Chapter 1557: Backyard on Fire

A cold sweat broke out on Zu'an. "Why do you ask that?" he stammered.

It was one thing with the other women, but Yan Xuehen was Chu Chuyan's master. If she found out now, Chu Chuyan would likely turn hostile.

He would have to slowly figure out a way for them to gradually accept this relationship...

The moment this thought crossed his mind, Zu'an couldn't help but smile bitterly. To be honest, he saw absolutely no hope for such a future.

"Because you're all so good to me," Chu Chuyan said, a confused look on her face. "Especially my master. She used to be so cold and strict with me; I was even a little afraid of her. But this time, after returning, she suddenly became much gentler and incredibly caring."

Zu'an: "..."

Sister Yan's emotional control truly wasn't up to standard, especially for someone who claimed to have achieved the 'Emotionless Dao'.

Luckily, he reacted quickly and immediately said, "We're all your closest people. What's strange about us being good to you? It would be strange if we weren't, wouldn't it?"

"But Master's change is too drastic..." Chu Chuyan remained somewhat skeptical.

Only then did Zu'an explain, "It must be because we encountered too many powerful beings in the Land of the Unknown. We had several narrow escapes from death, and I imagine that experience had a profound impact on her, causing a shift in her perspective."

Chu Chuyan nodded slightly. "That must be it. This time, after Master returned, I clearly sensed that her power had increased. She also quickly went into secluded cultivation. According to those at the temple, she should reach an even higher level after emerging from her seclusion."

Seeing that she accepted this explanation, Zu'an finally breathed a complete sigh of relief.

The two of them strolled through the capital, the most prosperous city in the world. Besides a few restricted areas, many districts had no curfew, a feature that countless people from other places yearned for.

They ate and explored as they walked, and Zu'an felt as though he had returned to his previous life, wandering through a night market.

Chu Chuyan, having grown up under strict tutelage and bearing the responsibility for the Chu clan's safety, had never felt so relaxed before.

Her usually cool demeanor softened, replaced by a radiant smile. She clung to Zu'an's arm, her face glowing with happiness.

Along the way, they encountered no ruffians or troublemakers. This was partly because the capital's public order was far superior to other regions, especially with patrolling soldiers everywhere after the events of the day. Furthermore, most of the influential young nobles in the capital knew Zu'an and were aware of his formidable reputation; who would dare to provoke such a figure?

They continued to wander until late into the night, finally returning home, still wishing for more time.

Upon returning to the ducal mansion, they sat side-by-side on the room's windowsill. Chu Chuyan leaned into Zu'an's embrace as they admired the moonlight and recounted what had happened during their time apart, expressing their profound longing for each other.

Lovers' conversations are endless. Before they knew it, it was already deep into the night. They didn't even realize when they drifted off to sleep, simply cuddling together on the windowsill through the night.

It wasn't until the next morning, when a maid discovered them, that they finally stirred awake. Fortunately, their advanced cultivation made them impervious to cold or heat; otherwise, spending an entire winter night on the windowsill would surely have led to a severe illness.

From the palace, the clear, melodious toll of bells rang out, signaling to all officials that it was time for court.

Zu'an was not surprised. After the events of the previous day, it would have been odd *not* to have an early court session.

His current position required him to attend court. He told Chu Chuyan to sleep a little longer, as it was still early.

Chu Chuyan smiled and shook her head. She quickly washed up, then returned to her room to meditate and cultivate.

Zu'an watched, filled with admiration. He thought to himself that while Chu Chuyan's cultivation talent was indeed said to be top-tier, her dedication to practice also far surpassed most cultivators in the world.

"I'll return as soon as court is dismissed, and we can go to the Imperial Academy together." He had learned during their chat last night that Chu Chuyan was entrusted by her sect to visit the Dean and present some gifts. He also realized he hadn't had a chance to see his academy friends since returning to the capital.

"I'll wait for you," Chu Chuyan replied, her voice tinged with a warmth absent from her usual cool tone.

***

Upon arriving at the Imperial Palace, as expected, officials quickly came forward in court to demand a thorough investigation into yesterday's attack.

Others also called for an investigation into affairs in Yunzhong Commandery, citing new evidence brought back by Sang Hong. Naturally, Sang Hong's destroyed envoy mission was also to be thoroughly investigated.

***

Although no one explicitly named King Qi, everyone knew he was the target.

As King Qi's faction was clearly in the wrong, any officials attempting to refute the accusations could not gain significant ground.

A while later, an official stepped forward and pointed out that, according to the rules of all past dynasties, vassal kings should return to their fiefdoms to rule once they reached adulthood. There was no reason for them to remain indefinitely in the capital.

He also cited historical examples of the few vassal kings who had lingered in the capital, demonstrating that such a practice had never benefited the nation.

Finally, he proposed that King Qi return to his fiefdom, instantly causing an uproar throughout the court.

Everyone knew what King Qi had been striving for all these years. Sending him back to his fiefdom now would be akin to ending his political life.

Some uninformed mid- and lower-level officials from King Qi's faction immediately began to protest and argue. However, as they spoke, they suddenly realized something was amiss: why were none of the top figures from King Qi'an's faction saying anything?

Everyone present in the imperial court was intelligent. Their initial misjudgment had only been due to a lack of information. Now, seeing the current state of affairs and recalling yesterday's events, they gradually pieced things together.

The morale of King Qi's entire faction plummeted instantly, and they were forced into a steady retreat.

In the end, the matter was largely settled. Zu'an was somewhat surprised by this, as he found King Qi unusually calm. He hadn't seen King Qi organize any counterattack from beginning to end. Had he simply accepted his fate?

Of course, Zhao Hao's tactics were clever. None of the treasonous acts brought up directly implicated King Qi. It seemed the intention was a bargain: "I won't pursue these matters against you, provided you dutifully return to your fiefdom."

After court was dismissed, Zu'an routinely reported to the Eastern Palace. He found an opportunity to ask Bi Linglong, "Has King Qi truly resigned himself to returning to his fiefdom?"

"It's not that simple," Bi Linglong replied, her exquisite features seemingly enhanced by special adornments today. "The current situation is simply unfavorable for him, so he's temporarily lying low. I imagine it won't be long before he begins his counterattack."

Zu'an asked her what King Qi's likely counterattack would be. Bi Linglong shook her head. "King Qi is a man of profound foresight; it's not for juniors like us to presume to guess. Does Sir Zu have anything else to report? If not, you may withdraw."

Sensing her chilly tone, Zu'an was startled, wondering what had gotten into her.

It didn't seem as if what happened with the Empress yesterday had been exposed.

He could only continue, "Recently, I've had some personal matters at home, and I'd like to request a few days of leave..."

"Not allowed." He hadn't even finished speaking when Bi Linglong cut him off directly.

Zu'an, somewhat annoyed, abruptly stood up. "Why?"

Bi Linglong looked up at him, her face devoid of emotion. "The Eastern Palace handles countless matters daily. As the Crown Prince's Chief of Staff, you were away on an envoy mission for a considerable period, during which an untold number of official documents accumulated. You've only just returned, and now you want to request leave again?"

"What could you possibly be busy with, if not accompanying that woman from the Chu clan?" Bi Linglong said coldly. "As far as I know, you two have already separated, haven't you? She's not your family now, so why do you need to accompany her?"

Zu'an suddenly understood. He couldn't help but look at her and smile. "So you're jealous."

"Nonsense! How could I, the dignified Crown Princess... how could I be jealous of you?" Bi Linglong's face looked unnatural. "Someone, bring Sir Zu all the official documents that have accumulated during this period."

After speaking, she promptly stood up and left, giving him no chance to refute.

Soon, Rong Mo brought a large stack of official documents and piled them in front of him, looking on with schadenfreude.

Zu'an was dumbfounded. Such a mountain of work couldn't be finished in one day, or even three days and nights! And Chuyan was still waiting for him at home.