Chapter 415: Eating Melon Ends Up on Own Head

Zheng Dan’s body trembled slightly, her mind already a complete blank.

She had sacrificed her marital happiness solely for the sake of the Zheng clan. But now, this marriage not only failed to bring benefits to the Zheng clan but had instead brought inexplicable risks.

Furthermore, she felt deeply embarrassed by her father's recent words. Although she knew he was acting for the sake of the Zheng clan, such behavior was simply too much. Even if the Zheng clan ultimately survived this ordeal, their reputation would be completely ruined.

As the guards came to apprehend her, she frowned. Having once been one of Linchuan County's two major underworld magnates, she instinctively wanted to resist. But then she reconsidered: even if she could escape, could the many members of the Zheng clan escape with her? What's more, with King Liang, a formidable Grandmaster, present, how could she possibly get away?

Just then, a figure stepped in front of the guards, exclaiming, "Wait!"

Although it was only a back view, she recognized him instantly, for she was intimately familiar with her man's physique.

"Who are you?" King Liang glanced at him, a flicker of disdain quickly crossing his eyes. The man was barely past the fifth rank; the difference between them was as vast as heaven and earth.

"Who I am is not important," Zu An replied. "What's important is the principle of justice."

Xie Daoyun, standing slightly behind him, secretly scoffed, "And they say you two have no connection!" If before she had merely speculated casually, now she truly suspected it. After all, the Zheng and Chu clans had always been rivals, and Zu An also held a grudge against the Sang clan. He truly had no reason to step forward and speak on Zheng Dan's behalf. Could it merely be because of their teacher-student relationship at school? Who would believe that! Nevertheless, seeing him speak so articulately even under the Grandmaster's immense pressure, Xie Daoyun remained deeply impressed. She mused that if she were in his shoes, she would undoubtedly struggle to speak coherently. Little did she know, Zu An had already encountered countless Grandmasters and powerful figures.

King Liang sneered, "Justice? What 'justice' do you speak of?"

Even the Sang father and son couldn't help but look at him, perplexed as to why he was speaking up.

Zu An said, "Just now, Your Highness stated that Miss Zheng belongs to the Sang clan, but I must respectfully disagree. Hundreds of guests are present, and everyone just witnessed that Miss Zheng and Sang Qian only bowed to Heaven and Earth and their parents; they did not exchange bows as husband and wife. Strictly speaking, the ceremony was not completed by both parties, so Miss Zheng naturally cannot be considered a member of the Sang clan. Furthermore, the Zheng clan clearly intends to break off the engagement. Patriarch Zheng, am I right?"

Zheng Yutang nodded repeatedly, "Precisely, my daughter will not marry, she will not marry!"

"You!" Sang Qian, standing by, was enraged. The Sang clan had already suffered enough from today's unfortunate events; for the Zheng clan to pull such a stunt was simply adding insult to injury! He not only hated the Zheng clan but also developed a hatred for Zu An.

[Rage points from Sang Qian +999!]

King Liang sneered, "Whether she belongs to the Sang clan is not for you to decide. Since all the traditional rites of engagement and betrothal have taken place, and only the final step remains, how can she not be considered a member of the Sang clan? If such behavior were tolerated, others would follow suit, marriage would become a mockery, and my Great Zhou Dynasty would descend into chaos!"

Zu An frowned. It was clear the other party had no intention of letting Zheng Dan go. Given the Zheng clan's status, they probably weren't important enough to offend a prince. So the answer was simple: King Liang must have a grudge against the Sang clan and intended to completely ruin them. He couldn't help but glance at Sang Hong and his son. He had thought only the Chu clan disliked them, but he hadn't expected so many people to do so. To be disliked to this extent, it was truly astonishing.

Now the problem was a bit tricky. How exactly could he save Zheng Dan? Should he just declare she was his woman? But that would be too risky. While it would certainly harvest a wave of rage points from that scumbag Sang Qian, it might not save Zheng Dan, and a single misstep could ruin both their reputations.

Just then, Zheng Dan's vital energy transmission echoed in his ear: "A'Zu, please don't reveal our relationship. I truly couldn't live if you did. Even if I'm captured and taken to the capital now, it might not be a big deal, and even death would be preferable to bringing shame upon my family. I beg you."

Zu An was speechless. Could this woman read his mind? How did she guess what he was about to do?

At this point, Sang Qian couldn't bear it anymore. "Zu An, you and my wife have been exchanging glances. What exactly is your relationship?"

Zu An thought to himself, 'I dare say, but you wouldn't dare to hear it. We've done more than just exchange glances; we've been in and out.' However, he still chose to respect Zheng Dan's wishes. "What depraved nonsense are you thinking?" he retorted. "Miss Zheng is my student, and I don't want to see her implicated by you. Is it wrong for me to come out and speak a few words of justice? And you still have the nerve to call her your wife, as if you're afraid she won't be arrested. How despicable!"

The surrounding guests also whispered amongst themselves, looking at Sang Qian with strange expressions. Zu An, who even had a long-standing grudge with the Zheng clan, came out to speak for them, yet you insist on dragging the Zheng clan down with you. The difference in your character is immediately apparent.

Seeing the scornful looks from everyone, Sang Qian was so furious his lungs felt like they would explode. 'What the hell is wrong with me wanting to be with my own wife?' he thought. 'Instead, this Zu An guy says a few harmless words and becomes a great benefactor?'

[Rage points from Sang Qian +1024!]

Just then, King Liang's voice suddenly rang out: "Zu An, are you the Chu clan's son-in-law?"

Sensing the other party's gaze fall upon him, Zu An quickly returned the bow. "Indeed, that is me," he replied. "Greetings, Your Highness King Liang." He pondered: King Liang had arrived and immediately targeted the Sang clan. Could he be one of the influential court officials recorded in the Chu clan's ledger? Chu Chuyan had been cultivating connections all over the capital, so it was possible King Liang's presence in Brightmoon City was due to her efforts. Therefore, it would be beneficial to be polite and foster a good relationship with him.

"Good, good," King Liang said with a smile, stroking his chin beard. "It truly takes no effort to find what one seeks! Guards, apprehend them all!"

Zu An's smile instantly froze on his face. He was utterly bewildered. Everyone else was dumbfounded. One moment, both parties were conversing pleasantly; the next, they had turned hostile and denied recognition.

"Is there some misunderstanding here?" Zheng Dan couldn't help but pull off her bridal veil and stepped forward, speaking anxiously. "He merely spoke a few words on my behalf. He shouldn't be charged for that, should he?"

Xie Daoyun had been about to speak, but seeing this, she closed her mouth again. Zheng Dan had already said everything she wanted to say. These two were truly interesting. She and Zheng Dan were considered close friends, yet she hadn't heard a single hint beforehand.

"The bride is truly beautiful.""Miss Zheng indeed lives up to her reputation as Brightmoon City's famous beauty," another whispered. "She looks even more stunning in her bridal gown.""What a pity she's now a criminal's family member," someone else commented. "Who knows if she'll be sent to the Ministry of Music in the future?""Don't even think about it," another scoffed. "Even if such a great beauty ends up in the Ministry of Music, she'd only be a plaything for high officials and nobles. It wouldn't be our turn."...

Although the whispers of the people around were low, how could they escape the ears of cultivation masters? Sang Qian's face twitched as he listened. These bastards were usually so respectful to him, and now they dared to secretly fantasize about his wife? But what angered him most was something else: when the Sang clan encountered such a sudden disaster, Zheng Dan hadn't said a word from beginning to end, yet when Zu An was in trouble, she actually spoke up? And she even took off her veil? According to custom, the bride's veil could only be removed by the groom in the bridal chamber; otherwise, it was extremely unlucky. He looked at Zu An, then at Zheng Dan, his suspicion growing stronger. Unfortunately, under the current circumstances, he couldn't confirm it.

He suddenly remembered that the green hat Zu An had given him was still on him. Enraged, he pulled it out and threw it directly onto the ground. Still not appeased, he stomped on it several times.

[Rage points from Sang Qian +357!]

The people around noticed his strange actions and asked curiously: "Why is he so angry?""Does that green hat have some hidden meaning?"...

At this moment, Zu An could not care about these things. He stared intently at King Liang, awaiting his reply.

King Liang chuckled, "He is certainly not being charged for speaking on your behalf. His crime is far more serious, because he stole something belonging to the Emperor!"