Chapter 1888: Who Is the Imperial Grandson?

In Sang Qian's boudoir, seeing Sang Qian's bashful and fidgety manner, Zheng Dan grew a little impatient. "Qianqian," she said, "you're probably the first woman to bear his child. What's there to be shy about now?"

The three of them chatted, always finding happy and relaxed topics, and thus, unknowingly, they fell asleep.

The next day, Sang Qian was the first to wake, finding herself curled up in Zu'an's arms like a kitten. She felt a mix of shyness and warmth. Yesterday, she had expected something to happen, but from beginning to end, Brother Zu remained a perfect gentleman. She mused that he must have known she was easily embarrassed and therefore showed her extra respect.

Gazing at the man beside her, she found herself momentarily lost in admiration. *This is my daughter's father. He's so handsome...* As she watched, she couldn't help but lean down and kiss him. Just then, however, Zu'an seemed to sense something and opened his eyes. Their gazes met.

Sang Qian was caught between lowering her head further or getting up. Her cheeks flushed intensely, and she quickly rose, saying, "I'll go check on Sisi first."

But Zu'an wrapped an arm around her waist, pulled her close, and kissed her. Sang Qian let out a soft moan, her body turning a little weak. Previously, due to shyness and awkwardness, their intimacy had always occurred in the dark. This was their first time being openly affectionate like this. Feeling his broad, strong arms around her, she felt an unprecedented happiness flood her chest.

Suddenly, she noticed something, frantically pushed Zu'an aside, and turned to straighten her clothes. Just then, Zheng Dan was watching them, her eyes wide and a half-smile on her face. "Who was it yesterday who kept saying no, no?" she teased. "And then sneaks in some 'extra' while I'm asleep?"

"Dandan!" Sang Qian gritted her teeth a little, then pounced on her sister-in-law, wrestling with her.

Feeling the alluring atmosphere, Zu'an found he couldn't quite bear it. He got up and bid them farewell, worried he might lose control if he stayed longer. He had important matters to attend to today. He got up and playfully tickled his adorable daughter. Seeing her smile immediately filled his heart with warmth.

As he left the inner quarters, he happened upon Sang Hong, who was rubbing his lower back. Zu'an couldn't help but ask curiously, "Uncle, have you hurt your back? Would you like me to give you a massage?"

"No need," Sang Hong replied, his old face flushing. "It's just that I'm getting old, and my back can't quite keep up anymore." Finally, seeing Zu'an's refreshed appearance, he couldn't help but say enviously, "It's good to be young."

The other man's strange reaction left Zu'an a bit bewildered. He casually offered a few polite words and then hurried towards Jade Spring Mountain.

Yesterday, Sang Qian had suggested he lie low at the academy for now. This was a good opportunity for him to find the person the Libationer had mentioned in his dying words, locate the former imperial grandson, and deliver the message, thus fulfilling the Libationer's trust.

Upon arriving at the academy, he found it as bustling and lively as ever, with activity everywhere. Students often debated academic topics, arguing until their faces turned red. Zu'an secretly admired this. The Libationer had likely deliberately downplayed his own influence, rarely appearing in public. The academy's affairs, big and small, were governed by specific rules and regulations, ensuring no chaos would arise from one person's disappearance. In contrast, with Zhao Hao's disappearance, the entire capital had descended into chaos. Although Zhao Hao was more powerful, the Libationer's selfless mindset was clearly more admirable.

He didn't stop along the way, heading directly towards the mountaintop, to avoid the Libationer's disciples from pestering him with endless chatter and wasting who knew how much time. With the Libationer's thumb ring, the defensive formations along the path allowed him to pass directly.

He soon reached the mountaintop and saw the lotus pond there, noticing that it looked somewhat more withered than when he had first seen it. It seemed that with the Libationer's passing, even the flowers he had meticulously cared for sensed his absence. He continued a short distance further, pushed open the bamboo house, and looked at the bare spot on the wall. Originally, a painting of a woman's back had hung there—presumably the Libationer's sister-in-law, whom he had always cherished. The painting on the Golden Summit seemed to have been destroyed by Zhao Hao.

Just as he was feeling a little dispirited, he suddenly felt a jolt and turned to see an old servant standing at the doorway, holding a broom. The servant's gaze fell upon the thumb ring on Zu'an's finger, and he couldn't help but sigh, "So the Libationer still failed."

Zu'an said in a deep voice, "I promised the Libationer I would help him find the former imperial grandson. He said you would know about it."

The old servant gave him a profound look. "Do you know who that imperial grandson is?"