Chapter 2195: Soul Interrogation

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

Zheng Dan awkwardly took out a handkerchief to wipe her mouth, then glanced in Sang Qian's direction. Seeing nothing unusual, she asked, "Why do you ask?"

Chu Chuyan hesitated before replying, "When we first met, the way she looked at Ah Zu was filled with joy and affection. But then she noticed me, and her expression clearly changed. It was such a dramatic shift that I couldn't help but notice."

Zheng Dan felt the same sentiment as Zu An—this woman was truly 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 subtly prepare her, preventing a sudden shock if Chu Chuyan were to unexpectedly discover that Sang Qian was pregnant with her husband's child. *Sigh*, I'm truly breaking my back for this family. Ah Zu had better find a chance to properly thank me.

Chu Chuyan was surprised, clearly not expecting such an answer. But on second thought, what Zheng Dan said seemed to be the truth. The Ah Zu of today was no longer the infamous prodigal son of Mingyue City.

After a while, 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 Forest Guards to ensure the safety of the Sang estate, 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 and said, "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, "Nothing."

"Truly nothing?" Zu An asked curiously.

"Truly nothing," Chu Chuyan replied with a subtle smile, sticking to that answer no matter how he pressed.

Zu An was bewildered, even wondering if she had somehow learned 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 young woman. It would be inappropriate to tell anyone else before discussing it with them. However, Chuyan wasn't an outsider...

He agonized over it the entire way, only realizing they had already returned to the manor when Chu Youzhao and Murong Qinghe came out to greet them upon hearing of their arrival. "Sister! Brother-in-law!" Chu Youzhao pulled them around, examining them for a few turns, only relaxing once she confirmed they were unharmed.

Chu Chuyan dotingly pinched her sister's cheek, then recounted roughly what had just happened. The two girls' eyes widened, clearly astonished that an assassination could occur on the streets of the capital.

Chu Chuyan then said to them, "It's getting late. We'll take you two 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 Qin family patriarchs were away fighting, there were still many other elders at home.

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

Zu An felt a bit awkward. "It might not be appropriate for me to go." His relationship with the Qin family lately wasn't bad, but it was certainly not good either. Going alone was one thing, but if he went with Chu Chuyan now, some people might start making sarcastic remarks again.

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

Zu An gave a wry smile. "I'll go, is that okay?" Chu Chuyan, with her usually cold demeanor, was actually resorting to such tricks.

Hearing that he would also go to the Qin family and they wouldn't have to separate so early, Chu Youzhao no longer refused.

The group first escorted Murong Qinghe home, then arrived together at the Qin estate. Upon learning of Chu Chuyan's arrival, the two brothers, the thick-browed Qin Guangyuan and the clear-eyed Qin Yongde, personally came out to greet them. In addition, all the Qin family's aunts and uncles appeared, pulling Chu Chuyan aside and praising how beautiful the little girl had grown.

Zu An stood awkwardly to the side. Logically, as the son-in-law of the Chu family, he was 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 spoke while observing his reaction. 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 turned somewhat grim, clearly having thought of something. Noticing that he seemed preoccupied, Zu An smiled and said nothing further. Qin Guangyuan was a smart man; he must have immediately thought of Prince Qi and would undoubtedly understand the potential consequences of this incident.

After spending a few awkward hours at the Qin family residence, 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 would you go this late?"

Chu Chuyan looked at Zu An, who was still awkwardly but steadfastly staying by her side. A trace of tenderness appeared on her face as she said, "I'm going back to Ah Zu's place."

Many of the Qin family members frowned and advised, "You two are already divorced. It might not be appropriate for you to live together again." Even the most discerning members of the Qin family had to admit that Zu An was now quite excellent. However, as the two sides did not belong to the same faction, his excellence only made things worse, so naturally, they did not have much affection for him. And Chu Chuyan, with her grace and charm, even though she had been married, still had no shortage of excellent suitors in the capital. It wouldn't be difficult for her to marry into another prominent clan one day, which would be more beneficial for both the Qin and Chu families. However, if Chu Chuyan continued to live with Zu An and it became public knowledge, then no matter how beautiful or outstanding she was, which prominent family would still dare to marry her?

Chu Chuyan smiled faintly and said, "Back then, because of the 'Phoenix Nirvana Sutra,' Ah Zu formally divorced me in name to avoid implicating 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 squeezed his hand back tightly this time, clearly demonstrating her resolve to her Qin family relatives.

Chu Youzhao witnessed this scene, feeling it was infinitely beautiful and fulfilling her childhood fantasies of romance. Yet, at the same time, she felt an indescribable sense of melancholy. However, with her youthful spirit, she didn't dwell on it much, immediately jumping up to cheer for the two.

The Qin family members were about to say more, but Qin Guangyuan extended a hand to stop them. He then 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'll treat Chuyan well and not betray her feelings."

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

Leaving the Qin estate, the two strolled along Vermilion Bird Street. The bustling scene of yesteryear now felt inexplicably desolate, with patrolling soldiers everywhere. Chu Chuyan couldn't help but remark, "Who knows how many undercurrents are surging tonight."

"Those are matters for the Emperor and Prince Qi to consider, not us," Zu An said, holding her cool, small hand and inhaling her faint, elegant fragrance. He felt unusually warm and peaceful, disinclined to think about their infighting.

"Then take me for a good stroll around the capital. It's been a long time since I've been here," Chu Chuyan said, a full smile blossoming on her face. She hooked her arm through his and leaned her head against his shoulder.

Seeing Chu Chuyan display such a rare, girlish side, Zu An's heart filled with immense love, but also a twinge of guilt. He truly was a scumbag of the highest order. He decided against giving her the things he had bought at the Rouge Pavilion in Yunzhong Commandery. Instead, he took her strolling through the streets, buying her anything she glanced at for more than a moment. 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 there, her eyes incredibly clear. "Something must have happened between you two that you're deliberately keeping from me."