The Aloof Lord's Mysterious Wife
Chapter 620: What’s Wrong With Becoming a Man? The Key is Martial Prowess!

Chapter 620: What’s Wrong With Becoming a Man? The Key is Martial Prowess!

Song He still refused to speak. "Master, this matter is of great significance. If you knew, there’s a high chance you’d be targeted for assassination by the Ninth Prince and the Chu family!"

Elder Cao immediately grew alert. He gripped Song He’s hand tighter and leaned closer. "It’s related to the Chu family?"

Song He hesitated.

"No matter in the past or present, this old body of mine has never feared authority!" Elder Cao declared. "The Ninth Prince and the Chu family may control everything under heaven, but they cannot suppress the truth and the people’s voices!"

What’s more, the Chu family had been thriving for far too long. Whether in civil or military affairs, they had influence everywhere. With the Ninth Prince, their son-in-law, holding military power, how could this continue? At this rate, the Mu Nation would be split—half controlled by the Ye family, and the other by the Chu family!

Song He lowered his voice. "Master, I overheard something I wasn’t supposed to at the Chu family wedding."

He recounted everything the spice merchant said, embellishing as he went along. He also shared his analysis of Chu Yan’s suspicious background in detail.

It wasn’t without reason that he knew so much. Chu Yan, a mere child, had directly become his superior after achieving a single merit, without even taking the imperial examination. Song He felt resentful and began digging into everything about Chu Yan.

He had assumed Chu Yan was an empty figurehead, only to discover the boy had genuine skills. Whether it was solving cases or apprehending criminals, Chu Yan could handle it all with impressive efficiency. The Dalisi Procuratorate Minister never openly praised Chu Yan, but in private, he admitted the boy was outstanding—a true talent cultivated by the Chu family.

Jealousy surged within Song He. These noble families always seemed to excel, leaving those from humble origins to struggle their way up step by step.

Elder Cao, however, didn’t overthink like Song He. Hearing Song He’s detailed but speculative analysis, his expression darkened. "I thought you had solid evidence. Turns out, it’s all conjecture. Do you realize the gravity of slandering someone’s lineage?"

Not to mention, accusing Chu Yan of being Emperor Qi’s brother was an unparalleled insult to everyone involved!

"Master, don’t you think it’s suspicious that the timing aligns so perfectly?" Song He pressed anxiously.

"It might truly be a coincidence. I know Chu Hanlin well enough. If Chu Yan were a prince from an enemy nation, why would he raise him and groom him for success?" Elder Cao waved dismissively, unwilling to hear more.

Song He persisted, "Master, you’ve mentored so many people, believing them all to be upright. But later, didn’t some turn out to have embezzled more silver than the national treasury holds? If Chu Yan truly is Emperor Qi’s brother, Mu Nation is in grave danger! Since doubts exist, shouldn’t we investigate thoroughly to set our minds at ease?"

Elder Cao frowned deeply, his thoughts racing. Indeed, if Chu Yan were Emperor Qi’s brother, it would spell disaster. Chu Yan was highly capable. Although he was now only a junior official in the Dalisi Procuratorate, he was destined to rise to the central government. At that point, all of Mu Nation’s secrets would be exposed to Qi Nation.

He had devoted his life to Mu Nation and couldn’t stand by and watch an enemy spy infiltrate its core.

"You’re right," he finally said. "This matter must be thoroughly investigated."

Song He relaxed, having finally persuaded Elder Cao. He couldn’t investigate himself due to his low rank and lack of resources. Moreover, he didn’t want to stick his neck out—losing his position was one thing, but losing his life was another. Elder Cao was the perfect candidate.

"Master, how do you plan to investigate? If there’s anything I can do to help, I’ll do it without hesitation!" Song He said, feigning selflessness.

Elder Cao gave him a deep look, as if trying to see through him. The intense gaze made Song He feel uneasy and a little cold.

"I have my plans. Leave this matter alone," Elder Cao said calmly.

"Master—"

"Go!" Elder Cao’s tone turned stern.

Reluctantly, Song He left. Silence returned to the house, and Elder Cao found himself thinking of Madam Li and their son.

"So that’s how it is..." he chuckled bitterly. "Divorce might be for the best. If anything happens, they won’t be implicated."

No matter what, he wouldn’t allow Mu Nation’s foundation to be shaken—not even at the cost of his own life.

---

Chu Shuo’s wedding brought several days of celebration to the Chu residence. But official duties couldn’t wait. Chu Hanlin and Chu Ye went to the capital’s military camp, while Chu Huan and Chu Yan returned to their posts.

Meanwhile, Chu Yang, even on the day of his second brother’s wedding, practiced diligently. After completing a round of martial arts and internal energy training, he joined the procession to welcome the bride. If there was anyone more diligent than Chu Yang, it was hard to find.

Initially, Qi Mu could spar with him on even footing. However, after enduring a harsh winter, Chu Yang’s martial prowess soared. His Fire Cloud Spell had broken through to the sixth level, and his physical strength was unparalleled—he was like a fortress of steel. Now, Qi Mu couldn’t even last two moves against him.

Yet Qi Mu, seasoned from countless defeats in her wandering life, only became more determined. When not working, she sought Chu Yang for training.

Eventually, she realized the issue wasn’t her techniques but her internal energy cultivation. Chu Yang’s Fire Cloud Spell was simply too dominant.

Pondering this, she said, "Does Master Zhao need a daughter? If I became his adopted child, could I learn the Fire Cloud Spell?"

Chu Yang paused, then laughed. "Master Zhao still thinks of Miss Zhao often. He probably won’t take another daughter."

Qi Mu sighed regretfully. "What a shame. If I’d been born as Master Zhao’s daughter, I’d already be practicing the Fire Cloud Spell!"

Nanli, arriving at the training grounds, overheard this and approached. "Don’t feel too regretful. The Fire Cloud Spell is only for men. If women practice it, they’ll grow beards and their voices will become coarse like an ox’s."

Qi Mu’s eyes widened. "Is that true?"

Nanli nodded. "Yes. Master Zhao has already made the Fire Cloud Spell available to all sect disciples. It’s not a secret technique anymore."

Qi Mu pondered for a moment before declaring, "I want to learn it! Ninth Princess, could you speak to Master Zhao for me? Let me join the Flame Sect!"

Chu Yang, stunned, stared at Qi Mu. "Didn’t you hear what my sixth sister just said? Women can’t practice it—you’ll turn into a man."

"What’s wrong with becoming a man? The key is having great martial prowess!" Qi Mu replied, grinning. "Besides, if I became a man, no one would nag me about getting married. That’d be a blessing!"