Martial Arts Crossover: It All Started with Hijacking Li Canghai

In the original novel, Ruan Xingzhu was one of Duan Zhengchun's many lovers, and she gave birth to two daughters, Azhu and Azi, for him. The book mentions that Ruan's family had very strict discipline, and because she was pregnant out of wedlock, she dared not bring her daughters home and had to cruelly give them away to be raised by others.

However, her whereabouts were only briefly mentioned, and the specific family background of the Ruan family was not described in detail.

Could it be that Ruan Xingzhu's situation has changed in this world?

If the Ruan family, for the sake of their own interests, were to marry Ruan Xingzhu to someone from the "Number One Imperial Merchant in the World," the Chai family, such as Chai Shen, who served as the Crown Prince's tutor in the imperial court?

That makes sense!

Why did Ruan Xingzhu become the "Madam Ruan" of the Chai family? Why was she able to take charge of the Chai family's business in Dali, an important port city? It was clearly because she used her position to facilitate her secret rendezvous with her old lover, Duan Zhengchun!

Once he had sorted out his thoughts, Qin Han's gaze toward Ruan Xingzhu became somewhat strange.

"Tsk tsk, this woman's husband is Chai Shen. I wonder if Chai Shen, who won the title of Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince, knows that he's being cuckolded..." He chuckled to himself. Everyone says that Yang Guo is the succubus in Jin Yong's novels, but I think Duan Zhengchun is the real ancestor.

Just as Qin Han finished complaining in his heart, his keen senses suddenly detected a figure moving behind the screen, and a gaze flashed through the gap in the screen.

Qin Han's heart skipped a beat. Was someone spying on him?

But he didn't make a fuss, just pretended to be oblivious, thinking: There might be Ruan Xingzhu's guards or something behind this screen, but they pose no threat to me, so there's no need to take them seriously.

He put on a grateful expression and clasped his hands in thanks to Madam Ruan again, saying, "Madam is so hospitable. I am very sorry to have troubled you during this trip. Thank you in advance."

"Young master, you flatter me." Ruan Xingzhu shook her head slightly, got up and walked to the table. She personally picked up an exquisite wine pot and poured a cup of wine for Qin Han.

"I don't think you're from Dali. Could you be from somewhere else, traveling around here?" She gently pushed her wine cup towards Qin Han, her alluring eyes fixed on him. She once again used her seductive charm to try and probe Qin Han's background. It must be said that this woman was truly bold, not afraid that Qin Han might suddenly turn on her.

"Thank you, Madam." Qin Han picked up his wine glass as if he hadn't noticed anything. Mainly, he had no interest in his mother who had given birth to two daughters. If he were to meet A Zhu and A Zi in the future, this woman might become his mother-in-law. So he deliberately avoided crossing the line with her.

He downed the wine in one gulp and exclaimed, "Excellent wine!"

Ruan Xingzhu looked at him strangely: "Young master, have you figured out what kind of wine this is? It seems that you are quite knowledgeable. May I ask where you are from?" She thought to herself: This wine is "Yunxian Brew" transported from Jiangnan. I don't believe that anyone in Dali could get it. I want to use this to test Qin Han's knowledge.

Qin Han had no idea what kind of wine it was. He was fine with tea and wine, and neither was essential to him, so he didn't bother to study it. "Madam is mistaken," he said. "I only know it's good wine, but I can't quite tell what kind. I'm just a commoner, a wanderer of the rivers and lakes. If it weren't for some trouble with my relatives in Sichuan, I wouldn't have gone back. But Madam, as the matriarch of the Chai family, you personally came to oversee this turbulent river and manage such a large fleet. You are truly a woman of great ability, worthy of admiration."

Qin Han was no pushover either. After answering, he began to probe in reverse, steer the conversation toward her identity.

The two exchanged words, subtly probing each other's secrets.

While dealing with Qin Han, Ruan Xingzhu secretly observed his expression and behavior. She found that although this man was young, he was frighteningly calm. Faced with her beauty and seductive skills, his eyes were clear and there was not a trace of lewdness. His speech was impeccable, and he was not like a twenty-year-old at all.

Little did she know that Qin Han had lived for nearly thirty years in his previous life and another twenty years in this one, during which time he had devised countless plans and schemes, making him an absolute master cunning strategist...

Cough cough... such a nice guy.

However, Qin Han's composure and impeccable composure only strengthened Madam Ruan's suspicions. If he really was an assassin sent by Dao Baifeng, then it would be terrifying. Not only was his martial arts extremely high, but his scheming and deep-seated cunning were also a factor. She was likely in grave danger.

Through conversation, Qin Han basically confirmed his guess: this Madam Ruan was most likely Ruan Xingzhu, who lived in Fangzhulin Residence by Xiaojing Lake in the original novel.

Although she kept mentioning the "Chai family" in her conversation, the loneliness and sorrow between her brows were hard to hide, which was definitely not the demeanor of a woman in a happy marriage.

After a heated exchange, it seemed that both of them had obtained the information they wanted from each other.

Seeing that the conversation had gone on for a while, Ruan Xingzhu knew that asking any more questions would not yield any results and might even offend the other party. So, she quickly decided to keep him calm for now and then figure things out after he left.

"Please forgive my rudeness, sir. I am but a woman, and can only help my husband with some trivial matters." She stood up with a charming laugh. "It's getting late, and I'm sure you need to rest. How about this, I'll have a servant take you to your guest room to settle in. Although the ship can't compare to a mansion on land, it's quite clean, and I hope you won't find it unpleasant."

Qin Han had the same idea. After confirming Ruan Xingzhu's identity, he had little interest in continuing the conversation. He needed a quiet environment to conserve his energy and consolidate his strength, so he stood up, cupped his hands, and said, "Thank you, Madam."

Ruan Xingzhu clapped her hands.

"Someone come here."

The pretty maid who had led the way earlier entered from outside the door, bowing slightly to help her up: "What are your orders, Madam?"

Ruan Xingzhu looked at Qin Han: "This young master Qin is my honored guest. Please take him to our room on the east side of the third floor. Be sure to treat him well and do not neglect him."

"Yes, Madam," the maidservant replied with a bow.

"Young Master Qin, please follow me." The maid gestured for Qin Han to come.

"Madam, I must take my leave now." Qin Han nodded and took his leave.

"Please go ahead, young master." Ruan Xingzhu smiled as she watched Qin Han and the maid leave the room.

Qin Han paused slightly just before stepping out the door, his eyes glancing at the screen again, a meaningful smile curving his lips, before leaving the room.

Walk through the corridor on the third floor to the room on the east side.

Pushing open the door, a faint scent of sandalwood wafted into my nostrils. The room was far from simple; it exuded refinement and elegance. There were rosewood tables and chairs, landscape paintings favored by literati and artists hanging on the walls, and a pot of lush asparagus fern by the window.