Chapter 180: Chapter 179: Burial Alive

“The captured bandits…” Lu Qing furrowed his brows.

Lu Zhang nodded helplessly, “They were all killed in the pit, not a single one was left alive.

So now, the only evidence linking the bandits to Jie and Shuo countries is the style of the weapons, the craftsmanship, and the accusations from the local Lan Country people harmed by them.

If there were surviving bandits, it would have been easier, but now it leaves Jie and Shuo in a very unfavorable position. Everything depends on how Father Emperor decides.”

Zhu Yu had heard Lu Qing mention before that Prince Yu, Lu Yan, the third in line, and Prince E, Lu Jun, the fourth in line, had early on volunteered to guard the border, wishing to distance themselves from the Capital, a place rife with trouble.

However, although these two are of similar age, their personalities are polar opposites.

Fourth Prince Lu Jun is careful and cautious in nature, preferring not to act rather than make a mistake, adhering to the principle that less is more.

The decision to guard the border was his own consideration.

Third Prince Lu Yan, on the other hand, is completely different.

His temper is straightforward and explosive, his actions can even be described as reckless.

If not for his mother, who was gentle and virtuous, looking after Lu Chao for a while after Empress Wang passed, Emperor Jin would not have given Lu Yan the opportunity, allowing him to be stationed at the border like Lu Jun.

After being sent to the border, he has often been complained about in the Great Hall for being too harsh on his soldiers, causing Emperor Jin considerable annoyance.

His actions in pit-killing the bandits aren’t surprising at all.

It can only be said that this situation has an unfortunate twist of fate, that it was Lu Yan responsible for subduing the bandits, rather than Lu Jun, which might have led to different outcomes.

“The weapons now resemble those from Jie Country, the clothes the bandits wore are also in the style of Jie Country. It’s said that their hair style is no different from the Jie people.

In the place where they proclaimed themselves king of the mountain, local Lan Country people said these men spoke with a heavy Jie accent.

Yet, the weapon crafting carries traits of Shuo Country, which immediately suggests to people that the Jie intended to enter Lan Country, either through Da Jin or Shuo. Since the weapons are from Shuo, they likely entered Lan via Shuo Land.

In summary, Jie and Shuo countries now find it exceptionally difficult to prove their innocence.”

Speaking of this, Lu Zhang couldn’t help but sigh and shook his head in worry.

Upon receiving the imperial decree for marriage, learning that he was to wed the Commandery Princess of Jie, it felt like being struck hard on the head, leaving him dizzy and his ears buzzing.

Jie Country, long known for its nomadic way of life, has a fierce reputation within the Four Seas and Five Provinces.

That year when the Jie King was summoned to celebrate Emperor Jin’s grand birthday, bringing gifts, Lu Zhang, along with the other princes, got a distant glimpse of the Jie King at the banquet.

Back then, he was only twelve or thirteen, somewhat frail, and upon seeing the tall and broad Jie King, he was rendered speechless by shock.

Lu Zhang even suspected if the Jie people ate raw meat, the Jie King seemed more terrifying than a beast, as if he could grab him, pull him apart by the legs, and eat him alive.

The first impression was so deep that even though many years have passed and he has grown taller, even if not strong, at least considered dignified, the thought of the Jie King still sends a shiver down his spine.

Hence, when discussing the Jie King’s daughter, what came to mind was a figure as strong as the Jie King, just with a woman’s face.

The mere thought of such an image was chilling.

It wasn’t until his grandfather severely reprimanded him, urging him to think in the long term that he realized as Prince Yi, he should not indulge in romantic affairs. Even if unaware of the Commandery Princess’s looks, even if as ugly as Yaksha, marrying her would gain support from the Jie King and Jie Country, which was desirable.

Lu Zhang was fully aware of this logic, knowing he couldn’t defy Emperor Jin’s decree. Still, he couldn’t help but feel secretly uncomfortable.

He had once imagined himself seated high on the throne as the new ruler of Da Jin, with an Empress renowned for beauty and talent.

The whole world should look up to them as a living example of an “Immortal Couple,” vying for admiration.

The prospect of becoming the new ruler remained uncertain, and for the sake of great plans, he was resigned to marrying the Jie Commandery Princess before accepting it. Suddenly, the Yue Family, initially advantageous, showed signs of rebellion.

The strongest support suddenly became the greatest obstacle.

How could Lu Zhang not feel troubled? He hastily heeded his grandfather’s advice, seeking permission from Emperor Jin and set off on a border patrol, not even returning home.

Even after numerous days of patrolling the Jie border, no notable issues had been uncovered.

Just when his heart slightly relaxed, a bizarre poison unique to Jie Country mysteriously appeared at the Li State imperial guard camp.

Now, Lu Zhang felt a splitting headache in panic, wondering desperately, if only his grandfather were here, what would he say or do…

Thinking it over, he hopelessly found himself with no answers.

In the end, he steeled himself and made a decision.

“Brother, between you and me, you must heed your younger brother’s advice this time.” With this decision made, Lu Zhang looked at Lu Qing with unprecedented firmness and sincerity, “I know you’re used to roaming freely without much concern…

But… everyone only has one life, your own head is more important than anything.

It’s better to refrain from returning to the Capital anytime soon. Spend more time wandering outside, and keep a distance from that concubine’s daughter of Prince Shuo.

If it turns out Prince Shuo has no ill intentions, you can make amends later. Prince Shuo would be foolish not to recognize Da Jin’s Prince Xiaoyao’s status, as ignoring you is akin to disrespecting Father Emperor.

In that scenario, Prince Shuo would reconcile with you, all grievances resolved, and Father Emperor naturally wouldn’t blame you for tarnishing his reputation.

But if you return now, spending days with the lady at the Prince Mansion, unable to neatly extricate yourself, should Prince Shuo have any sinister intentions, it will be impossible to explain.”

Lu Qing assumed a contemplative posture, although he didn’t respond, neither did he object.

“So what do you plan, Your Highness?” After a while, he looked up at Lu Zhang, asking aloud.

Lu Zhang’s tone was resolute, “I plan to launch a counterattack with my troops, ensuring there are no movements from Jie Country.

If the Jie King indeed intends to rebel, there will be no leniency just because it concerns my wife’s family!”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep