interaction with this impostor Prince Lan.
In the days that followed, the eight of them lived quite quietly. Prince Lan did not summon them again for als, and their daily sustenance ca from their own efforts, suggesting that unless the ingredients were gathered and Zhu Yu made a real ’Truth-telling Pill,’ Prince Lan had no further interest in seeing them.
This suited their intentions perfectly.
During this waiting period, Lin Kun was arguably the busiest among them.
As the Guard Commander originally in the Prince Lan Mansion, thanks to Lu Qing’s masterful disguise, no one could recognize him, allowing him to easily identify the old servants in the mansion.
After several days of observation and probing, he finally identified a target, an old guard who had previously served with them at the royal residence.
"His na is Hong Liu’er, he joined the royal residence around the sa ti as I did, and he is extrely loyal to the Prince." Lin Kun explained his plan to Lu Qing, Zhu Yu, and Chang Yu, "Back then, we suspected the Prince was in trouble and were preparing to escape to save the Young Master and others.
Hong Liu’er also worried about the Heir’s Consort and the Young Master eting misfortune, yet he couldn’t believe anyone could secretly replace another, thinking it too absurd. He was hesitant, so we didn’t involve him, fearing he might jeopardize the plan.
From the first day I entered the prince’s residence, I recognized him again, and have kept an eye on him. I discreetly inquired and found he still doesn’t believe the Prince had an impostor, remaining truly loyal to the Prince all this ti.
Especially as rumors spread that the Heir’s Consort was hard by mountain bandits, and the Young Master was abducted with a grim outlook, void of news for years, it’s likely they were gone since then.
Hong Liu’er firmly believes this, making him more loyal to the Prince. Though the impostor Prince Lan doesn’t value him much, he trusts him enough to have him handle letter deliveries.
Yet, in recent years, due to that impostor’s increasingly extre behavior, Hong Liu’er might have started harboring doubts. Previously, under the guise of delivering letters, he secretly probed for our whereabouts.
I think I can test him, and if he proves reliable, he can be an asset to us!"
Lu Qing and Zhu Yu lacked knowledge about the inner workings of the Prince Lan Mansion, and did not know Hong Liu’er, so after hearing Lin Kun out, they did not imdiately express their stance.
Chang Yu, however, was less reserved, speaking up to Lu Qing, "Uncle Lin has always been cautious in his dealings. Although I don’t know this guard, Hong Liu’er, if Uncle Lin says he’s trustworthy, I’m willing to take that bet."
"In that case, let’s take the risk." Seeing his response, Lu Qing did not object, but cautioned Lin Kun, "This matter is of great significance. I hope you’ll make decisive decisions. If Hong Liu’er proves reliable, that would be best.
But if there are any doubtful signs, for the safety of your Young Master, Hong Liu’er can’t be spared for the slightest mishap. I hope you won’t be swayed by old ties, giving in to undue trust or kindness."
"Rest assured, Sir, I understand!" Lin Kun was not displeased by Lu Qing’s words, knowing such cautions were warranted, thus he nodded seriously.
Another two days passed, and since the herbs Zhu Yu listed were exceptionally rare, only two had been obtained so far, leaving them with little to do.
And on this night, believing the ti was ripe, Lin Kun brought back Hong Liu’er, who had agreed to speak privately with him.
Hong Liu’er wasn’t much younger than Lin Kun, appeared unremarkable, but had a sense of reliability and honesty, carrying a steady aura.
He must have been inford about Lin Kun’s identity, hence his willingness to co along. Silently, the two entered the room, sealed the door, and Hong Liu’er first carefully scrutinized everyone inside.
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