Chapter 956: Guarding Oneself Like Jade

Chu Youzhao scoffed, "Big sister isn't even worried, so what's she fussing about? Anyone would think my brother-in-law is her husband."

Hearing her grumble, Zu An chuckled. They weren't far apart in age, so it was likely she didn't quite respect Chu Hanzhao as an older sister. Of course, given Chu Hanzhao's temperament, she probably didn't spare the rod either.

"Stop staring, play shuttlecock with me!" Chu Youzhao reached out, intending to tear up the letter to get it out of sight, out of mind.

Fortunately, Zu An was quick, snatching it into his embrace. "Alright, alright, but don't cry if you lose."

"You're not allowed to use your cultivation!" Chu Youzhao wasn't stupid and immediately stated.

"I won't use it, I won't use it!" Zu An said confidently, thinking, *How could I lose to a little kid?*

However, it wasn't long before he deeply regretted it. Chu Youzhao was incredibly agile, and her body was flexible. She always managed to kick back shuttlecocks from unbelievably tricky angles.

Her bell-like laughter echoed through the courtyard. Outside, the maids and servants whispered, thinking they'd never seen the young master so happy. But today, why did the young master laugh so much like a girl?

After playing with Chu Youzhao for a while, Zu An insisted on leaving despite her attempts to make him stay.

Chu Youzhao was still eager to play, waving at him from the doorway. "Brother-in-law, come play again next time!"

Looking back at her bright smile, Zu An suddenly felt that even if he kept losing, it didn't seem to matter.

"Oh, right, remember to write back to my sister! They're all waiting!" Seeing him wave back, Chu Youzhao remembered her two sisters' requests and quickly reminded him.

"Got it," Zu An replied, feeling a warmth in his heart. *It's nice to have people care about you,* he thought. *Sigh, I haven't even thought about writing to them lately, just enjoying myself. I'm really not a good person.*

"I must correct this in the future! From today on, I'll uphold masculine virtues and remain pure for my wives!" he constantly admonished himself.

As he walked, his gaze suddenly fell upon a familiar courtyard. After a moment of hesitation, he ultimately decided to head that way.

The matter with Sang Qian needed to be resolved; he wasn't the kind of person to abandon someone after they'd served their purpose. Moreover, the Sang family was now allied with him. If this incident caused any friction, the later repercussions could be even more severe.

Upon arriving at the Sang residence, Sang Hong and Zheng Dan were both surprised and delighted to see him, welcoming him warmly.

"Where is Young Miss Qian... Qian?" Why did his usual address feel so guilty to utter at this moment?

Zu An looked around, but unfortunately, he didn't see Sang Qian.

"She's feeling a bit unwell and is resting in her room," Sang Hong said with a smile, showing no unusual expression.

Hearing "feeling a bit unwell," Zu An's heart skipped a beat. He, of course, understood why she was unwell. He remembered how he had mistakenly thought she was Zheng Dan the previous night and had worn her out for most of the night. How could a young girl endure that?

The thought filled him with even more guilt. After thinking for a moment, he said, "Uncle, there's something I need to tell you."

Sang Hong's expression showed a hint of surprise, as if he'd guessed something, but he didn't reveal it. "My dear nephew, our two families are now allied and incredibly close. Speak freely, whatever it is."

Looking at Sang Hong's gentle smile, Zu An felt a strange guilt. After all, Sang Hong had tacitly approved his relationship with Zheng Dan, and now he had "stolen" his daughter. Even if their relationship was good, wouldn't it cause a rift?

*It's better to face it head-on,* he thought. Taking a deep breath, he finally spoke, "Uncle, actually, it's like this: Sang Qian and I..."

"Father!" Before he could finish, he was interrupted by a clear voice. Everyone turned to see Sang Qian standing at the doorway.

Her face was pale, with a hint of fatigue between her brows, and her eyes were red, as if she had just been crying.

"Qian'er," Sang Hong was also somewhat surprised to see her, his expression quite complex.

Sang Qian ignored him and walked straight to Zu An. "What are you doing here?"

Zheng Dan, standing nearby, looked suspicious, feeling that something was off with their tone.

Even with Zu An's thick skin, he felt a little guilty under her gaze. "I came to clarify some things. I should take responsi..."

"There's nothing unclear," Sang Qian interrupted him again. "Can't we just continue interacting as before? Are you here to discuss the Yunzhong Commandery matter?"

"Uh... I suppose so," Zu An answered instinctively, a bit bewildered.

Just then, Sang Qian's spiritual voice transmission sounded in his ear: "Have you forgotten what you promised me? No one is allowed to mention what happened last night."

"But that's too unfair to you," Zu An replied.

"There are no 'buts'," Sang Qian's voice was cold. "If you truly feel sorry for me, then do as I say. Otherwise, I'll die right here in front of you."

"Uh... alright," seeing her determined attitude, Zu An had no choice but to agree.

"It's almost dinner time. Elder Brother Zu should stay and eat here," Sang Qian said, ending the private conversation.

"Okay," Zu An was somewhat flattered. What did she mean by this? Why didn't she want him to reveal the truth? Wouldn't she be taken advantage of for nothing?

*No one knows a daughter better than her father,* thought Sang Hong. Seeing her behavior, he secretly sighed. It seemed his daughter was displeased with his arrangements and didn't want to cooperate with him in using her as leverage against Zu An. But she didn't realize that the more she acted this way, the better the effect would be.

Soon, maids brought out food and wine. Sang Hong and Zu An conversed happily, showing no sign of anything unusual.

Sang Qian felt miserable inside, but still forced a smile and chatted with her sister-in-law.

Zheng Dan's gaze occasionally flickered between the two of them, her expression thoughtful.

After some time, Sang Qian stood up and said, "I'm still feeling a bit unwell, so I'll go back and rest first."

Sang Hong and Zu An naturally didn't stop her, both urging her to take care.

Sang Qian walked a few steps, then stopped again. "Elder Brother Zu, you can come to the mansion more often these days to discuss the case with Father. You can stay here directly at night; there's no one at your home anyway, and it's troublesome to go back and forth."

Zu An's expression was strange. "Thank you, Young Miss Qian."

*What's her meaning? And she even specifically wants me to stay here?*

Sang Hong, however, sighed inwardly. He understood his daughter's thoughts. Although his daughter hated his actions, she was always a rational person. Knowing that something had already happened, she would think about how to maximize the benefits. Having Zu An stay at the mansion these days clearly indicated she wanted to increase the chances of conceiving a child.

Of course, he knew his daughter would absolutely not be able to bring herself to do anything with Zu An again; she probably intended to hand the task over to Zheng Dan. After all, she had figured it out: if she didn't conceive in these few days, they would be heading to Yunzhong Commandery. If Zheng Dan became pregnant later, no one would believe it was Qian'er's posthumous child.

During the meal, everyone harbored their own thoughts. This time, Zu An paid attention and didn't drink too much.

After the banquet ended, Aunt Mu led him to the guest room. "Young Master Zu, this is the room you stayed in last night. It will be your exclusive room from now on; you can stay whenever you like."

"Thank you, Aunt Mu." Zu An felt her words were strange, as if there was a hidden meaning.

After the night grew late and quiet, Zu An secretly left his room and went to Sang Qian's boudoir. Having been there often, he naturally knew the layout of the rooms.

"Who's there?" Hearing the knock, Sang Qian's wary voice came from inside.

"Young Miss Qian, it's me. There are some things I want to talk to you about." Zu An really couldn't grasp her attitude and intended to talk things through clearly.

"There's nothing for us to talk about," Sang Qian took a deep breath. "And you don't need to feel guilty. Just pretend nothing happened yesterday."

"How can something like this be treated as if it didn't happen?" Zu An was a little frustrated. "What exactly are you planning? To be honest, I'm a bit confused."

"I'm just a girl, and I don't mind, so why are you, a grown man, being so fussy?" Sang Qian was annoyed too. "Or are you trying to take this opportunity to bully me again? If that's what you're really thinking, then just push the door open and come in."

As soon as she finished speaking, the door creaked open, pushed from the outside.

Sang Qian, sitting on the bed, looked utterly bewildered.