Chapter 1561: Soul Interrogation

"What's wrong?" Chu Chuyan was also startled by her reaction.

Zheng Dan awkwardly took out her handkerchief, wiped her mouth, and glanced at Sang Qian on the other side, finding nothing unusual. "Why do you ask that?"

Chu Chuyan hesitated for a moment before saying, "Just now, when we first met, the way she looked at Ah Zu was full of joy and affection. But then she noticed me, and her expression changed significantly. It was such a clear change that I couldn't help but notice it."

Zheng Dan felt the same sentiment as Zu An; this woman was truly too perceptive.

However, she didn't deny it immediately. Instead, she smiled and said, "What young woman wouldn't like a hero like Ah Zu? It's perfectly normal."

This was a good opportunity to prepare Chu Chuyan, so she wouldn't be completely shocked if she suddenly discovered Sang Qian was pregnant with her husband's child. The impact would be too great otherwise.

*Sigh*, I've worried myself sick for this family. Ah Zu really owes me a big thank you.

Chu Chuyan was momentarily stunned, evidently not expecting such an answer. But then she reconsidered, and it seemed what Zheng Dan said was true.

The current Ah Zu was no longer the notorious good-for-nothing from Brightmoon City.

After some time, Zu An rose to take his leave. With Sang Hong back and Chu Chuyan also present, it wouldn't be appropriate for him to stay overnight at the Sang estate.

He instructed the Imperial Guards to ensure the safety of the Sang estate, then left with Chu Chuyan.

On the way home, Chu Chuyan repeatedly seemed on the verge of speaking but stopped herself. Zu An found it amusing, took her hand, and said, "Just say whatever's on your mind. Is there anything we can't talk about between us?"

Feeling the warmth of his palm, Chu Chuyan's heart warmed, and she smiled, shaking her head. "It's nothing."

"Really nothing?" Zu An asked curiously.

"Really nothing," Chu Chuyan replied with a tight-lipped smile, giving the same answer no matter how he pressed her.

Zu An was bewildered, even wondering if she had somehow found out about Sang Qian's pregnancy.

He considered telling her the truth, but the matter concerned the Sang family's reputation, especially Sang Qian's as an unmarried woman. It wouldn't be good to tell others before discussing it with them.

But Chuyan wasn't an outsider...

He wrestled with his thoughts all the way home, only to find they had already arrived at the mansion. Chu Youzhao and Murong Qinghe came out to greet them upon hearing the news. "Sister! Brother-in-law!"

Chu Youzhao pulled them around, inspecting them for a few turns, and only relaxed once she confirmed they weren't hurt.

Chu Chuyan affectionately pinched her sister's cheek, then briefly recounted what had just happened. Both girls' eyes widened, clearly surprised that an assassination could occur on the streets of the capital.

Chu Chuyan then told them, "It's getting late. We'll take you home first."

Chu Youzhao pouted, "But I want to stay with big sister!"

Chu Chuyan smiled faintly. "I still need to visit the elders of the Qin family."

Although the two elder masters of the Qin family were away fighting, there were still many other elders at the estate.

Then she looked at Zu An. "You come to the Qin family with me too."

Zu An felt a bit awkward. "Is it really appropriate for me to go?"

His relationship with the Qin family lately wasn't bad, but certainly not good either. Going alone usually wasn't an issue, but accompanying Chu Chuyan now might invite sarcasm from some people.

Chu Chuyan raised an eyebrow. "Oh, it seems you really believe that since we're divorced, you have no connection to the Qin family anymore."

Zu An gave a wry smile. "I'll go, I'll go, alright?"

Chu Chuyan, with her usually cold demeanor, was actually capable of such tricks now.

Hearing that he was also going to the Qin family and they wouldn't have to separate so soon, Chu Youzhao stopped refusing.

The group first took Murong Qinghe home, then proceeded together to the Qin family estate.

Upon learning of Chu Chuyan's arrival, the thick-browed Qin Guangyuan and the refined Qin Yongde, two brothers, personally came out to greet her. Additionally, all the aunts and uncles of the Qin family emerged, pulling Chu Chuyan and praising how beautiful the little girl had grown.

Zu An felt a bit awkward standing by, as he was technically Chu Chuyan's husband and thus related to the Qin family. However, to protect the Chu family, he and Chu Chuyan had nominally divorced.

Fortunately, Qin Guangyuan found a moment to chat with him. "I heard you were attacked while escorting Sang Hong to the palace?"

"That's right. They seemed to be assassins from the Shadow Chamber, but they used military crossbows and even a siege crossbow," Zu An said, observing his reaction. The Qin family was the foremost military family, so this incident might be related to them.

Sure enough, Qin Guangyuan's expression changed upon hearing this. He looked a bit grim, perhaps having realized something.

Sensing that he had something on his mind, Zu An smiled and said no more.

Qin Guangyuan was a smart man; he would undoubtedly think of Prince Qi immediately and understand the potential consequences of this incident.

After several awkward hours spent with the Qin family, Chu Chuyan rose to take her leave and go home.

Qin Yongde couldn't help but say, "The Qin family in the capital is your home. Where else do you need to go at this late hour?"

Chu Chuyan glanced at Zu An, who stood awkwardly nearby but had remained to accompany her, and a hint of tenderness appeared on her face. "I'm going back to Ah Zu's place."

Many members of the Qin family frowned and advised, "You've already divorced. It's probably not appropriate for you to live together again."

While even the most discerning members of the Qin family had to admit that Zu An was now quite accomplished, the two families weren't in the same faction. The more outstanding he became, the worse it was for them, so they naturally didn't have much affection for him.

And Chu Chuyan, with her exceptional charm, even having been married, still had many excellent suitors in the capital. It wouldn't be difficult for her to marry into another prominent family one day, which would be more beneficial for both the Qin and Chu families.

But if Chu Chuyan continued to live with Zu An now, and word got out, what prominent family would dare to marry her, no matter how beautiful or outstanding she was?

Chu Chuyan smiled faintly. "Back then, because of the Phoenix Nirvana Sutra, Ah Zu nominally divorced me so as not to burden the Chu family. But in my heart, he has always been my husband."

Zu An's heart warmed upon hearing this, and he couldn't help but grasp her soft, smooth hand.

Chu Chuyan, usually shy and reserved in such matters, uncharacteristically gripped his hand back tightly this time, clearly demonstrating her resolve to the Qin family relatives.

Chu Youzhao, seeing this scene, felt it was infinitely beautiful, fulfilling the romantic fantasies she had nurtured since childhood. Yet, on the other hand, she also felt an indescribable sense of melancholy.

However, with her youthful spirit, she didn't dwell on it too much and immediately jumped out to cheer them on.

The Qin family members were about to say more, but Qin Guangyuan held out a hand to stop them, then looked at Chu Chuyan. "Cousin, you've always been intelligent. Since you've made such a decision, then as your elder brother, I can only offer my blessings."

He then turned to Zu An. "Brother Zu, I hope you treat Chuyan well and do not let down her feelings for you."

Zu An was somewhat surprised by the change in Qin Guangyuan's attitude and smiled faintly. "Of course."

Leaving the Qin family, the two strolled along Vermillion Bird Street. The once bustling scene now had an inexplicably grim atmosphere, with patrolling soldiers everywhere.

Chu Chuyan couldn't help but say, "I wonder how many undercurrents are stirring tonight."

"Those are for the Emperor and Prince Qi to worry about, not us." Holding her cool hand and inhaling her delicate fragrance, Zu An felt an exceptionally warm and peaceful mood, too lazy to think about their infighting.

"Then take me around the capital. I haven't been here in a long time." A smile blossomed on Chu Chuyan's face as she linked her arm through his, leaning her whole body against his shoulder.

Seeing Chu Chuyan display such a rare, girlish side, Zu An's love for her grew immensely, yet at the same time, a twinge of guilt arose within him. He truly was a scumbag.

He decided against giving her the items he had bought at the rouge shop in Cloud County. Instead, he took her strolling through the streets, buying her anything she lingered on for more than a moment.

This made Chu Chuyan both happy and amused. "Why are you like my master, giving me all sorts of good things, just like when she came back this time?"

She paused here, her eyes incredibly clear. "Something must have happened between you two that you're deliberately hiding from me."