Plotting with You: The Forensic Scientist in Ancient Times!

Chapter 674 - 673: Old Tricks Never Fail

Lin Kun pursed his lips and glanced at Chang Yu.

If he wanted to join forces with this Golden-faced Imperial Censor, he naturally needed to let the other party understand what had happened in Lan Country over the years.

But these matters were also related to the perhaps not-so-glorious side of Prince Lan, and many things that might trigger painful memories for Chang Yu.

This made him hesitate for a moment, not knowing whether to speak or not.

"As for the events of those years, since I was quite young at the time, many things are not very clear in my memory. I still need Uncle Lin to help explain them to Lord Imperial Censor," Chang Yu knew what Lin Kun was worried about and spoke to Lu Qing at the right moment.

"We’ve said it so many times... we’re just guards, and you are the Young Master... How can you call me Uncle in front of outsiders..." Lin Kun didn’t react much to Chang Yu’s request to talk about those past events, but he felt a bit uneasy because Chang Yu called him "Uncle Lin" in front of Lu Qing.

Though it’s true that Chang Yu was indeed raised and taught by them through much hard work, for this Young Master, they did indeed develop a kind of elder’s affection that was mismatched with their roles as guards.

However, Lin Kun still hoped that the Young Master of Lan Country would not lose face in front of outsiders, even if they had fallen on hard times and were hiding in a mountain village; it wouldn’t be good for people to look down on them.

"If it weren’t for you all, I wouldn’t be living well today. If I am unable to acknowledge this kindness, then I’m afraid I wouldn’t be worthy of inheriting my grandfather’s throne," Chang Yu said with a smile, shaking his head at Lin Kun. "Moreover, no matter what, the decision on who will be the Vassal King ultimately rests with a decree from the court.

No matter how dignified and noble we pretend to be, if the Holy Emperor believes I am not qualified, it would be in vain.

I think that at this point, it’s better for us to face Lord Imperial Censor with the most honest attitude."

Zhu Yu also looked at the bright-eyed young man beside him, feelings somewhat complicated.

From past experience, the influence on a person’s character and temperament is about half from acquired teachings, and the other half from innate temperament.

In this view, the late Heir of Prince Lan and the Heir’s Consort were likely peaceable and reasonable people, not possessing the arrogance typical of the children of the powerful. They were close enough to those around them, allowing their interactions within a few short years to serve as effective lessons for the legitimate grandson of Lan King.

Boldly speculating further, perhaps the current Prince Lan, who lets his subordinates act recklessly, was at one time an equally wise Prince before experiencing some strange transformation.

Otherwise, the guards around him wouldn’t be willing to take such great risks, enduring hardship, to hide and protect such a legitimate grandson from Shuo Country.

This act of safeguarding the Lan royal bloodline was itself a demonstration of loyalty to Prince Lan, and the foundation of such loyalty often originates from the bond between ruler and minister, master and servant.

It must be the actions of that Prince Lan in his early years that earned heartfelt gratitude from these subordinates, compelling them to go to any lengths to leave a flicker of hope for the Lan Royal Family when he started behaving erratically.

Yet, if it is true, that a person changes so dramatically from being well-regarded, the reasons behind it must be far from simple.

After hearing Chang Yu’s words, Lin Kun was also deeply moved, nodding to Lu Qing and them, "This matter is a long story, and probably stretches back almost twenty years ago.

Back then, although the Prince wasn’t famously brave like the Jie King, he was well-rounded in both civil and martial arts. He was physically robust, but then suddenly fell seriously ill, his condition deteriorating day by day, his spirits dwindling, almost to the brink of death..."

"Sorry to interrupt," Zhu Yu pursed his lips and sighed, "Let me guess.

You searched through all the famous doctors across Lan Country, but neither those within the Prince Mansion nor outside could cure Prince Lan’s illness.

In despair, someone came forward with a cure, and treating a dead horse as if it were alive, to your surprise, the medicine worked, and that person offering the cure became a trusted guest?"

Lin Kun nodded, "Indeed, that was the case."

Zhu Yu was somewhat helpless, just wanting to sigh.

Always hearing people say ’old tricks never fail,’ she thought, no matter how failure-proof, it would still need to consider innovation; otherwise, how could someone be repeatedly fooled in the same situation?

After all, there’s another saying, ’Even if I haven’t tasted pork, I’ve seen a pig run.’ Even if one hasn’t personally fallen into those pitfalls, after seeing others take a tumble, one should be more vigilant.

Yet such a clichéd trick actually works repeatedly, leaving one at a loss for words.

Lin Kun also seemed to find the method familiar, as if they had been too careless and insufficiently vigilant, clearing his throat, he hurriedly added, "Initially, when all the Medical Officers in the mansion were at a loss, we also considered whether it wasn’t an illness but poisoning.

However, after multiple Medical Officers diagnosed, it was confirmed that the Prince was indeed ill, with no signs of poisoning.

Thereafter, several people came offering cures; before giving the Prince any medicine, Medical Officers in the mansion would always inspect the ingredients to ensure there weren’t any issues before letting others prepare them.

This included the person whose cure was successful, treating the Prince effectively."

Zhu Yu nodded; though this ploy was old, it still couldn’t lack any cleverness.

"So, did the Medical Officers inside your mansion examine the ingredients provided by that person? Confirming it was completely issue-free?" she confirmed with Lin Kun again.

Lin Kun glanced at Lu Qing, seeing that Lu Qing had no intention of interfering with Zhu Yu’s questioning, realized these two must be in agreement, then shook his head, "That person only offered the formula, not providing us with any ingredients.

The final preparation of the medicine for the Prince was based on the ingredients listed in the formula, which we then sent people to procure.

After the Prince took it, the effects were indeed remarkable, so naturally, he was very pleased, and thus kept the person in the mansion, appointing them as a Medical Officer in the Prince Mansion, responsible for diagnosing the Prince’s condition and adjusting his health daily.

Under this person’s care, the Prince’s health improved significantly, almost recovering better than before he was ill.

As a result, the Prince held this person in even higher regard, trusting them greatly. Moreover, the person had a refined way of speaking, appearing insightful, which made the Prince enjoy keeping them around for playing chess and chatting, even indulging in candlelit discussions at night.

So later, when the Prince became somewhat unusual in many matters, we suspected all outsiders, including the one who offered the cure, yet were unable to substantiate any suspicions due to the lack of incriminating evidence left by that person."