Chapter 68: Angering Meng Yiran Three Times

Prince Zhu excitedly arrived at the hotel with Zhu Zhuyun in tow.

At the entrance, he adjusted his attire in the mirror and touched his ring.

Inside the ring was a generous gift he had prepared for Dan Heng!

Seeing her father being so meticulous, Zhu Zhuyun couldn't help but secretly curl her lips in disdain.

No matter how strong that titled Douluo was, he was still just one man. Could he really compare to their great noble family, whose fate was tied to the nation?

Moreover, that man was Zhu Zhuqing's teacher...

Zhu Zhuyun had a deep-rooted aversion to him and whispered, "Father, aren't you making too much of a fuss?"

Prince Zhu immediately turned to look at Zhu Zhuyun with a serious expression on his otherwise refined face.

"Zhuyun, you still don't understand the value of a titled Douluo. Let me ask you, the Spirit Hall has many titled Douluo, but have you ever seen them behave as arrogantly as Dan Heng did in the Star Luo Empire?"

Zhu Zhuyun thought for a moment and shook her head slightly.

Forget anything else—just the fact that he had stormed into the imperial palace and, in front of the Empress, directly killed a minister...

Even the titled Douluo of the Spirit Hall wouldn't dare act so brazenly.

If they did, the Star Luo Empire would immediately mobilize its army the next day to wipe out the Spirit Hall's presence in the region!

Yet, not only had Dan Heng done so, but he also had the backing of the royal ancestor, Dai Laozu.

"He... is very powerful?" Zhu Zhuyun asked tentatively.

Prince Zhu walked into the hotel while explaining, "That might be part of it, but more importantly, he has no factional ties—meaning he has no restraints."

"People like him are not to be offended, much like Poison Douluo from the Heaven Dou Empire."

"At the same time, they are highly sought after by various forces. If our Zhu family can gain his friendship, then..."

A complex glint flashed in Prince Zhu's eyes.

There were deeper political strategies at play, but he chose not to share them with Zhu Zhuyun.

After all, Zhu Zhuyun was already on track to become a key figure within the royal family rather than solely belonging to the Zhu clan!

Arriving at Dan Heng's room, they knocked several times but received no response.

A nearby attendant, who was cleaning the rooms, informed them, "The guests in that room checked out early this morning."

"What?!" Prince Zhu smacked his forehead in frustration.

If he hadn't taken time to prepare the gift and had shamelessly visited last night, he might have caught Dan Heng before he left!

Zhu Zhuyun remained expressionless, not seeing any great loss in missing Dan Heng.

In fact, she had no desire to see him at all.

The domineering Dan Heng from yesterday had left a deep, unpleasant impression on her.

His mere presence had been a slap in the face to the Star Luo royal family.

The identity she once took pride in—one she sought to glorify—meant nothing in his eyes.

Meanwhile, two horse-drawn carriages had already traveled more than thirty miles from Star Luo City.

Dan Heng's group and the Gaishi Dragon Serpent family were traveling together.

Inside the carriage, Gu Yuena nestled against Dan Heng, holding his large hand on her lap as she spoke in a gentle voice:

"Husband, let's move. I want to live in Heaven Dou City."

Her gaze burned with anticipation.

Since external pressure had failed to shake Dan Heng's peaceful life, she had to change tactics.

The reminder from Grandfather Meng Shu had given her a new idea.

If pressure didn't work, then she would use another method—just like how Zhu Zhuqing had apprenticed under Dan Heng.

As long as she made Dan Heng enter the sight of the upper echelons of society, even if they merely regarded him as a "reclusive master," it would slowly push him toward a new way of life.

Dan Heng frowned slightly, still undecided.

Leaving the small city had been an adjustment, but he had managed.

But moving to Heaven Dou City?

That city was a web of deep-rooted factions and entanglements... it made him hesitate.

Faced with his wife's expectant gaze, he found it hard to give an answer.

That evening, the two carriages stopped together as Meng Shu set up camp, spreading powder to repel soul beasts.

Everyone gathered around the fire. Gu Yuena leaned against Dan Heng, Zhu Zhuqing sat to his other side, and Ziji sat next to her.

This arrangement placed Meng Yiran a seat away from Dan Heng.

Meng Yiran glanced at Dan Heng, but her gaze was immediately caught by another—

A pair of incredibly bright and beautiful eyes... Gu Yuena's.

Dan Heng's wife!

Feeling as though she had been caught red-handed, Meng Yiran quickly averted her gaze.

The next moment, her grandfather's words rang in her mind—

"Dan Heng's wife is in poor health. You must be diligent."

Gathering her courage, Meng Yiran pulled out a small bottle of liquor from her robes. She passed it across Zhu Zhuqing and smiled sweetly:

"Dan Heng big brother, when roasting lamb, a good drink can help remove the gamey taste. This liquor is excellent..."

Dan Heng raised an eyebrow and was about to take it when—

Gu Yuena suddenly pressed down on his hand, smiling as she looked at Meng Yiran.

"My husband's roasted lamb is made just for me. I like the gaminess, so there's no need for your liquor. But thank you, little sister."

"Ah...?"

Meng Yiran blinked in surprise.

She realized that Gu Yuena had seen through her "sinister intentions" and effortlessly thwarted her move.

Gu Yuena's lips curved in amusement.

A mere little girl dared to compete with her for a man?

Glancing sideways, she noticed Ziji was completely focused on the roasting lamb.

Same ingredients, same cooking process, yet Dan Heng's lamb was undoubtedly the most delicious!

Ignoring Ziji, Gu Yuena turned her mischievous gaze back to Meng Yiran and came up with a wicked idea.

She suddenly clutched her chest and dry-heaved.

Though it was an act, Meng Yiran immediately noticed.

The others either didn't react or simply ignored it.

Gu Yuena subtly nudged Dan Heng, hoping he would show concern.

Dan Heng, knowing she was faking, refused to play along.

Gritting her teeth, Gu Yuena dry-heaved again, this time pinching Ziji's waist.

"Ah! Sister...!"

Ziji yelped in protest, looking at Gu Yuena with grievance.

She hadn't done anything this time!

Gu Yuena patted Ziji's shoulder and whispered, "I'm fine… just feeling a bit nauseous. Maybe… maybe I'm pregnant…"

Her face flushed red as she lowered her head.

Ziji looked dumbfounded.

What do you mean, pregnant?

Everyone's attention immediately shifted to Gu Yuena.

Meng Yiran was utterly stunned.

She hadn't minded the thought of Dan Heng losing his wife, thinking she could serve as a "replacement."

But if he had a child… did that mean she would have to become a stepmother?

That was way too advanced for a young maiden like her!

The most shocked person, however, was Dan Heng.

He racked his brain—he was fairly certain he hadn't done anything with Gu Yuena.

So how could she suddenly be pregnant?

Panicked, Dan Heng grabbed Gu Yuena's wrist and immediately probed her condition…

(End of Chapter)