Chapter 232: Warm and Gentle

Zu An, however, harbored no doubts. Mi Li's formidable aura and invincible bearing in the underground palace had left an indelible impression on him, making her abilities seem only natural.

"I'll try again," he declared.

His competitive spirit surged, and he calmed himself, beginning to practice the movement technique once more.

Unfortunately, despite several attempts, each time he tried to conjure a third figure, his breath would become erratic, causing him to trip clumsily and fall to the ground in a heap.

Finally, he picked himself up from the ground with a sigh. "It seems I truly can't compare to Queen Sister. Oh well, I'll definitely intensify my practice to reach four figures someday, just like she did."

"Actually, you're doing quite well. With diligent practice, you'll gradually improve," Mi Li comforted him, adopting the air of an experienced master, though inwardly she marvelled.

Indeed, extraordinary talent lived up to its legendary status; not only did his vital essence possess remarkable efficacy, but his learning speed also far outstripped that of ordinary people.

She herself was considered exceptionally talented; creating two figures in a month had astonished countless people back then. Yet, this prodigy learned it simply by hearing it once.

Comparisons truly are the thief of joy.

Observing his dejected expression, Mi Li worried that her words might have misled him, causing a mental block or even cultivation deviation, so she quickly offered further guidance.

Zu An felt a slight sense of relief. "By the way, Queen Sister, what is the name of this movement technique?"

Mi Li shook her head. "It's not beneficial to know many things too early. I'll tell you when you can conjure nine figures simultaneously. For now, since it's integrated with your Sunflower Mirage, just continue to call it that."

"Alright," Zu An replied, a little disappointed. The word "sunflower" felt somewhat eerie to him; the thought of Old Man Mi always made him uneasy. The beautiful Queen's movement technique seemed far more appealing.

*Sigh*, I really am superficial. Old Man Mi was actually quite kind to me, even if his motivations were a bit peculiar...

*Knock, knock, knock, knock, knock*

A series of knocks sounded from the door.

"Young Master-in-law, Young Master-in-law! The Master has brought Divine Doctor Ji!" Cheng Shoubing's distinctive voice rang out.

"I'm going into slumber now and likely won't awaken for a while," Mi Li said, her phoenix eyes gazing deeply at him. "The 'Xiangfei's Red Tears' poison has affected my soul; I must focus on neutralizing its effects. Remember, to become truly powerful, never subconsciously rely on others. You must face and resolve all difficulties and dangers yourself."

"Then when will we meet again?" Zu An asked, even though he inwardly grumbled about her wasting an entire night watching him when she needed to detoxify. However, the thought of not seeing her for a long time filled him with reluctance.

"It's hard to say—perhaps a few months, perhaps several years." Mi Li's usually sharp phoenix eyes softened slightly. "Be extremely careful during this time. As long as you don't deliberately seek trouble, the movement technique I taught you should be more than sufficient for your self-preservation."

"Hahaha, am I really the kind of person who courts death?" Zu An chuckled, patting his chest reassuringly.

Mi Li was speechless.

Why did she feel that everything he said was utterly unreliable?

"I hope you keep your word, or you'll be putting both our lives at risk."

Mi Li let out a soft hum, and with a flash of light, she vanished into the Tai'a Sword.

"Young Master-in-law, Young Master-in-law!" Cheng Shoubing's knocking grew increasingly insistent.

Zu An went to retrieve the Tai'a Sword, and as he opened the door, a figure practically tumbled into his arms.

Zu An, his face wary, firmly pressed down on Cheng Shoubing's head, which was adorned with two char siu bao-like hair buns. "Don't touch me!" he exclaimed.

"Oh~" Cheng Shoubing stood aside, a little hurt. "Young Master-in-law, do you no longer favor me?"

Zu An was speechless.

"Stop talking to me in that fawning tone. I, your Young Master-in-law, am a staunchly straight man," Zu An said, his expression darkening. "You aren't coveting my body, are you?"

Cheng Shoubing grinned. "It's a pity I'm not a girl; otherwise, I'd come warm your bed every day, Young Master-in-law."

Seeing his fawning expression, Zu An snorted. "What are you yelling about so early in the morning, sounding like you're at a funeral? What does Divine Doctor Ji's arrival have to do with me?"

Cheng Shoubing leaned in, lowering his voice. "Don't you want to go and check on the Young Miss, just to show some concern? After all, the eldest young lady is the Master and Madam's most cherished daughter. At least put on a facade; who knows, if the Master and Madam are pleased, they might even betroth the second young lady to you in the future."

Zu An couldn't help but sigh, "Having a retainer like you is truly the Chu family's great fortune."

"You flatter me, Young Master-in-law," Cheng Shoubing said, rubbing his hands together with a look of gratification.

Jokes aside, Zu An realized that he should, both emotionally and logically, go and check on her. Although he knew Chu Chuyan would be fine as long as he continued to administer acupuncture daily, the Chu couple were unaware of this.

Particularly since Qin Wanru had always viewed him unfavorably; if he didn't go, she would undoubtedly seize the opportunity to create trouble.

Zu An proceeded to the courtyard outside Chu Chuyan's private chambers. After the previous night's commotion, the guards along the path were significantly stricter than before.

Naturally, there were no guards directly at Chu Chuyan's courtyard, indicating that the Chu couple still wished to keep her condition private.

From a distance, he saw several figures gathered at the entrance. One had conspicuous dark circles under his eyes, like someone notorious for "time management." Another was round and corpulent, exuding prosperity. These were Chu Tiesheng, from the Chu family's second branch, and Chu Yuepo, from the third branch.

"Greetings, Second Uncle, Third Uncle," Zu An said, cupping his hands. Even though both men had shown him disdain at the ancestral hall last time, he still maintained the proper courtesies.

Chu Tiesheng responded with a lukewarm grunt, whereas Chu Yuepo was far more enthusiastic, his plump face beaming. "Little An..."

Before he could finish, Zu An interrupted, "Please call me A'Zu."

"Uh..." Chu Yuepo was momentarily taken aback but quickly recovered. "A'Zu, what exactly happened to Chuyan? Why was Divine Doctor Ji needed so urgently all of a sudden?"

Zu An's heart skipped a beat. He hadn't expected the Chu couple to keep even these two in the dark. Naturally, he wouldn't be foolish enough to tell the truth. "I'm not clear on the details either," he said.

"How could you not know?" Chu Yuepo persisted, pulling him aside. "You're husband and wife, and you just returned from the secret realm together. Surely you know something." Even Chu Tiesheng pricked up his ears.

Before Zu An could answer, a gentle voice suddenly called from nearby, "A'Zu, you're here. Please come in quickly."

The group looked over, seeing a graceful and charming woman emerge from the courtyard. It was Qin Wanru.

"Greetings, Madam," Zu An said, feeling somewhat flattered. He had never seen Qin Wanru treat him with such warmth and kindness.

Chu Tiesheng, who had seemed somewhat listless, suddenly had a strange glint in his eyes upon seeing Qin Wanru's elegant figure. He quickly concealed it, however, and walked over naturally. "Sister-in-law, what's going on? Why won't they even let us in?"

"Exactly," Chu Yuepo chimed in. "We heard Chuyan was unwell and came to visit, but the guards at the entrance wouldn't let us in."

Qin Wanru smiled faintly. "I gave the order not to let anyone in. Chuyan is suffering from some rather delicate, feminine ailments, so it wouldn't be appropriate for the two of you to see her."

Hearing her explanation, neither man could insist further. One produced a thousand-year-old Ganoderma lucidum, while the other offered a set of Ganoderma. "We can't offer much help, so we brought some tonics for Chuyan to restore her health."

Qin Wanru curtsied slightly, simultaneously giving Zu An a meaningful glance. "Thank you, both uncles. A'Zu, quickly accept their gifts."

Zu An understood and quickly accepted the gifts, thanking them as well.

"Both of you can return now. Chuyan is not in any serious danger, especially with Divine Doctor Ji attending to her." Qin Wanru's demeanor at that moment was utterly dignified and graceful, exuding an elegant charm that put people at ease—truly befitting a Duchess.

Zu An inwardly grumbled, "Why is she completely different towards me on normal days?"

After seeing the two men off, Qin Wanru led Zu An into the courtyard.

Zu An followed behind her, observing her gracefully swaying figure. He secretly mused that perhaps if Chuyan ate more in the future, she too could become as alluringly feminine.

Just then, Qin Wanru's cold voice reached his ear. "You didn't say anything inappropriate to them just now, did you?"