TGCFNM -Chapter 397 Lord Lu Is Truly Too Terrifying

Wan Sanjin instinctively felt it was better not to chime in about this matter, so he kept his mouth shut.

Lu Shi let out a sigh and looked at Su He. “I can understand those two fooling around, but you’re a coroner. Why are you following them in their nonsense? I don’t see that you were thinking about justice at all.”

Su He simply said, “My entire family is dead. The murderer was a man named Bai Zhuoxing, and I know that Bai Zhuoxing once acted under someone’s orders.”

Lu Shi frowned slightly. “Then what about that coachman and that round-faced young girl?”

Chu Ling glanced at Wan Sanjin.

Wan Sanjin felt he shouldn’t lie, so he answered honestly, “First, we’re used to being together. Second, my Wan family can guarantee their safety, so I’m not worried.”

Lu Shi nodded. “Then I understand.”

Chu Ling was about to ask Ghost Scholar what they should do now, but the moment she moved, Ghost Scholar pressed her down.

“Don’t try any little tricks in front of him. Whatever he asks, answer honestly. Otherwise, he’ll find out anyway. And there’s no need to worry—Lu Shi can be trusted.”

Hearing that, Chu Ling quietly let out a breath of relief.

Lu Shi looked at her. “Why did your expression suddenly relax? Do you trust me now? Does the person behind you know me?”

Chu Ling’s back stiffened. She felt like crying. “He—he said you’re an upright and impartial man.”

From the side, Wan Sanjin asked, “My lord, who is the person behind you?”

Chu Ling froze.

Instead, Lu Shi smiled. “Now I understand why the Wan family keeps you out of certain matters.”

Wan Sanjin had the distinct feeling he’d just been called stupid, but he didn’t dare argue.

Lu Shi cast a sideways glance at Chu Ling and spoke slowly. “The person behind you must be a calculating old fox. Go back and tell that old fox that I can roughly guess what he intends to do. ‘Break before you rebuild’ is indeed one method. But if he dares to act without a foolproof plan, I will personally arrest him.”

Ghost Scholar even seemed a little pleased as he gently shook his folding fan. “I’m afraid you won’t be able to catch him.”

Chu Ling probed carefully, “Lord Lu, you also think this is the right course?”

“…I have no idea what you’re talking about. Go on, stop standing around here.” Lu Shi waved his hand, preparing to continue reviewing the case files.

Chu Ling and the others bowed, then hurried to make their escape.

When they reached the doorway, Wan Sanjin—perhaps having a sudden lapse in judgment—blurted out, “Lord Lu, aren’t you going to eat?”

Lu Shi paused and looked at the three of them. “I originally thought you’d gotten into trouble and were using Hong Shiyuan’s connections to seek protection. But in truth, you’re waving my name like a banner, deliberately hinting that you have a close relationship with me, aren’t you?”

Wan Sanjin laughed awkwardly. “How could that be? I wouldn’t dare.”

Lu Shi gave a short snort. “In the capital, even the smallest matter is watched by countless families. Who doesn’t know that the Wei family sold their shop to repay debts? And with that censor at court who impeaches someone at the drop of a hat, the Wei family will likely face quite a bit of trouble.”

Wan Sanjin let out an “Oh,” then looked at Chu Ling. “Then the Xue family should be fine now.”

Chu Ling nodded. She had only been afraid that the Wei family would retaliate out of spite.

“I won’t be keeping you for a meal. Hurry and leave.” Lu Shi waved them off impatiently.

The three of them bowed again. After quietly pulling open the door, they found the steward of the residence and hurried along, eager to get home for dinner.

Lord Lu was truly terrifying!

After they left, a figure stepped out from the study—it was Hong Shiyuan.

“I didn’t even say a word, and you already guessed they were using your name as a banner,” Hong Shiyuan said with a squinting smile.

Hong Shiyuan and Chu Ling’s group of three had arrived almost at the same time. Since he hadn’t had the chance to speak yet, he first retreated to the back room. Only after they left did he step out again.

“You came to plead for them, yet why didn’t you dare meet them?” Lu Shi asked.

Hong Shiyuan shook his head. “It’s not that I didn’t dare. It’s that they need to learn restraint. If every problem can be solved by having me step forward, they’ll only grow more lawless.”

“They’ll learn restraint?” Lu Shi sneered. “Look at the way they act—do you really think they can change?”

Hong Shiyuan thought for a moment, then shook his head.

Lu Shi’s gaze darkened slightly. “The person behind Chu Ling is targeting the Four Great Clans. And you? What is your objective?”

Hong Shiyuan straightened his face, deciding not to let a single word slip out.

Lu Shi let out a long sigh, his imposing aura easing somewhat. “I’ve known you for over thirty years. But from that day on, you changed. There are things you refuse to say, and you won’t even meet me often anymore.”

Hong Shiyuan lowered his eyes slightly, as though burdened with unspeakable difficulties.

Lu Shi looked at him sharply. “It seems what you’re plotting is no small matter. Weren’t you afraid of implicating me before? Why come to me again and again now, even asking me to protect the younger generation?”

Hong Shiyuan: “…You old fox.”

Lu Shi paid no mind and continued, “It seems you’re certain I won’t fall. And the greatest reason I won’t fall is that I’ve never pledged allegiance to anyone. Even if His Majesty has grown muddled, he still hasn’t moved against me… Tsk, Hong Shiyuan—has the Wan family truly only been doing business?”

Hong Shiyuan bowed deeply. “Lord Lu, it’s getting late. I should head home for dinner.”

Seeing he could get nothing further, Lu Shi returned his attention to the case files. “By the way, due to the ominous incident, the selection of the imperial consorts has been halted. They’ll likely be sent back to their respective families soon. If you’re going to handle anything, now’s the time.”

Hong Shiyuan thanked him and quickly left the room.

Lu Shi reopened the dossier, but before examining it closely, he slowly stood up and walked to the innermost bookshelf of his study. He took down another file, returned to his chair, and carefully unfolded it.

“Someone!”

“Your Excellency, I’m here.”

Holding the file, Lu Shi asked, “If I remember correctly, three days from now, there’s some sort of first-incense offering ceremony at Jinshan Temple, isn’t there?”

“Yes, Your Excellency. Shall we prepare the carriage for you?”

“Mm. Prepare it. Also… the day before I depart, deliver this file to Chu Ling at the Wan residence.” After giving the order, Lu Shi glanced once more at the dossier, then rolled it up, tied it securely, and handed it over.

“Yes, Your Excellency.” The man accepted it respectfully, tucking it carefully into his robe. “Should I mention that it was sent by you?”

“Say so. Also, open a back door for those troublesome ones. Let them freely inspect the contents of that room.”

The man couldn’t help but smile. “I imagine Lord Chu and the others won’t be knocking openly on doors anymore.”

Lu Shi snorted. “They act on whims. Nothing they do would surprise me… Also, inform them that the Flower Courtesan case has been abruptly terminated and that all involved have been secretly executed.”

“Your Excellency?”

“Since the one behind them has ambitions, I may as well give him a push. And besides… His Majesty hasn’t attended morning court for three days now.” Lu Shi’s expression grew grave.

“Wasn’t it said that a Daoist priest arrived, claiming his medicine is quite effective?”

“Medicine?” Lu Shi let out a mocking laugh. “Enough. Go carry it out. If anyone inquires, say that I intend to nurture the younger generation.”

“Yes, Your Excellency.”