Chapter 748: There is a Request

Zu An remained silent. He immediately used the Jade Cong to control nearby small animals, hoping to survey the surroundings. Unfortunately, a cavalry unit had just galloped past, scaring away many of the animals. There were some insects, but he couldn't see anything through their tiny eyes.

He hesitated for a moment, then secretly called out to Mi Li, "Empress Sister, please help me see who is secretly watching me."

Mi Li's lazy voice replied, "I'm sleeping. I won't help."

Zu An was speechless. This woman truly needed to be taught a lesson. Although he knew she didn't want him to become dependent on her, which might hinder his cultivation, there were times he genuinely wanted to hit her. "What would you hit her with?" "Does that even need asking?"

"Stay alert! Go investigate the surroundings," Zu An warned, charging forward himself. Although he was fast, he circled the area and found no trace of anyone. He only faintly smelled a light fragrance. He wasn't sure if it was the scent of wildflowers or something else, but it felt somewhat familiar, yet he couldn't quite recall what it was.

"Boss, what's wrong?" Dai Laoqi and Chen Laoba rushed over to ask. They had just searched around but found nothing.

"I seemed to sense someone tracking me just now," Zu An replied, deep in thought.

"That's impossible. Who would dare to target an Embroidered Uniform Guard? Especially right outside the capital," the two said, finding it hard to believe.

Zu An sneered inwardly. The Embroidered Uniform Guards were probably used to their prestige, always possessing an inexplicable confidence. The last time Huang Huihong and his group escorted him to the capital, they had the same mindset, and now the grass on their graves was already tall. However, he said nothing more, simply telling the others to stay alert before the group returned to the capital.

Although the city gates had been closed for the night, the Embroidered Uniform Guards held an extraordinary status. After their waist tokens were verified, the city guards opened a small gate to let them in. Throughout the rest of the journey, he no longer felt watched. Zu An shook his head, wondering if his recent mental stress was making him overly paranoid.

He first returned to the Embroidered Tower for a look, finding Xiao Jianren searching through the vast archives. Knowing there were no new leads yet, he ordered everyone to rest and continue the search tomorrow. Xiao Jianren verbally agreed, but his eyes unconsciously darted towards the documents on the table, clearly indicating his mind was still entirely on the work. Zu An couldn't help but chuckle. He was truly a workaholic. Capitalists from his previous life, with their 996 work schedules, would surely welcome such an employee.

After leaving the Embroidered Tower, Zu An realized it had been a long time since he was home. He exited the palace and headed towards his residence. Upon reaching a small alley near his home, he suddenly frowned, sensing someone hidden in the shadows ahead. So, they finally showed their hand?

Zu An walked calmly forward, maintaining full vigilance. At the same time, he wondered if the other party knew about his connection with Gold Token Eleven. That seemed unlikely. So why were they ambushing him? Feeling the distance was right, Zu An suddenly struck out, directly grabbing the person's shoulder. "Huh, they don't feel much stronger than an ordinary person."

"Ah!" A sharp, high-pitched gasp escaped, but after seeing Zu An's face, the voice abruptly stopped. "Oh, my Lord Zu, I've finally found you."

"Xiao Zhuozi?" Zu An was startled, recognizing the person as the young eunuch from Kuning Palace. Due to the previous assassin incident, many senior eunuchs in Kuning Palace had died, allowing him and Xiao Guizi to move up. "What are you doing here so late at night?" The eunuch was not wearing his usual attire; he was dressed like an ordinary civilian.

Xiao Zhuozi quickly replied, "I was waiting here for Lord Zu, but you didn't arrive even after such a long wait."

"What do you need me for?" Zu An asked curiously.

"Her Majesty asked me to relay a message, inviting you to appraise some treasures," Xiao Zhuozi replied, somewhat confused. He didn't understand why the Empress would ask Lord Zu to appraise treasures, but he wisely refrained from prying. In palace matters, the less one knew, the better.

Zu An almost burst out laughing. That woman, the Empress, was clearly parched for a long time and had now acquired a taste for it. She was already seeking him out again so soon.

Mi Li's voice suddenly rang out, "This Liu Ning is truly a disgrace to empresses. Shameless."

Zu An was amused. He transmitted a message with his primeval qi, "Didn't you say she wants to use me to recover from her injuries? It might not be as depraved as you think."

"Healing is part of it, but seeking you out so frequently clearly shows she wants it herself," Mi Li snorted. "This fellow is like a donkey; no wonder that vixen Liu Ning couldn't forget him after just one try."

Sensing her resentment, Zu An smiled and directly told Xiao Zhuozi, "Please tell Her Majesty that there's no need for treasure appraisal. Let's do it another day."

Xiao Zhuozi grew anxious. "When Her Majesty summons, it's not right for us subjects to refuse."

Zu An chuckled, "Don't worry. Just deliver my message. She won't blame you."

Seeing that he couldn't persuade him, Xiao Zhuozi left with a worried expression.

Mi Li was a bit curious. "Why didn't you go with him? While that vixen is a bit seductive, you have to admit she's quite a stunner. And the sense of conquest from sleeping with her must be unparalleled, right?"

Zu An looked at her gently. "Since you don't like it, I won't go. I'll stay here and keep you company."

Mi Li's fair, jade-like face visibly flushed. "Get lost! Who wants your company? I'm going to cultivate!" She snorted, turning into a wisp of smoke and vanishing. No matter how Zu An called out, she didn't respond.

Zu An couldn't help but laugh. Although this woman was usually fierce, after spending so much time together, he had found a way to deal with her. As for why he refused Liu Ning, it was mainly because he didn't want to be used as a tool. He understood the principle of playing hard to get. After reading so many "green tea" and "player" self-help guides online in his previous life, how could he let Liu Ning take the initiative? He also used this opportunity to please Mi Li. He even felt a bit contemptuous of himself, having righteously condemned players and "tea art" girls online in his previous life, only to find himself now enjoying the very tactics he once decried.

Returning home, Zu An was delighted to see the lights on. He hurried inside and, sure enough, a beautiful figure in an ice-blue dress stood there. He couldn't hold back any longer, rushing over to pull her into his arms and passionately kiss her. Chu Chuyan was startled, but upon seeing it was him, her whole body softened, and she instinctively responded to him.

They kissed deeply for a while when she suddenly remembered something. Her face flushed instantly, and she pushed Zu An away, scolding sweetly, "There are others here!"

Zu An looked back and saw Chu Youzhao and Murong Qinghe staring at them with wide eyes. Chu Youzhao's skin was fair with a hint of red, while Murong Qinghe had a healthy wheat complexion. Standing together, they created an unexpectedly harmonious sight.

Zu An looked at Chu Chuyan with a dejected expression. "Why do you always bring these two hangers-on everywhere?"

Chu Youzhao, who had initially been delighted to see him, immediately became displeased upon hearing his words. "Hangers-on? And here I was helping you today, otherwise, Sister would have been snatched away by another man."

Murong Qinghe quickly tugged at his sleeve. "It's not that exaggerated. My cousin was just a bit enthusiastic, nothing more." Seeing Chu Chuyan's demure, girlish demeanor in front of Zu An, and comparing it to her aloofness when with her cousin, Murong Qinghe secretly sighed. In the future, she would have to persuade her cousin to give up that idea; there was simply no hope.

Zu An naturally knew they were talking about Murong Luo. However, given his current position, he shouldn't know what had happened on the city wall, so he didn't say anything. After all, an insignificant person like Murong Luo couldn't possibly affect his relationship with Chuyan.

He noticed many gift boxes in the room and couldn't help but feel surprised. "Who brought gifts?"

Chu Chuyan glanced at Murong Qinghe, who then pursed her lips and stepped forward. "Brother Zu, these small gifts are from me. I've come this time with a request." She then explained her purpose. It turned out that shortly after the Embroidered Uniform Guards left that day, Murong Luo had just breathed a sigh of relief when some fierce, wolf-like soldiers arrived and arrested him. It seemed he was implicated in the case of framing the Crown Princess. Because Gold Token Eleven had previously mentioned having some acquaintance with Zu An, and given Zu An's current influential position as the Crown Prince's Chief Imperial Secretary in the Eastern Palace, she hoped to use his connections to rescue her cousin.

"So, it's about this," Zu An said, looking at the young girl, who resembled a female leopard, with a half-smile. He shook his head. "I won't help him."