Chapter 403: I Have Plenty of Money

Sang Hong waved his hand, signaling the doctor and servants to leave. Only then did he speak, "Qian'er, how are you feeling? Do you have any discomfort?"

Sang Qian shook his head. "No, I feel almost fully recovered. I'm as strong as an ox."

"That's good. It seems that kid's medicine is truly miraculous," Sang Hong exclaimed.

Sang Qian said in a low voice, "Father, you won't really let that kid and the Chu family off the hook, will you?"

Evidently, he had clearly overheard the previous transaction between the two.

Sang Hong smiled but remained silent. Sang Qian grew anxious. "Father, since those salt warrants reappeared in the Chu family's hands, it proves that the mysterious people that night were most likely sent by the Chu family. My severe injuries were all caused by them! Perhaps even Zu An was involved that night!"

Rage points from Sang Qian: 444!

Just as Zu An was about to exit the Sang family mansion, he saw the rage notification from Sang Qian. He thought, "I truly saved a wolf in sheep's clothing." So, he found an opportunity to fiercely pinch Zheng Dan twice, which made him feel much better.

Meanwhile, in Sang Qian's bedroom, Sang Hong shook his head. "I conducted a detailed investigation into what happened that night. Those mysterious individuals were not from the Chu family; they were likely from the Demonic Cult."

"The Demonic Cult!" Sang Qian was startled, clearly aware of what those two words signified. After a moment of silence, he added, "Even if it wasn't done by the Chu family themselves, the fact that the salt warrants appeared in their hands afterwards proves that the Chu family is inextricably linked to this matter. Most likely, both sides colluded long ago."

At this, he couldn't help but get excited. "Father, did you impeach them? Colluding with the Demonic Cult is definitely a serious crime!"

"Anything related to the Demonic Cult is a serious matter. Before we have concrete evidence, it's best not to alert the enemy." That was Sang Hong's nature: he either didn't act, or when he did, he aimed for his opponent's complete downfall.

These previous plans to target the Chu family had all aimed at their weaknesses, but unexpectedly, that fellow Zu An managed to foil them all by sheer coincidence.

"But are we really just going to let them off?" Sang Qian was extremely unwilling, worried that his father would truly give up like this. He then thought of a valid reason: "Father, don't forget we came out this time with an imperial decree. If we fail to complete the mission, we will certainly be punished upon our return."

Seeing his son jump around anxiously, Sang Hong couldn't help but get a headache. His son was good in every aspect, but too impulsive. If only he were as calm and resourceful as his sister, Sang Hong would have far fewer worries.

Worried that his son's agitation might hinder his recovery, he quickly said, "Don't worry, I've already made arrangements. There will be quite a show to watch after Chu Zhongtian returns."

"What's going on?" Hearing the hidden meaning in his words, Sang Qian couldn't help but ask curiously.

Sang Hong smiled faintly. "Before, I arranged for the jailers to 'accidentally' mention those scandalous rumors about Zu An and Qin Wanru. Chu Zhongtian's face must have turned green with rage upon hearing them. Even if he's magnanimous, he'll most likely develop a rift with Zu An once he returns to the Chu family."

Sang Qian's eyes lit up. He couldn't help but give a thumbs-up. "Brilliant! Old ginger is indeed spicier!"

Sang Hong stroked his beard. "Besides that, I've also prepared another grand gift for them..."

Sang Qian was truly impressed. Previously, he had often complained about his father being too timid, but now he understood how precise his timing was and how ruthless his methods could be.

However, one thing still worried him. "Father, but you previously swore an oath not to trouble the Chu family and Zu An again. Won't breaking your word like this invite divine retribution?"

A meaningful expression appeared on Sang Hong's face. "Oaths actually have a lot of room for interpretation."

Seeing his son's confused expression, Sang Hong sighed inwardly. If his daughter were here, she would have understood immediately. This son was still a bit lacking in understanding.

But after all, this was his only son, so he patiently began to explain, "The oath I swore only stated that I would no longer deal with the Chu family *in the future*. However, everything I just mentioned was done *before* I swore that oath. So, there is no violation of the oath at all."

"Furthermore, the Chu family is certainly doomed this time, so I genuinely won't need to deal with them afterwards."

Sang Qian burst out laughing. "I'm convinced, Father! I'm truly convinced this time!"

Sang Hong suddenly said, "I thought dealing with the Chu family would be an easy task this time. I never expected so many complications, all because of Zu An. This fellow is quite talented. After the Chu family's downfall, I'm inclined to recruit him. If Qian'er takes a liking to him, making him my son-in-law wouldn't be out of the question either."

Sang Qian's smile instantly froze. He immediately said, "Father, what are you talking about? How could that ruffian from the streets ever be worthy of being my brother-in-law? My sister is a proud daughter of heaven; how could she possibly fancy him!"

Sang Hong frowned. "Don't let hatred blind you. You should learn to see your enemy's strengths."

Sang Qian snorted. "Anyway, I don't care. I will absolutely never acknowledge him as my brother-in-law. My sister has so many suitors in the capital; why would she need to throw herself at him, especially a mere live-in son-in-law of the Chu family?"

Sang Hong smiled. "What you say makes sense too. Let's discuss this matter later. If I'm not mistaken, he probably won't agree to serve me anyway."

"Oh, that reminds me, your wedding with Miss Zheng is happening in the next couple of days, right? Everything is already prepared. We originally planned to hold it earlier to bring you good fortune, but your condition was too severe then, and we couldn't risk moving you at all. Now that you're well, this wedding can be a celebration." Sang Hong sighed, feeling that Zheng Dan was truly a lucky star for the Sang family. They had only spoken of holding the wedding for good fortune, and his son's illness had already been cured even before the actual ceremony.

Therefore, for good luck, he hoped the wedding would be completed sooner rather than later.

Sang Qian's eyes lit up. "Excellent!"

Zheng Dan was beautiful and dignified, and her classical, reserved demeanor had always fascinated him.

He had long desired her, but she had always refused his touch, leaving him itching with anticipation.

Once they were married, wouldn't he be free to do whatever he pleased with her?

Thinking of fiercely pressing the usually reserved and elegant woman beneath him, he felt inexplicably excited.

Meanwhile, back at the Chu family mansion, Zu An reported the negotiation results with Sang Hong to Qin Wanru. Qin Wanru also said excitedly, "According to the news from Yue Shan, Zhongtian has been released. He should be home in a day or two."

"Then I congratulate you in advance, Madam," Zu An said with a smile. "You've barely closed your eyes these past few days. Now you can finally rest assured, right?"

Qin Wanru looked at him with a complex expression. "I truly have you to thank for all of this. Chuyan didn't choose the wrong person."

At the same time, she felt a bit strange. It wasn't surprising for Chuyan to have such discernment, but why could even that girl Xiaozhao see his extraordinary qualities? It was truly odd.

"By the way, when is Chuyan returning?" Zu An couldn't help but ask. As newlyweds, being separated so soon was quite unaccustomed for him.

Qin Wanru replied, "She's almost finished with her matters over there. She should be back in about a month."

"Another month?" Zu An was dejected. Sleeping alone every day was still lonely and difficult.

Leaving the study, Zu An went straight back to Qingyin Pavilion. All his belongings had now been moved there.

Old Man Mi was dead, so he no longer needed to maintain his disguise. Wouldn't it be much more enjoyable to sleep in Chu Chuyan's fragrant bed every night?

No one else in the mansion was surprised by this. He had performed such great deeds for the Chu family this time, and his strength had also been proven. No one would question his status as the son-in-law anymore.

Lying on Chu Chuyan's bed, he held the audio-visual mirror borrowed from Qin Wanru and initiated the summoning array.

Soon, the connection was made, and a beautiful woman with skin like ice and bones like jade appeared in the mirror. It was none other than Chu Chuyan.

Upon seeing that it was Zu An, Chu Chuyan was startled and hastily asked, "A'Zu, has something happened at home again? Where's my mother?"

"Nothing's wrong, everything's resolved. I borrowed this mirror from your mother. Wife, I miss you," Zu An said, leaning towards the mirror and blowing a kiss into the air.

Chu Chuyan's face flushed slightly. "I'll be back soon. Speaking of which, everything at home this time was thanks to you. Thank you!"

Evidently, Qin Wanru had already informed her of what had happened.

"Oh, don't be so formal between husband and wife. However," Zu An changed his tone, "if you really want to thank me, why don't you call me 'good husband' or 'dear husband' a few times?"

"No!" Chu Chuyan was naturally thin-skinned and too embarrassed by such a shameful address. Suddenly, her eyes narrowed. "Huh, where are you right now?"

"In your room, of course," Zu An said proudly, holding the mirror and scanning the surroundings. "See? All my things have been moved here."

"Ah!" Chu Chuyan's face flushed crimson. "Doesn't that mean everyone in the mansion knows?"

"Of course!" Zu An said proudly. "I've rendered great service to the Chu family, I've bled for the Chu family. Now everyone in the Chu family recognizes me. From now on, we can be together openly and honorably."

Chu Chuyan shyly spat, "Bah, what are you saying? We were already husband and wife, openly and honorably."

Zu An chuckled. "Then who was it who was too shy to let others know before?"

Chu Chuyan's originally ice-like complexion was now as red as an apple. "Alright, alright, the audio-visual mirror consumes elemental stones too quickly. Let's hang up now."

"No way, I've got money to spare!"