“I’m so useless, I only know how to play around every day… When something serious happens, I can’t even help mom or big sis. I’m not even as good as you.” Chu Huanzhao suddenly became dejected.
Zu An stared at her, speechless.
What do you mean, you’re not even as good as me?!
Despite this outrage, Zu An still consoled her. “You’re still young, you’ll be able to help out once you grow older.”
“Really?” Chu Huanzhao blinked, still doubtful. At least she seemed to have some self-awareness regarding her own abilities.
“Of course!” Zu An said firmly. This girl had always been compared to her big sister since she was little, so there was no way that she would have much confidence in herself. He knew the importance of encouraging her.
“Brother-in-law is the best!” Chu Huanzhao grabbed his arm. Her face was beaming with smiles.
Feeling the soft warmth on his arm, Zu An’s expression became a little strange. Why does it seem like this kid has grown recently…?
…
After all that effort, Zu An finally managed to console her. He returned to his residence, and found Old Mi watering the plants in the courtyard.
This fella looks like a gardener, but he’s actually a terrifying old fiend. Zu An cursed, but he had a brilliant smile on his face. “Greetings, Elder.”
Old Mi grunted in acknowledgment. He also smiled, but it seemed slightly terrifying on his ugly face.
Zu An asked, “By the way, Elder, the Chu clan is facing some difficulties right now. Since you’re so powerful, is there anything you could do to help us?”
Since this old man had chosen to hide in the Chu clan, Zu An figured that he was probably some Chu clan ancestor, or perhaps someone who shared a friendship with the Chu clan. There was no way he would remain indifferent to their plight. Having someone with his cultivation on their side would surely ease their current situation.
Old Mi shook his head. “The Chu clan’s foundations were slowly built up over a thousand years. How could it be destroyed that easily?”
What kind of reasoning is this? Zu An was puzzled. How could he say that a clan built up over a thousand years couldn’t be destroyed?
He couldn’t find a way out for the Chu clan, not when they were on the hook for sixteen million taels of silver. Even the four great clans of Brightmoon City together might not be able to put together that much cash.
“Stopping fretting over nothing. Why would the glorious Chu clan need to be rescued by a drafted son-in-law like you?” Old Mi scoffed. “Besides, the entire Chu clan added together isn’t as important as you. Your only job is to take care of yourself. You absolutely cannot let any danger befall to you.”
With that, Old Mi left. He clearly didn’t want to hear any more requests about saving the Chu clan.
Zu An cringed when he heard those words. Please don’t tell me that the old man was confessing to me.
Gross, gross…
Zu An went to the Unvoiced Residence several times in the evening, but Chu Chuyan never returned.
Zu An snuck into the meeting hall and discovered that it was still brightly lit. From time to time, people came and went, many of them trusted aides of the Chu clan.
Chu Chuyan was probably thinking of a way to save the Chu clan.
Zu An’s heart ached. His wife was beautiful, strong, and most importantly, capable. However, being too competent came with its own drawbacks. From a young age she had had to bear many responsibilities that she shouldn’t have had to.
In his previous world, all the young ladies around her age in his past world enjoyed their years of youth to the full. Simps willing to do their bidding crowded around them. Their days were spent in endless enjoyment. Where would anyone find a trace of such hardships in their lives?
Zu An drifted off to sleep in the Unvoiced Residence. The next morning, he was awoken by Chu Chuyan. “Ah Zu, come with me on a trip.”