Plotting with You: The Forensic Scientist in Ancient Times!

Chapter 713 - 712: Escort

"Lu Zhang was captured and became a hostage?" This news indeed hadn’t reached them before, truly shocking Lu Qing and Zhu Yu.

"The Holy Emperor was furious and originally planned to send troops to attack and start a war with Jie Country. However, the court has been unstable recently, and after Zhao Bi’s affair, many people were more or less implicated. The candidates to lead the troops were already few.

Moreover, there are two factions against going to war. One group feels that this would be equivalent to disregarding Prince Yi’s life. Although Zhao Bi was overthrown for his misdeeds, Prince Yi is, after all, the Holy Emperor’s own flesh and blood. Doing so would make it seem that the Emperor doesn’t care for his kin, leading to criticism from future generations.

The other group thinks that under the current circumstances, it is not suitable to wage an open war against the Jie King. It could lead to mutual destruction, benefitting no one. Since it’s said an unwanted melon is not sweet, and since Prince Yi seemed disinterested in Princess Yi before, it might be best to agree to the other side’s terms and exchange the two, achieving a happy medium."

When Cao Tianbao said this, there was some resentment in his tone.

He isn’t exactly a warmonger, but he was a fierce general on the battlefield in the past.

The repeated provocations by the Jie people, followed by having to shamefully agree to their demands, was hard for him to accept.

"So, General Cao, you’re entrusted by the Holy Emperor to personally escort Princess Yi back to Jie Country?" A glint of cunning flashed in Lu Qing’s eyes, but in the night, no one but himself noticed.

"Precisely." Cao Tianbao looked at Lu Qing’s attire, clearly resembling that of Lan Country, then glanced at the resting Lan porters nearby, understanding mostly, "You two plan to blend in with the Lan people’s porters to return to the Capital?"

Zhu Yu and Lu Qing didn’t respond, tacitly acknowledging his guess.

Cao Tianbao frowned deeply and waved his large hand: "No, no, listen to my advice, you must not return to the Capital."

"We’re already ’dead’ men, what are we afraid of?" Lu Qing raised an eyebrow with a smile.

"Though ’dead,’ no bodies were found. The Holy Emperor hasn’t acted, but someone is clearly still uneasy," Cao Tianbao sighed, "You’ve been gone so long, you wouldn’t know. I’ve stayed in the Capital.

Rumor has it that anyone in the Capital resembling you two is suspiciously investigated.

Even the Yunyin Pavilion, once a favorite haunt of Prince Xiaoyao for drinking and music, is routinely searched inside and out by government officers. Do you think that’s a coincidence?

I say someone fears the news of your deaths is a ruse, and they’ve never been at ease!"

Zhu Yu remained silent, assuming Lu Qing had considered this before leaving Lan Country. His decision to return to the Capital must have an ulterior plan.

However, their initial strategy clearly didn’t account for the variables of Lu Zhang’s capture and Cao Tianbao escorting Princess Yan Shu back to Jie Land.

She sensed Lu Qing’s contemplative demeanor as Cao Tianbao spoke, and speculated their plan might soon change.

"General Cao speaks truthfully; without your warning, who knows our fate," Lu Qing cupped his hands to Cao Tianbao, "To be honest, we were ambushed by villains and narrowly escaped death, afterwards always traveling incognito.

But now my identity is different from the past, and it’s no longer the peaceful era outside. We won’t head to Shuo Land, fearing to bring trouble to the Yue Family. Lan Country is in decline.

With few options, we venture back to the Capital, at least the place I’m most familiar with..."

"Perhaps not," Cao Tianbao slowly sighed, seemingly burning with suppressed anger, unable to unleash it due to timing, "The current Capital is not as you left it... Forget it, never mind!"

Hearing the undertone in Lu Qing’s words, Zhu Yu guessed his intention, anxiously tugging his sleeve: "You hoped for some safety back in the Capital, but now it’s impossible, what do we do?"

"This..." Lu Qing furrowed his brow, "Allow me to consider this carefully..."

Cao Tianbao looked at them, furrowing his brow, silent for a while. Then, as if deciding, he slapped his thigh: "You’ve helped me before, I can’t watch you helpless!

Thus, the Holy Emperor’s specific order is to peacefully exchange and return Prince Yi, avoiding conflict with Jie people.

Although the journey is uncertain, better than you two alone with two guards.

Your guards are exemplary, but as the saying goes, ’two fists can’t beat four hands,’ no matter their prowess, they might not withstand overwhelming numbers.

If you’re willing, join our escort team.

Once we’ve exchanged for Prince Yi, blend in and return with me to the Capital.

My residence isn’t grand but enough for temporary shelter, and my household staff are discreet.

With me away from the Capital, I’m uneasy, but once you return, I dare any fool to storm my home searching!"

"If so..." Lu Qing hesitated, glancing at Zhu Yu, seemingly undecided, but eventually nodded, "Then we first thank General Cao for sheltering us!"

Cao Tianbao nodded in satisfaction, feeling ever more that his arrangement was thorough.

"General, on this journey, vigilance is crucial," Lu Qing glanced toward the direction bodies were buried earlier, "Those men were skillful, not common rogues.

Someone likely wants Princess Yan Shu not to return safely to Jie Land.

If she faces an accident, Jie Country will surely wage war on Jin Country."

"Indeed, it won’t be an easy journey, but we have enough to protect one woman," General Cao scoffed, recalling the ambushers.