Plotting with You: The Forensic Scientist in Ancient Times!

Chapter 550 - 549: Major Moves

Hearing Liu Yueyao mention this matter, Zhu Yu was somewhat surprised.

Not only had she met Bai Qihong, but she had also had some dealings with him. Previously, at the border between Jin Country and Shuo Land, he had weathered days of rain while working tirelessly on canal construction, earning her admiration for his diligence and responsibility.

In her impression, Bai Qihong was not particularly talkative, but he had a gentle demeanor, certainly not a man with a violent temper. Especially in terms of presence, he was vastly different from his Yue Family.

She found it hard to imagine that someone like Vice Minister Bai, in a situation that was set, would still voluntarily return to see the Holy Emperor, risking angering Emperor Jin, to plead not to be reassigned to the Ministry of Justice.

On the other hand, the Ministry of Justice is definitely more conducive to career development than the Ministry of Industry. At least he would be based in the Capital, surrounded by people of high rank and importance, thus increasing his presence before Emperor Jin, especially with the support of his father-in-law, making it difficult not to rise.

But instead, at the Ministry of Industry, he, as just a vice minister, would travel across the land handling arduous tasks. If done well, the glory goes to the Holy Emperor’s wisdom; if not, it’s a sure sign of inefficiency beneath him.

Therefore, Bai Qihong would rather stay in the Ministry of Industry, working tirelessly in water and mud, rather than follow his arrangement and return to the Capital to advance his career.

Duke Yan must be infuriated, imagined Zhu Yu vividly.

Lu Qing, on the other hand, remained very calm, as if it was only natural in his understanding for Bai Qihong to fall out with his father-in-law.

He didn’t evaluate anything in front of Liu Yueyao, and with a slightly playful expression, he asked, "Hasn’t it been some days since the Holy Emperor issued the decree?"

"It has been nine days," Liu Yueyao nodded with a smile.

"Oh? Hasn’t the rumor spread to every corner?"

"Naturally." Liu Yueyao pursed her lips, holding back too obvious a smile to avoid seeming too disrespectful to her master. "In this Capital, there’s no one who doesn’t know about it.

Initially, the Holy Emperor had someone go to the Prince Mansion to post seals and read the decree, which caught a lot of attention. As people gathered to watch the spectacle, word spread mouth-to-mouth, and gradually more people knew.

Later, from who knows where it started, tea masters in tea houses began telling stories in new scripts, never mentioning your name, but listeners knew it was about Prince Xiaoyao being demoted to commoner.

Those tea masters are quite resourceful, turning rumors into vivid tales, as if they had witnessed everything personally.

Different tea houses have different versions, with slight variations in the process, but ultimately, you are depicted as a person indulging in pleasures and horseplay, having caused numerous troubles outside and faced Emperor Jin’s wrath, leading to your demotion."

"Oh? Do people enjoy listening to this version?" Lu Qing asked.

"Certainly, those tea house guests don’t care about the truth; they just enjoy the thrilling tale and applaud the demotion.

It’s said that any tea house or tavern talking about this story sees even better business than usual."

Liu Yueyao couldn’t contain her laughter anymore and covered her mouth with a fan,

Though her slightly shaking shoulders betrayed her emotions.

"If so, how can Yunyin Pavilion miss such a good opportunity? If it can attract a batch of patrons because of this, wouldn’t it be wonderful?" Lu Qing asked.

"Master is right, indeed. Our storytellers have long started discussing these events.

However, our establishment is different from those vulgar places outside, and we can’t repeat the stories already worn by them.

Hence, our storytellers speak of the former Princess as an extraordinary woman, not only courageous but also deeply loving and committed, harmonizing with the demoted Prince Xiaoyao, and would not abandon him even when he was demoted."

Speaking of this, Liu Yueyao smiled even more brightly, "And indeed, this story receives great acclaim, with scholars and literati listening avidly, admiringly, saying Prince Xiaoyao is truly lucky. How could a person like that encounter such a rare extraordinary woman? It’s truly a precious flower blooming on cow dung."

Beside her, Zhu Yu knew that Lu Qing never cared about reputations and assessments from outside, so no matter how people scold him for being a dandy, he wouldn’t be affected in the slightest.

Yet, she couldn’t have imagined Liu Yueyao’s unconventional approach, using such a unique angle to ride the wave of popularity and attract customers.

Although this version paints her quite favorably, it still gives Zhu Yu a feeling of both frustration and amusement.

Having conveyed everything Lu Qing needed to know and wanted to know, Liu Yueyao got up, grabbed the account ledger, and was ready to take her leave.

As she reached the doorway, she halted again, turned back to Lu Qing, and said, "Master, I’ve heard people say that Runzhou has been rather restless lately."

"Oh? Right under Zhao Xin’s nose?" Lu Qing raised his eyebrows slightly, "Too bad I’m now a mere commoner, and even less than any other commoner, truly just a piece of cow dung now.

This time, cow dung can’t fend off troubles; it must depend on the flower for protection. Zhao Xin’s woes might have to linger a while longer."

"Master is indeed right." Liu Yueyao bowed gently, "Then you and madam rest well; I’ll go to tend to the guests upfront."

After Liu Yueyao left, neither Lu Qing nor Zhu Yu spoke for a moment, both looking at each other with an unspoken playful understanding in their eyes.

"This matter is quite interesting." After a while, Zhu Yu spoke up first.

"Where do you find it interesting?" Lu Qing asked.

"Both Duke Yan and the Holy Emperor are very interesting." Zhu Yu stroked her smooth chin, with thought, furrowing her brow slightly, "Although Duke Yan was quite domineering and arrogant in the past, he was still somewhat cautious and prudent in conduct.

Why suddenly act so boldly?

And with the Holy Emperor... he should be aware of who Duke Yan’s allies are, shouldn’t he?

It’s truly perplexing."

"Looks like there’s going to be some excitement in the Capital soon." Lu Qing sighed slowly and nodded.

"Then... will we stay here to watch the fun?" Zhu Yu asked.

Lu Qing shook his head and chuckled wryly, "I guess not so soon, we probably can’t wait.

Once we’ve completed our tasks, it’s time to leave the Capital."

Zhu Yu was silent for a while, and also sighed, "I don’t even know when Yan Daoxin will be executed..."

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