Chapter 446: Light and Familiar Road

Meanwhile, in another part of the manor, Sang Hong woke up with a blank expression. He then sat by the window, staring thoughtfully at the night sky, feeling as if he had forgotten something important.

Zheng Dan woke up and instinctively checked her clothes. She breathed a sigh of relief when she found them still neatly arranged, wondering how she had suddenly fallen asleep.

She went to the wall and carefully knocked on it. She and Zu An were staying next door to each other.

Soon, Zu An's teasing voice came from the other side: "What's wrong, Miss Zheng? Can't sleep in the middle of the night, missing me?"

Hearing his familiar voice, Zheng Dan breathed a sigh of relief, knowing he was saying that to deceive those outside. She retorted, feigning anger, "Missing you? Get lost! You're still alive?"

Outside the courtyard, a strange smile appeared on Huang Huihong's face. They say even a cornered rabbit will bite; to push the usually gentle Miss Zheng to such an extent, it was clear how badly Zu An must have tormented her.

King Liang and Liu Yao returned, reeking of alcohol. Seeing that the prisoners were safe and sound, they confidently went to sleep in the rooms prepared in the courtyard.

The next morning, as they were preparing to bid farewell to King Wu, King Wu invited them to stay for another day. "Yesterday was too rushed; I didn't have time to show my two uncles many unique things in Jibei City," he said, "like our most famous courtesan..."

King Wu had already prepared many enticing conditions, and his attitude was extremely sincere.

His subordinate, Sun Buqi, was even more eloquent: "I hear that ambushes and assassinations have been continuous along your journey. So, rashly setting off might not be a good idea. It would be safer to first send out scouts to gather information about the road ahead before you depart."

The two were finally persuaded. King Liang stroked his beard and said, "For Xiao Yan's filial piety, we'll stay one more day. But it's just one more day at most; we can't stay tomorrow."

King Wu chuckled, "Of course, of course, Xiao Yan wouldn't dare delay the court's important business."

Yun Yuqing, standing by, forced a smile. She had hoped that King Liang and the others would insist on leaving, so she wouldn't have to carry out that task. Unfortunately, it seemed she still had to go.

Evening quickly arrived. The King of Wu's residence hosted a banquet even grander and more extravagant than the previous night's. Even King Liang and Liu Yao, accustomed to grand spectacles in the capital, found it refreshing.

Yun Yuqing accompanied them briefly before getting up to excuse herself and leave. King Liang and Liu Yao naturally did not try to stop her.

Although this grand-niece-in-law was beautiful, she was untouchable. She was less substantial than the dancing girls.

With her presence, everyone felt constrained. Her departure was just right.

King Wu smiled and nodded to his wife, but secretly transmitted a message using his vital energy: "Yuqing, I'm counting on you. You must get the 'Phoenix Nirvana Scripture'."

Yun Yuqing did not respond. With no expression on her fair face, she walked directly towards the back hall, leaving only a graceful silhouette behind.

King Wu's mind was also in turmoil at this moment. He knew this was his last chance to call a halt; once his wife left, he would no longer be able to stop what was to follow.

His hand rose several times, but in the end, he did not call out to his wife.

He didn't know if his decision was right or wrong. On one hand, he felt immense pain, yet on the other, he felt a flicker of anticipation. His heart was filled with such conflict and struggle that his body began to tremble involuntarily.

He quickly raised his wine cup and drained it in one gulp, using the alcohol to conceal his agitation.

For the throne, everything was worth it!

He kept telling himself that, while in the darkest corners of his mind, exciting thoughts began to emerge.

He quickly drank another cup of wine to suppress his emotions.

King Liang, who saw this, could not help but laugh. "It seems Xiao Yan is in high spirits today."

King Wu replied with an apologetic smile, "It's a rare opportunity to accompany my uncles, so I'm naturally a bit excited."

King Liang laughed, "Xiao Yan truly has filial piety, and he's a considerate and good husband. That's excellent. When I return to the capital, I must speak highly of him to them."

At this moment, hearing the words "good husband," King Wu found them somewhat jarring. His smile became strained as he wondered how far Yuqing had progressed by now.

Meanwhile, after Yun Yuqing arrived at the inner quarters, she quickly summoned her demonic maids and continued towards the annex where the imperial prisoners were held.

She had been there once yesterday, so coming again today was familiar territory.

Because the guards' souls still bore the mark of the Eye of the Demonic Sky, they were quickly brought under control again.

After ensuring everyone was controlled, Yun Yuqing had her maids wait far outside, and she went in alone to find Zu An.

Seeing Yun Yuqing slowly walk in bathed in moonlight, she seemed to radiate a sacred glow.

Zu An could not help but exclaim, "My Lady, are you truly a demon, and not a celestial fairy?"

Yun Yuqing had been feeling low, but a slight smile appeared on her face after hearing his words. "Our demon race is not like what your human legends and stories portray us to be," she said. "Who says demons must be evil and monstrous?"

"So, seeing is believing," Zu An said, carefully examining her flawless, beautiful cheeks. "My Lady, you seem to have dressed up specially today?"

Yun Yuqing sighed inwardly. It wasn't that she wanted to dress up; her husband had sent maids to dress her. The thought made her heart grow colder.

"You jest, Young Master. I'm always like this," she said. She was unwilling to admit it, lest the other party take advantage of the situation.

Zu An paid no mind. "Beautiful people speak with confidence," he said. "So, since you chose to come to me today, what did you and your husband discuss?"

Yun Yuqing took a deep breath, calming herself, before speaking. "We can help you ensure the Chu clan is no longer targeted, and we will also make the Chu clan increasingly prosperous."

"These are your conditions after half a day of discussion?" Zu An sneered. "As everyone knows, I am no longer a member of the Chu clan. And even if I were, in this situation, why would I care about the Chu clan?"

"Young Master, why pretend you don't care?" she said. "If you truly didn't care, why did you sacrifice yourself to save the Chu clan back then? You could have clearly escaped at that time." Yun Yuqing spoke, clearly indicating that their intelligence on Zu An had been analyzed countless times.

"What does it matter if I did or didn't?" Zu An replied. "I've already helped the Chu clan once. I can't keep helping them indefinitely; I'm not that saintly."

"But if Young Master doesn't cooperate, we can also make the Chu clan perish in an instant," Yun Yuqing said with a chilling tone. "At that time, your wife, your sister-in-law with whom you have a good relationship, and even your beautiful mother-in-law, could all be sold to the pleasure houses. Such a tragic fate is clearly something you wouldn't want to see." At this moment, Yun Yuqing's demeanor seemed to reveal a hint of her demonic nature.

"Are you threatening me?" Zu An felt a surge of silent anger and stared coldly at her.

"It's not a threat, merely an explanation of the implications, Young Master," Yun Yuqing said with utmost calmness.

Zu An scoffed. "I've already said it: I helped the Chu clan once, and that's enough. I can't keep interfering in their affairs. Whether they prosper or perish, it has nothing to do with me."

"Besides," he added, "the Chu clan has existed for nearly a thousand years, and there's a reason for that. Even the Emperor hasn't been able to deal with them all these years. I don't believe a mere King Wu's residence can destroy the Chu clan."

Yun Yuqing bit her lip, not refuting him. After a moment, she continued: "Alright, then let's not talk about others, let's talk about yourself. We can risk creating an opportunity for you to escape. At the same time, various divine martial arts manuals and beautiful women will be yours to choose from. The world will be vast, and you can roam freely."

"Escape? Why escape?" Zu An shook his head. "Under heaven, every land belongs to the King. Where could I possibly escape to?"

Yun Yuqing was somewhat puzzled. "Does Young Master not know that going to the capital means certain death? If you escape, at least there's a glimmer of hope."