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Chapter 235 A world of difference
Zhu Feng didn't continue speaking; he still had some reservations in front of Lu Qing.

Saying things like being held back or caught in a dilemma are just empty words. If this matter is truly deeply involved with the Pang family, it's likely that once it falls into Zhu Jie's hands, there will be no further developments.

Don't expect any clear conclusion about those missing able-bodied men and those piles of white bones.

Lu Qing naturally understood the implication in his words, so she raised an eyebrow and asked with a smile, "Who said this matter has anything to do with the Pang family?"

Zhu Feng was taken aback, while Zhu Yu, who was familiar with Lu Qing's routines, smiled with pursed lips.

Her smile seemed to make Zhu Feng understand, his brows relaxed, and he nodded.

"In this way, my elder brother will indeed do his utmost, even if it means digging three feet into the ground, to get to the bottom of this matter, so that he can make a difference in front of our father."

"But..." he said with concern, "Your Highness may not understand the Pang family's style of doing things."

The reason why my elder brother acts so decisively is because he tries his best to please and emulate the Pang family.

If my brother investigates this matter thoroughly and the Pang family feels threatened... I can't guarantee how they will respond.

He sighed: "Although my brother is close to his maternal family and very affectionate with his uncle, the Pang family... is not the kind of family that puts family ties first."

Although I am eager to find out the truth and bring the villains who committed such cruel acts to justice, I do not want to use my own brother's life as bait. That would be too risky!
Is there a more reliable method?

After he finished speaking, he looked at Lu Qing, waiting for his reply.

Lu Qing simply smiled, shook his head, and sighed: "Second Young Master, you should put aside your worries about your elder brother and take care of yourself first."

"Me?" Zhu Feng was taken aback, not understanding what Lu Qing meant.

"Do you think that if the Pang family is worried that their dirty tricks will be exposed, it will only harm Zhu Jie?"

Lu Qing glanced at Zhu Feng with some helplessness, feeling that Zhu Cheng's second son was not even half as clever and intelligent as his own wife. If this matter were discussed with Zhu Yu, there would be no need for so much explanation; with just a little guidance, she would have already grasped the concept.

"I'm asking you, has your maternal family's attitude towards Prince Shuo changed in the past few years compared to before?" He suppressed the urge to sigh and asked patiently.

Zhu Feng answered this question quite decisively: "Completely different. Initially, my uncle was extremely respectful and polite to my father."

Now... it can only be said that the outward appearance of courtesy has been fulfilled to a considerable extent..."

"Do you have any cousins ​​of similar age on your maternal side?" Lu Qing asked again. "Are they carefully nurtured and strictly disciplined?"

“I have a cousin, who is about half a year younger than me. He is indeed very strict with me and doesn’t allow for any slackness.” Zhu Feng nodded, his eyes momentarily dazed, but quickly turned from a look of surprise to one of understanding.

Seeing his expression, Lu Qing knew he had already figured it out, so she continued, "Therefore, if Zhu Jie does something that threatens the Pang family's interests in order to increase his chances of becoming the heir, the Pang family might take action against him. However, if, in order to protect themselves, the Pang family has to personally eliminate their good nephew whom they have worked so hard to cultivate, then among the two remaining legitimate sons of Prince Shuo, your chances of becoming the heir are obviously far greater than those of a child under ten years old."

However, for the Pang family, the question shouldn't be whether you, someone with differing views who is difficult to manipulate, or a naive young son, are the best choice to better serve their interests and ambitions.

Zhu Feng's expression turned solemn. He pursed his lips, lowered his eyelids slightly, and fell into deep thought.

Lu Qing discreetly observed his reaction, and after a while, she calmly spoke again: "But you can rest assured, I will have someone keep an eye on things secretly to ensure that Zhu Jie's life is not in danger."

Upon hearing his words, Zhu Feng's brows relaxed slightly, and he slowly nodded: "In that case, there's no time to lose. I'll have a trustworthy person set off tonight to deliver a message to Black Stone Mountain."

Since many able-bodied men have disappeared from the Blackstone Mountain area, and Father knows a little about it, my elder brother will surely want to investigate as well. If he learns now that bones have been discovered at Sunrise Ridge, he will undoubtedly be eager to volunteer to come and investigate.”

Lu Qing nodded.

Zhu Feng had originally intended to go outside, but changed his mind the moment he stood up.

He summoned one of his trusted confidants to his tent and instructed him: "Set off tonight, ride at full speed to Black Stone Mountain, find my brother, and tell him that the land around Sunrise Ridge is barren and we cannot gather enough food nearby. Ask him if he can transfer some surplus grain from the Black Stone Mountain area to supply us."

If he asks about the situation here, quietly tell him about the discovery of a large number of skeletons today; remember to be as discreet as possible.

The trusted guard was a steady and reliable person. After receiving Zhu Feng's instructions, he clasped his hands in a respectful gesture and solemnly replied, "Yes, Second Young Master, rest assured, I know how to handle this matter."

After saying that, he strode out to prepare the horses and set off without delay.

Lu Qing watched as Zhu Feng arranged for his trusted confidant to deliver the message in front of them. He knew that this was also a way for him to show his attitude, to let Lu Qing and the others see that he had accepted their plans and arrangements without reservation.

Lu Qing responded in kind. He took a piece of paper in front of Zhu Feng, and Zhu Yu helped him grind ink. Lu Qing picked up the pen and wrote a note, concisely instructing him to keep an eye on Zhu Jie's every move to ensure his safety. Once the ink was dry, he folded the note and handed it to Zhu Yu.

"Runes," he called out loudly.

Fu Wenben was already guarding the entrance of the main tent, waiting for them to finish their business so he could bring the food inside. When he heard Lu Qing call him, he quickly carried the food box into the tent: "Master, what are your orders?"

"Go with Second Master out to find a quiet, secluded place and send a message," Lu Qing said to Fu Wen, then turned to Zhu Yu, "You know how to summon someone."

Zhu Yu was slightly taken aback, then immediately remembered the silver whistle that Lu Qing had asked her to keep. She nodded knowingly, got up, and walked out with Fu Wen.

Lu Qing watched Zhu Yu leave, glanced at the food box left by the talisman, and then looked up at Zhu Feng, who was also watching Zhu Yu leave the tent, and said, "Zhu Yu's round trip will probably take at least the time it takes for an incense stick to burn."

"Why don't we take this opportunity, Second Young Master, to have another chat?"