Chapter 903: I Am Just a Rough Man

Zuan smiled and said, "This time, I am on an imperial mission to investigate this case. Of course, I believe that no one in Prince Qi's mansion would harm Concubine Consort. However, the common people might not believe that. You know how quickly rumors and gossip spread. It's entirely possible that in a couple of days, rumors will be rampant in the market, claiming things like Prince Qi killed his wife to achieve enlightenment, or that Concubine Consort had a secret affair and was silenced. If we can confirm that Concubine Consort's death was indeed an accident, we can close the case immediately and silence the gossip. I'm also thinking about Prince Qi's reputation and dignity."

Han Fengqiu was speechless. Prince Qi had an excellent reputation among the people and was always known as the "Virtuous Prince." How could anyone speak ill of him like that?

If such malicious rumors were to surface, it would surely be because this guy deliberately spread them.

He knew very well that Zuan never played by the rules and would genuinely do such a thing if he didn't agree.

But how could he agree to something like examining the Concubine Consort's remains?

Soon, both sides argued fiercely, neither willing to yield an inch.

Just then, a curious voice came from nearby: "What are you arguing about here?"

Zuan turned his head and his eyes lit up. He saw several pairs of men and women standing not far away. Among them were several elegantly dressed noblewomen, all with beautiful features. However, the most striking person was the handsome man leading them – not that Zuan had any issues with his own preferences, but the man was simply too stunning.

His face was as flawless as jade, and his demeanor was refined and elegant. Although he appeared to be middle-aged, it didn't diminish his charm; instead, it added a polished brilliance refined by years. Coupled with his extremely luxurious yet tastefully modest attire, he was undeniably the center of attention wherever he stood.

Such a remarkably handsome man existed in this world?

Zuan was astonished, thinking, *He's almost as handsome as me!*

"Greetings, Princess Changshan, Lord Yu, Lord Lian, and Madam Lian!" Han Fengqiu saluted the group.

Zuan's heart stirred, and he already guessed who these people were.

Princess Changshan was the Emperor's sister, who had married a son of the Yu family years ago. Zuan observed her; she was only of average appearance, though her royal nobility added a slight appeal. However, her cheekbones were somewhat high, making her seem a bit sharp and severe. Coupled with a two or three-tenths resemblance to the Emperor, it was difficult to feel any real fondness for her.

The stunningly handsome man who almost rivaled Zuan himself was her husband, Yu Nan, the Vice Minister of the Secretariat. The man on the other side, who looked honest at first glance, was likely Lian Yu, the Grand Councilor of the Secretariat.

It was quite ironic that Lian Yu was clearly the head of the Secretariat, and Yu Nan's position could be considered his subordinate. Yet, when they walked together, Yu Nan subtly took the lead.

Besides Yu Nan's prominent personal charisma, it was probably also related to their family backgrounds.

Yu Nan was the eldest son of the illustrious Yu family of the Great Zhou Dynasty. His father was Yu Xuancong, the current Left Executive of the Ministry of Personnel, and the Yu family also controlled the nation's primeval stone business, making them as rich as a kingdom. Furthermore, many family members held high positions, truly making them one of the top three, if not the very top, influential families in the Great Zhou Dynasty.

As for Lian Yu, although he also came from a noble family, the Lian family was completely incomparable to the Yu family.

Moreover, Lian Yu's wife was Yu Nan's sister, making him a son-in-law of the Yu family. Walking alongside Yu Nan, the legitimate eldest son of the Yu family, it was inevitable that he would appear lesser.

Zuan glanced at the woman beside Lian Yu, presumably his wife. She was much prettier than Princess Changshan, truly befitting a woman from the Yu family.

The peerless beauty of Yu Yanluo flashed in his mind, and he thought, "The Yu family's genes are truly excellent; the men are handsome, and the women are beautiful."

"Mr. Han, what are you two arguing about?" Yu Nan was the first to ask. Although his tone was polite, he exuded an inexplicable air of arrogance.

Han Fengqiu didn't take offense; the other's status entitled him to his haughtiness. He then recounted what had just happened.

"So you're Zuan?" After hearing the explanation, not only Yu Nan but also the others looked towards Zuan. After all, he had been a hot topic in the capital recently.

Hearing his name called so casually, with a condescending tone of scrutiny, Zuan frowned slightly. "And who are you?"

Yu Nan's breath hitched. He wanted to introduce himself but felt it would diminish his prestige. For a moment, he was at a loss.

Lian Yu, standing nearby,'s lips curved slightly. He had endured much frustration from his brother-in-law over the years, and seeing him flustered was quite satisfying. Of course, he only enjoyed it secretly and didn't show it.

Fortunately, Han Fengqiu, understanding the situation, quickly introduced them, praising each person profusely along the way. Only then did Yu Nan's expression return to normal.

However, seeing her husband flustered, Princess Changshan was displeased. "I've heard that a crude and glib individual recently joined the Eastern Palace, always quick to gain an advantage with his words. Seeing you today, the rumors are indeed true."

Zuan smiled and said, "If I'm not mistaken, the Princess Royal is the Emperor's sister and should be very close to the Eastern Palace. So why, instead of helping the Eastern Palace on a daily basis, are you now criticizing someone who is getting things done for it?"

Princess Changshan's face immediately changed. Those words truly struck a raw nerve. She couldn't very well admit that she was also Prince Qi's sister, could she?

However, she saw no need to reason with Zuan. "How dare you be so disrespectful to me, the Princess!"

Rage points from Zhao Xiao +444!

The guards accompanying Zuan turned pale, thinking, *We've provoked Princess Changshan and so many other important figures. Are we going to lose our lives here today?*

Zuan secretly grumbled, *The Emperor and his siblings truly have a knack for getting on my nerves.*

"As the Princess Royal said, I am indeed a crude man in every respect," Zuan paused, then continued, "But I am currently investigating a case under imperial decree, and everything is handled impartially. If I have offended you in any way, I ask for your forgiveness."

The guards exchanged glances, astonished that Lord Zuan was so unyielding, daring to confront them directly.

Where did he get such nerve? He clearly had no powerful family backing him. Wasn't he afraid?

They, of course, didn't know that Zuan had even confronted the Emperor directly in the mystic realm and conversed casually with legendary powerful figures. How could a mere sister of the Emperor be worth his attention?

Since he couldn't defeat the Emperor yet, dealing with the Emperor's temper on a daily basis was enough. Who was this Princess Royal anyway?

Besides, she was closer to Prince Qi, so the Emperor wouldn't necessarily side with her.

"You dare to use the Emperor to pressure me!" Princess Changshan flared up in anger.

Rage points from Zhao Xiao +999!

"What's going on here?" At that moment, a familiar voice came from not far away. A crowd of people, surrounding Prince Qi, walked towards them.

Seeing this, Han Fengqiu breathed a sigh of relief and hurried over to whisper. Prince Qi quickly grasped what had just happened.

"Second Brother, this man..." Princess Changshan was interrupted by Prince Qi before she could finish.

"Seeing that you hadn't arrived, I came out to look, and unexpectedly found you here," Prince Qi said, smiling at Yu Nan and the others first, then turning to Zuan. "Lord Zuan, it's been a while. Your cultivation has advanced by leaps and bounds. You truly possess unparalleled talent for cultivation."

Princess Changshan and the others' hearts sank. Only then did they realize that Zuan's cultivation seemed to be around the ninth rank.

While a ninth-rank master wasn't uncommon among people of their status, a ninth-rank master so young was truly unprecedented.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, such a person was destined for a brilliant future. Even an ordinary ninth-rank master should not be easily disrespected, let alone someone like him.

Zuan gave a somewhat "shy" smile. "My aptitude is actually quite ordinary. I was even placed in the worst class at Brightmoon Academy. It's mainly due to good luck, perhaps good deeds are rewarded."

Hearing him say "good deeds are rewarded," the others nearly spat blood. This guy was truly shameless.

Prince Qi, however, thought a layer deeper. If Zuan's aptitude was ordinary yet his cultivation progressed so rapidly, it must be thanks to the "Phoenix Nirvana Scripture."

That divine skill was indeed as miraculous as the legends claimed!

At this thought, his eyes grew fervent. "Lord Zuan, you've arrived at a perfect time. I've prepared some humble wine here. Perhaps you would do me the honor of joining us?"