These words carried a hint of warning. The Crown Prince's face paled, but he maintained a polite smile: "Third Brother handling it is of course good, only..."
"Alright, I'm tired. You may all withdraw."
Qian Xingzhi was completely in the dark about the harem's dynamics; she didn't even know which son the Crown Prince was. She only knew that since she was connected to the Third Prince, she had inevitably been drawn into factional strife.
Great, it felt like her head was even more precarious.
The Crown Prince, having been snubbed, merely shot Qian Xingzhi a glare before leaving hastily.
She shrank her neck and was about to take her leave when Lu Yu spoke: "Regarding the New Year celebration matters, I would like to invite Lord Qian to Lu Mansion to discuss them. Why not accompany me?"
Thanks, but no thanks. I don't want to go to your house. Besides, who discusses work at a private residence? Qian Xingzhi thought to herself, then declined: "I still need to return home to change clothes; I cannot trouble you..."
"It concerns the celebration; we shouldn't be too formal," Lu Yu raised his hand in a gesture of invitation, not allowing Qian Xingzhi to refute: "Lord Qian, please."
Your boss insistently demands you go home with him to discuss work—could that be anything good?
Qian Xingzhi could only meekly follow Lu Yu onto his carriage, respectfully shrinking into a corner. Truly worthy of the filthy rich Lu family; the carriage was spacious and luxurious, even with agarwood incense, but Qian Xingzhi was in no mood to enjoy it.
As soon as she looked up, she saw Lu Yu smiling at her. Though his expression was normal, Qian Xingzhi inexplicably felt her hairs stand on end, utterly uncomfortable.
"Does Lord Lu have any instructions for me?"
Lu Yu replied evasively: "I heard that Lord Qian's fortune-telling for His Highness the Third Prince was very accurate. I am quite curious about this. I wonder if you could cast a fortune for me?"
Qian Xingzhi laughed it off: "What exactly does Lord Lu wish to inquire about? Unfortunately, divination requires the right time, place, and people; now is not a good time."
"It could be said to be related to you," his smile grew deeper. The carriage curtains swayed, cutting the sunlight into patterns on his face, making him look somewhat enchanting. "On the third day of the twelfth lunar month last year, the former Director Fu died suddenly of a violent illness, according to the imperial physicians. However, some colleagues secretly revealed to me that Director Fu actually committed suicide out of fear of punishment. I am really curious. If you could cast a fortune or communicate with spirits to clear my doubts, that would be excellent."
Qian Xingzhi forced a smile: "Matters of life and death are taboo. I am willing but unable; I cannot relieve your worry, Lord."
Was this pure gossip or a veiled threat? Qian Xingzhi didn't understand Lu Yu, and trying to guess his thoughts was impossible. She had always had a natural aversion to speculating about things she knew nothing about; the current situation was already overwhelming her brain.
"Before Director Fu died, the Emperor was investigating the governor of Nanchuan for bribery. But as soon as Director Fu died, the case was hastily closed by the Emperor. Lord Qian, don't you think that's strange?"
What the hell does this Lu want? Qian Xingzhi silently cursed Lu Yu's ancestors for eighteen generations, but still smiled ingratiatingly: "That is indeed suspicious. But official matters are complex; as a newcomer, I dare not speak rashly."
"Now it's just you and me. Lord Qian, feel free to speak your mind."
Do I know you well? Qian Xingzhi was almost amused: "Lord, you're putting me in a difficult position. Whether it was a violent illness, suicide, coercion, or murder—how can I say for sure? Lord Lu, what exactly are you trying to say?"
The carriage suddenly stopped; they had arrived at Lu Mansion. Lu Yu alighted first and even "thoughtfully" held the curtain for her, leading her into the mansion. He maintained his usual gentle and refined demeanor, as if the unsettling remarks in the carriage had never come from him.
The Lu Mansion was not as luxurious as she had imagined. Once inside the main hall, Lu Yu poured tea for her, settled down gracefully, and took a leisurely sip of black tea.
One second she thought he looked carefree, his every move like an immortal descending; the next second, his words made her feel as if she had fallen into an ice cellar.
"I killed him."