CHAPTER 160: CHAPTER 159: TREACHEROUS INTENTIONS

Situ Jing wrapped a black cloak over his grayish-green robe, without any crown or headwear, only using a simple cloth band to tie his hair. His attire was quite restrained, clearly not wanting to attract any attention, intending to meet Lu Qing and the others while staying low-profile.

When he entered the room, Lu Qing was sitting by the bed, wearing that ferocious golden mask, with one hand propped on the bed and the other gently covering the area of his wound.

Zhu Yu watched from the side, silently scorning the man. Moments ago, he seemed perfectly fine, but now with Situ Jing’s arrival, he struck a "Xishi Holding Heart" pose, clearly hinting to Situ Jing to not forget who wounded him.

Obviously, this tactic worked well on Situ Jing. As soon as he entered and saw Lu Qing with a hand on his chest, his expression immediately changed, and his façade of calmness almost cracked, visibly growing more tense.

"Please take a seat, General," Lu Qing, with the deep voice he only used with the mask on, welcomed Situ Jing to sit and talk while gesturing for the rune to close the door again. "I don’t know why General has taken time out of your busy schedule to come to the post station?"

When Lu Qing said "busy schedule," it was unclear if it was deliberate or accidental, but the words seemed a bit emphasized.

Situ Jing, who hadn’t shown his face for over half a month, suddenly had a touch of color on his face, looking slightly embarrassed.

"It was I who harmed Lord Imperial Censor; I should have visited earlier. Unfortunately, after quelling that group of bandits, military affairs were so complex that it was delayed until now, which is truly inexcusable. I hope you can forgive me."

He cupped his fists apologetically to Lu Qing and explained, "Although that group of bandits were trained death warriors who poisoned themselves after being captured, leaving no living captives, Deputy Capital Commander Zhou Kang, who colluded with them from the inside, has been detained.

After some interrogation, that scoundrel couldn’t hold out and finally confessed. He admitted that at first, he didn’t know the group’s conspiracy, thinking he was merely associating with a few exceptional talents.

Zhou Kang had long harbored resentment, feeling the previous Old Capital Commander was mediocre and incompetent. Those people assured him they could create some trouble, leading to the Old Capital Commander being blamed by the superiors for inadequate oversight and being demoted elsewhere. Zhou Kang could then seize the opportunity to climb to the position of Commander.

Later, seeing no action from above, he guessed that the Old Capital Commander had hidden the events of Li State from reporting, and so, urged by those people, he decided to directly attack the Old Capital Commander.

Thinking that once the Old Capital Commander was dead, there would be no one to hold the fort in the military camp, and he would immediately be appointed as the new Commander and become the top leader in Li State’s camp. But unexpectedly, a decree from the Holy Emperor ordered me from Runzhou to here.

So, under further provocation from those people, he became increasingly restless, wanting to instigate a great upheaval to replace me.

In these days, I have been purging Zhou Kang’s faction in the camp, as well as dealing with the idle officials who have been occupying positions without contributing over the years.

Thus, delayed again and again, it is only now that I have come to visit you."

Lu Qing waved his hand slowly, indicating it was not a problem.

Situ Jing paused slightly, then asked, "I heard that you intend to set off on a journey, so today I came specially to visit. Are you planning to return to the Capital?"

Lu Qing looked at Situ Jing, remained silent for a moment, and then slowly spoke, "General Situ, you are indeed well-informed; even while being entangled with numerous military affairs, you can keep track of a few of our movements."

Saying this was almost akin to pointing at him and saying, "You old rascal, I’ve been so gravely injured by you, yet instead of visiting, you have your spies monitoring us."

If it were someone like Duke Yan, he might have immediately come up with something to turn the situation around without changing his expression.

But clearly, Situ Jing was not that type of person; he didn’t have that many cunning schemes in his stomach. This straightforward military general’s face turned completely red at once.

He clenched his fist to his mouth, giving a couple of dry coughs to cover his embarrassment. Since Lu Qing had directly brought it up, he didn’t plan to hide it anymore and simply nodded, "Lord Imperial Censor is injured, and the journey from Li State to the Capital is long. I was initially worried that Lord Imperial Censor hadn’t fully recovered and might not withstand the rigor of travel.

However, seeing the provisions your constables are preparing, it seems you’re not planning for a long journey?"

"My wounds have not healed, and I don’t wish to continue lingering in Li State, so I considered leaving Li State to find a scenic place to recuperate for a while longer before returning to the Capital once I’m fit." Lu Qing replied.

"Has Lord Imperial Censor already decided on a destination?"

"I am indifferent, but the Chief Historian is quite apprehensive about returning to his hometown, so naturally, I must accommodate him." Lu Qing said, glancing meaningfully at Zhu Yu beside him.

Situ Jing was slightly taken aback, looking at Zhu Yu, who nodded back at him, acknowledging his response.

At this moment, she was also unaware of why Lu Qing said that, but maintaining consistency with her ally in front of outsiders was, after all, a basic rule of conduct.

Situ Jing’s expression became increasingly subtle.

He had speculated that his recent avoidance might lead Lu Qing and the others to realize their identities were exposed, but for personal and official reasons, he had to feign ignorance without directly explaining, assuming their intentions were similar.

Unexpectedly, this "Golden-faced Imperial Censor" did not clarify it directly but also seemed disinclined to pretend not to notice.

Since both sides were playing dumb while being aware, Situ Jing was unsure of the other’s intentions but felt a quiet relief.

After all, this way, many words became easier to say.

"If Lord Imperial Censor is looking for a place to recuperate, you should find a peaceful spot. Qu State is currently a good choice at this time.

Recently, Li State and Huazhou are not ideal destinations. If you heed my advice, it would be wise to take a detour." So Situ Jing straightforwardly bluntly expressed.

Yet, even as he was being so candid, Lu Qing feigned ignorance, asking, "Oh? What do you mean by that?"

Situ Jing frowned, glanced at Lu Qing, then at Zhu Yu, seemingly hesitating, but finally spoke, "You must be aware of Prince Yi’s commission to patrol the borders."

Lu Qing nodded.

"Li State and Huazhou both border the Jie and Shuo nations; not to mention the recent peculiar poison case in Li State’s camp," Situ Jing seemed to make a considerable resolution, "There have been rumors early on of collusion between Jie and Shuo nations, suggesting they might harbor ulterior motives."