Chapter 213: Chapter 212: Irrelevant

“Father, there’s no rush to reach a conclusion on this matter. First, we need to check if there is any internal theft involved.

After all, Black Iron is unique to the Shuo Country. If someone secretly transported it under your watch and made weapons unlawfully, it could be a minor or a major issue.

On a smaller scale, it would reflect poorly on you for not managing your territory well and allowing someone to take advantage of it.

On a larger scale… If it’s concluded that all those weapons made from Black Iron were created with your craftsmanship, then it would be even worse.

Regardless of the scale, if the Holy Emperor investigates, it would be unbearable for you.” She suppressed her growing suspicion and subtly reminded Zhu Cheng.

Zhu Cheng’s expression turned somewhat unpleasant.

Even though Zhu Yu is no longer just an inconspicuous concubine’s daughter at the mansion, regardless of how capable Lu Qing is or whether he holds real power, at least in terms of rank, he’s enough for Zhu Yu to be viewed with esteem. However, an outwardly prestigious daughter born of a concubine is still no match for the Pang Family, which holds power within the Shuo Country.

Zhu Yu’s words were quite direct, anyone with a brain could tell that she was targeting the Pang Family.

Luckily, they had come out incognito without any others present, otherwise, if this reached his wife Pang Yuzhen, it could cause a stir. Offending the entire Pang Family over a suspicion that cannot yet be substantiated would be a headache for him as Prince Shuo.

“Could there be a misunderstanding here?” He turned to Lu Qing, seemingly determined not to fully trust what women said and wondering if Lu Qing had a different perspective on the matter.

“Whether there is a misunderstanding or not can be investigated within the bounds of Shuo,” Lu Qing said with an impassive expression, his tone indifferent, “but if it’s ignored and reaches the Holy Emperor, it’s uncertain if Shuo would have a chance to clarify.”

Hearing Zhu Yu’s words, Zhu Cheng mostly felt displeased, but now that Lu Qing said essentially the same thing, even more bluntly, it gave him pause.

Previously, Pang Yuzhen mentioned that a Divine Doctor at the mansion had read her fortune and claimed the Miao Family would bring her prosperity. She should treat the Miao Family well to ensure a better future.

Zhu Cheng hadn’t taken it seriously. Pang Yuzhen didn’t know, but he was aware that Yan Daoxin had come with Zhu Yu. This fortune-telling was likely Zhu Yu’s play to secure benefits for her mother, for an easier life ahead.

Therefore, he pretended not to have heard and didn’t reveal it on either side.

Now, when Zhu Yu mentioned “internal theft,” Zhu Cheng’s demeanor shifted, suspecting that Zhu Yu thought she had secured Prince Xiaoyao’s favor and aimed to suppress the Pang Family through typical feminine schemes.

But Lu Qing’s mention of Emperor Jin made his heart sink heavily.

His son-in-law, although seemingly without power as Prince Xiaoyao, was someone who frequented the palace and often accompanied Emperor Jin. Perhaps he couldn’t control others’ fates, but he was undoubtedly well-informed.

“Son-in-law,” Zhu Cheng bypassed Zhu Yu and got closer to Lu Qing, lowering his voice to ask, “Did the Holy Emperor say something to you?”

“You’re joking, Father-in-law.” Lu Qing replied with a cold smile, stepping back slightly, “If the Holy Emperor gave explicit instructions, you would hardly see us here.”

“This…” Zhu Cheng didn’t get the answer he hoped for, but Lu Qing was not wrong. If Emperor Jin already believed the Black Iron weapons were related to him, that he instructed others to manufacture and supply them to some Jie Country bandits, Lu Qing wouldn’t dare bring Zhu Yu back to Shuo.

Hesitating like this, he felt uneasy. Although offending the Pang Family was not done lightly, Lu Qing was similarly untouchable.

Zhu Cheng felt a faint headache, suppressing the previous anger toward Zhu Yu, and turned to kind words for Lu Qing: “Since that’s the case, your return with my daughter at this time shows confidence that I’m uninvolved in this, doesn’t it?”

“To be frank.” Lu Qing glanced at the busy people in the distance, “My imperial brother recently married a Commandery Princess from Jie Country by imperial decree, and as the private manufacture of Black Iron weapons involves both Jie and Shuo countries, he volunteered to patrol the border. To avoid suspicion, he wouldn’t even set foot in his Prince Mansion.”

Zhu Cheng, hearing Lu Qing’s reference to the imperial brother who married the Jie Country Commandery Princess, realized it was Lu Zhang he spoke of. However, he hadn’t known that Lu Zhang had taken such extensive measures to avoid suspicion.

Looking at Lu Qing, Zhu Cheng was momentarily speechless, uncertain of the intention behind Lu Qing’s words.

“I asked my wife, and she believes firmly that her father was devoted to the people and had no other ambitions beyond creating unparalleled weapons in the world.” Lu Qing paused before continuing, “Therefore, to ensure her peace of mind, I had to accompany her on this journey.

However, Father-in-law need not worry too much. If you insist there’s no need for further investigation on this matter, you can disregard it.

As the adopted son of the Holy Emperor, sharing the same bloodline, I have ways to ensure my wife’s complete protection, so there’s no need for concern, Father-in-law.”

After speaking, he maneuvered around Zhu Cheng, clearly uninterested in further conversation.

Zhu Cheng tightened his lips, glanced at Zhu Yu, who returned his gaze with openness, and he quickly shifted his eyes to the working people nearby.

Stooped white-haired elders laboriously passed baskets of soil to two thirteen or fourteen-year-olds, who were determined but struggling, swaying as they carried a large basket of rocks and soil, their youthful faces flushed.

Looking at the others around, aside from the craftsmen recruited by Ding Qian from the capital, mostly young and strong men, it was hard to find young able-bodied men among the common people.

If indeed, the young men of Shuo Country were disappearing inexplicably, leaving only elders, women, and children…

A chill rose from deep within Zhu Cheng’s heart, like a sinister wind piercing into his spine.

“This matter… is significant, and I will discern carefully, considering it at length.” He suppressed the unease and the many concerns this situation brought, addressing Lu Qing and Zhu Yu.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep