Plotting with You: The Forensic Scientist in Ancient Times!

Chapter 566 - 565: Lady Bodhisattva

"So, does Prince Shu also have dealings with Gu Lingyun?" Zhu Yu pondered for a moment. Gu Lingyun was only two years older than Lu Ze, yet one was a capable female manager at the Headdress and Shoes Workshop, while the other was a prince who visited his mother consort daily. One gave off an impression of being incredibly competent, while the other appeared more childish than his actual age, creating an illusion of a significant age gap.

"Originally, I hadn’t heard of any interactions between them, but Princess Consort Duan stood out amongst all the concubines in the harem, thanks to the things she wore and used. Soon enough, the noble women in the Capital could buy similar fabrics from the Headdress and Shoes Workshop, mimicking her style and sparking a trend.

At first, everyone thought Manager Gu had keen insight and could quickly find out what the most favored Princess Consort Duan was using and wearing, then promptly replicate it to make a fortune.

As time went on, some speculated whether Princess Consort Duan’s clothing originated from the Headdress and Shoes Workshop from the start.

This rumor was never confirmed or denied by Manager Gu, who allowed it to circulate without clarifying."

When Liu Yueyao reached this point, she hid half her face with a fan and chuckled lightly: "It’s hard not to wonder how Princess Consort Duan, a concubine who never goes outside the palace, knows of those unique things found outside in the Headdress and Shoes Workshop."

Zhu Yu nodded, understanding Liu Yueyao’s implication.

Princess Consort Duan remained within the harem, unable to see the outside world. However, Lu Ze frequently traveled between the palace and outside, not only attending court but also enjoying the unique privilege of visiting his mother consort anytime.

Those rare fabrics and fragrances naturally reached Princess Consort Duan through him.

A son bringing small gifts to his mother to express filial piety is perfectly normal and understandable.

Thus, Lu Ze’s dealings with the Headdress and Shoes Workshop were likely far more extensive and intimate than outsiders perceived.

"Is Princess Consort Duan’s constant favor linked to her beautiful, fragrant clothes and perfumes?" Zhu Yu asked Lu Qing.

This matter belonged to the palace, specifically the harem; Liu Yueyao, as an outsider, wouldn’t likely have heard much despite her informants.

During his tenure as Golden-faced Imperial Censor, Lu Qing often visited the harem to report to the Holy Emperor, naturally observing and hearing more, allowing him to form conclusions.

Upon hearing Zhu Yu’s question, Lu Qing chuckled: "I’m uncertain about that, though Princess Consort Duan certainly possesses things other consorts do not.

I once overheard Mr. Gao mention that the Holy Emperor struggles with sleep and appetite elsewhere, but somehow, at Princess Consort Duan’s, his appetite improves, and he sleeps more soundly. It’s as if Princess Consort Duan has a special knack for pleasing him, so unless busy with affairs, the Holy Emperor prefers spending nights with her."

Zhu Yu raised an informed brow, nodded, and asked Liu Yueyao: "Recently, Gu Lingyun started visiting Prince Shu Mansion openly. Has she stopped avoiding attention from others?"

"You could say there’s some avoidance, yet while previously unnoticed, people have recently seen her a few times, suggesting a slight lapse," Liu Yueyao replied with a smile.

In the past, she respected Zhu Yu mostly due to her master, Lu Qing, requiring her to honor the mistress.

Now, her respect for Zhu Yu expanded to heartfelt admiration, unrelated to Lu Qing, and her demeanor became exceptionally courteous.

"This is quite interesting," Zhu Yu remarked, glancing at Lu Qing with a smile, "I initially thought it was Prince Yi, but now it turns out to be Prince Shu."

"There’s nothing surprising about that; upon reflection, it’s somewhat predictable," Lu Qing noted, then added, "The curiosity now is why Gu Lingyun was previously cautious and suddenly became negligent."

He didn’t intend to explore conclusions with Zhu Yu immediately and indicated for Liu Yueyao to attend her tasks before asking Rune: "Has that person awakened?"

Rune nodded: "Much improved; I’ve just asked Fu Lu to watch over him. I came to see if you and the mistress would like to visit."

"Of course," Zhu Yu stood up before Lu Qing could speak, "I must check on the person I saved. Leaving things unclear is unacceptable; if he’s a bad person, I’ll dismantle every stitch I’ve sewn."

Lu Qing knew she was joking and laughed, standing up to join her: "In that case, let’s do this together;

If he turns out to be a villain, I’ll hand over the knife to cut the stitches."

After winding through several paths, the three arrived at the small courtyard, where Rune stood at the door of the rescued person’s room. Seeing Lu Qing and Zhu Yu, he gestured towards the room: "Master, Mistress, that fellow seems fully recovered and won’t be dying!

When I carried him back, he was barely hanging on by a thread, yet somehow pulled through. Mistress, you’re truly remarkable!"

Zhu Yu waved her hand modestly.

If tasked with determining causes of death and uncovering truth from the most perplexing cases, she’d willingly accept such praise.

As for saving a life...much of it stemmed from the individual’s luck and robust life force.

Entering the room with Lu Qing, Zhu Yu saw the rescued man with his face cleaned of blood stains, though still bruised. Swelling had subsided considerably, and he was leaning on the bed.

Upon seeing his savior, he tried desperately to get up and kneel, but Rune stepped forward and restrained him.

"You mustn’t move around! Your wounds have yet to heal; if you moved and tore them, my mistress’s overnight effort stitching you would be wasted!" he instructed.

Acknowledging this, the man dared not move and clasped his hands repeatedly in gratitude towards Zhu Yu: "Thank you, Bodhisattva, for saving my life! Thank you for saving my life!"

"Let’s defer the thanks," Zhu Yu gestured, "What’s your name? Where are you from? What issues do you have with the Headdress and Shoes Workshop? How did you end up beaten so severely here in the Capital, right under the emperor’s nose, nearly losing your life?"