Qin Wanru said in a deep voice, "But this is like dancing on a tightrope. If we're not careful, we'll be doomed."

“There’s no other way. Unless we completely abandon the Chu family’s foundation, we can only grit our teeth and persevere,” Chu Zhongtian said in a deep voice, looking out the window at the Chu mansion in the night. “Moreover, the experience of past dynasties tells us that we have the ability to resist and the option to do so. If we give up in advance, not only will we lose the Chu family’s foundation, but we ourselves and countless others who depend on the Chu family for their livelihood will be at the mercy of others. So I must hold on.”

Qin Wanru patted her husband's shoulder and felt a pang of heartache when she saw the faint white hairs at his temples. She knew that her husband was a highly skilled cultivator and should be in his prime at this age, but he had been worrying about the Chu family day and night, which had caused him to develop premature gray hair.

Fortunately, Chu Yan has helped him a lot over the years, but Chu Yan must not follow in her father's footsteps.

Hopefully, he can help Chu Yan share the burden in the future.

However, the thought of Zu'an involuntarily conjured up an image in her mind, and her cheeks instantly flushed.

She spat inwardly, banishing those wild thoughts from her mind, and then said to her husband, "But helping the Wang family this time is too risky. Sang Hong is just looking for a reason to deal with us. Isn't this just handing them leverage?"

Chu Zhongtian also looked worried: "But there's nothing we can do if we don't help. The Wang family has been an ally of the Chu family for many years. They've had too many problems this year. If we don't help, the Wang family will really be finished."

“Now, in Mingyue City, the Yuan family and the Zheng family are at odds with us. We only have the Wang family to support us. If they fall, our situation will be even more difficult.”

"Furthermore, if we stand by and watch our allies get into trouble without offering assistance, who will dare to cooperate with us in the future? Wouldn't that indirectly push everyone to Sang Hong's side?"

Qin Wanru nodded: "I know all that, but the risk of misappropriating the pre-allocated salt quotas this time is too great. If even the slightest hint of it leaks out, we'll be in big trouble."

Chu Zhongtian took his wife's cold hand and sensed her worry: "Don't worry, most of the people in the Salt Transport Office are ours, so there shouldn't be any problems."

The Salt Transport Commissioner's Office had a good relationship with the Chu family, which is why Wang Fu dared to make such a suggestion before.

"I hope so." Qin Wanru sighed deeply. Although her husband's hands were warm, her heart remained cold.

The next morning, Zu'an woke up feeling refreshed. After washing up, he suddenly saw many maids and servants running in a certain direction outside the window, which aroused his curiosity.

Just then, someone with sharp eyes spotted Cheng Shouping among them and quickly grabbed him, asking, "What are you doing?"

Cheng Shouping said excitedly, "Of course we're going to see Miss Qiu. I heard she's combing her hair by the window, and she looks absolutely gorgeous."

In fact, not only servants went, but also many maids. After all, they had never had the chance to go to a place like Shenxianju in their lives, and Qiu Honglei's reputation for beauty was too great. They were all curious about just how beautiful the most beautiful courtesan in Shenxianju was.

“Perfect timing, let’s go together.” Zu’an thought about how Qiu Honglei had taken the initiative to come to his door yesterday, giving him information and expressing her love. Although he knew she had ulterior motives, it would be too cold-hearted not to respond.

Cheng Shouping couldn't help but mutter, "Young master, why are you in such a hurry? Anyway, she's all yours now. You can look at her every day from now on."

Zuan's face darkened: "What, do you think I'm too slow and holding you back?"

Cheng Shouping hurriedly put on a fawning expression: "How dare I, young master? This way, please."

When the two arrived at the small building where Qiu Honglei lived, a crowd had already gathered outside. Various sounds of people swallowing their saliva and expressing envy ultimately merged into the most sincere praise for Qiu Honglei's charm.

"I'm going to die, I'm going to die, it's so beautiful."

"Maybe it's because she smiles a lot, she seems even prettier than the young lady."

"How can there be such a beautiful woman in the world? Look at her gorgeous red lips. We women are just tools for making a living."

"Alas, so we are destined to be maids."

"When Sister Xue'er was alive, she brought honor to our maid class, but unfortunately, she's no longer here."

...

"Young master, come here, this is a good spot." Cheng Shouping had already darted around like a rabbit and quickly found the best spot to observe. He waved to Zu An with a showy look on his face.

"What a disappointment!" Zu An said with disdain, then swaggered through the crowd and walked inside.

Cheng Shouping then realized that, given the relationship between the son-in-law and Miss Qiu, there was no need for them to be so secretive.

Ah, the son-in-law is having a great time!

But why do I feel like crying?

As they entered Zaun, many people were pushed around and felt quite dissatisfied.

"Who is this arrogant guy?"

"Oh, it's the son-in-law."

"What son-in-law? Everyone in the manor knows what's going on between him and the eldest young lady."

...

Hearing the whispers around him, Zu An remained completely unmoved. His standards had risen considerably, so why would he lower himself to their level?

"Oh dear, the young master is incredibly audacious, daring to openly fawn over Miss Qiu. Who is Miss Qiu to possibly pay him any attention?"

Although many people knew that Qiu Honglei came to the Chu residence yesterday, most people did not know the specifics of her visit or who she was there for.

The Chu family guessed that either the eldest daughter had invited them, or the master and mistress had invited them to perform some kind of show; they never considered any other possibility.

Just as people were pointing and whispering, Qiu Honglei, who was by the window, saw him. A surprised smile immediately appeared on her face, and she ran out excitedly, lifting her skirt.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!