Chapter 2641: Request

"This... this isn't really appropriate, is it?" Zu An felt a little awkward. Although they had shared the most intimate of relations, it had all been a setup by Chu Youzhao. After all, she was nominally a daughter-in-law of the Chu family; how could they embrace like this?

"I know this request is a bit strange, but I really want to hug you." Murong Qinghe had felt incredibly shy just saying this. Now, having said it, she seemed to have used up all her courage.

Zu An's heart stirred. "Are you having problems with Youzhao?" He had sensed potential trouble at Fenglao Pass and had left the capital in a hurry, so he hadn't had time to visit the Chu family or meet Chu Youzhao. He was unaware of their relationship over the years.

"Brother-in-law should know best why we're having problems, right?" Murong Qinghe, after all, came from a military background. After reaching the peak of her embarrassment, a strange courage welled up within her.

"We haven't seen each other in years, so how would I know?" Zu An had a faint suspicion. But without having discussed it with Chu Youzhao beforehand, he found it difficult to say anything.

"Is that so?" No sooner had Murong Qinghe spoken than she suddenly leaped into his arms like a startled rabbit, hugging him tightly.

It happened so suddenly that Zu An's protective true qi, as a master, instinctively activated, sending her flying away.

Fortunately, he reacted quickly and withdrew his power. Even so, the force was more than a young woman could bear.

With a gasp, Murong Qinghe spat out a mouthful of blood. She collapsed to the ground, already severely injured.

Zu An was both angry and anxious. He rushed over to help her up, and while channeling his qi to heal her injuries, he scolded, "What were you doing? If I hadn't reacted quickly, you might have died!"

Murong Qinghe, however, said nothing. Instead, she hugged him when he drew near. Then, tears streamed uncontrollably from her eyes as she whispered, "It truly was you that night..."

Zu An was speechless. He couldn't help but feel impressed. A woman's intuition truly was terrifying. Could she tell just from a hug?

"I'm sorry, what happened that night was an unfortunate coincidence..." He wanted to explain, but he didn't know how.

"I know, it was all arranged by Brother Chu... no, by Sister Chu." Murong Qinghe gave a bitter smile.

"You already knew?" Zu An was surprised, not expecting her to know even that.

"How could I not know? She might have hidden things from me before, but how could she hide them after we were married? Besides, that night was so unique. At the time, I didn't think much of it because I was too shy, but once I sobered up later, it was clear that the physique wasn't Brother Chu's." Murong Qinghe wiped away her tears. "What's more, from then on, Brother Chu never shared a bed with me again. I originally thought he had been mistreated by someone and then disliked me. I was heartbroken during that period. Fortunately, Brother Chu, fearing I might do something rash, subtly revealed some things to me, and only then did I understand what truly happened on our wedding night."

"If that's the case, why did you still test me just now?" Zu An asked curiously.

Perhaps it was due to the qi healing she had just received, or perhaps it was shyness, but Murong Qinghe's cheeks were much rosier than before. "Because Youzhao never told me the identity of the man that night. Whenever she spoke of it, her words were vague. But actually, it wasn't hard to figure out what happened that night. After all, I trust the years of affection we've shared; she would never just pick someone to mistreat me."

"And the closest man to her is you. What's more, on our wedding night, you happened to be arranged to stay in the courtyard next to ours."

"I had asked Youzhao before if it was you that night, but she never gave a definite answer, which is why I needed to confirm it myself."

Zu An's expression was odd. "You confirmed it just by hugging me?"

Murong Qinghe's face flushed. She turned her face away and said, "You're not a woman, so you wouldn't understand."

There was something she was too embarrassed to say: that night had been far too special; it was simply impossible to forget that feeling.

"I'm sorry, I drank too much that night, and I didn't know Youzhao would be so reckless." Zu An apologized.

"I know you were also kept in the dark about that night; after all, you were a victim too." Over the years, Murong Qinghe had long since figured out the Chu family's original plan, so naturally, she knew she couldn't blame him.

Zu An found the word 'victim' odd coming from her. If he were to say it himself, it would feel like he was benefiting from the situation while still complaining.

"You're the one who was hurt the most. Do you resent Youzhao in your heart?"

"Resentment? How could I not feel it? I resent why he isn't a man, but rather a woman." Murong Qinghe bit her red lip. "Actually, I should have realized it long ago. After all, Brother Chu was sometimes a bit delicate, not quite like a man, but back then, I actually liked that scholarly, refined air about him the most."

Zu An had to admit that the Chu family's genes were indeed excellent. All three sisters were remarkably beautiful. Chu Youzhao, disguised as a man, was indeed a handsome young scholar. During her years of study in the capital, Murong Qinghe wasn't the only woman who was fond of her.

Of course, it could also be that Murong Qinghe had spent too long in the military camps, having seen too many crude men. This might have made her more susceptible to the refined, elegant demeanor of someone like Chu Youzhao.

"Looking back over these years, there were actually clues. Brother Chu asked me several times..." At this point, Murong Qinghe suddenly stopped speaking.

"Asked you what?" Noticing her strange reaction, Zu An couldn't help but feel curious.

"Nothing." In Murong Qinghe's mind, Chu Youzhao's past question resurfaced: if she hadn't known Youzhao first, would she have fallen for Brother Zu? At the time, she had hesitated for a moment but still firmly chose Brother Chu. She realized then that Brother Chu had been confirming her feelings and preparing for that night. Thinking of how considerate Brother Chu had been, and how much he had thought of her, Murong Qinghe's heart ached even more.

"Did you two have problems after this matter came out?" Zu An hadn't seen Chu Youzhao's presence at Fenglao Pass.

"Actually, I don't blame Brother Chu. I know she had no choice but to do what she did. One can only blame fate." Murong Qinghe sighed softly, a hint of self-pity in her demeanor.

Zu An was also filled with emotion. This young woman was indeed a wonderful person; even after such an incident, she could still think of Chu Youzhao.

"Brother Zu, Brother Chu is actually very pitiful. Although she is a woman, she can't live a single day for herself. She has to hide her true identity, and even her marriage was just an act."

"She is indeed very pitiable. Linglong becoming empress is just the beginning. In the future, I will strongly advocate policies allowing women to inherit titles and property. This way, others in similar situations won't have to suffer such hardships again." Zu An replied gravely.

Murong Qinghe's eyes lit up. "So all of this you're doing is for Brother Chu? It seems her devotion to you isn't in vain."

"Huh?" Zu An was a little surprised.

"Youzhao is also deeply in love with you. It's just that she has to maintain her role as the Chu family's heir, and since you are her brother-in-law, she can only suppress those feelings deep within her heart." Murong Qinghe sighed. "Actually, I used to feel that Brother Chu was very attached to you, and I found it strange, but I understood everything only after I learned she was a woman."

"Although she deceived me, I believe the affection we shared over the years was genuine." Murong Qinghe's beautiful eyes gazed at Zu An. "In this world, perhaps you're the only one she would have chosen for our wedding night. In truth, she must have wished it was her who could be with you that night."

Zu An cleared his throat. "I am her brother-in-law, after all."

Murong Qinghe looked puzzled. "What does that matter? In this world, it's considered a beautiful tale for sisters to share a husband. Both of the former Emperor's empresses were from the Liu family, and such arrangements are common among noble and ministerial households."

"Uh, how did the topic turn to me?" Zu An felt a little awkward. "What do you plan to do with Youzhao in the future?"

"Of course, we'll continue as we are. If I were to divorce her, her identity would be exposed. I don't want Brother Chu to fall to that state. Besides, I've said before, no matter who Brother Chu is, I will stay with her my entire life." Murong Qinghe's tone grew firmer.

Just as Zu An was sighing with emotion, Murong Qinghe suddenly said, "Brother Zu, although we shared that night... please don't think I am an easy woman. I hope you won't seek me out in the future."

Zu An replied earnestly, "Of course!" How could he be the kind of person to casually take advantage of others?

However, Murong Qinghe's face flushed slightly, and she whispered, "Of course, it would be fine if Brother Chu agrees."