Chapter 907: I Am Just a Rough Man

Zu An smiled and said, "This time, I've been entrusted by the Emperor to investigate this case thoroughly. Of course, I believe that King Qi and his household would not harm the Consort. However, the common people might not believe it. You know how quickly rumors and gossip spread. Before you know it, in a couple of days, there could be widespread talk among the populace about King Qi murdering his consort for some cause, or about his consort secretly having an affair and being silenced. If we can confirm that the Consort's death was indeed an accident, we can close the case immediately and silence all speculation. I'm also doing this for the sake of King Qi's reputation and dignity."

Han Fengqiu was speechless. King Qi enjoyed a good reputation among the common folk and was known as a virtuous prince; how could anyone speak ill of him like that?

If such malicious rumors were to circulate, it would undoubtedly be this fellow deliberately spreading them.

He knew very well that Zu An never played by the rules; if he didn't agree, Zu An might actually do something like that.

But how could he agree to something like examining the Consort's remains?

Soon, both sides argued their points, with neither willing to concede an inch.

Just then, a curious voice came from nearby, asking, "What are you arguing about here?"

Zu An looked back and his eyes lit up. He saw several couples standing not far away, among them several noblewomen, all quite beautiful. But what truly caught his eye was the handsome man leading them—it wasn't that he had any issues with his own orientation, but the man was simply too handsome.

His face was like jade, and his demeanor was refined and elegant. Although he appeared to be middle-aged, it didn't detract from his charm at all; instead, it added a more mature, seasoned glow. Coupled with extremely luxurious yet understated attire, simply standing there, he was undeniably the center of attention.

Such a remarkably handsome man actually exists in this world?

Zu An was astonished, almost as handsome as himself!

"Greetings, Princess Changshan, Lord Yu, Lord Lian, and Lady Lian!" Han Fengqiu bowed to them.

Zu An's heart stirred, and he had already guessed who these people were.

Princess Changshan was the Emperor's sister, who had married a son of the Yu family years ago. Zu An observed her; her looks were only average, but her royal demeanor added a slight charm. However, her high cheekbones made her appear somewhat harsh and severe. Coupled with a slight resemblance to the Emperor, it was hard to feel any particular fondness for her.

The remarkably handsome man leading them, almost as attractive as himself, was her husband, Yu Nan, the Vice Minister of the Imperial Secretariat. The other man, who looked honest at first glance, was likely Lian Yu, the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat.

It was quite amusing; Lian Yu was clearly the head of the Imperial Secretariat, and Yu Nan's position could be considered his subordinate. Yet, when they walked together, Yu Nan subtly took the lead.

Apart from Yu Nan's more prominent personal demeanor, it was likely also related to their family backgrounds.

Yu Nan was the eldest son of the renowned Yu family in the Great Zhou Dynasty. His father was the current Left Minister of the Board of Civil Office, Yu Xuanzhong. The Yu family also managed the world's elemental stone business, making them as rich as a nation. Furthermore, with many family members holding high positions, they were truly one of the top three, striving for the top, prestigious clans in the Great Zhou Dynasty.

As for Lian Yu, although he also came from a noble background, the Lian family was simply no match for the Yu family.

Moreover, Lian Yu's wife was Yu Nan's sister, making him a son-in-law of the Yu family.

Walking alongside Yu Nan, the legitimate eldest son of the Yu family, he inevitably seemed a half-step lower.

Zu An glanced at the woman beside Lian Yu, presumably his wife. She was much more attractive than Princess Changshan, truly a lady worthy of the Yu family.

Yu Yanluo's peerless beauty flashed in his mind. He thought, "The Yu family's genes are truly excellent; the men are handsome and the women are beautiful."

"Mister Han, what are you arguing about?" Yu Nan was the first to ask. Although his tone was polite, there was an inexplicable aura of arrogance about him.

Han Fengqiu took no offense; the other's status entitled him to be proud. So he recounted what had just happened.

"So, you're Zu An?" After hearing the story, not only Yu Nan but the others too looked towards Zu An. After all, he had been quite the sensation in the capital recently.

Hearing the other man casually call him by his name, with a tone full of condescending scrutiny, Zu An slightly frowned and asked, "And who are you?"

Although he had guessed their identities, they had mostly not met in person before, so it wasn't surprising that he didn't recognize them.

Yu Nan's breath caught. He wanted to explain his identity but felt it would be beneath him. For a moment, he was at a loss for what to do.

Lian Yu, standing nearby, lips curved slightly upward. Over the years, he had endured considerable annoyance from this elder brother-in-law, and seeing him frustrated was quite satisfying. Of course, he would only enjoy it secretly and not show it.

Fortunately, Han Fengqiu was discerning and tactful. He quickly stepped in to introduce them, flattering each person in the process. Only then did Yu Nan's expression return to normal.

However, seeing her husband's discomfiture, Princess Changshan became displeased. "I've heard that a boorish and sharp-tongued person who loves to talk his way to advantage has recently arrived at the Eastern Palace," she said. "Seeing you today, the rumors are indeed true."

Zu An smiled and said, "If I'm not mistaken, Princess Changshan is the Emperor's sister. She should be very close to the Eastern Palace. How is it that now, not only does she not help the Eastern Palace, but she criticizes someone who is actually getting things done for them?"

Princess Changshan's expression immediately changed. Those words truly pierced her heart. She couldn't very well admit that she was also King Qi's sister, could she?

However, she saw no need to reason with Zu An. "How dare you! You are impertinent to me, the Princess!"

The guards following Zu An all turned pale. They thought, "We've angered Princess Changshan and so many other important figures. Are our lives going to end here today?"

Zu An inwardly grumbled, "The Emperor and his siblings truly have a knack for these sorts of troublesome encounters."

"As Princess Changshan has stated, I am indeed a coarse person, in every respect," Zu An paused and continued, "I am now acting on the Emperor's command to investigate this case, and everything is strictly official business. If I have offended you in any way, I ask that Princess Changshan not take it to heart."

The guards exchanged glances, amazed that Lord Zu was so unyielding, daring to confront her directly.

Where did he get such confidence? He clearly had no powerful family backing him. Was he not afraid?

Of course, they didn't know that Zu An had even directly confronted the Emperor in the secret realm, and had casually conversed with legendary, renowned grand figures. How could a mere Emperor's sister matter to him?

Since he couldn't beat the Emperor for now, enduring his displeasure was enough. Who was this Princess Changshan anyway?

Besides, she was closer to King Qi anyway, and the Emperor wouldn't side with her.

"You dare to use my imperial brother to pressure me!" Princess Changshan burst into a furious rage.

"What's going on here?" At that moment, a familiar voice came from not far away. A group of people, with King Qi at their center, walked towards them.

Seeing this, Han Fengqiu breathed a sigh of relief. He quickly rushed over and whispered to King Qi. King Qi quickly grasped what had just transpired.

"Second Brother, this person..." Princess Changshan was cut off by King Qi before she could finish.

"Seeing that you hadn't arrived, I came out to check, and I found you all here," King Qi first smiled at Yu Nan and the others, then looked towards Zu An. "Lord Zu, I haven't seen you in many days, but your cultivation has truly advanced by leaps and bounds. You possess an unparalleled talent for cultivation."

Princess Changshan and the others felt a jolt in their hearts. Only then did they realize that Zu An's cultivation seemed to have reached around the ninth rank.

Although ninth-rank masters were not uncommon at their level, a ninth-rank master so young was truly unprecedented.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, such a person was destined for a boundless future. Even ordinary ninth-rank cultivators couldn't be lightly insulted, let alone someone of his caliber.

Zu An gave a somewhat "bashful" smile. "My aptitude is actually quite ordinary; I was even placed in the worst class at Brightmoon Academy. It's mainly due to good luck, perhaps good deeds bringing good rewards."

Hearing his remark about good deeds bringing good rewards, the others nearly spat blood. This fellow truly had no shame.

King Qi, however, thought a step further. The man's aptitude was ordinary, yet his cultivation had advanced so rapidly. It seemed to be the doing of the 'Phoenix Nirvana Sutra'.

That divine art was truly as miraculous as the legends claimed!

Thinking this, his eyes grew fervent. "Lord Zu, you've arrived at just the right time. I've prepared a modest spread here. Why not honor us with your company?"