Chapter 400: Have Plenty of Money

Sang Hong waved his hand, signaling the doctor and servants to leave. Only then did he speak, "Qian'er, how are you feeling? Do you have any discomfort?"

Sang Qian shook his head. "No, I feel almost completely recovered. I'm as strong as an ox."

"That's good," Sang Hong exclaimed in surprise. "It seems that kid's medicine is truly miraculous."

Sang Qian said in a deep voice, "Father, you're not really going to let that kid and the Chu family off the hook, are you?"

Clearly, he had heard their earlier negotiation loud and clear.

Sang Hong smiled but remained silent, which agitated Sang Qian. "Father, since those salt permits reappeared in the hands of the Chu family, it proves that the mysterious individuals that night were most likely sent by them. My severe injuries were all caused by them. Perhaps Zu An was even involved that night!"

A notification appeared: "Rage points from Sang Qian +444!"

Zu An, who was about to walk out of the Sang family's gate, saw this rage point notification in his internal system. He thought, "I truly saved an ingrate." So, he found an opportunity to discreetly pinch Zheng Dan twice, feeling much more at ease afterward.

Meanwhile, in Sang Qian's bedroom, Sang Hong shook his head. "I conducted a thorough investigation into what happened that night. Those mysterious figures were not from the Chu family, but most likely from the Demonic Cult."

"The Demonic Cult!" Sang Qian was startled, clearly understanding the implications of those words. After a long silence, he continued, "Even if it wasn't done personally by the Chu family, the fact that the salt permits appeared in their hands afterward proves that this matter is inseparable from them. Most likely, there was collusion between the two parties long ago."

At this point, he couldn't help but get excited. "Father, did you report them? Colluding with the Demonic Cult is a definite capital offense!"

"Anything related to the Demonic Cult is no small matter. Before we have definitive proof, it's best not to alert them," Sang Hong said. That was his nature: he either didn't make a move, or when he did, he aimed for the opponent's life.

Originally, his previous plans to deal with the Chu family had struck at their vital points, but somehow that fellow Zu An had inadvertently defused them.

"But are we really just going to let them off?" Sang Qian was extremely unwilling. Worried that his father would truly abandon the fight, he thought of a valid reason. "Father, don't forget that you came out this time with an imperial decree. If you fail to complete the mission, you'll certainly be punished when you return."

Seeing his son agitated, Sang Hong couldn't help but get a headache. His son was good in every way except for being too impulsive. If he were as calm and quick-witted as his sister, Sang Hong would have far fewer worries.

Concerned that his son's excitement would hinder his recovery, he quickly said, "Don't worry, I've already made arrangements. There will be a good show to watch once Chu Zhongtian returns."

"What's going on?" Hearing the hidden meaning in his father's words, Sang Qian couldn't help but ask curiously.

Sang Hong smiled slightly. "Earlier, I arranged for the prison guards to 'accidentally' discuss those scandalous rumors about Zu An and Qin Wanru. Chu Zhongtian's face must have turned green with anger when he heard them. When he returns to the Chu family this time, no matter how broad-minded he is, he'll most likely develop a rift with Zu An."

Sang Qian's eyes lit up, and he couldn't help but give a thumbs-up. "Brilliant! As they say, old ginger is indeed spicier!"

Sang Hong stroked his beard. "Besides that, I've also prepared another grand gift for them..."

Sang Qian was utterly impressed. He used to complain that his father was too timid and hesitant, but now he understood just how precise his timing was and how ruthless his methods were.

However, one thing still worried him. "Father, but you previously swore an oath not to trouble the Chu family and Zu An. Won't breaking your word like this incur divine punishment?"

A meaningful expression appeared on Sang Hong's face. "Oaths, you see, actually have a lot of room for interpretation."

Seeing his son's confused expression, Sang Hong sighed inwardly. If his daughter were here, she would have understood immediately. This son was still a bit lacking in aptitude.

But after all, he was his only son, so he patiently explained, "The oath I swore only stated that I would no longer deal with the Chu family *in the future*. But everything I just mentioned was done *before* I swore the oath, so there's no violation whatsoever. Moreover, the Chu family is destined to be ruined this time, so I truly won't need to deal with them afterward anyway."

Sang Qian burst out laughing. "I'm convinced, Father! This time, I'm truly convinced!"

Sang Hong suddenly said, "This time, I thought dealing with the Chu family would be a simple matter, but it ended up causing so much trouble. It's all because of Zu An. That fellow is quite talented. After the Chu family's downfall, I wouldn't mind recruiting him to my command. If Qian'er takes a liking to him, taking him as a son-in-law wouldn't be out of the question either."

The smile on Sang Qian's face instantly froze. He immediately retorted, "Father, what kind of joke is this? How can that ruffian from the marketplace be worthy of being my brother-in-law? How could a proud daughter of heaven like my sister ever fancy him!"

Sang Hong frowned. "Don't let hatred blind you. Learn to see the strengths of your enemies."

Sang Qian snorted. "I don't care. I will absolutely not approve of him as a brother-in-law. My sister has so many suitors in the capital; why would she need to throw herself at him, especially since he's just a live-in son-in-law of the Chu family?"

Sang Hong smiled. "What you say also has some merit. Let's discuss this another time. If I'm not mistaken, he probably wouldn't agree to work for me anyway."

"Oh, and your wedding with Miss Zheng will also take place in the next couple of days, won't it? All the preparations are already complete. We originally planned to hold it earlier to bring you good fortune, but your condition was too critical then, and we didn't dare move you at all. Now that you're better, this wedding can be a celebration." Sang Hong remarked, feeling that Zheng Dan was truly the Sang family's lucky star. Just the mention of holding a wedding to bring good fortune had already resulted in his son's recovery, even before the actual ceremony. Therefore, for good luck, he hoped the wedding would be completed soon.

Sang Qian's eyes lit up. "Great!"

Zheng Dan was beautiful and dignified; her classical and reserved demeanor had always fascinated him.

He had long wanted to be intimate with her, but she had always kept him at bay, making his heart ache with longing.

Once they were married, wouldn't he be free to do as he pleased?

The thought of forcefully pressing the usually reserved and elegant woman beneath him inexplicably excited him.

On the other side, Zu An returned to the Chu family and reported the details of his negotiation with Sang Hong. Qin Wanru also said excitedly, "According to the news from Yue Shan, Zhongtian has been released and should be home within two days."

"Then congratulations in advance, Madam," Zu An said with a smile. "You've barely slept these past few days. Now you can finally rest easy, right?"

Qin Wanru gave him a complex look. "I truly have you to thank for all of this. Chuyan didn't choose the wrong person." At the same time, she felt a bit strange. It wasn't surprising that Chuyan had such foresight, but why could even little Zhao, that maid, see his extraordinary qualities? It was truly baffling.

"By the way, when will Chuyan be back?" Zu An couldn't help but ask. Being separated so soon after their wedding, he was quite unaccustomed to it.

Qin Wanru replied, "Her matters are almost concluded. She should be back in about a month or so."

"Still a month?" Zu An was depressed. Sleeping alone every day still made it hard to fall asleep.

Leaving the study, Zu An went directly back to the Qingyin Pavilion. All of his belongings had now been moved there.

With Old Man Mi dead, he no longer needed to pretend. Wouldn't it be much more pleasant to sleep in Chu Chuyan's fragrant bed every night?

No one else in the mansion was surprised by this. He had performed such great service for the Chu family this time, and his strength had also been proven. No one would question his status as the son-in-law anymore.

Lying on Chu Chuyan's bed, he took out the audio-visual mirror he had borrowed from Qin Wanru and began activating the summoning array.

Soon, the connection was established. In the mirror appeared a stunning woman with skin like ice and bones like jade—who else but Chu Chuyan?

After recognizing Zu An, Chu Chuyan was startled and quickly asked, "Ah Zu, has something happened at home again? Where's my mother?"

"Nothing's wrong. Everything's resolved. I borrowed this mirror from your mother. Wife, I miss you." Zu An leaned towards the mirror and blew a kiss.

Chu Chuyan's face flushed slightly. "I'll be back soon. Speaking of which, this time, everything at home was thanks to you. Thank you!"

Clearly, Qin Wanru had already informed her of what had happened.

"Oh, it's too formal for a married couple to say such things. But," Zu An's tone shifted, "if you really want to thank me, why don't you call me 'Good Husband' or 'Darling Husband' a few times?"

"No way~" Chu Chuyan, naturally thin-skinned, felt too embarrassed by such a shameful address. Suddenly, her gaze sharpened. "Huh, where are you right now?"

"In your room, of course," Zu An said proudly, holding the mirror and scanning around. "See? All my belongings have been moved here."

"Ah!" Chu Chuyan's face turned beet red. "Doesn't that mean everyone in the mansion knows?"

"Of course!" Zu An said proudly. "I've rendered great service to the Chu family; I've shed blood for the Chu family. Now everyone in the Chu household recognizes me, so we can be together openly from now on."

Chu Chuyan shyly spat. "Tsk, what are you talking about? We've always been a proper, legitimate couple."

Zu An chuckled mischievously. "Then who was it who was too shy to let others know before?"

Chu Chuyan's usually ice-like countenance was now as red as an apple. "Alright, alright, the audio-visual mirror consumes elemental stones too quickly. Hang up now."

"No way! Brother's got plenty of money!"

"..."