Qin Wanru couldn’t contain her anxiousness. “This is just dancing on a tightrope! A single mishap and we’ll be done for!”
“We’ve no other choice. Unless we completely give up on our Chu clan, we can only steel ourselves and carry on.” Chu Zhongtian looked out at the night scene outside the Chu clan estate, his voice growing heavy. “Also, over the many generations, history has proven that, as long as we keep resisting, we still hold destiny in our own two hands. If we truly give up ahead of time, not only will we be unable to preserve the foundation of our Chu clan, everyone who relies on the Chu clan for their livelihood will be finished. That is why we have to persist.”
Qin Wanru patted her husband’s shoulder. Her heart broke when she saw the wisps of white hair around her husband’s temples. Her husband’s cultivation was already extremely high, and he was in his prime. However, toiling away under the huge pressure facing the Chu clan was making his hair turn prematurely gray.
They were truly fortunate to have Chuyan help him out with many matters. Deep in her heart, she hoped that her oldest daughter wouldn’t walk the same path as her father.
She hoped that Zu An could help Chuyan shoulder some of the burden.
Unfortunately, as soon as she thought of Zu An, that image immediately appeared in her mind. Her cheeks immediately grew hot.
She inwardly spat in disgust, throwing those thoughts out of her head. To her husband, she said, “Despite all that, it’s still too risky to help the Wang clan this time. Wouldn’t this be gifting Sang Hong a reason to drive us out, a reason he has been longing for all this while?”
Chu Zhongtian wore a worried expression. “We have no choice but to help them… The Wang clan has been our Chu clan’s ally for many years. Too many things have happened to them this year. If we still don’t help them out, their clan might really disappear.
“In Brightmoon City, the Yuan and Zheng clans do not get along with us, so we’ve always relied on our relationship with the Wang clan. Things will become much more difficult for us in the future if we let them collapse right now.
“On top of that, if we stand quietly by and watch our ally fall, who else would be willing to cooperate with us in the future? Wouldn’t that be that the same as pushing more people to Sang Hong’s side?”
Qin Wanru nodded. “I am aware of these things as well. However, misappropriating future salt permits is too dangerous. If even the slightest rumor got out, it could spell disaster.”
Chu Zhongtian held his wife’s ice-cold hand. He could sense her concern. “Don’t worry. Most of the salt commissioners are our own people. There shouldn’t be any issues.”
The salt commissioners always got along well with the Chu clan. Wang Fu knew this, which was why he had proposed this scheme.
“I hope this is the case.” Qin Wanru sighed deeply. Even though her husband’s hand was warm, her heart still felt completely cold.
…
The next morning, Zu An felt completely refreshed. After taking a shower, he noticed there were quite a few servants running around, which drew his curiosity.
When he saw that Cheng Shouping was also wrapped up in the commotion, he pulled him over. “What are you guys doing?”
“Of course we’re going to see Lady Qiu!” Cheng Shouping replied excitedly. “Everyone is talking about how beautiful she looks while combing her hair by the window!”
It wasn’t only male servants that were streaming across, there were a few maids as well. After all, none of these people would ever have a chance to go to the Immortal Abode in their lifetime. Qiu Honglei’s reputation was just too great, and all of them were dying to see for themselves just how beautiful the courtesan queen from the Immortal Abode could be.
“Perfect, let’s head over together then.” Zu An thought about how this girl came all the way here on her own, providing him with intelligence and affection. Even though he knew that she had other objectives, it would be a bit too heartless if he didn’t show any response.
“Young master, what are you in such a rush for?” Cheng Shouping couldn’t help but mumble. “She’s already yours, anyway. You get to see her every single day.”
Zu An gave him an annoyed look. “What? Are you scared that I’ll go too slowly and hold you back?”
Cheng Shouping’s fawning smile appeared instantly. “How could this humble one dare? Right this way, young master!”
By the time the two of them arrived at Qiu Honglei’s small residence, there was already a ring of people outside. The audible swallowing and whispers of admiration fully reflected their sincere admiration for Qiu Honglei’s charm.
“God damn, she’s pretty.”
“Is it because she smiles more? I feel like she’s even prettier than the first miss.”
“How could there be such a beautiful woman in this world? Look at how pretty her red lips are! On the other hand, our kid’s mouth exists solely for eating.”
“Sigh, that’s why we can only ever hope to be servant girls…”
“Sister Snow might have been able to give her a run for her money, but she’s not even around anymore.”
…
“Young master, this way! This is a good spot.” Cheng Shouping had darted into the crowd and back out again like a rabbit. He quickly found the best viewing spot, and beckoned the young master over excitedly.
“Idiot!” Zu An had a look of disdain on his face. He strutted forward, pushing aside everyone in his way.
Cheng Shouping finally got it. Considering the young master’s relationship with Lady Qiu, there was clearly no need for him to admire her secretly from a distance.
Sigh, the young master is so cool!
But why do I suddenly feel like crying?
Zu An walked straight through the throng of people, ruffling the feathers of the ones he shoved aside.
“Who is being so arrogant?!”
“Oops! It’s the young master… Haha…”
“What young master? Who knows if he even gets along that well with our first mis.”
…
Zu An wasn’t affected at all by the whispers of the crowd. He’d already established much higher standards for himself. Why would he bother lowering himself to arguing with these fellows?
“Sigh, the young master really is daring! He’s come out in the open to court Lady Qiu’s favor. Doesn’t he know what kind of person Lady Qiu is? Why would she give him the time of day?”
Even though many people knew about Qiu Honglei’s arrival at the Chu estate the night before, none of them were clear on the details of what had happened.
The consensus in the Chu estate was that she had been invited to give a performance, either by the first miss, or by the Master and Madam. No one believed that it could be anything else.
As the crowd continued to castigate him, Qiu Honglei finally caught sight of him. She lifted her skirts and ran over to him, a big smile across her face.
The disdainful whispers immediately came to a screeching halt. This sight was just too shocking!
The famous Qiu Honglei of Brightmoon City was running towards Zu An like a girlfriend in love!
What the heck?
Damn it all!
You have successfully trolled the servants for 66… 66… 66…