Chapter 294: Taking it Out for a Walk

Qin Wanru said in a deep voice, "But this is like dancing on a tightrope; a slight misstep, and we'll be doomed forever."

"There's no other way. Unless we completely abandon the Chu family's legacy, we have no choice but to persevere," Chu Zhongtian said, looking out the window at the Chu manor shrouded in night. "Moreover, the experience of successive dynasties tells us that as long as we can still resist, we have options. If we give up prematurely, not only will the Chu family's foundation be lost, but even we ourselves and countless others who depend on the Chu family will be at the mercy of others. That's why I must hold on."

Qin Wanru patted her husband's shoulder. Seeing the faint white hairs at his temples, she felt a pang of heartache. Her husband, despite his profound cultivation, was still in the prime of his life. Yet, worrying day and night about the Chu family's affairs had prematurely silvered his hair.

Fortunately, Chu Chuyan had helped him a lot in recent years. Still, she hoped Chuyan wouldn't follow in her father's footsteps when her time came.

She hoped he could share some of the burden with Chuyan in the future.

But the moment she thought of Zu An, an image involuntarily appeared in her mind, and her cheeks flushed instantly.

She secretly spat, banishing those wild thoughts, and then said to her husband, "But helping the Wang family this time is still too risky. Sang Hong is already looking for reasons to deal with us; aren't we just handing him leverage?"

Chu Zhongtian's face was also filled with worry. "But we can't not help. The Wang family has been an ally of the Chu family for many years. They've had too many problems this year; if we don't help them, the Wang family will truly be finished."

"In Mingyue City now, the Yuan and Zheng families are both against us. We rely on the Wang family to act as our strategic corner. If they fall, our situation will become even more difficult."

"Furthermore, if we stand by while our allies face trouble and don't help, who would dare to cooperate with us in the future? Wouldn't that indirectly push everyone else towards Sang Hong?"

Qin Wanru nodded. "I know all this, but misappropriating the advance salt certificates carries too much risk. If even a hint of it leaks out, we'll be in big trouble."

Chu Zhongtian took his wife's cold hand, feeling her inner anxiety. "Don't worry, most of the Salt Transport Commissioner's office are our people; there shouldn't be any problem."

The Salt Transport Commissioner's office, from top to bottom, had good relations with the Chu family, which was why Wang Fu dared to make such a suggestion earlier.

"I hope so." Qin Wanru sighed deeply. Although her husband's hand was warm, her heart remained cold.

The next morning, Zu An woke up feeling refreshed. After washing up, he suddenly saw many maids and servants running in a certain direction outside his window, which piqued his curiosity.

His sharp eyes spotted Cheng Shoubing among them, and he quickly pulled him aside. "What are you all doing?"

Cheng Shoubing said excitedly, "Of course, we're going to see Miss Qiu! I heard she's combing her hair by the window, and she looks absolutely stunning!"

In fact, not only house guards but also many maids were going. After all, they would never have a chance to visit a place like Divine Immortal Pavilion in their lifetime, and Qiu Honglei's reputation for beauty was too renowned. They were all curious about how beautiful this courtesan from Divine Immortal Pavilion truly was.

"Perfect, let's go together." Zu An mused that since Qiu Honglei had been so proactive yesterday, coming to him with information and showing affection—even though he knew she had other motives—it would be too heartless not to respond.

Cheng Shoubing couldn't help but grumble, "Master, why are you in such a hurry? She's already yours; you can see her every day from now on."

Zu An's face darkened. "What, are you complaining that I'm walking too slowly and holding you back?"

Cheng Shoubing immediately put on a fawning expression. "How could I dare, Master? This way, please."

When they arrived at the small building where Qiu Honglei was staying, a crowd had already gathered outside. Sounds of gulping and envy filled the air, ultimately coalescing into the most sincere praise for Qiu Honglei's charm.

"I'm dying, I'm dying, she's truly beautiful."

"Maybe it's because she smiles so much; she seems even prettier than the Young Mistress."

"How can there be such a beautiful woman in the world? Look at her lovely red lips; our lips are just tools for eating."

"Alas, that's why we're destined to be mere maids."

"When Sister Xue'er was here, she brought some prestige to us maids. It's a pity she's no longer around."

"Master, come here, this spot is good!" Cheng Shoubing had already scurried around like a nimble rabbit and quickly found the best vantage point. He beckoned to Zu An, looking as if he had discovered a treasure.

"What a display!" Zu An said with disdain, then strode grandly, parting the crowd as he walked in.

Only then did Cheng Shoubing realize that given the relationship between the Master and Miss Qiu, there was no need for him to sneak glances like them.

Ah, the Master truly lives a good life!

But why do I feel like crying?

As Zu An made his way in, many people he pushed past immediately became quite displeased:

"Who is this, being so arrogant?"

"Oh, it's the Master."

"What 'Master'? Everyone in this manor knows what's going on between him and the Young Mistress."

Hearing the whispers around him, Zu An showed no emotional fluctuation. His perspective had long since elevated, so he wouldn't bother to pay attention to these people.

"Hmph, the Master is truly audacious, daring to openly come here to flatter Miss Qiu. Who is Miss Qiu? How could she possibly pay him any mind?"

While many knew that Qiu Honglei had visited the Chu manor yesterday, most were unaware of the specific reason for her visit or who she came for.

Everyone in the Chu family either speculated that the Young Mistress had invited her, or that the Master and his wife had invited her for a performance. No one would have considered other possibilities.

Just as people were pointing and whispering, Qiu Honglei, by the window, had already seen him. A delighted smile instantly appeared on her face, and she excitedly ran out, holding up her skirt.

The whispers of the onlookers immediately ceased. The scene before them was too shocking.

Qiu Honglei, the most beautiful woman in Mingyue City, was actually running towards Zu An with the bashful demeanor of a young girl seeing her lover?

How is this possible?

Damn it!

Rage points from the house guards: 666,666...

"Ah Zu, you're here." Qiu Honglei stopped in front of Zu An, revealing a radiant smile. Despite her fight with Pei Mianman last night, there was no trace of fatigue on her face; she still radiated dazzling beauty.

"I should have come to find you last night, but I was afraid it was too late and you wouldn't open the door for me," Zu An said with a grin.

Qiu Honglei gazed at him with her large, fluttering eyes. "I definitely wouldn't entertain other men if they came looking for me in the middle of the night, but if it's you, Ah Zu, you're always welcome."

Gazing at her flawless, exquisite face, Zu An was momentarily dazed. Even though he knew her words were insincere, seeing such a beautiful woman with such a genuine expression still moved him.

His momentary distraction lasted only a brief moment before he quickly cleared his head. He naturally put his arm around her waist and said, "Haha, since we're here, let's introduce you to everyone."

When his arm went around her waist, Qiu Honglei stiffened. However, after a slight hesitation, she didn't resist. Instead, she smiled and said, "Aren't you afraid your wife will get jealous, embracing me like this in the Chu manor? She was furious yesterday. Is Miss Chu alright?"

She secretly pondered that if anything were to happen to Chu Chuyan, it would actually be more beneficial for her plans.

Of course, she shouldn't die immediately. It would be best if she lingered in bed for a year or two, allowing her to help Zu An establish himself in the Chu family. Then, when she died, she could rightfully take control of the Chu family.

As if seeing through her thoughts, Zu An chuckled lightly. "Don't worry, she won't die."

Then, while she looked stunned, he wrapped his arm around her and brought her before the crowd. "Let me introduce everyone. This is Qiu Honglei from Divine Immortal Pavilion. Isn't she beautiful enough?"

Seeing him tightly embrace her waist, and Qiu Honglei remaining docile and unresisting like a small bird, the hearts of those around them shattered.

This guy must be doing this on purpose, deliberately coming here to show off in front of us.

Rage points from the Chu family house guards: 999,999...

Qiu Honglei found it a bit strange and didn't understand the meaning behind his actions. She figured he might have been suppressed in the manor for too long and was taking this opportunity to assert himself.

Realizing this, she felt relieved and greeted everyone with a smile, "Hello everyone, I am Qiu Honglei."

Although her smile and words were somewhat formulaic, having been trained for so long in a place like Divine Immortal Pavilion, how could these house guards and young maids resist her charm?

Each of them was utterly captivated.

"Ah Zu, shouldn't we go see Master Chu and Miss Chu now?" Qiu Honglei whispered, clearly having no interest in these ordinary house guards and maids.

"No rush," Zu An said with a smile, pulling her further forward towards the crowd. How could Zu An miss such a great opportunity to earn rage points? "Oh, by the way, Honglei, I haven't introduced you to the handsome men and beautiful women of our manor yet. This is our manor's... hey, what's your name, buddy?"

Rage points from House Guard A: 666!

The people around them stared dumbfounded. So he didn't even know their names himself, yet he claimed to be introducing them to Miss Qiu.

He's probably just deliberately bringing her here to show off to us, isn't he?

Rage points from the house guards: 999,999...

Zu An was beaming with joy. In less than the time it takes to steep a cup of tea, tens of thousands of rage points had rolled in.

It seems that finding more confidantes is indeed a shortcut to earning rage points. How could I be so clever?

Qiu Honglei, standing beside him, was a bit speechless. She didn't understand why he was doing this. In her opinion, such an act seemed a bit like a small-minded person getting carried away with success, and she couldn't help but feel a little disdain.

Never mind, for the greater cause of her sect, she would tolerate this man for a while longer.

Just then, a maid ran up to announce, "Miss Qiu, the Young Mistress invites you to dine with her."

"It's an honor to be invited by Sister Chu," Qiu Honglei said with a smile on her face, but she was quite surprised internally. Chu Chuyan had been so enraged yesterday that she seemed to suffer a severe, potentially life-threatening injury. How could she have recovered so much in just one night?

Well, this meeting would be a good opportunity to investigate her background.

At this point, Zu An also said, "Oh, so my wife is inviting us to breakfast. I'll join too."

Qiu Honglei's true intentions were unclear, and Chu Chuyan was only just recovering from a serious injury. He really wasn't at ease with the two of them meeting alone.

The maid looked troubled. "But the Young Mistress didn't say she was inviting the Master; she only asked me to invite Miss Qiu."

Many house guards and maids nearby looked at him with schadenfreude.

Hmph, let him show off. He forgot he's just a live-in son-in-law.

Now he's exposed in front of Miss Qiu, isn't he?