Lu Qing looked at the wheelchair, which could move across the ground like a carriage, and felt a pang of envy. However, as the head of the family, he couldn’t lower himself to fight over it like the younger ones. As an elder, he had to maintain his dignity. After a moment, he sighed.
In the group, the prisoners who were near the Lu family also eyed the wheelchair with envy. Unfortunately for them, they had no divine protection and their surname wasn’t Lu.
Surprisingly, it was Du Hangwu, the one in charge, who took on the task of distributing the rations himself. Normally, this was a job left for the lower-ranking officials. Carrying the rations and two water pouches, Du Hangwu approached the Lu family and greeted Lu Qing, “Old Lu, we still have half a day to travel. Here’s some water for you.”
Lu Qing smiled and thanked him, “Thank you, Officer Du.”
Nodding, Du Hangwu handed the rations and water to Lu Zhou after noticing Lu Xingyao’s injured arm hanging around his neck. After delivering the goods, Du Hangwu quietly returned to his post.
The rest of the prisoners, who had been watching closely, were in disbelief. Du Hangwu wasn’t merely distributing the rations; he was delivering a special portion to the Lu family! Despite the casualties, the rations everyone received were still the same. Seeing this favoritism, many of the prisoners felt resentful. Why should the Lu family get more?
“They already have divine protection,” some thought. “Why do they need more rations too?”
Holding the extra rations, Lu Zhou frowned. “Father, we don’t lack food. Why accept this?”
Many people were watching them now, noticing the extra rations and water given to the Lu family. This could easily stir up jealousy and discord.
Lu Qing spoke calmly, “It’s about accepting goodwill, so Du Hangwu feels at ease. Take a couple of people and distribute the rations to others, saying it’s from Officer Du.”
Although they didn’t need the food or water, Lu Qing knew it was important to accept Du Hangwu’s gesture. It was a way for Du Hangwu to signal his goodwill, and that was valuable. But the rations themselves? Better to pass them on to others.
Understanding now, Lu Zhou nodded, “I’ll take care of it.”
As Lu Zhou went to distribute the rations, Lu Qing noticed Princess Shunyu quietly listening. He turned to her and asked, “Your Highness, do you understand why we accept Du Hangwu’s goodwill even though we don’t need the food?”
Princess Shunyu remained silent for a moment before responding, “Is it to win people’s loyalty for the future?”
The royal officers, having been caught in two assassination attempts, were likely to be implicated once they returned to the capital, with heads likely to roll. Du Hangwu, sensing this, wouldn’t want to return to the capital. Once they reached the north, he would prefer to remain, taking on a new role. If he led the other officers, they could be valuable allies.
Lu Qing smiled at her understanding. “You’re very wise, Your Highness.”
Since the emperor first sent assassins after them, Lu Qing had been thinking of contingency plans. With no option to align with Prince Su, their only path was to build the Lu family’s power for survival. Establishing their influence in the north would be challenging, but necessary.
Lu Qing shared his plans with Princess Shunyu. He believed that after everything they had been through, the princess could now make informed decisions.
Seeing that Lu Qing’s thoughts aligned with his own, Liu Xiangbai felt relieved and glanced at Princess Shunyu.
Watching this unfold, Gu Xingzhao couldn’t help but be impressed with Lu Qing. He had just explained his plan to gather forces for rebellion in the most elegant and understated way.
She turned her gaze to Princess Shunyu, wondering if the young princess would be frightened. But surprisingly, after a brief hesitation, Princess Shunyu asked in a low voice, “What can I do?”
Though she was no longer a princess with status or power, it seemed she was ready to contribute.
Gu Xingzhao was shocked. It appeared the princess had truly grown up.
Lu Qing’s eyes darkened slightly. “Your Highness, you don’t need to do anything right now. Just continue studying and keep the people in your heart.”
Liu Xiangbai chimed in, “There’s no need to worry. We’ll be by your side.”
If things went well, the north could become Princess Shunyu’s new domain.
Understanding her mentors’ intentions, Princess Shunyu’s heart pounded. She nodded firmly, “I will not disappoint you both.”
Both men looked pleased.
Meanwhile, Gu Xingzhao, who was observing from the modern world, exclaimed excitedly, “Lu Qing! Are you guys planning a rebellion?!”
Lu Qing blinked in confusion. “What?”
“Ahem,” he coughed awkwardly, quickly masking his surprise.
Clearing his throat, Lu Qing explained, “It’s not rebellion, merely a move to establish our own force for protection.”
Gu Xingzhao grinned, “I get it, I get it! Go ahead with your plans. If you need anything—food, weapons—you name it, and I’ll provide it!”
“Or should I just strike the imperial palace with some lightning first?”
Even though she couldn’t kill the emperor directly, destroying the palace was certainly tempting.
Lu Qing was stunned. Strike the palace with lightning?!
Quickly, he declined. He didn’t want to get ahead of himself. Their ancestor was passionate but perhaps too eager.
Gu Xingzhao realized she might have been a bit too excited. After all, this was the first time she had been involved in something like this. Helping them in their rebellion would alter history in unexpected ways. The prospect was thrilling.
She was already looking forward to stockpiling resources for future use.
Meanwhile, in the modern world, the news of Gu Chengzhang and Guan Lian being struck by lightning was spreading like wildfire online. At the same time, the victims had officially filed lawsuits against Gu Chengzhang, Guan Lian, and their son Guan Shun. Additionally, Gu Xingzhao’s lawsuit against Lei Ping had been accepted by the courts, and a trial date had been set.
As the buzz online grew louder, so did the discussions.
Netizen 1: Gu Xingzhao is really blowing up lately!
Netizen 2: With looks like hers, how could she not be popular?
Netizen 3: Her looks are probably her least impressive trait, to be honest.
Netizen 4: Yeah, but suing your own father? That’s cold. Girls like her are fine for dating, but I wouldn’t marry one.
Netizen 5: LOL, as if she’d want to marry you in the first place.
Netizen 6: I heard her parents went to ask her for money—fifty grand! Then they both got struck by lightning. Karma’s real!
Netizen 7: Haha, serves them right! Good thing I’ve always lived a virtuous life.
Gu Xingzhao squinted, reading the posts. Karma, huh? She wondered how Gu Chengzhang and Guan Lian were doing. After all, she hadn’t held back when she struck them.
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