They all want to change my future.

Chapter 64 Let me get away from you

The people at the Star Gazing Tower are very efficient.

Less than half an hour later, there was a gentle knock on the door of the private room.

Then, Lu Qi's somewhat hunched but hurried figure flashed in.

His face was ashen, and his eyes were filled with panic. As soon as he entered the room, his gaze swept over Wei Yu and Luo Wen, and his knees buckled, as if he was about to kneel down on the spot.

"Elder Lu, there's no need for such formalities." Luo Wen raised his hand in a gesture of support, his tone calm. "Sit down and let's talk."

Lu Qi still insisted on performing a deep bow before finally sitting down shakily, choking up before he could speak:

"Your Excellencies! We beg you to uphold justice for the Lu family! Our Lu family's loyalty to Her Majesty the Empress is as clear as day!"

His tearful declaration of loyalty caused Wei Yu and Luo Wen to exchange a glance, both seeing a hint of mockery in each other's eyes.

This old man has a thick skin.

However, seeing an elderly man with white hair acting like this, the scene was ultimately not very pleasant.

Luo Wen said gently, "Don't worry, Elder Lu. Tell us what grievances you have. This is Lord Wei Yu, the Prefect of Jingzhao Prefecture. He is the most just and upright official."

Wei Yu nodded reservedly, maintaining his official demeanor.

Upon hearing this, Lu Qi's eyes immediately lit up with hope.

The Empress did not abandon the Lu family after all! He immediately began to speak fluently, but the content was completely reversed:

"That Li Zhi, relying on his sect's status, disregarded the law and trespassed on my Deer Garden's private land! He even came to my door armed with a weapon and brazenly attacked, injuring my grandson and dozens of servants! His behavior was no different from that of a bandit; it was utterly lawless and appalling!"

Wei Yu frowned deeply upon hearing this.

Your reversal of right and wrong is a bit too outrageous.

But he didn't interrupt; he just sneered inwardly.

Seeing that Wei Yu didn't react, Lu Qi assumed he agreed and became even more excited, raising his voice several decibels:

"Such a madman dares to commit violence in the royal gardens; this is an outrageous act of treason! According to the law, he should be executed immediately!"

After he finished speaking, he looked at Wei Yu expectantly, then glanced at Luo Wen.

Rowan's brows furrowed as well.

That old man is incredibly stupid.

Are they going to start by shouting for violence, or are they going to "execute on the spot"?

Li Zhi is a disciple of a sect, a sensitive position, and he didn't actually cause any deaths, so how could he be sentenced to death?

Is this an attempt to escalate the situation to the point of no return and drag everyone down with them?

He realized that Lu Qi was being pushed to the limit and, thinking he had the Empress's backing, had started talking nonsense.

Seeing that both adults were frowning and silent, Lu Qi's heart skipped a beat. He realized that he might have gone too far and quickly tried to smooth things over:

"Of course, the specific punishment will depend entirely on your discerning judgment, gentlemen... I am simply... I am still filled with indignation..."

Rowan then spoke slowly, his tone calm yet carrying an undeniable air of authority:

"While the trespassing, assault, and brawl were egregious, considering that no one was killed, both parties were practitioners, and the conflict stemmed from personal feelings, I believe the offender, Li Zhi, should be sentenced to one year in prison."

As he spoke, Luo Wen looked at Wei Yu, seemingly seeking his opinion.

Wei Yu understood Luo Wen's meaning: this was a compromise, a way to avoid offending either side.

This gave the Lu family an explanation, since he was also under the Empress's command, and they still had to be given face.

They didn't torture Li Zhi to death; a one-year sentence isn't long, and even if he's sentenced, it can still suppress the sect's arrogance.

But would he really let himself sentence Li Zhi to a year in prison?

Wei Yu suddenly hesitated again.

Wouldn't this put him on the front line, directly facing the pressure from the sect?

Is it worth being cannon fodder?

Seeing Wei Yu remain silent in thought, the old and shrewd Lu Qiren immediately understood that the "benefits" had not yet been fully delivered.

Although they belong to the same lineage as the Empress, it's not right to ask someone to take risks and do things without a word.

He spoke cautiously, with a forced smile, "Lord Wei is very busy with many affairs of state. Spring is approaching, and the scenery of my Deer Garden is quite pleasant. If you have some free time, why not take a stroll and enjoy it to relax?"

He spoke politely, but his meaning was blunt: I'll give you money.

Wei Yu's eyes flickered slightly, but he didn't speak and looked at Luo Wen.

Luo Wen naturally understood and said with a smile, "The spring scenery of Deer Garden is indeed a unique sight in the capital. Brother Wei, why don't we go and take a look together? The moonlight is still beautiful tonight, it's the perfect time to enjoy the scenery."

Lu Qi quickly interjected, "If you two gentlemen could join us, my humble abode would be honored! Wine and food have been prepared; let's enjoy a good drink together!"

"Very well." Wei Yu finally nodded, a smile appearing on his face. "Then I'll have to trouble Elder Lu."

The three of them stood up, and the atmosphere immediately became much more harmonious.

After all, if you take it and I take it, everyone benefits.

Qu Hongxiao had no intention of following along to see what was happening, as she felt it was a waste of time.

Feeling somewhat confused, I wondered what I had found out.

The deer's appearance clearly showed that it was unprepared and had willingly offered itself up for slaughter.

And Wei Yu, the first thing you thought of was actually looking for the Star Gazing Tower.

What exactly do you officials think of my Star Gazing Tower?

However, Qu Hongxiao thought about it again and realized that tomorrow's scene would be quite interesting.

Luo Wen set the tone, Wei Yu carried it out, and Lu Qi provided the coordination.

What charges will these three charge Li Zhi'an with? And Li Zhi's reaction is something to look forward to.

Qu Hongxiao thought of the protector who was hiding beside Li Zhi and had never truly shown himself.

Today, Li Zhi sent me away most likely to communicate with that person, or rather, to the sect's forces in the capital.

How will they respond?

Should they stand idly by and watch Li Zhi make a mess of things? Or should they exert pressure from the shadows?

"Who told you to send me away?"

Qu Hongxiao muttered to herself, her displeasure at being tricked by Li Zhi now mixed with curiosity about tomorrow's situation, giving rise to a somewhat mischievous anticipation.

"Fine, tomorrow I'll let you taste what it's like to be tricked by a bunch of people, and let me see just how capable those people behind you are, and what their intentions are."

However, the final outcome will inevitably be that the sect abandons you. If it really comes to that, and you sincerely beg me for help, I estimate I will save you.

Thinking of this, Qu Hongxiao felt even more expectant. She had long disliked Li Zhi, especially his respectful words but lack of any genuine respect in his expression.

Typical case of oral administration but psychological refusal.

This is the kind of person you really want to mess with.

Li Zhi, of course, was unaware of Qu Hongxiao's thoughts. After having dinner with Ji Baizhi,

He went back into the house, intending to practice his martial arts, but after trying it out...

Li Zhi somewhat understood Ji Baizhi's awkward situation; being stuck at a bottleneck was really boring.

Thinking of Ji Baizhi, Li Zhi, feeling utterly bored, decided to go out and look for her.

Upon entering the courtyard, they found that Ji Baizhi had not yet returned to her room.

She sat alone on the stone bench, tilting her head slightly upwards as she gazed at the night sky.

Tonight, the clouds are thin, and a crescent moon shines brightly, casting its light on her white dress, making her look like Chang'e descending to earth.

Hearing footsteps, Ji Baizhi turned her head and saw Li Zhi. A gentle smile naturally appeared on her lips, and she raised her hand to wave lightly.

Li Zhi walked over and sat down on another stone bench next to her: "Watching the moon? What a refined hobby."

"Is the young master bored?" Ji Baizhi asked with a smile.

"That's right." Li Zhi admitted frankly, "So, I came to talk to Miss Ji about something interesting."

"So, how does the young master plan to handle the matter at the Capital Prefecture tomorrow?"

Ji Baizhi naturally steered the conversation toward serious matters, or rather, things she found interesting.