Chương 34: I Will Still Fulfill My Duties As Your Husband!

Xiao Xuan pulled the heavy wooden door open. Standing in the dimly lit corridor was a pale, frantic servant, his chest heaving.

"What happened?" Xiao Xuan asked, his voice steady despite being abruptly woken.

"Young Master!" the servant gasped, bowing hurriedly.

"There has been a severe incident. The Patriarch has summoned you to the council hall immediately." Xiao Xuan frowned.

"Okay," he said, stepping out into the cool night air. He navigated the winding stone corridors of the estate. As he crossed an open courtyard, a soft flutter of wings caught his attention. A small bird, its feathers shimmering with a faint, unnatural blue light, swooped down from the dark sky. It hovered directly in his path, a tightly rolled parchment tied to its leg. A messenger bird?! Xiao Xuan extended his arm.

The bird landed lightly on his forearm, allowed him to untie the parchment, and instantly took flight, vanishing into the night.

"What is this about?" Xiao Xuan muttered. He unrolled the letter. His eyes scanned the elegant calligraphy. It bore the official seal of the Tang Auction House. … The atmosphere inside the Clan Council Hall was suffocating. The doors clicked shut behind Xiao Xuan, sealing him in a room thick with the oppressive Qi of furious cultivators. The elders were seated in their respective chairs, their faces grim. Standing near the Patriarch's elevated throne was Su Luoyang.

She wore her pristine white and silver robes, her posture unyielding despite the late hour. Seeing her safe and back in the estate, a smile broke across Xiao Xuan's face.

"Stupid boy!" Second Elder Su Jiang slammed his palm against the armrest of his chair.

"Do you know the magnitude of what has happened tonight? Why are you smiling?!" Xiao Xuan stopped in the center of the hall. He casually tucked his hands into his sleeves.

"I was smiling because my darling wife has finally returned," Xiao Xuan answered. Su Luoyang's brow twitched. She shot him a warning glare. The rest of the elders bristled, their expressions darkening.

"Xiao Xuan. This is serious." Patriarch Su Zhongtian's deep voice rolled through the hall, abruptly silencing another impending outburst from the Second Elder. The Clan Leader leaned forward, his face shadowed in the dim light.

"Our trade deal with the Tang Auction House is in jeopardy."

"I apologize, Father," Xiao Xuan said, offering a bow. He straightened his posture.

"And I am aware that our weapon consignment was ambushed, and the goods were stolen." The room fell silent. Su Luoyang stepped forward, her gaze narrowing.

"You knew? How?" Xiao Xuan pulled the small roll of parchment from his sleeve and raised it.

"I received this letter from Miss Zefei on my way here," Xiao Xuan said. He looked around the room, meeting the shocked gazes of the elders.

"She specifically wrote to tell me not to worry about the stolen goods. The Tang House will dispatch their own experts to assist in the investigation. Furthermore, she requested that we simply focus our efforts on preparing the delivery of the next consignment." The elders muttered among themselves, staring at Xiao Xuan. A collective exhale echoed through the council hall. Su Luoyang stared at Xiao Xuan, her face unreadable.

"That is wonderful news, Xuan!" Patriarch Su Zhongtian declared, a rare, booming laugh of relief escaping his chest.

"That is indeed fortunate," First Elder Su Zhongyong spoke, his raspy voice cutting through the relief.

"But it does not change the fact that our goods were stolen, Brother. This is a direct slap to the Su Clan's face."

"Goods occasionally get targeted by bandits outside Xianghai," Su Luoyang added.

"But this is the first time someone has dared to intercept a heavily guarded Su Clan caravan right in our own territory. I am afraid there are bigger powers at play here."

"Luoyang is right," Su Zhongtian said.

"The Tang House won't grace us a second time. We must quickly sort this matter out. Zhongyong, I'll leave it to you."

"Yes, Brother," Su Zhongyong replied, tipping his head.

"I recall hearing that the Gu Clan aggressively expanded their weapon business recently, specifically when our Spirit Creek was mysteriously damaged," Xiao Xuan interjected.

"Do you think they orchestrated this?" Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road. The elders all turned toward him, their expressions hardening.

"Do you have any proof, boy?!" Second Elder Su Jiang roared, standing up.

"Are you trying to start a war between the clans over a hunch?!"

"He makes a valid point, Elder," Su Luoyang intervened.

"Given the timing, it is absolutely worth keeping an eye on them. We cannot risk the Gu Clan approaching the Tang House to offer a replacement deal during this vulnerability."

"Ah! You do not have to worry about them approaching the Tang House," Xiao Xuan said, subtly tapping the letter in his hand.

"I spoke with Miss Zefei this morning. The Tang House is interested in this deal only because of the superior quality of our forged weapons. They won't entertain the Gu Clan. This letter proves it." Su Zhongtian leaned back in his throne, a heavy, commanding aura settling over the room.

"Then we will wait for the investigation to yield results," the Patriarch declared.

"Our manufacturing pace has already suffered. We must focus entirely on the forges and deliver the next batch to the Tang House as soon as possible. Meanwhile, send scouts around the Gu Clan's territory. It is best if we keep an eye on them." Su Zhongtian turned his gaze toward his brother.

"It seems our worries were in vain. Xiao Xuan already has the situation under control, Zhongyong," the Patriarch said. The First Elder offered a stiff, silent nod and turned away, sweeping out of the hall with the Second Elder trailing behind him. The other elders paid their respects and left, happily murmuring. The Patriarch looked back at his son-in-law.

"You did well tonight, Xiao Xuan," Su Zhongtian said.

"For now, contact Miss Tang and facilitate the next delivery."

"Yes, Father," Xiao Xuan replied, offering a crisp bow before turning to leave. Su Luoyang quietly followed him out into the corridor. The night air was much colder now, but the oppressive tension of the council hall had faded. Xiao Xuan slowed his pace.

"Thank you," Xiao Xuan said, glancing at Su Luoyang's profile.

"For what?" Su Luoyang turned to him.

"It was entirely because of your connection that the Tang House was so tolerant of this disaster."

"I wasn't talking about that," Xiao Xuan said softly.

"Thank you for convincing Father and Mother to allow me to cultivate."

"I didn't convince them. Father was already very pleased with your progress," she said.

"That is all. Just do not put your life at risk with reckless methods. Remember, I have no use for a dead husband." She walked past him, keeping her gaze fixed ahead down the corridor.

"Right. Love you too, Luoyang," Xiao Xuan said bluntly. Su Luoyang stopped in her tracks. She whipped around, her long ponytail slicing through the air like a blade.

"This is not a joke, Xuan. You—" Her expression faltered. Xiao Xuan was resting on one knee on the floor. In his outstretched hand, he held a small, polished wooden lockbox.

"What are you doing?" she asked, her voice losing its icy edge in bewilderment.

"Giving you a present," Xiao Xuan said, offering a warm, unbothered smile.

"Here you go." He held the box higher. Slowly, she reached out and took the small box. She opened the latch. Resting inside was an intricately carved blue jade hairpin, its length masterfully shaped into a soaring phoenix. She stared at it for a long second. Then, she abruptly snapped the box shut and thrust her hand forward to return it. Xiao Xuan smoothly stepped back, evading her hand.

"You can't return it," he said, brushing the dust off his knee. Su Luoyang gripped the box tightly.

"Listen to me, Xuan," she said.

"I have told you this before. I am grateful that you are helping me and assisting the clan. But I cannot fulfill my duties as a wife to you. Do not make these petty attempts…" Xiao Xuan simply smiled, holding her gaze.

"That is perfectly alright, Luoyang," Xiao Xuan said proudly.

"I will still fulfill my duties as your husband." Su Luoyang stood speechless.

"Luoyang—" A sharp voice echoed from the corner of the corridor. Both Xiao Xuan and Su Luoyang whipped their heads around. It was Xinyue. Su Luoyang quickly put the box into her storage ring.

"What is it?" Su Luoyang asked.

"Nothing, uh… Miss," Xinyue said slowly, staring at them with a doubtful expression.

"You didn't return, so I came to find you…" Xiao Xuan suddenly felt the blood rush to his face. His face instantly burned as red as a tomato.

"I—I'll leave first! Good night!" Xiao Xuan blurted out, quickly spinning on his heel and speed-walking down the corridor as fast as possible. Xinyue slowly crept forward, watching his retreating figure before looking at Su Luoyang.

"What happened, Luoyang?" Xinyue whispered.

"Why was he blushing so much?"

"It is nothing," Su Luoyang said quickly. She turned and continued down the corridor. Her posture remained as flawless as ever, but Xinyue couldn't help but notice the subtle shade of pink dusting her mistress's cheeks. … Meanwhile, deep inside the main estate, the Patriarch returned to his chambers.

"Where were you?" Liang Shufen demanded the second her husband stepped into the room. Su Zhongtian sighed, removing his heavy outer coat.

"There was an issue with the consignment being transported to the Tang House tonight. The goods were ambushed and stolen."

"What?!" Liang Shufen shouted, stepping forward.

"Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

"Relax, Shufen. I did not want to worry you unnecessarily," Su Zhongtian consoled her, walking over to pour a cup of tea.

"Besides, the matter is already sorted."

"Sorted? How?" Liang Shufen asked, her fiery temper momentarily pausing in surprise.

"Assigning Xiao Xuan as the liaison was the absolute right choice," Su Zhongtian said, taking a slow sip.

"The Tang House did not press the issue. Miss Tang personally assured him they will support our investigation while we simply prepare the next batch. There will be no penalties." Liang Shufen fell silent for a moment.

"Truly, that boy is a blessing for our family," Su Zhongtian muttered.

"Hmph!" Liang Shufen scoffed, crossing her arms.

"But why would that Tang woman go to such lengths for Xuan? The benefits of their relationship are well and good, but must he be this close to her? He is married to our daughter, yet he is flirting with another woman. What will others think…"

"We cannot do anything about that, Shufen. Let the kids manage their own relations," Su Zhongtian reasoned.

"Besides, since the trade crisis is resolved, we can proceed with our original plans. We can head to the Capital without any worry."

"Did you inform them?" Liang Shufen asked.

"No, we will inform them over breakfast tomorrow," Su Zhongtian replied.

"Hmm. But let us take Luoyao along with us to the Capital," Liang Shufen suddenly said. Su Zhongtian paused, looking back at his wife.

"Why? Let her stay here. She is not interested in such events and will be grumpy throughout the trip. It will be troublesome for all of us."

"I do not like that she is getting so close with Xiao Xuan," Liang Shufen muttered.

"Haha, why are you like this?" Su Zhongtian laughed, shaking his head.

"She is just a kid. Let her enjoy having an older brother."

"A kid?" Liang Shufen berated, stepping closer.

"She secretly went off with him to the market yesterday! And he bought her every single useless item I have been denying her for months! What is he trying to prove? That he is a better provider than me? He is spoiling our daughter. How can you allow it?" Su Zhongtian sighed, realizing there was no winning this argument.

"Fine, fine," Su Zhongtian consoled her gently, resting a hand on her shoulder.

"I will thoroughly scold them both for that tomorrow morning. Now, let's rest. Come on. We have a long trip tomorrow." Liang Shufen huffed, finally letting the anger bleed out of her as she followed her husband to bed.