Xingluo City, Zhu Manor.
The Zhu family had been granted the title of prince, standing as equals with the nation itself, and even possessed the only kingdom-sized fief in the Star Luo Empire.
Of course, the Star Luo Empire would never truly allow the Zhu family to rule it autonomously. They were rely entitled to the tax revenues, while the actual administration was handled by officials appointed by the empire.
As the second most powerful noble family in the empire, the Zhu family held an esteed position in court. Their mansion was located closest to the imperial palace.
On this particular day, Prince Zhu had just returned from the palace, his face clouded with worry.
Seeing him enter the room in such a state, Madam Zhu curiously asked, "What happened?"
Prince Zhu let out a heavy sigh. "It's about Zhuqing again. The emperor was probing ! He still doesn't want Zhuqing to have a male ntor. Sending Zhuqing away was always ant for her to reunite with Dai Mubai."
"But she ended up taking soone else as her master instead, refusing to et with Dai Mubai."
Prince Zhu gritted his teeth, clearly frustrated.
His anger wasn't directed at Zhu Zhuqing but at the Star Luo royal family—what they were doing was simply intolerable!
Despite the Zhu family's apparent prosperity, the n of the Zhu family lived in constant frustration.
Their daughters were all used as pawns in the royal family's power struggles. Even though one of them might eventually beco the empress, the royal family remained highly vigilant against them. They were even forbidden from marrying royal won.
It was as if the Zhu family only had daughters to offer.
Madam Zhu frowned slightly. She was no ordinary housewife—she was a Soul Emperor-level soul master and also the younger sister of the current empress. She said coldly, "Zhuqing is learning very well under that teacher."
"That teacher is already a married man, and you, as her father, are providing oversight."
"Even with all that, they still won't agree?"
Her tone grew colder as she spoke, her voice tinged with irritation. "I must speak to my sister about this!"
Prince Zhu let out another long sigh, his eyes filled with resentnt.
The Zhu family was not as ruthless as the Star Luo royal family.
Thinking about how one of his daughters was destined to be stripped of her cultivation and exiled to a remote region, condemned to a life of loneliness, filled him with a deep, unbearable sorrow.
"I'll try to buy Zhuqing more ti. That Mister Dan Heng... he is a true master of theory," Prince Zhu said quietly.
He knew very well that even with his influence, he could not delay the inevitable for long.
The authority of the Star Luo royal family was absolute.
If he refused to act, the Star Luo royal family would take matters into their own hands.
At that point, they might simply dispatch soldiers to a small city and directly capture Zhu Zhuqing.
anwhile, in Xingluo City, Dan Heng and his group had finally arrived.
They found an inn and settled in.
Dragon Duke ng Shu planned to take his leave after sharing a al with them.
"Dan Heng, my young friend, I will be staying at my brother's residence for ten days or so. If you encounter any trouble, you can always co to ..." ng Shu provided his address.
Dan Heng thanked him but had no intention of seeking him out.
"Brother Dan Heng, I'm truly glad I got to know you. You're the man I admire most! I raise this cup to you!"
ng Yiran's cheeks were flushed as she downed a full cup of wine.
Gu Yuena chuckled softly, her eyes flashing with amusent.
Did she not see through this little girl's intentions?
Unfortunately, not only was her husband utterly uninterested in won, but in terms of beauty, Gu Yuena was confident she was second to none.
She smiled and said, "Yiran, you're a lovely young girl. Many n will pursue you. Look carefully, and you'll surely find your perfect match."
She was making it clear: stop eyeing my husband!
ng Yiran gave a sheepish smile and muttered weakly, "But I don't think I'll ever find another man like Brother Dan Heng..."
Her gaze toward Dan Heng was filled with admiration and longing, even though she was doing her best to hide it.
The Dragon Serpent couple exchanged glances and sighed inwardly.
What a pity! If only Dan Heng weren't already married—they would have loved to arrange this match!
Having him join the ng family would have been a dream co true.
Gu Yuena pressed her lips together in a slight smile. If the term "green tea" existed in this world, she would have slapped it right onto ng Yiran's forehead.
Zi Ji sneered, "No matter how great my brother-in-law is, you won't get a chance! He's already married to my sister!"
She had no patience for ng Yiran's little sches and was completely unconcerned with etiquette.
ng Yiran's expression darkened slightly. She lowered her gaze, sighing softly. "That's true..."
Dragon Duke ng Shu glanced at his granddaughter, then at the nearly empty dishes on the table, thanks to Zi Ji's appetite.
Finally, he said, "Sending off a friend must eventually co to an end. Dan Heng, if you have ti, do visit for a chat!"
After a few more words, the Dragon Serpent family took their leave.
Once they were gone, Gu Yuena clung to Dan Heng's arm and said warmly, "Husband, let's go for a walk around the city, shall we?"
Dan Heng nodded. Since this was ant to be a honeymoon trip, he had no reason to refuse such a small request.
"I'll stay at the inn," Zhu Zhuqing quickly said.
She had made up her mind—she wouldn't leave the inn until they returned to their small town!
Surely, the Star Luo royal family wouldn't be able to find her this way!
She absolutely could not bring trouble to her teacher!
Zi Ji eagerly raised her hand. "Sister! I want to co too! The food here isn't as good as what Brother-in-law makes. It's boring. I want to have so fun!"
"You stay here. You can eat whatever you want..."
Gu Yuena patted Zi Ji's shoulder and smiled at her.
Zi Ji imdiately felt a chill run down her spine and shivered, not daring to argue further.
"Let's go, husband."
Gu Yuena leaned against Dan Heng as they left the room together.
Outside the inn, the Dragon Serpent family walked along the street, chatting.
ng Yiran kept her head down, looking disheartened.
She said nothing, her mind consud by thoughts of Dan Heng.
Even though he had spoken less than ten sentences to her throughout their journey, she had already fallen deeply for him.
A young girl's first love was like this.
Once the spark was lit, it fueled endless fantasies, idealizing the object of affection and letting love consu her.
Just look at Bibi Dong and Liu Erlong...
Now, ng Yiran was following in their footsteps.
Chao Tianxiang looked at her granddaughter and sighed. "Yiran, Dan Heng is a fine young man. We like him too. But he's already married—he can't possibly marry into our family."
ng Yiran gave a dispirited "Mm" and said no more.
Then, Dragon Duke ng Shu suddenly spoke.
"Yiran can still find ways to spend more ti with Dan Heng. You're all still young. There's no rush for marriage."
Chao Tianxiang and ng Yiran both turned to him in shock.
Did he an... for Yiran to beco a mistress?
No matter how much they admired Dan Heng, they would never let their granddaughter suffer such humiliation!
"I noticed that Dan Heng's wife... her complexion is terrible. She seems to be gravely ill..."
(End of Chapter)
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