Ji Dengtu’s eyes were flickering around the place. Every time he saw a beautiful woman, a perverted smile reminiscent of that of famous detective Mouri Kogoro would creep onto his face.[1]

Upon closer inspection, Zu An observed that the ones Ji Dengtu had his eyes on were mostly mature women, especially married ones. He showed no hesitation ogling at the wives of the patriarchs present, and his focus was mainly on Qin Wanru. He was staring at her so hard, Zu An half-expected his eyes to pop out.

This left Zu An a little stressed. He wondered if he should tell his father-in-law about this matter. After all, Chu Zhongtian did treat him pretty well, and he would feel bad if he got cuckolded. 

But then again, it was not as if Ji Dengtu was really doing anything at all. While ogling married women was both pathetic and hair-raisingly creepy, it wasn’t causing any real harm. Besides, he was still counting on Ji Dengtu to cure ‘little Zu An’. It wouldn’t be wise to get on his bad side.

This brought Zu An back to his original question. Given how lecherous Ji Dengtu was, why wasn’t he ogling Principal Jiang? Just her legs alone were more than enough to drive any man into a frenzy, let alone the rest of her stunning figure. Wei Suo’s infatuation was the clearest indication of this, but it seemed Ji Dengtu was blind to her obvious charms.

His mind drifted back to the four women who Ji Dengtu mentioned to him back then—Yu Yanluo, Shang Liuyu, Qiu Honglei, and Qin Wanru. He hadn’t mentioned Jiang Luofu at all! 

That doesn’t make sense. Shang Liuyu is from the academy, so logically speaking, he should have thought of Jiang Luofu as well. There must be a deeper meaning behind all this.

“I’m truly thankful that you were willing to make time to act as the judge of the tournament. With this, there should be no question about the fairness of the verdict.”

Jiang Luofu’s demeanor was cold, as usual, but that only enhanced her attractiveness. The crowd of men around her had heated looks in their eyes, and their eyes constantly flickered downward to take in the sight of her legs. 

That was all the self-control that the distinguished individuals surrounding her could muster. The other men in the clearing were much less restrained. They were staring so hard, it looked as if they were about to dive right into her skirts. 

Amidst this group of people, the only one whose eyes were clear and lust-free was Chu Zhongtian. This gave Jiang Luofu a better impression of his gentlemanly gestures. She replied, “You’re flattering me. The Chu and Yuan clans have many juniors in our academy. I’m just doing my part for my students.”

… 

Zu An scoffed under his breath as he saw the two exchanging pleasantries. “It looks like he has been henpecked for so long that he dares not show any hint of a cheating heart. After all, Qin Wanru is standing by his side and glaring at him.”

Weak!

His father-in-law had a thing or two to learn from him. Just look at how Chuyan doesn’t mind me checking out other women at all!

Of course, there was no way he would say those words aloud. If Chu Zhongtian were to know that he had been ‘bullying’ his daughter in such a manner, he would surely get a hell of a pummeling.

“The city lord has arrived!”

A huge procession of soldiers marched into the clearing, a slightly tubby, middle-aged man walking at their head. Despite his obvious tummy, his face retained enough charm that left no doubt that he had been a looker in his younger years. He was the city lord of Brightmoon City, Xie Yi.

Xie Xiu trailed behind him, the usual subtle smile on his lips. His cool appearance won him fervent exclamations from the female spectators gathered around.

The disparity in treatment ignited a deep jealousy in Zu An.

I’m definitely not beneath Xie Xiu in terms of looks. So why am I not as popular as he is? Is it because my usual lackadaisical attitude has fully concealed my true charms?

Haaa, women sure are shallow. Why can’t they recognize the interesting soul that lies inside of me?

Ehh, wait a moment! Who is that beautiful woman standing next to Xie Xiu? Is she his new girlfriend? That fellow sure has a way with women. Every few days, he has a new woman by his side, and every single one of them commands incredible charm. The one he has with him today is even more gorgeous than usual.

The woman had a shapely oval face complemented by her pointed eyebrows and snowy complexion. Her light green dress showcased her slender waist that could easily fit in the crook of one’s arm. 

She was a rival to both Zheng Dan and Wu Qing in both appearance and disposition. But unlike Zheng Dan’s demure charm or Wu Qing’s fiery character, she commanded a naturally tranquil grace that made those standing next to her feel a deep peace.

So this is what is meant by a refined, scholarly air!

Zu An eyed her more closely. Somehow, the woman bore a slight resemblance to Xie Xiu. His thoughts were interrupted by a sharp, biting remark from right beside him. “Pervert! You’re looking at women again.”

Zu An turned and saw Chu Huanzhao giving him a sharp glare. He burst into laughter. “If I’m a pervert, aren’t you one too?”

“How am I a pervert?” Chu Huanzhao asked in confusion.

“You keep staring at your brother-in-law’s handsome visage. How is that different from me staring at other women?” Chu Chuyan had just gotten up to accompany her parents to greet the various prominent figures who were just arriving. She was likely to become the future matriarch of the Chu clan after all, so it would be good for her to become acquainted with these people.

That was why Zu An dared to make these kinds of jokes.

“Who is staring at you?!” Chu Huanzhao’s face reddened.

“If you weren’t staring at me, how would you have known that I’ve been looking at other women?” Zu An retorted.

“I…” Chu Huanzhao was at a loss for words for a moment, but it didn’t take her long to come up with an excuse. “I’m just reminding you that it won’t be long before the tournament starts. You need to calm down and stop looking around.”

Seeing how bright red Chu Huanzhao’s face was, Zu An couldn’t bring himself to tease her anymore. “I know, I know. Oh yeah, do you know who that woman standing beside Xie Xiu is?”

“Ah, she’s Xie Xiu’s older sister, Xie Daoyun. She’s known as Brightmoon City’s most talented lady. Hmph! Instead of cultivating, she chooses to spend her time studying the zither, chess and whatnot. She’s just wasting her life!” Chu Huanzhao said with a pout.

Zu An was amused. “Are you sure you are in a position to criticize her? Is your cultivation higher than her, or do you have some remarkable talents that she doesn’t have?”

Chu Huanzhao immediately threw a tantrum. “I’ll sever all ties with you if you continue acting like that!”

Zu An laughed heartily. He was just about to say something when a sweet chuckle came from behind him. “It looks like a lot of interesting things have happened in the few days I haven’t been around.”

An arousing fragrance wafted over. Zu An turned his head around and saw a captivating figure standing before his eyes. Peach blossom eyes that were overflowing with hidden promises, and a pair of proud, sinful humps that prompted evil thoughts in men’s minds… Who else could it be but Pei Mianman?

“Big sister Pei~” Chu Huanzhao greeted Pei Mianman.

Pei Mianman had a friendly relationship with the Chu clan, and she was Chu Chuyan’s close friend as well. Naturally, she was acquainted with Chu Huanzhao.

Pei Mianman giggled softly. “Your mouth has gotten much sweeter over the last few days.” 

She took a seat before Chu Huanzhao and began chatting with her.

Chu Huanzhao’s gaze was drawn by the proud mountains that Pei Mianman carried around. She lowered her head to look at her own unimpressive plain, and her lips formed a subconscious pout. With a deflated voice, she asked, “Big sister Pei, why haven’t I seen you around the last few days?”

“I had some matters to attend to outside.”

“Ohhh. You’re just like my big sister. It feels like you’re always preoccupied with something.”

… 

Pei Mianman was doing a superb job of treating Zu An like a complete stranger. He couldn’t help but wonder if all women were born actors. With no one to talk to, he had no choice but to sit quietly. However, the light fragrance that Pei Mianman wore was a constant, pleasant distraction, and his eyes kept drifting toward her curvaceous body.

Well, this isn’t too bad as well.

“You said that you would help me find the accounting booklet I was looking for. Any clues so far?”

Zu An was still gorging himself on the beautiful sight in front of him when Pei Mianman’s voice suddenly rang in his ears, causing him to jerk in fright. He quickly looked up, but she was still facing away from him, chatting merrily with Chu Huanzhao.

Woah, this woman sure is a sinister one. Is she honestly trying to seduce a married man right in front of his sister-in-law?

Zu An was amazed.

“Hey, I’m asking you a question. Why aren’t you answering?”

Zu An knew that she was relaying her message to him through ki, but he had no idea how to do it himself. We will be exposed the moment I open my mouth!

So, he placed his finger on her back and started writing: What about you? You said that you would help me pursue Chu Chuyan. Has there been any progress?

There had been so many things keeping him busy all this while. Why in the world would he have bothered with whatever accounting book Pei Mianman was looking for?

Pei Mianman stiffened as she felt his finger on her back. A small sliver of black flame flickered into existence around her, which was quickly banished when she realized that Zu An was just writing on her back.

“You don’t know how to transmit your voice through ki?” Pei Mianman was baffled. 

The last time they fought, she had gone all-out against him. Despite being a fifth rank cultivator, she was unable to defeat him without resorting to her elemental ability. Given how powerful Zu An was, it was hard to believe that he was unable to transmit his voice through ki. 

Wait a moment, is he making use of this opportunity to take advantage of me?

A cold glint flashed across her eyes. A smile remained on her face as she continued to converse with Chu Huanzhao, but a murderous intent began to grow in the depths of her pupils.

You have successfully trolled Pei Mianman for 399 Rage points!

Zu An wasn’t some dense dolt. He quickly figured out what Pei Mianman was thinking, and hurriedly explained: My cultivation is pretty half-assed. I never had a formal education, so I can’t do most of the tricks other cultivators are able to.

Pei Mianman instinctively wiggled her body. Zu An’s moving finger was tickling her.

With what she knew about Zu An’s history, his explanation wasn’t entirely implausible. “Don’t touch me anymore. I’ll teach you how to transmit your voice through ki.”

Noticing Pei Mianman’s unnatural wiggling, Chu Huanzhao asked, “Big sister Pei, what’s wrong?” 

Pei Mianman’s face reddened. “It’s nothing. I just suddenly felt an itch on my back.” 

Luckily, the one sitting in front of me is the dumber younger sister. There’s no way my interactions with Zu An could have escaped Chy Chuyan’s notice.

Though, now that I think about it, doing this right in front of her could actually be quite exciting. It’s just a pity this fellow isn’t her real husband. Ahh, that makes everything boring.

Pei Mianman continued chatting with Chu Huanzhao while teaching Zu An how to transmit his voice through ki. It didn’t take long for him to master the skill, and their conversation became much smoother.

“Help me find the whereabouts of the accounting book first, and I’ll help you pursue Chu Chuyan.”

Help me pursue Chu Chuyan first, and I’ll find the whereabouts of the accounting book for you.”

“Are you testing my patience here?”

“Tsk. If that’s the case, we can call off the deal. I’ll tell the Chu clan about this, and we can just go back to how things were before.”

Pei Mianman felt herself at an impasse.

The negotiations came to a sudden halt, leaving an awkward silence hanging in the air. Fortunately, another commotion broke out.

“Governor Sang has arrived!”

“The Sunspring Duke has arrived!”

“Young master Shi has arrived!”

… 

The arrival of so many notable figures managed to draw even Chu Huanzhao’s attention. She turned to watch them curiously and remarked, “Sang Hong used to be the Vice Minister of Finance, and was in charge of the management of the salt and arms trade. Now, he’s been suddenly dispatched to the Linchuan Commandery to serve as the governor. What a coincidence it is that our clan deals in salt too, huh? Only a fool wouldn’t be able to tell that he’s been sent here to deal with us!

“That Sunspring Duke is more bad news. Not only is he Wu Qing’s father, but the Wu clan has never been on good terms with us either.

“Finally, the Shi clan is also on bad terms with us. It looks like all of the bad eggs have come together in a foul-smelling carton.”

Pei Mianman smiled quietly at this. She was more than pleased with how things were turning out.