Chapter 2269: Inquiry and Demand for Accountability

For the past few days, Zu An has been gradually calming down the angry Bi Linglong, though his main focus has been on accompanying Sang Qian and Zheng Dan at the Sang family home.

Learning of his impending departure, Sang Qian was quite reluctant but understood that the imperial decree made it unchangeable. Sang Hong, on the other hand, had a leisurely time recuperating from his injuries. His only vexation was that his daughter and daughter-in-law seemed much more attentive to Zu An than to him, sometimes making him feel like an outsider in his own home. Fortunately, he was very satisfied with Zu An, who was both his daughter's man and his daughter-in-law's man. They were already as close as family could be... Hmm, why did that sound a bit odd? Yet, the two had cooperated seamlessly during this period and had been saved by each other multiple times, forging a bond already comparable to that between father and son. Now, he only hoped his daughter would bear a good grandson, whose resemblance to his father would be enough to bring him lifelong comfort.

Worried that Zu An might encounter problems when he went to Zishan, Sang Hong spent the past few days frequently pulling Zu An aside to talk about the various aspects of officialdom in Yi Commandery, while also helping him analyze various possible scenarios. With guidance from such a seasoned political veteran, Zu An felt his knowledge had greatly increased, giving him even more confidence for his journey to Zishan.

One day, as Zu An was chatting casually with Sang Qian and Zheng Dan in the courtyard, basking in the sun, a servant suddenly delivered an exquisite and elegant invitation. It was a personal summons from Miss Nan Xun, the top courtesan of the Crimson Sleeve Brothel. Seeing this, both women instantly became flustered. Zheng Dan remarked, "It seems no matter where you go, you always end up having deep connections with the top courtesans there."

Sang Qian, standing by, said sourly, "Sister-in-law, you might not know, but the Crimson Sleeve Brothel is the most popular pleasure house in the capital, even overshadowing the Imperial Music Bureau somewhat. This is all because of Nan Xun, their courtesan. Not only is she stunningly beautiful, but she's also proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, painting, and all performing arts. Countless high-ranking officials and nobles in the capital flock to her. Normally, a common entrance ticket can be scalped for over a thousand taels of silver, and you can only catch a glimpse of her from afar. Even then, such tickets are unavailable, let alone a personal invitation from her." Although she and Zu An had no official relationship, he was, after all, the father of her child. Seeing him so familiar with a courtesan from a pleasure house made her feel as if a vinegar bottle had overturned in her heart.

Zheng Dan had a look of sudden realization: "I remember now. Before Ah Zu went to Yunzhong Commandery last time, it seemed he won Miss Nan Xun's favor amidst competition from many royal descendants and noblemen. That night, she kept him as an 'inside guest,' which I'm sure made countless men in the capital envious."

Rage points from Zheng Dan: 177177177...Rage points from Sang Qian: 177177177...

Zu An was a bit depressed: "What 'inside guest'? We just had a purely platonic conversation that night."

Zheng Dan and Sang Qian both rolled their eyes simultaneously. One was a widely renowned courtesan, and the other was an easygoing man. A man and a woman, alone in a room all night, just having a "purely platonic conversation"? Did he think they were fools?

Zu An was helpless; why did no one believe him when he told the truth?

After much effort to appease the two women, Zu An finally arrived at the Crimson Sleeve Brothel. Of course, it wasn't because he was truly infatuated. Rather, he suddenly recalled some promises he had made to the Peacock King. In the preceding period, due to his reunion with Chu Chuyan and being constantly caught between several women on the verge of a domestic dispute, he had nearly forgotten about it. Now that she had sent an invitation, how could he not go?

When he arrived at the Crimson Sleeve Brothel, it was still afternoon, not yet the usual opening hours. News traveled fast within the brothel. Upon learning that Courtesan Nan Xun had specifically invited a man over, all the girls gathered to see who this esteemed guest was.

"Who is this young master? He's so handsome! No wonder Nan Xun even invited him herself.""You don't even know him? He's the favored person in the Crown Prince's palace, the empire's youngest marquis, Lord Zu, who has repeatedly achieved extraordinary feats!""Ah, if only such a man could buy my freedom, I'd willingly become his concubine or servant!""Dream on! Him buying your freedom? If he were willing, I'd pay to buy my own freedom and still throw myself at him.""Compared to his status, I admire his talent more. That poem, 'Drunkenly Trimming the Lamp to Watch the Sword,' dedicated to Marshal Qin, always stirs my heart when I read it.""I, on the other hand, prefer 'The One in My Boudoir Dreams.' I heard it was specifically written for Nan Xun back then. If someone wrote a poem like that for me, I'd die content immediately. Unfortunately, I know my place; without the beauty of a top courtesan, how could I have such fortune?""Not necessarily. The widely popular 'A Chinese Ghost Story,' which is said to be written by him, wasn't that written for all the girls in our profession? It perfectly expresses our helplessness and bitterness.""Lord Zu, I love you!"

A flock of beautiful women, like orioles and swallows, surrounded him. In their eyes, the plight of good women like Xiaoqian, forced by the hag to seduce passing scholars to absorb their yang energy, was so similar to their own. They too were kind, good girls, forced to sell smiles in a pleasure house for various reasons, feeling a sense of shared suffering. In their view, Zu An's 'A Chinese Ghost Story' was written entirely out of sympathy and pity for them, naturally creating a sense of spiritual resonance with him. Their enthusiasm quickly overwhelmed Zu An. Fortunately, Nan Xun appeared in time and sternly reprimanded the women, barely managing to escort him back to her private courtyard.

As the top courtesan of the Crimson Sleeve Brothel, few dared to offend Nan Xun. Still, some courtesans of similar standing grumbled, "That hussy always keeps things to herself!"

After entering the small courtyard, the beautiful Nan Xun continued to smile, while also taking out a fragrant handkerchief to wipe lipstick and rouge from Zu An's face and clothes. "Lord Zu is as popular as ever; I could hear their declarations of love from afar." Kong Nanwu, holding a fluffy, adorable white fox in her arms, truly looked as if she had stepped out of a painting. The little white fox, seeing Zu An, excitedly tried to leap from her arms but was held firmly by Kong Nanwu, unable to move. It could only wag its tail incessantly, showing its affection for Zu An.

Zu An chuckled, rendered speechless. If he remembered correctly, this little fox was named Huhu. Why was it acting like a puppy now? The little fox was too beautiful; he couldn't resist reaching out to stroke it. Its fur was wonderfully soft. Hmm, next time he'd have Tu Shanwu try transforming too. Huhu, at this moment, comfortably closed its eyes, curved as if smiling.

Kong Nanwu gently slapped his hand away, pulled the little fox back, and glared at him playfully, saying, "Huhu is a girl; you can't just casually touch her anywhere." Zu An gave an awkward laugh. He really hadn't remembered she was a girl; he had subconsciously treated her as a pet.

At this point, Kong Nanwu continued, "The reason Huhu likes you so much is thanks to your 'Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio' stories, which she finds very relatable. Your stories are truly powerful. Just like Huhu, Nan Xun is also deeply moved, and even the girls at the Crimson Sleeve Brothel are bawling with emotion. Although everyone relates from a different perspective, the effect is the same. Young Master, you are truly a great talent."

Zu An, feeling a bit embarrassed, replied, "This is the wisdom of those who came before me. I am merely standing on the shoulders of giants; my contribution is negligible."

"Young Master, you are too modest," Kong Nanwu secretly sighed. People truly were different. Because she lived hidden in the Crimson Sleeve Brothel, she had coolly observed too many men who, to win a beautiful woman's favor, would boast endlessly, turning a tiny bit of skill into ten. Compared to them, Zu An was truly a modest gentleman, no wonder he could write such brilliant and touching stories.

Zu An smiled. Who could understand the loneliness of telling the truth and no one believing him? "By the way, the feather you gave me last time helped me greatly. I came specifically to thank you for it."

With puffed cheeks, Kong Nanwu's eyes suddenly turned a bit dangerous. "I somewhat regret giving you that item. Because of you, I've inexplicably become a widow before even marrying. How do you plan to compensate me?"

Zu An felt a bit awkward: "So Miss already knows about the royal court affairs."

Kong Nanwu gazed at him languidly: "Should I call you Young Master or Regent?"

Zu An smiled: "Actually, you can call me uncle."

Kong Nanwu: "???"

She, who had always controlled the conversation, was momentarily bewildered.

"At the royal court, the Peacock King and I addressed each other as brothers," Zu An said gravely. "He even said he'd have his niece come to visit me next time. However, since you and I met first, let's keep our relationship separate."

"Pfft!" Nan Xun, standing nearby, could no longer hold back her laughter. "Miss, you too have your day!"

The little fox even rolled around on the couch, laughing, its four adorable little paws kicking wildly in the air.

"Silence, both of you!" Kong Nanwu lost her usual composure, blushing as she glared at her two maids, then looked at Zu An with resentment.

Zu An chuckled, "I was just joking. But the Peacock King did indeed ask me to take good care of you. Given the current situation at the royal court, it's not convenient for you to return for a while."

"I can probably guess why," Kong Nanwu said, puffing out her cheeks as she looked at Zu An. "You've caused me so much trouble; are you really not going to compensate me with something?"

"What would you like, Miss?" Zu An, sensing her implication, secretly grew wary. He knew the princess of the Peacock Royal Household was renowned for her resourcefulness, often toying with people. He couldn't afford to be careless.

A hint of triumph, having successfully set a trap, flashed in Kong Nanwu's eyes: "I want..."