Plotting with You: The Forensic Scientist in Ancient Times!

Chapter 539 - 538: Tearing Off the Mask

"I don’t understand what Your Majesty means." A flicker of panic flashed in Lu Qing’s eyes, but his face remained calm.

"That Chief Historian Yu is actually the daughter of the Zhu Chengjia family, the bride I bestowed upon you, and you really think I didn’t know? To the point of still pretending to be ignorant and denying it even now?! Emperor Jin slapped the table in front of him and loudly reprimanded, "If not for the years of father-son affection, I would not let you act so recklessly, dressing a woman in men’s clothing and keeping her by your side, even letting her meddle in official affairs?!

For many years, I have turned a blind eye to your actions outside, only because your youth wasn’t easy, and I wanted to give you a bit more care.

Even when you disregarded others’ apprehensions, under the pretense of traveling, and went to Shuo Land to solve problems for your Yue Family, even encouraging Vice Minister Bai from the Ministry of Industry to divert water into Shuo Land, did I ever hold you accountable?!

These actions, if it were someone else, could have cost them their head instantly.

Yet with you, I closed one eye and let it pass, but still, you want to bite off more than you can chew, knowing well what I dislike my sons doing the most, you insist on doing the opposite.

I instructed you brothers to keep away from the vassal states, not to overstep boundaries, and not make decisions on your own, but you crossed every boundary you could for me!

I forbade you from going to Fan Country, yet you sneaked over there without a word, even providing a prescription to King Fan!

If it weren’t for your obstinate actions, would we be facing such a tricky bother now?!

Now, King Fan’s nephew has made the matter a huge scandal, and it just happens that this nephew is not an ordinary one but originally intended by King Fan to inherit the throne.

With such a disturbance, even if I want to downplay it, I must provide a reasonable explanation to Fan Country; we can’t disregard it.

I am troubled day and night by this matter, food is tasteless, and sleep is restless; I need not your gratitude, but at the very least, it shouldn’t seem like I did something wrong as if I have wronged you."

After Emperor Jin’s words, the only person who appeared surprised was Mr. Gao, who looked Zhu Yu over with astonishment.

Lu Chao didn’t even turn his head, seemingly making no attempt to pretend ignorance in front of Emperor Jin.

Others could remain unaffected, but Zhu Yu could not.

If Emperor Jin hadn’t laid everything bare, she might have continued feigning ignorance, but now that the words were out, as one "in the wrong," she naturally couldn’t keep her head up.

So she immediately kowtowed, "This servant, Zhu Yu, greets Your Majesty!

It was only because I, unwilling to remain confined in the house, pleaded with Prince to take me out for a spin, and later, emboldened by my childhood bravado... Prince has always been very circumspect, never sharing what I shouldn’t know.

After all, it’s my fault, please punish me, Your Majesty!"

"It has nothing to do with her." After Zhu Yu finished speaking, Lu Qing spoke out, "It was I who wanted her to be with me.

There is no explicit prohibition in the Great Jin Laws against women participating in investigations and trials, only that in past years, there have been no women with such courage, leading to the current situation where only men are seen in these roles.

Lacking a prohibition, it’s allowed by default. Your Majesty, you can fault me for recklessness and hasty actions; Zhu Yu bears no mistake."

Emperor Jin looked at Lu Qing with a hint of a smile, "I initially didn’t expect Zhu Cheng could have such a bold daughter, and now you’ve opened my eyes too.

Lu Chao pleaded for you, yet you stayed silent; I confide in you candidly, and you don’t even lift an eyelid or defend yourself.

The moment I mention your wife, you immediately speak up to protect her.

The weight and closeness here can be seen clearly by all."

"Your Majesty, handle this matter impartially, I need no one to plead on my behalf." Lu Qing replied directly without straightening his back, "Ultimately, I am just someone handling unspeakable errands for Your Majesty, dealing with matters Your Majesty finds inconvenient, maintaining a semblance of decorum for Your Majesty.

Your Majesty has always been one who cherished meritorious officials and sympathized with veterans.

Now that King Fan’s nephew has caused trouble for Your Majesty, I am willing to alleviate Your Majesty’s burden, fulfilling my duty to help establish the image of a wise and unwaveringly just ruler, making myself useful."

His words almost stripped everyone’s dignity bare.

Emperor Jin naturally understood that he referred to his years as the Golden-faced Imperial Censor, uncovering truths, bearing blame, and granting favors outside for Emperor Jin.

Even those unaware of Lu Qing’s identity as the Golden-faced Imperial Censor were shaken by this blunt revelation.

Mr. Gao gasped in shock, unable to exhale, his eyes widened, looking at Lu Qing as though he had seen a ghost.

Lu Chao turned his head towards Lu Qing, slightly furrowing his brows, and reprimanded ahead of Emperor Jin, "Lu Qing! What are you doing? Let the innocent remain unstained; why act impetuously!

How can you be worthy of the efforts Father has invested in you with such words, and how can you repay my journey to clear your name?!

Don’t chill Father’s affection for his son."

Lu Qing let out a faint smile, shaking his head, "Prince Xu’s words are misplaced.

Between me and Your Majesty, there is only the relationship of sovereign and subject, where comes the talk of father-son feelings?

Ordinarily, it would be tolerable, but at times like this, with King Fan’s nephew demanding answers and trouble knocking on our door, if I continued to act coy, it would mean I am oblivious to my own insignificance, too much of a difficulty for Your Majesty."

Standing aside, Mr. Gao’s face turned green with anxiety, fearing that if Lu Qing continued speaking provocations that angered Emperor Jin, everyone around would suffer. So, regardless of decorum, he stood slightly behind Emperor Jin, lifting his hand to his chest, gesturing furiously to Lu Qing to stop talking.

Unexpectedly, Emperor Jin did not show signs of rage, but merely furrowed his brows at Lu Qing, saying nothing.

Suddenly, the air in the South Study Room turned as cold as ice; it felt as if you could see your own breath upon opening your mouth.

After a long moment, Emperor Jin finally spoke, "Did you hear any rumors when you went to Fan Country?"

Lu Qing smiled faintly, "Is Your Majesty concerned about what kind of rumors I heard?

I happened to overhear some sayings related to the mysterious demise of my clansmen overnight, some so-called truths.

I wonder if this is what Your Majesty fears?"