Chapter 2308: Soul Interrogation

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

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

Chu Chuyan hesitated before replying, "When we first met, the way she looked at Ah Zu was full of joy and affection. But then she noticed me, and her expression clearly changed. It was such a drastic change that it caught my attention."

Zheng Dan thought to herself, much like Zu An, that this woman was truly too perceptive.

However, she didn't deny it immediately. Instead, 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, so Chu Chuyan wouldn't be completely caught off guard if she suddenly discovered Sang Qian was pregnant with her husband's child. The shock would be too immense otherwise.

*Sigh*, I'm truly worrying myself sick over this family. Ah Zu really owes me a good thank you.

Chu Chuyan was taken aback, clearly not expecting such an answer. But on second thought, what she said seemed to be the truth.

Ah Zu was no longer the notorious good-for-nothing from Brightmoon City he once was.

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 Sang residence's safety, then left with Chu Chuyan.

On the way home, Chu Chuyan repeatedly seemed on the verge of speaking but stopped. Zu An found it amusing, took her hand, and said, "Just say whatever's on your mind. Is there anything we can't talk about between us?"

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

"Really nothing?" Zu An asked curiously.

"Really nothing," Chu Chuyan replied with a tight-lipped smile, sticking to that answer no matter how he pressed.

Zu An was puzzled, even wondering if she had somehow learned about Sang Qian being pregnant with his child.

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

But Chuyan wasn't an outsider...

He wrestled with this dilemma the whole way, not realizing they had already arrived home. 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 weren't injured.

Chu Chuyan dotingly pinched her sister's cheek, then recounted what had just happened. Both girls' eyes widened, clearly astonished that such a street assassination could occur in the capital.

Then Chu Chuyan told them, "It's getting late; I'll take you two home first."

Chu Youzhao pouted, "But I want to stay with you, Sister."

Chu Chuyan smiled faintly, "I still need to visit the elders of the Qin family."

Although the two Qin family elders were away fighting, there were still many other elders at home.

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

Zu An felt a bit awkward: "Isn't it a bit inappropriate for me to go?"

His relationship with the Qin family lately wasn't bad, but it was certainly not good either. Going alone usually didn't matter, but going with Chu Chuyan now might invite sarcasm from some.

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

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

Even Chu Chuyan, with her usually cold demeanor, could play 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 saw Murong Qinghe home, then proceeded to the Qin residence.

Upon learning of Chu Chuyan's arrival, Qin Guangyuan, with his thick brows and large eyes, and Qin Yongde, with his delicate features, both came out to greet her. In addition, all the Qin family's aunts and uncles came out, pulling Chu Chuyan aside and praising how beautiful the little girl from back then had grown.

Zu An felt a bit awkward standing by. Logically, as the Chu family's son-in-law, he was related to the Qin family. However, to protect the Chu family, he and Chu Chuyan had formally divorced earlier.

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 Phantom Pavilion, but they used military crossbows and even a siege crossbow." Zu An observed his reaction as he spoke. The Qin family was the foremost military clan, so this incident might be connected to them.

As expected, Qin Guangyuan's expression changed upon hearing this. His face grew somewhat grim, lost in thought.

Noticing he seemed to have something on his mind, Zu An smiled and remained silent.

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

After spending a few awkward hours with them at the Qin residence, Chu Chuyan stood up to take her leave and go home.

Qin Yongde couldn't help but say, "The Qin family in the capital is your home, Chuyan! Where are you going back to at this late hour?"

Chu Chuyan glanced at Zu An, who stood awkwardly by her side but had remained to accompany her. A tender look appeared on her face as she replied, "I'm going back to Ah Zu's place."

Many in the Qin family frowned and advised, "You've already divorced; it might not be appropriate for you to live together again."

Although even the most critical members of the Qin family had to admit that Zu An was now quite accomplished, the two sides did not belong to the same faction. The more capable he was, the more trouble it caused, so naturally, they didn't view him with much favor.

And Chu Chuyan, being so graceful and charming, even though she had been married, had no shortage of excellent suitors in the capital. It wouldn't be difficult for her to choose a prominent aristocratic family for a new marriage alliance one day, 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, no matter how beautiful or accomplished she was, what noble family would dare marry her?

Chu Chuyan smiled faintly, "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 felt a warmth spread through his heart and couldn't help but grasp her soft, smooth hand.

Usually modest and shy in such matters, Chu Chuyan, this time, uncharacteristically squeezed his hand back firmly, clearly showing her resolve to her Qin family relatives.

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

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

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

Then he turned to Zu An: "Brother Zu, I hope you treat Chuyan well and don't let her down."

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

Leaving the Qin residence, the two strolled along Vermilion Bird Avenue. The once bustling street now held an inexplicable air of solemnity, with patrolling soldiers everywhere.

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

"Those are matters for the Emperor and Prince Qi to consider, nothing to do with us." Holding her cool hand and inhaling her faint, elegant scent, Zu An felt a particularly warm and peaceful feeling, too lazy to think about their infighting.

"Then take me around the capital properly. It's been so long since I've been here," Chu Chuyan said, a full smile blooming on her face. She looped her arm through his and leaned her head against his shoulder.

Seeing Chu Chuyan display such a rare, girlish side, great love welled up in Zu An's heart. At the same time, a trace of guilt arose – he was truly a scoundrel of the highest order.

He decided against giving her the things he'd bought from the Rouge Pavilion in Cloud County. Instead, he took her strolling through the streets, buying her anything she lingered on for more than a moment.

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

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