Chapter 2141: Soul Interrogation

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

Zheng Dan awkwardly took out a handkerchief to wipe the corner of her mouth, then glanced at Sang Qian, seeing nothing unusual. "Why do you ask?"

Chu Chuyan hesitated before saying, "Just now, when she first saw Ah Zu, her eyes were filled with joy and affection. But then she noticed me, and her expression changed dramatically. It was such an obvious shift that I couldn't help but notice."

Zheng Dan felt the same sentiment as Zu An: this woman was simply too perceptive.

However, instead of denying it immediately, 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 her, lest Chu Chuyan be completely unprepared and suffer too great a shock upon suddenly discovering that Sang Qian was pregnant with her husband's child.

"Oh, I'm really worrying myself sick for this family," she thought. "Ah Zu had better find a chance to thank me properly."

Chu Chuyan was taken aback, clearly not expecting such an answer. But then she reconsidered; what Zheng Dan said seemed to be true.

Today's Ah Zu was no longer the notorious prodigal son of Brightmoon City.

After a while, Zu An stood up to take his leave. With Sang Hong back and Chu Chuyan present, it wouldn't be appropriate for him to stay overnight at the Sang residence.

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

On the way home, Chu Chuyan repeatedly seemed about to speak but stopped herself. Amused, Zu An took her hand. "Just say whatever's on your mind. Is there anything we can't talk about?"

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

"Really nothing?" Zu An asked curiously.

"Truly nothing." Chu Chuyan smiled, her lips pressed together, giving the same answer no matter how he asked.

Zu An was completely bewildered, even wondering if she had found out about Sang Qian's pregnancy with his child.

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

But Chuyan wasn't an outsider...

He wrestled with the dilemma all the way home, surprised to find himself already back at the mansion. Chu Youzhao and Murong Qinghe came out to greet them upon hearing the news, calling out, "Sister! Brother-in-law!"

Chu Youzhao pulled them around, inspecting them for injuries, and only relaxed when she confirmed they were unharmed.

Chu Chuyan dotingly pinched her sister's cheek, then briefly recounted what had just happened. The two young women's eyes widened in disbelief, clearly surprised that an assassination could occur on the streets of the capital.

Then Chu Chuyan said to them, "It's late. We'll take you home first."

Chu Youzhao pouted, "But I want to stay with you, 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 at war, there were still many other elders at the mansion.

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

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

His relationship with the Qin family lately wasn't bad, but it certainly wasn't good. Going alone usually didn't matter, but if he went with Chu Chuyan now, some people might start making sarcastic remarks again.

Chu Chuyan raised an eyebrow. "Ah, so it seems you truly believe we're divorced and that you have no connection to the Qin family anymore."

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

Chu Chuyan, with her usually cool temperament, was actually playing such tricks now.

Hearing that he was also going to the Qin family, meaning they wouldn't have to separate so soon, Chu Youzhao no longer refused.

The group first escorted Murong Qinghe home, then proceeded together to the Qin family residence.

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

Zu An felt a bit awkward standing by. By rights, he was the son-in-law of the Chu family and thus related to the Qin family, but paradoxically, 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?"

"Yes, it seemed to be assassins from the Shadow Pavilion, but they used military crossbows and even a siege crossbow." Zu An said, observing Qin Guangyuan's reaction as he spoke. The Qin family was the foremost military clan, so this matter might be connected to them.

As expected, Qin Guangyuan's expression changed upon hearing this. His face grew grim, as if something had occurred to him.

Noticing that he seemed preoccupied, Zu An smiled and said nothing further.

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

After spending several awkward hours at the Qin family residence, Chu Chuyan rose to bid farewell and return home.

Qin Yongde couldn't help but say, "The Qin family in the capital is your home. Where else are you going this late?"

Chu Chuyan looked at Zu An, who had remained awkwardly by her side, 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."

Even the most critical members of the Qin family had to admit that Zu An was now quite excellent. However, the two families were not aligned, and his growing excellence only complicated matters, so they naturally didn't view him with much favor.

Chu Chuyan, with her remarkable grace, would have no shortage of excellent suitors in the capital, even having been married. It wouldn't be difficult for her to choose a prominent noble family for a new alliance someday, which would be more beneficial for both the Qin and Chu families.

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

Chu Chuyan smiled faintly, "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 at her words, and he couldn't help but grasp her soft, smooth hand.

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

Chu Youzhao, witnessing this scene, felt it was infinitely beautiful, fulfilling her childhood fantasies of perfect love. Yet, at the same time, she felt an inexplicable sense of melancholy.

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

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

He then turned to Zu An. "Brother Zu, I hope you treat Chuyan well and do not betray her devotion."

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

Leaving the Qin family residence, the two walked along Vermilion Bird Avenue. The once bustling street now had an unsettling sense of solemnity, with patrolling soldiers everywhere.

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

"Those are for the Emperor and Prince Qi to worry about, not us." Holding her cool hand and inhaling her faint, elegant fragrance, Zu An felt a unique warmth and peace. He couldn't be bothered to think about their infighting.

"Then take me on a proper tour of the capital," Chu Chuyan said, a full smile blooming on her face. She looped her arm through his and leaned her head on his shoulder.

Seeing Chu Chuyan display such a rare, girlish side, Zu An's love for her swelled, but it was also accompanied by a pang of guilt. He truly was a scoundrel of the highest order.

He decided against giving her the items he had bought at the Rouge Shop in Cloudmount Commandery. Instead, he took her strolling through the streets, buying her anything that caught her eye.

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

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