Plotting with You: The Forensic Scientist in Ancient Times!

Chapter 559 - 558: A Good Show

Gu Lingyun laughed charmingly, echoing a few words in agreement, and pulled Zhu Yu to another side, earnestly recommending two brightly colored fabrics.

This time, Zhu Yu decided not to hold back and chose one from the vibrant selection. Gu Lingyun called over a tailor from the shop to take Zhu Yu’s measurements, agreeing that the garment would be ready for pickup in ten days.

"Ten days? Does it really take that long?" Zhu Yu was a bit surprised. "Just now, Manager Gu said it would take a few days, and I thought it would be at most three to five days. I didn’t expect it to take as long as ten days!"

"I’m really sorry. Our shop is currently working on a very important garment." Gu Lingyun said with a smile, "Didn’t you see the Flowing Clouds fabric at our shop earlier?

Duchess Yan wants it for her grand birthday celebration, and Duke Yan took the fabric to make a gift for his wife.

Since the dress for Duchess Yan’s birthday needs to be perfect, all our skilled tailors have been assigned to it, meaning others will need to wait."

Zhu Yu seemed a bit unwilling, but had to nod in agreement, allowing the tailor to take her measurements. Lu Qing paid the deposit, and the two left the Headdress and Shoes Workshop with the rune.

Even though the fabric Lu Qing chose would cost seventy or eighty taels once tailored, Gu Lingyun did not show them any more enthusiasm, instructing someone to take Zhu Yu’s measurements before leaving, and not seeing them off when they departed.

After spending quite some time inside, they came out to find that the crowd admiring the Flowing Clouds fabric at the entrance had not dispersed, although initially, many were there to see the fabric that attracted butterflies and shimmered extraordinarily. Now, people were more interested in seeing how outstanding the fabric chosen by the high-ranking Duke Yan for his wife could be.

"Hey, do you think... such fine fabric... just got taken by Duke Yan..."

Zhu Yu and the others were squeezing out of the crowd to leave when they heard someone murmuring in the crowd.

Someone beside them snickered: "What’s so strange about that? Who are we talking about here?! Duke Yan!

Duchess Yan’s birthday deserves the finest fabric to match her stature!"

"But..." the previous person sounded a bit puzzled, "Wasn’t there a fabric that caused quite a stir when used to make a dress for Princess Consort Duan in the palace... it seems... not even as rare as this Flowing Clouds. That kind of fabric couldn’t even attract butterflies...

How is it... good things haven’t even reached the consorts in the palace before being snatched up by Duchess Yan... boo-hoo—"

Their words were cut off as a companion covered their mouth.

"You fool, you don’t want to live anymore, don’t drag me down with you! Is it that you’ve had enough to eat, or what! How dare you speak such nonsense!" His companion warned nervously, "Stop making reckless comments! Since Duke Yan Mansion dared to take it, there must be even better things in the palace!

We all understand these rules of hierarchy, wouldn’t someone as high-ranking and powerful as Duke Yan understand them too?!"

His companion nodded repeatedly, saying no more.

But those around them, hearing their whispers, couldn’t help but start discussing as well.

Zhu Yu glanced at Lu Qing: "The Capital sure lives up to its name, even the common folks here are more informed than us outsiders!"

Lu Qing looked thoughtful, smiling silently, and took Zhu Yu away.

By evening, before heading back to the Yunyin Pavilion’s rear yard, the three of them circled around near the Headdress and Shoes Workshop again, finding that the Flowing Clouds fabric was still on display outside, surrounded by layers and layers of people.

"At this rate, it won’t take long before everyone in the Capital knows what kind of dress Duchess Yan will wear for her grand birthday." Zhu Yu whispered to Lu Qing as they walked a bit further, "No wonder Prince Xiaoyao’s demotion was quickly forgotten, there was an even bigger show to follow."

Lu Qing calculated a bit: "It’s a pity we probably won’t have the chance to watch this show in person, truly a regret."

"Think about your current status!" Zhu Yu patted his chest, "Even if you’re in the Capital, what right do you have to visit Duke Yan’s home to watch the show?"

"Madam... no, I should say, dear wife, you are absolutely right, your husband is humbled." Lu Qing laughed heartily, nodding repeatedly at Zhu Yu’s jest.

By the time they returned to the secluded small courtyard behind Yunyin Pavilion, it was nearly dark.

By then, the daylight hours were getting increasingly shorter, though when it was already dark, Liu Yueyao had just sent dinner over.

The rune had no idea how long they’d be out, so it had specifically left the freshly delivered food on the stove in the small kitchen in the yard to keep warm, waving a giant stone lock around the yard, practicing vigorously.

Seeing the three of them return, it happily tossed the stone lock aside to greet them, the lock hitting the ground with a loud thud, nearly shattering the stone slabs beneath.

"Master! Madam! You’re back!" Despite the cooler weather, the rune was sweaty from practicing martial arts, with a sleeve tucked into its waistband, revealing a muscular arm and half a shoulder and chest.

The moment they got closer, the rune handed them a pile of packages.

"Madam knows you must feel confined at home, look how much food she bought for you!" the rune said with a smile to the rune, "Hurry up and take the stuff to the kitchen, then serve dinner!"

Holding the heap of things, the rune grinned widely, eyebrows almost disappearing into its eyes.

Even though it couldn’t go out, just knowing that the master and madam were so thoughtful of it was enough to make anyone happy.

When Zhu Yu and Lu Qing returned to their room to remove their disguises, wash their hands and face, and came out feeling refreshed for dinner, it was already served, with the rune standing aside, its hair and beard slightly damp, clutching a martial arts book, looking incredibly pleased.

"Madam, my brother just told me, you specifically got this for me! What have I done to deserve such kindness from you!" It said, feeling a bit overwhelmed, scratching the back of its head, slightly worried if its earlier frustration from being unable to go out had burdened Madam, "Actually... there’s no need to worry about me..."

"Being cooped up in such a small place can indeed be suffocating, I’d feel the same if it were me," Zhu Yu said nonchalantly, waving his hand, "Given our current situation, we can only endure it for now.

Lu Qing helped me find a martial arts manual that aligns with what you’ve been practicing, but is also a bit different, to pass the time for you during this period.

When we set off, it’ll certainly come in handy."