Chapter 1556: Soul Interrogation

"What's wrong?" Chu Chuyan was startled by her reaction.

Zheng Dan awkwardly took out a handkerchief to wipe the corner of her mouth, then glanced at Sang Qian, seeing nothing unusual. "Why do you ask?" she inquired.

Chu Chuyan hesitated before explaining, "When we first met, the way she looked at Ah Zu was filled with joy and affection. But then she noticed me, and her expression clearly changed. The shift was so obvious, that's why I noticed."

Zheng Dan felt the same sentiment as Zu An—this woman was truly too perceptive.

However, she didn't deny it immediately. Instead, she smiled and said, "Ah Zu is such a hero; what maiden wouldn't like him? It's perfectly normal."

This was a good opportunity to prepare her, to prevent Chu Chuyan from being too shocked if she suddenly discovered Sang Qian was pregnant with her husband's child.

*Sigh*, I'm truly worrying myself sick for this family. Ah Zu had better find a chance to thank me properly.

Chu Chuyan was momentarily stunned, clearly not expecting that answer. But on second thought, what she said seemed to be true.

The Ah Zu of today was no longer the notorious spendthrift of Mingyue City.

After a while, Zu An stood up to take his leave. With Sang Hong back and Chu Chuyan present, it wouldn't be appropriate for him to stay overnight at the Sang residence.

He instructed the Imperial Guards to ensure the safety of the Sang residence, then left with Chu Chuyan.

On the way home, Chu Chuyan seemed to want to speak several times but held back. Zu An found it amusing and took her hand. "Just say whatever's on your mind. Is there anything we can't talk about?"

Feeling the warmth of his palm, Chu Chuyan's heart softened. She smiled and shook her head. "It's nothing."

"Really nothing?" Zu An asked curiously.

"Really nothing." Chu Chuyan pursed her lips and smiled, answering the same way no matter how he asked.

Zu An was bewildered, even wondering if she had found out about Sang Qian being pregnant with his child.

He thought about telling her the truth, but the matter concerned the Sang family's reputation, especially Sang Qian's as an unmarried woman. It wouldn't be good to tell others before discussing it with them.

But Chuyan wasn't an outsider...

He wrestled with his thoughts all the way home, only to find they had already arrived at the manor. Chu Youzhao and Murong Qinghe came out to greet them upon hearing they were back. "Sister! Brother-in-law!"

Chu Youzhao pulled them around, inspecting them to make sure they weren't injured before finally feeling relieved.

Chu Chuyan dotingly pinched her sister's cheek, then recounted what had just happened. Both girls' eyes widened in disbelief, clearly not expecting street assassinations to occur in the capital.

Chu Chuyan then told them, "It's getting late. We'll take you home first."

Chu Youzhao pouted. "But I want to stay with you, Sister."

Chu Chuyan smiled. "I still need to visit the elders of the Qin family."

Although the two elder masters of the Qin family were away fighting, there were still many other elders at the manor.

Then she looked at Zu An. "You'll come to the Qin family with me."

Zu An felt a bit awkward. "Is it really appropriate for me to go?"

His relationship with the Qin family lately wasn't bad, but it certainly wasn't good either. Going alone was fine, but going with Chu Chuyan now might invite sarcasm and ridicule from some people.

Chu Chuyan raised an eyebrow. "Ah, it seems you really believe that since we're divorced, you have no connection to the Qin family."

Zu An gave a wry smile. "I'll go, I'll go, alright?"

Chu Chuyan, with her usually cold demeanor, was actually capable of playing such tricks.

Hearing that he was also going to the Qin family and that they wouldn't have to separate so early, Chu Youzhao no longer objected.

The group first escorted Murong Qinghe home, then proceeded together to the Qin residence.

Upon learning of Chu Chuyan's arrival, the two brothers, the broad-browed Qin Guangyuan and the refined Qin Yongde, personally came out to greet her. Additionally, all the Qin family's aunts and grandaunts appeared, eagerly pulling Chu Chuyan aside and praising how beautiful the little girl they once knew had grown.

Zu An felt a bit awkward standing by. Logically, he was the Chu family's son-in-law, related to the Qin family, but ironically, he and Chu Chuyan had nominally divorced to protect the Chu family earlier.

Fortunately, Qin Guangyuan took a moment to chat with him. "I heard you were attacked while escorting Sang Hong to the palace?"

"That's right. They seemed to be assassins from the Shadow Pavilion, but they used military crossbows and even a siege crossbow," Zu An replied, observing Qin Guangyuan's reaction as he spoke. The Qin family was the foremost military clan, and this matter might well be connected to them.

As expected, Qin Guangyuan's expression changed upon hearing this. His face turned grim, likely realizing something.

Sensing he had something on his mind, Zu An smiled and said no more.

Qin Guangyuan was intelligent; he would undoubtedly think of Prince Qi immediately and understand the potential consequences of this incident.

After spending a few awkward hours at the Qin residence, Chu Chuyan stood up to take her leave and return home.

Qin Yongde couldn't help but say, "The Qin family in the capital is your home. Where else would you go so late?"

Chu Chuyan glanced at Zu An, who stood awkwardly by her side but had stayed to accompany her. A gentle smile touched her lips. "I'm going back to Ah Zu's place."

Many in the Qin family frowned and advised, "You've already divorced. It might not be appropriate for you to live together again."

Although even the most critical members of the Qin family had to admit that Zu An was now quite excellent, the two families did not belong to the same faction. The more accomplished he became, the more problematic it was, so they naturally didn't view him favorably.

And Chu Chuyan, with her exceptional charm, even though she had been married, still had many excellent suitors in the capital. It wouldn't be difficult for her to remarry into another prominent family one day, which would be more beneficial for both the Qin and Chu families.

But if Chu Chuyan continued to live with Zu An, and word got out, what prominent family would dare marry her, no matter how beautiful or outstanding she was?

Chu Chuyan smiled slightly. "Ah Zu and I nominally divorced because of the 'Phoenix Nirvana Sutra,' so he wouldn't burden the Chu family. But in my heart, he has always been my husband."

Zu An felt a warmth spread through him upon hearing this and couldn't help but grasp her soft, smooth hand.

Chu Chuyan, usually shy and reserved in such matters, uncharacteristically squeezed his hand back tightly, clearly demonstrating her resolve to her Qin family relatives.

Chu Youzhao, witnessing this scene, found it infinitely beautiful on one hand, fulfilling her childhood fantasies of perfect love. On the other hand, she felt an indescribable sense of loneliness.

However, with her youthful spirit, she didn't dwell on it much, immediately jumping out to cheer them on.

The Qin family members wanted to say more, but Qin Guangyuan extended a hand to stop them, then looked at Chu Chuyan. "Cousin, you've always been intelligent. Since you've made this decision, as your elder brother, I can only offer my blessings."

He then turned to Zu An. "Brother Zu, please treat Chuyan well and do not disappoint her affection."

Zu An was somewhat surprised by Qin Guangyuan's change in attitude. He smiled slightly. "Naturally."

Leaving the Qin residence, the two strolled along Vermilion Bird Street. The once bustling scene now had an unsettling air, with patrolling soldiers everywhere.

Chu Chuyan couldn't help but remark, "I wonder how many undercurrents are swirling tonight."

"Those are for the Emperor and Prince Qi to worry about, not us." Holding her cool hand and smelling her faint, elegant fragrance, Zu An felt an unusual warmth and peace, disinclined to think about their 'dog-eat-dog' affairs.

"Then take me on a proper tour of the capital. It's been a long time since I've been here," Chu Chuyan said, a full smile blooming on her face as she looped her arm through his and leaned her head on his shoulder.

Seeing Chu Chuyan display such a rare, girlish side, Zu An's heart swelled with love, but also a twinge of guilt. He really was a terrible scoundrel.

He decided against giving her the things he had bought at the rouge shop in Yunzhong Commandery. Instead, he took her strolling through the streets, buying her anything she glanced at for more than a moment.

This made Chu Chuyan both happy and amused. "Why are you like my master, giving me all sorts of good things this time?"

She paused, her gaze incredibly clear. "Something must have happened between you two that you're deliberately hiding from me."