Chapter 1705: 贵圈真乱

“What’s wrong?” Zu An was startled. Seeing her serious expression, he dared not joke anymore.

Yan Xuehen’s delicate brows furrowed slightly: “Think about it. When Yun Jianyue was exposed earlier, wasn’t Wang Wuxie, as the leader of the Daoist sect, a bit too quiet?”

Zu An recalled the previous situation and subconsciously nodded. At that time, Wang Wuxie’s presence was even less noticeable than Feng Wuchang’s from Guanxin Peak. When Yun Jianyue attacked Feng Wuchang, Wang Wuxie didn't help. Instead, Master Jianhuang saved Feng.

“And later, when the secret realm was opened, Wang Wuxie’s presence was also too faint. I just feel there’s something strange about him.” Even with a furrowed brow, Yan Xuehen still looked beautiful.

Zu An smiled, “Maybe he hasn't been feeling well these past few days. He also mentioned that he needs to cooperate with the emperor for something during the upcoming Fengshan Grand Ceremony. Perhaps he isn't very focused on the Daoist Grand Competition? His cultivation is so high; surely no one could impersonate him like Yun Jianyue impersonated Elder Peng, could they?”

“Impersonation is unlikely; he should still be Wang Wuxie, but I just feel there’s something strange…” Yan Xuehen hesitated, seemingly about to say more but holding back. Finally, she said, “You must have heard that Wang Wuxie once pursued me…”

“More than just pursued, he was madly infatuated,” Zu An remarked, thinking of the various rumors he had heard. After all, no one wants their woman to be coveted by another man.

“That was just his one-sided pursuit; I never liked him,” Yan Xuehen quickly explained. After speaking, she herself paused, wondering why she had explained it so clearly to him.

Feeling the urgency in her reply, Zu An felt a slight joy in his heart: “Does his liking you have any connection to what you’re saying?”

Xuehen’s face flushed slightly, and she said somewhat shyly, “Coming to Purple Mountain this time, I can clearly feel that Wang Wuxie isn’t as... fanatical as he used to be. However, he still occasionally looks at me with a... strange gaze. I didn’t want any misunderstandings with him, so I pretended not to see him every time. But these past few days, he hasn’t looked at me once more.”

Zu An couldn’t help but laugh, “It must be quite disappointing when one of your admirers isn’t as infatuated with you as before, isn’t it?” Speaking of which, he had seen Wang Wuxie’s infatuated gaze several times, and it had left a deep impression.

Yan Xuehen’s expression turned serious: “I’m talking about something serious. If you keep this up, I’ll get angry!”

Only then did Zu An put away his playful thoughts: “Now that you mention it, it really is strange. How about we go to the Pure Yang Palace tonight to investigate?”

Yan Xuehen shook her head: “Let’s not. Wang Wuxie’s cultivation is very high. If he discovered us, it would only lead to complications.” She didn't want her close relationship with Zu An to be known by others in the Daoist sect.

Zu An was taken aback: “If you don’t want to investigate, why did you specifically bring this up?”

Yan Xuehen said indifferently, “Just a reminder for you.” With that, she turned and left.

Rage points from Yan Xuehen: 222,222,222…

Watching her disappear, Zu An felt a bit puzzled. Why had she suddenly gotten angry? After a moment, he finally realized. He really was silly; she had just come to see him and found an excuse, and he had actually gone and dug for details. Feeling her subtle change, Zu An smiled like an idiot.

After returning to his room, Zu An took out his image-sound mirror and began to dial a specific rune number. After a long time, the call finally connected. The mirror surface rippled like water, and then a beautiful woman in palace attire with a red floral mark between her brows appeared in the mirror.

“Has something major happened?” Bi Linglong in the mirror was a little surprised. Activating the image-sound mirror was expensive, and even the imperial court only used it for critical military intelligence. Moreover, as the Crown Princess, if she were seen secretly using the image-sound mirror to chat with another man, the trouble would be immense. Fortunately, the emperor had left the capital during this period, making her actions more convenient.

“Can’t I call you just because I miss you?” Zu An sighed. “I thought you’d be excessively thin and haggard from missing me after my departure. Instead, you’re still so radiant, even more beautiful than when I left the capital. It’s truly disheartening.”

“Bah, no I’m not,” Bi Linglong spat playfully, subconsciously touching her cheek. Though she knew he was flattering her, she couldn’t help but feel happy. “On the contrary, you look so rosy-cheeked. I bet you haven’t lacked female companions.”

Zu An inwardly felt ashamed but certainly couldn’t admit it aloud.

After they chatted for a while, Zu An finally subtly inquired about Consort Bai. Upon hearing this, Bi Linglong’s face instantly turned cold: “I knew there was a reason you suddenly thought to contact me! So it’s for another woman!”

The image blurred, and the image-sound mirror turned into an ordinary mirror. Clearly, Bi Linglong on the other side had ended the call.

Zu An: “…”

After a moment, the image-sound mirror suddenly rippled. Clearly, the other side was calling him. Zu An tapped to open it, and Bi Linglong, with a frosty expression, reappeared on the screen.

“When the Emperor left the capital, he had Consort Bai accompany him. I don’t know anything else,” Bi Linglong said coldly.

Zu An was stunned: “When the Emperor travels, shouldn’t he bring his own consorts? What kind of propriety is it to bring his daughter-in-law?”

Bi Linglong corrected him with dissatisfaction: “The Emperor only has one daughter-in-law, which is me. Consort Bai is merely the Crown Prince’s concubine. While bringing her might be a bit improper, it’s not a major issue.” She paused, then continued, “Besides, Consort Bai was originally one of the Emperor’s personal attendants. It was out of concern for the Crown Prince’s... dullness that she was sent to serve him. Not long after, Consort Bai became pregnant and gave birth to the Imperial Grandson.”

Zu An’s expression changed: “You mean her son is actually the Emperor’s?” What did that foolish Crown Prince know besides playing in the mud all day? He hadn't even touched such a beautiful Crown Princess after marrying her for so many years. How could he possibly have gotten Consort Bai pregnant and given birth in such a short time?

“I didn’t say that,” Bi Linglong said expressionlessly. “However, her identity is very special. Even if you’re prone to lust, don’t set your sights on her.” After speaking, she ended the call again. This time, when Zu An tried to call back, there was no response.

Zu An felt somewhat disoriented. Although he had vaguely suspected it before, having it confirmed now still felt somewhat worldview-shattering. This Zhao Hao really plays wild. Giving his own consort to his son as a concubine, and having his son call him big brother instead of father? However, thinking of how he had once possessed the Crown Prince with a wisp of his soul, and that the Crown Princess was also prepared for the future, it no longer seemed so strange.

After learning this news, Zu An was no longer worried about Consort Bai’s safety. At least for a short period, she should not be in mortal danger. However, whether the Demonic Sect’s plan succeeded or not, the future Imperial Grandson had their bloodline... Thinking of the complicated relationships, Zu An let out a breath after a long moment: “This circle is truly chaotic!”

There was nothing left to do on Purple Mountain now. Chu Chuyan and Manman wouldn't be able to exit the secret realm anytime soon, so he decided to use the excuse of reporting on his duties to go and greet the Emperor’s entourage, and incidentally inquire about Consort Bai. Consort Bai’s identity was so sensitive that the Emperor couldn’t possibly hand her over to his officials to deal with; he would most likely keep her by his side.

He woke up Xie Daoyun, who had been knocked out by Yun Jianyue, told him of his departure, and originally considered escorting her back as well. However, Xie Daoyun shook his head and said, “The task Master assigned me isn’t finished yet. I still need to stay on Purple Mountain for a while.”

Zu An was a little surprised. What kind of task had Yan Xiangu given her that would take so long? However, he didn’t ask further, gave him a few instructions, and then left.

Before leaving, he went to the detached villa to bid farewell to Yan Xuehen, naturally using the excuse that the Emperor had summoned him.

After listening, Yan Xuehen said indifferently, “If you want to leave, just leave. Why tell me?”

Zu An gazed at her flawless face: “Aren’t I just worried you won’t be able to find me if you look for me?”

“Who would look for you!” Yan Xuehen’s willow-like brows furrowed, and she turned away immediately.

Zu An knew her temperament and wasn’t bothered. He waved to her and walked out.

“Be careful,” a soft instruction came from behind him as he exited.

“Okay.” Zu An immediately felt much better. He turned back and spread his arms toward her. “Who knows how long we’ll be apart this time. Can I get a hug as a farewell?”

He had expected her to tell him to ‘get lost,’ but to his surprise, Yan Xuehen hesitated for a moment, then slowly walked over and gave him a light hug. She knew that Zu An’s current cultivation meant he wasn’t likely to be in much danger, but this time, he was facing Zhao Hao... Especially recalling Yun Jianyue’s recent comment, she was inexplicably worried that missing this opportunity would leave an unrecoverable regret.

Feeling the cool, soft body in his arms, Zu An first froze, then was overcome with wild joy, pulling her tightly into his embrace. Yan Xuehen blushed deeply, instinctively wanting to push him away, but she couldn’t overcome how tightly he held her. Her movements gradually became less resolute.

“Fortunately, there are no White Jade City disciples in this villa, and Chuyan has also gone to the secret realm…”