“I want…” Seeing Zuan’s alarmed expression, Kong Nanwu couldn’t help but smile. “I want a new ‘Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio’ story. ‘A Chinese Ghost Story’ is good, but it’s too familiar and lacks novelty.”

"That's it?" Zu'an was a little stunned. He had been worried that her request would make things difficult for others, but he never expected it to be so easy.

"Young master, don't think it's simple. After all, it's already quite an achievement for an ordinary person to write a story like 'A Chinese Ghost Story' in their lifetime. Don't try to fob me off with just any story." Seeing that he was somewhat relaxed, Kong Nanwu couldn't help but remind him.

At this moment, Nanxun covered her mouth and laughed, "Since you can write A Chinese Ghost Story, you are no ordinary person. I suppose this kind of story is just a piece of cake for you."

Seeing the two women and the fox looking at him expectantly, Zu An secretly wiped away a cold sweat, thinking to himself that if he hadn't relied on the wisdom of his predecessors, how could he have come up with another wonderful story so quickly?

He thought for a moment and said, "Then this time I'll tell you a story called 'Painted Skin.' Once upon a time..."

He didn't follow the story exactly as it was in Liaozhai, but added plot elements from the movies "Painted Skin 1 & 2," since these young girls were more interested in love.

As expected, after hearing the story, Nanxun and the little fox burst into tears. Kong Nanwu was relatively calmer, but her eyes were red, clearly indicating that she was also deeply moved.

"That female ghost is so pitiful. She gave everything for love, but in the end, she bore all the tragedies and got nothing in return." Nan Xun wiped away her tears. She was now a female ghost in some ways, so she naturally felt more connected to the character.

Kong Nanwu frowned and said, "I think that female ghost is a bit too... a green tea bitch, is that what the word means?" She asked Zu An for confirmation, as she had learned the word "green tea bitch" from him. After receiving a positive answer, she continued, "Knowing that the other party was a married man, she still insisted on getting close to him and even used tricks to interfere in his life."

As a princess of the Peacock Royal Family, she was of noble status and would definitely be the principal wife if she were to be engaged. For example, she almost became the Crown Princess before, so she naturally had a sense of wariness towards mistresses.

Nanxun immediately retorted, "It's not as bad as you make it out to be. She's only doing it for love."

At this moment, the little fox spoke up in a soft voice: "I think the male lead is really bad. He already has a wife, but he still has ambiguous relationships with other women."

Upon hearing her words, several women in the room involuntarily turned to look at Zu An, making his scalp tingle: "Why are you all looking at me?"

"The male lead is actually not so bad. He remained unmoved by her presence. Even when he thought his wife was a monster, he didn't pry into her feelings. In fact, to prove that he wasn't someone who cared about appearances, he even went so far as to blind himself..." Kong Nanwu paused here, glanced at Zu An with a strange look, and smiled. "Does the young master also think the male lead is too scummy and subconsciously beautify this man a bit?"

Zuan said dejectedly, "The male protagonist in my story isn't based on me..."

He explained for a long time, but although the three women verbally believed him, their expressions said they all understood, leaving him with a deep sense of powerlessness.

After a while, Kong Nanwu brought up the matter of Zu An going to Zishan. Obviously, someone as well-informed as her also knew about the court's appointment: "Young master, this trip to Zishan will probably cause a great stir. I have received news that many martial arts practitioners will be heading there, but their purpose is unknown."

Zu An was taken aback: "Where did you get this information from?"

He was, after all, the regent of the demon race, whose status was much higher than hers, yet he hadn't received any information. Why could she?

"I've been in the human realm for a while now, and I've gained something along the way," Kong Nanwu said casually, though her face betrayed a hint of pride.

Zu'an didn't dare ask her for details about the intelligence network: "Thank you for the reminder, Miss Kong."

At the same time, I was a little puzzled. What was going on? Why did even those guys from the martial arts world dare to get involved in Zishan's affairs?

It's important to understand that the empire has gathered almost all of the world's elites. Although there are some skilled individuals wandering the martial world, compared to the vast imperial court, they are like ants trying to shake a tree—they would be too busy hiding to even think about it.

Kong Nanwu picked up the wine pot beside her and poured two cups of wine. She handed one cup to Zu An, the glimpse of her fair wrist peeking out from her sleeve complementing the jade cup holding the wine: "A cup of wine, wishing you a safe and smooth journey, young master."

"Thank you!" Zuan took the wine and drank it all in one gulp. At the same time, he was a little puzzled. Aren't peacocks green? Why is she so white?

...

After arranging various matters in the capital, Zu'an led a troop of Imperial Guards and skilled craftsmen prepared by the Ministry of Works to Zishan.

This time, Zhao Hao clearly attached great importance to it, sending a team of higher caliber than the one sent to Yunzhong County last time.

Not only were there more people, but two deputy generals of the Imperial Guards were also sent to accompany them.

The older man, with a ruddy complexion, was named Wang Bolin. He always looked worried, as if everyone owed him money.

The slightly younger one is named Zhang Zijiang. He usually smiles at everyone, but occasionally a glint of shrewdness flashes in his eyes, showing that he is not as kind as he appears on the surface.

Although the two expressed themselves differently, Zuan could sense the hostility in their hearts.

This is understandable, as both men were considered shrewd and capable in the Imperial Guard. They had served as deputy generals for many years and were recognized by everyone for their abilities and prestige.

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