Chapter 418: Eating Melon Only to Get It on Myself

Zheng Dan's body trembled slightly, her mind completely blank. She had sacrificed her marital happiness for the sake of the Zheng family. Yet now, this marriage not only failed to bring benefits but instead brought inexplicable risks to the family.

Furthermore, her father's recent words made her feel deeply embarrassed. Although she knew he acted for the family, such actions were simply beyond the pale. Even if the Zheng family survived this ordeal, their reputation would be completely ruined.

Seeing the guards approach to arrest her, she frowned. Having once been one of Linchuan Commandery's two great underworld magnates, she instinctively wanted to resist. However, she quickly reconsidered: even if she could escape, could all the people of the Zheng family? Besides, with the formidable King Liang, a Grandmaster, present, how could she possibly get away?

Just then, a figure stepped in front of the guards. "Wait!"

Though it was only his back, she recognized him instantly, for she was quite familiar with her man's physique.

"Who are you?" King Liang glanced at him, a hint of disdain quickly flashing in his eyes. The man was barely a fifth-rank cultivator; the difference between them was as vast as clouds and sky.

"Who I am is not important," replied Zu An. "What matters is justice."

Behind him, Xie Daoyun secretly scoffed, "And you still claim you two have no relationship!" If before she had only speculated idly, now she was genuinely suspicious. After all, the Zheng and Chu families had always been adversaries, and Zu An also had a grudge against the Sang family. There was truly no reason for him to suddenly speak up for Zheng Dan. Could it just be their teacher-student relationship from the academy? Who would believe that!

However, seeing him speak so articulately despite the Grandmaster's immense pressure, Xie Daoyun remained deeply impressed. She privately wondered if she were in his shoes, she would surely struggle to utter a coherent word. Little did she know, Zu An had already encountered countless Grandmaster-level figures.

King Liang sneered, "Justice? What 'justice' are you talking about?"

Even Sang Hong and his son couldn't help but look at him, unsure why he was speaking up.

Zu An said, "Just now, Your Highness stated that Miss Zheng is part of the Sang family. Forgive me, but I must disagree. Hundreds of guests are present, and everyone witnessed that Miss Zheng and Sang Qian only bowed to Heaven and Earth and their parents. They did not exchange marital bows. Strictly speaking, the ceremony was not complete, so Miss Zheng is naturally not considered part of the Sang family. Furthermore, the Zheng family clearly intends to annul the marriage. Isn't that right, Patriarch Zheng?"

Zheng Yutang nodded profusely. "Precisely, my daughter is not marrying, she's not marrying."

"You!" Sang Qian, standing nearby, erupted in fury. The Sang family had already suffered terribly from today's events; for the Zheng family to pull this trick now was akin to kicking them while they were down! He not only grew to hate the Zheng family but also Zu An, who now earned his extreme wrath.

King Liang sneered. "Whether she's part of the Sang family is not for you to decide. Since the matchmakers and betrothal gifts were all present, and only the final step was missing, how can she not be considered a member of the Sang family? If such behavior were condoned and others followed suit, wouldn't marriage become a farce? Wouldn't my Great Zhou Dynasty descend into chaos?"

Zu An frowned. It was clear that King Liang had no intention of letting Zheng Dan go. Given the Zheng family's status, they likely hadn't offended a prince. The answer was simple: King Liang must have a grudge against the Sang family and intended to completely ruin them. He couldn't help but glance at Sang Hong and his son. He had thought only the Chu family disliked them, but it turned out so many people detested them. To be hated to such an extent, they must have truly earned divine and demonic scorn.

Now the problem was somewhat difficult. How could he possibly save Zheng Dan? Should he just declare her his woman? However, that would be too risky. While it might provoke a wave of fury from that scoundrel Sang Qian, it might not save Zheng Dan, and a single misstep could ruin both their reputations.

Just then, Zheng Dan's voice, conveyed through qi, reached his ears: "Ah Zu, please, absolutely do not expose our relationship. I truly couldn't live if you did. Even if I'm taken to the capital now, nothing might happen, and even death would be better than bringing shame upon my family. I beg you."

Zu An was speechless. Was this woman a worm in his stomach? How could she have guessed what he was about to do?

At this point, Sang Qian could no longer endure it. "Zu An, you and my wife are exchanging glances. What exactly is your relationship?"

Zu An thought to himself, 'I dare to tell, but you wouldn't dare to listen. We've done far more than just exchange glances.' Nevertheless, he chose to respect Zheng Dan's wishes. "What kind of filthy nonsense are you imagining? Miss Zheng is my student. I simply don't want to see her implicated by you. Is it wrong to speak a few words of fairness? How dare you still claim her as your wife, practically inviting others to arrest her! Truly despicable!"

The surrounding guests began to whisper amongst themselves, their gazes toward Sang Qian filled with a strange look. Zu An, who had long-standing grievances with the Zheng family, still came forward to help, yet you insist on dragging the Zheng family down with you. The difference in character is starkly apparent.

Seeing the disdain in everyone's eyes, Sang Qian felt his lungs would explode. 'What's wrong with me wanting to be with my own wife? Yet this Zu An comes out, says a few innocuous words, and is hailed as a great philanthropist?'

Just then, King Liang's voice suddenly rang out. "Zu An, are you the Chu family's son-in-law?"

Noticing the other's gaze fall upon him, Zu An quickly returned the bow. "Indeed, it is I. Greetings, King Liang." He pondered that since King Liang targeted the Sang family as soon as he arrived, could he be one of the important court officials listed in the Chu family's ledger? Chu Chuyan had been cultivating connections throughout the capital; it was quite possible that King Liang's arrival in Brightmoon City was due to her efforts. Therefore, it would be beneficial to be polite and draw closer to him.

"Good, good," King Liang said with a smiling rub of his chin beard. "This is truly effortless. Come, seize him as well!"

Zu An's smile instantly froze on his face. He was dumbfounded.

Everyone else was also dumbfounded. One moment, they were speaking cordially, and the next, King Liang had completely turned hostile.

"Is there some misunderstanding?" Zheng Dan couldn't help but rip off her bridal veil and stepped forward, speaking anxiously. "He merely spoke a few words on my behalf; he shouldn't be charged for that, should he?"

Xie Daoyun had been about to speak but closed her mouth upon seeing this. Zheng Dan had already said everything she wanted to. These two were truly interesting. She and Zheng Dan were close friends, yet she hadn't heard a single word about this before.

"The bride is truly beautiful.""Miss Zheng is indeed worthy of her reputation as Brightmoon City's famous great beauty. She looks even more stunning in her bridal gown.""What a pity she's now the relative of a condemned official. Who knows if she'll be sent to the Imperial Entertainment Bureau in the future?""Don't even dream about it. Even if such a beauty ends up in the Imperial Entertainment Bureau, she would only be a plaything for high officials and nobles, not for the likes of you or me."

Although the whispers of the surrounding people were faint, how could they escape the ears of cultivation experts? Sang Qian's face twitched as he listened. These bastards, who were usually respectful to him, now dared to secretly lust after his wife? But what angered him most was something else entirely: when the Sang family faced such a calamity just now, Zheng Dan hadn't uttered a single word from beginning to end. Yet, as soon as Zu An was in trouble, she spoke up? And she even removed her bridal veil? According to custom, only the groom could lift the bride's veil in the bridal chamber; to do so otherwise was extremely inauspicious.

He looked at Zu An, then at Zheng Dan, his suspicions growing stronger. Unfortunately, under the current circumstances, he had no way to confirm them. Suddenly remembering the green hat Zu An had given him, which was still on him, he angrily pulled it out and threw it directly to the ground. Still not satisfied, he stomped on it several times.

The surrounding people noticed his strange behavior and asked curiously:"Why is he so angry?""Does that green hat have some hidden meaning?"

At this moment, Zu An paid no attention to any of this. He stared intently at King Liang, awaiting his reply.

King Liang chuckled. "He's certainly not being charged for speaking up for you. His crime is far more severe: he stole something belonging to the Emperor!"