Chapter 440: Cloudy, Rainy and Clear Skies

It was no wonder King Wu chose to marry a woman from the third-rate Yun family, bypassing the daughters of numerous prestigious clans.

"What good is beauty?" Zu An mused, unfazed, "I'm a man she'll never have anyway." While others stared in stunned admiration, he remained completely natural.

King Wu's consort turned her head, her delicate brows slightly furrowed, and cast a glance in their direction, though it was unclear if she had heard his remark.

The surrounding imperial guards turned to glare at him, but for a moment, they couldn't find a single retort, as it was true that the two would likely never cross paths in their lives.

But would King Wu's consort ever deign to notice a nobody like him?

Rage value from the imperial guards: 666666!

"You scoundrel! That was incredibly rude to the lady!" Zheng Dan wasn't so polite, huffing indignantly. In everyone's eyes, she had been subjected to bullying throughout the journey, so a timely display of anger wouldn't arouse suspicion.

"Is it wrong to speak the truth?" Zu An asked with a helpless expression.

"Fortunately, King Wu is a magnanimous man and didn't hold it against you," Zheng Dan said, though her words were a subtle warning. "Otherwise, a commoner who offends King Wu wouldn't even know how they met their end."

To her surprise, Zu An remained completely unfazed. "What's the big deal?" he retorted. "I've already thoroughly offended the Emperor; why would I care about a minor King Wu?"

Zheng Dan was speechless.

He was a classic case of someone so deep in trouble that a little more didn't faze him.

Yet, there was a strange logic to his words. If he had already offended the Emperor, what difference would offending a King Wu make?

At that moment, King Wu turned to King Liang and the others, apologizing profusely. "My apologies," he began, "I'm feeling a bit unwell, which has unfortunately caused a scene."

He didn't spare Zu An a single glance from beginning to end, acting as if he hadn't heard a word.

Zheng Dan couldn't help but discreetly nudge Zu An. "See how magnanimous he is?" she whispered.

"Magnanimous?" Zu An's expression was knowing, for he had just received a new message in his system.

Rage value from Zhao Yan: 458!

This man was truly insidious, acting one way in front of others and completely differently behind their backs. How unlike him, Zu An, who was always so straightforward and honest, regardless of who was watching?

King Liang spoke up. "Since Xiao Yan isn't feeling well, you should go back and rest quickly. We can handle everything here."

King Wu shook his head. "An assassination attempt occurred here. It was my own oversight that allowed the assassins an opportunity. How could I possibly stand by?"

Upon hearing him proactively take responsibility, King Liang and Liu Yao felt a pang of embarrassment and quickly interjected. "What nonsense are you speaking?" King Liang said. "We've just confirmed the assassins were Dark Elves. Their infiltration attempts are notoriously difficult to stop, no matter how stringent the defenses."

Zu An secretly sneered. Just moments ago, these men were eagerly passing the buck and leveling all sorts of accusations against King Wu's subordinates. Now that the King himself had arrived, they were suddenly as harmonious as a family. What a bunch of hypocrites.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, King Liang suggested, "Since you're not feeling well, let's not stand here in the cold any longer. We should return to your residence first."

"Indeed, indeed, my oversight," King Wu chuckled. "Please, this way. Oh, and Yuqing, come quickly and greet your uncles."

King Wu's consort stepped forward gracefully, a gentle smile seemingly always gracing her lips. "Yuqing greets her two uncles," she said.

In that instant, her charm captivated not only the robust imperial guards but also left King Liang and Liu Yao, two elderly men, utterly stunned.

King Liang was the first to regain his composure, clearing his throat hastily to mask his embarrassment. "I've long heard tales of my grand-nephew's wife's exceptional beauty," he began, "but seeing you today, you far surpass all rumors. And to be so gentle and virtuous besides! Xiao Yan is truly blessed."

King Wu's consort offered a sweet smile. "You are too kind, Uncle," she replied.

Listening to their conversation, Zu An leaned in to ask Zheng Dan, "By the way, which family did you say King Wu's consort came from?"

"I believe it's the Yun family from Beidi Commandery," Zheng Dan replied, a hint of melancholy in her voice. "The Yuns aren't even considered a top-tier influential family in their own region, let alone across the empire." She mused that, in terms of family standing, the Yun family might not even compare to her own Zheng family from Brightmoon City.

After all, Brightmoon City was far more prosperous and wealthy than Beidi Commandery. Yet, sadly, the Yun family's fortunes had risen immeasurably due to their daughter's advantageous marriage, while the Zheng family now lived in constant uncertainty. Alas, she thought, it was all destiny.

Zu An recalled Shang Liuyu mentioning Beidi Commandery during a tutoring session on the world's geography. It was, in fact, one of the Great Zhou Dynasty's northernmost border prefectures, a constant battleground against foreign tribes, known for its fierce populace. He found it surprising that such a place could produce a woman of such gentle and refined beauty.

Wait, surname Yun?

So her name is Yun Yuqing? He wondered if this world also had someone named Jia Baoyu.

After a short conversation among the leading party, the procession soon continued towards King Qi's residence.

Along the way, King Wu explained the local customs and traditions of Jibei Commandery to King Liang and Liu Yao. He only briefly acknowledged Huang Huihong.

After all, the Embroidered Uniform Guard held a unique and sensitive position as the Emperor's personal secret force. For a king to associate too closely with them could be misinterpreted by ill-intentioned individuals, potentially leading to accusations of a provincial lord colluding with imperial confidants—a grave offense indeed.

From start to finish, King Wu's consort stood by his side, smiling gently, her gaze unwavering on her husband. The deep affection in her eyes and brow was palpable to anyone who observed it.

The imperial guards trailing behind them felt a pang of envy, each thinking how fortunate King Wu was to have found such a perfect wife.

Some even imagined how fortunate they would be if they were King Wu.

But they quickly came back to reality. King Wu was a noble of royal blood; they were mere foot soldiers. There was simply no comparison.

"King Wu's consort truly loves him," Zheng Dan remarked with a sigh, her expression growing a little wistful, as if lost in thought.

Zu An was unconvinced. "What makes you say that?" he asked.

"That loving gaze couldn't possibly be faked," Zheng Dan insisted.

"That's not necessarily true," Zu An countered. "Women can easily fake such an expression." He thought back to the variety shows from his previous life, where female celebrities, despite varying acting skills, could perfectly mimic a look of tender affection that would make anyone melt.

Since then, he had grown skeptical of the idea that a woman's gaze could truly reveal love.

"Hmph! Can't you stand to see a couple's affection for each other?" Zheng Dan retorted angrily.

Not only her, but even some of the nearby Embroidered Uniform Guard members instinctively glanced over, their eyes filled with displeasure.

"What are you staring at?" Zu An scoffed. "It's not like I'm married to any of you. Why are you all so invested?" With a dismissive sniff, he promptly pulled the carriage curtain back down.

Rage value from Huang Huihong: 220!

Rage value from the Embroidered Uniform Guards: 111111111!

If this man weren't so crucial, they would have certainly given him a beating today!

Upon arrival at King Wu's residence, the imperial guards were settled in a training ground adjacent to the manor, where military barracks and rooms had already been set up.

King Liang and the others were invited to a banquet within King Wu's residence. Huang Huihong and his men were also invited but declined, insisting they must remain by Zu An's side at all times to prevent any further mishaps.

King Wu chuckled. "The journey to the capital is still long; you can't possibly maintain such a high level of tension indefinitely. Is Commander Huang suggesting he doesn't trust the security capabilities of my residence?"

King Wu's consort also smiled, addressing King Liang. "Uncle, please try to persuade them. If they insist on guarding the imperial prisoner alone outside the residence, and there's an attack, I fear we wouldn't be able to provide timely assistance."

King Liang nodded. "Indeed. Let's all enter the residence together. That way, should anything occur, we can respond immediately."

Huang Huihong considered their point, and coupled with King Wu's consort's charming smile, it was indeed difficult to refuse. "Very well then," he conceded. "However, we certainly cannot partake in any alcohol. We would simply trouble King Wu and the Consort to have some meals sent to us later."

"Of course," King Wu's consort replied with a faint smile, exchanging a brief, knowing glance with King Wu. Their eyes held a subtle, unreadable meaning.