Chapter 950: Thousand-Mile Sound Transmission

"Huhu, don't be rude!" Kong Nanwu glared at the little fox, then turned her beautiful eyes to Zu An with an apologetic look. "My apologies, Young Master Zu, this girl of mine has no manners. By the way, I've read quite a few books myself, but I've never come across this *Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio*. May I ask where you acquired it?"

Zu An didn't mind the little fox's rudeness; after all, its current appearance was so endearing he wanted to cuddle it. "I encountered an old gentleman named Pu Songling many years ago," he explained. "He told me many strange and wonderful stories, which I specifically recalled and recorded for you, hoping you might enjoy them."

While bored in the Eastern Palace during the day, he had considered what gift to give Kong Nanwu to thank her for her help. After much thought, he settled on *Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio*. The book was filled with stories of various spirits, ghosts, and humans, which he thought would appeal to her, given her background as a demon.

Due to time constraints, he had only copied a small portion of it, leaving the rest for another time.

Kong Nanwu looked delighted. "So it's written by your own hand, Young Master. This is indeed a rare piece of calligraphy..."

As she spoke, she picked up the small booklet to examine it. Her smile instantly froze, for the handwriting was… undeniably a bit ugly.

Objectively speaking, the handwriting was within the range of an average person's script, but her discerning eye was accustomed to the works of renowned calligraphers. Compared to those, this script was quite unbearable to look at.

Zu An's old face flushed, and he cleared his throat awkwardly. "Please take your time reading, Miss. I have some family matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave now."

Without waiting for her to detain him, he departed as if making an escape.

The little fox pouted. "That fellow certainly knows himself well. That handwriting is an absolute eyesore."

Nanxun leaned closer and, after a quick glance, couldn't help but cover her mouth to stifle a giggle. "It is a bit ugly, indeed."

"It's truly ill-matched with his literary talent," Kong Nanwu mused with a smile. "No wonder he had someone else write his poetry before." As she spoke, she began to flip through the small booklet.

As she turned the pages, her initially nonchalant expression gradually showed traces of surprise and solemnity, and her reading pace quickened.

Huhu, the little fox, busily groomed her fur, which had been ruffled by her mistress. She grumbled, "That guy is ridiculous. Miss helped him so much, and all he gives is a tattered book with such ugly writing."

Nanxun chimed in, echoing her sentiment. "Exactly! I helped him too, but I didn't see him give me any gift. Men are truly fickle and ungrateful creatures."

Hearing her sour remark, Kong Nanwu chuckled. "Who said he didn't give you a gift? Isn't this story specifically written for you?"

Nanxun paused, then leaned over to where Kong Nanwu was pointing. The title *A Chinese Ghost Story* clearly stood out.

She gasped and quickly began to read on. With her current mental prowess, she read through the story swiftly, finishing it in no time. Her face flushed alternately red and shy, indicating her emotions were greatly stirred.

At that moment, Kong Nanwu huffed. "What does he mean by this 'Black Mountain Old Demon'? Is that how fierce and vicious he sees me in his mind?"

Nanxun immediately spoke up in Zu An's defense. "Oh, come on, Young Master Zu said it himself! This isn't his own writing; it's a story told by an old gentleman he met previously."

"For someone who was once a royal concubine and an imperial spy, how can you be so naive?" Kong Nanwu exclaimed, looking exasperated. "While I haven't read every book in the world, I've certainly read a great many, yet I've never heard of this *Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio*."

"Perhaps that Pu Songling hasn't made a name for himself yet, which is why the book isn't well-known?" Nanxun offered a guess.

Kong Nanwu shook her head. "Impossible. Someone who can write such a book possesses great talent; how could they remain unknown? Moreover, the writing style of this book is completely different from the mainstream styles in the world, making it truly refreshing. Besides someone with his talent, who else could write such a thing?"

"Miss, are you saying this Pu Songling is Young Master Zu's pseudonym?" Nanxun asked, both surprised and delighted. "But why would he use a pseudonym?"

"I've had a quick look," Kong Nanwu replied, a hint of joy on her face. "Many of these stories touch upon the love between demon spirits and humans, and between the lines, there's a clear sense of sympathy and admiration for those demon women. He's likely a court official who doesn't want to be attacked by political enemies because of this book. The last time, when he said, 'Pity the unsettled bones by the river, still dreaming of home from within their chambers,' I knew he was different from ordinary humans. Now it's clear: he truly has no prejudice against us demons."

Hearing her praise Zu An, Nanxun felt an inexplicable joy and happily declared, "Young Master Zu is indeed a remarkable man..."

As she spoke, her face suddenly flushed, and she secretly added in her mind, *in every aspect*.

The little fox, meanwhile, pouted and said, "I think that fellow has ulterior motives. Isn't he clearly trying to seduce you, Miss, by deliberately writing these love stories between demons and humans?"

Kong Nanwu was momentarily stunned, and a rosy blush slowly crept onto her cheeks. "Don't talk nonsense," she admonished. "He also wrote stories about foxes in this collection. Is he trying to seduce you as well?"

"Are there really foxes?" The little fox, who had initially looked scornful, immediately perked up and bounded over to flip through the book, quickly becoming engrossed.

Kong Nanwu exclaimed anxiously, "Hey, don't snatch it! I haven't finished reading yet!"

"I want to read too! I want to read too!" Nanxun also crowded over, and the mistress and her attendants quickly dissolved into a playful tussle.

***

After leaving Hongxiu Manor, Zu An returned home, where a servant reported, "Young Master, you're finally back! The Third Young Master has come looking for you several times."

Most of the household servants were from the Chu family, so they naturally referred to Chu Youzhao as "Young Master."

"What does she want with me?" Zu An asked, curious.

"It seems he wanted to ask you for a piece of calligraphy," the servant replied. "He stayed here very late last night, unwilling to go back, just waiting for you. Later, members of the Qin family came and took him home, and he waited for you here again for a long time this morning."

Zu An's eyelids twitched. His "calligraphy" had just been ridiculed by several women; how could he possibly write again and damage his reputation?

"Understood."

The events of the past two days had given him such a headache that he had no mind to deal with a child.

Just as he was about to turn and leave, he heard the servant add, "Oh, and the Third Young Master also mentioned that the Eldest Young Lady entrusted him with something to give to you, Young Master..."

"Why didn't you say so earlier!" Zu An's brow furrowed, and he quickly headed outside, curious. He hadn't heard any news from Chuyan in a long time and wondered how she was doing.

Midway there, Zu An remembered how Youzhao had waited for him in vain for two whole days. She must be feeling quite resentful, and it wouldn't be good to arrive empty-handed.

Of course, he dismissed the idea of giving her calligraphy. He knew Chu Youzhao's nature; she had no interest whatsoever in calligraphy, and her request for his "ink-treasure" was purely on a whim.

Remembering her playful nature, he rushed to the street and bought a large assortment of small trinkets: clay figures, Nine Links puzzles, bamboo dragonflies, paper lanterns, shadow puppets, and the like. Only then did he head to the Qin residence to find her.

Previously, he would often be met with a closed door at the Qin residence, but now, the Qin family members treated him like an esteemed guest. The Qin brothers welcomed him warmly, asking after his well-being, seemingly afraid of any lapse in hospitality.

After much effort, he finally managed to send the two brothers away and reached Chu Youzhao's room. Since Chu Youzhao was perceived as a male by most people, there was naturally no need for discretion.

When Chu Youzhao first saw him, she puffed out her cheeks in annoyance and pretended to ignore him. However, her attention was immediately captivated when he produced a pile of strange and curious trinkets.

She listened enthusiastically as Zu An explained how to play with each item. As she played, her eyes suddenly reddened. "Ever since I was little, I've been raised as a boy," she said. "I've never played with these things, and I dared not voice my longing for them. Only you, Brother-in-law, are truly kind to me."

Zu An was taken aback, realizing that beneath her seemingly cheerful demeanor, she had lived a deeply suppressed life for years. "Don't be sad," he comforted her. "From now on, whatever you want, your Brother-in-law will secretly buy it for you to play with, okay?"

"Brother-in-law is the best!" Chu Youzhao exclaimed, hugging his arm, her eyes curving into crescent moons as she smiled.

Zu An quietly withdrew his hand. This young girl had no idea about maintaining proper boundaries.

Just then, he heard her say brightly, "Brother-in-law, let's play shuttlecock together! I usually don't dare to ask the maids to play this with me."

Zu An was speechless.

What grown man plays shuttlecock?

He was about to refuse, but seeing the watery, pleading look in her eyes, his heart softened, and he agreed.

"Oh, that's right!" Chu Youzhao patted her head. "Sister has a letter for you. You can read it, then play with me properly and without worries." She hurried into the room and quickly emerged with a letter.

Zu An took the envelope, looking at her with some suspicion. "You didn't peek, did you?"

"Of course not!" Chu Youzhao bounced up high, then her gaze shifted unnaturally around the room.

Zu An was speechless.

Well, your expression had completely given you away.

As he opened the envelope and read its contents, his expression suddenly grew serious.