Reborn as Powerful Minister's Beloved
Chapter 132 Random Thoughts

Chapter 132: Chapter 132 Random Thoughts

"Lin Zi, wait a moment," Mother Ju called out to Luh Xingze, holding a package in her hands.

"Auntie Ju, they provide meals over there," Luh Xingze said, declining the offer.

"Take it, meals don’t ensure fullness, and besides, this is your favorite food," Mother Ju insisted as she stuffed the package into Luh Xingze’s arms.

"Oh, Auntie Ju, it’s not like I won’t come back. Can’t I eat it when I return?" Taking it home would be inconvenient since he was staying in a dormitory, and besides, he had to go to Youchun Workshop tomorrow. Wouldn’t it leave a bad impression?

He remembered that the master of Youchun Workshop was Prince Duan, the Holy Emperor’s own younger brother. It was a prince he couldn’t even dream of meeting.

"Take it, take it. It’s your favorite crisp bread that we always have at home. I made it with less oil so you could eat it for a couple of days," Mother Ju persisted, pushing the package into Luh Xingze’s hands.

"Then, thank you very much, Auntie Ju." Luh Xingze truly missed his mother’s home-cooked crisp bread. He accepted it, ready to leave, when suddenly Mother Ju grabbed him.

"Ah, Lin Zi, I need to ask you something." Mother Ju glanced inside the house, and seeing that Nanyi had gone inside, she lowered her voice, as if afraid of being overheard.

"Auntie, what is it? Can’t it be said in front of Brother Nanyi? Is it about Brother Nanyi?"

"I’m asking about the errand I entrusted to your mother," Mother Ju said, glancing behind her again before eagerly looking at Luh Xingze. She had sent a message back home some days ago but had not received any reply yet, making her somewhat uneasy.

"Which errand? Oh, you mean the third daughter of the Cheng Family? Ah, my mother inquired but they haven’t discussed her marriage yet. Auntie, are you thinking of..." Luh Xingze’s words were cut off by Mother Ju, who, again nervously checked that Nanyi had not come out.

"Auntie, that’s great news." Brother Nanyi and the third daughter had known each other since childhood and knew each other well. The girl is lively and very nice.

"You don’t understand. I’m thinking of asking your mother to check again with the Cheng Family soon, to see if they can settle it," Mother Ju smiled. Now that the Cheng Family knew about it, and Nanyi had become an official, they should no longer oppose it, right?

She had mentioned it twice, but her son had not reacted, only saying that he was busy with many things and to wait another two years.

She knew her son was reluctant. Initially, she feared that the variety of women in Zheng Capital had dazzled him, making him less keen on the village girl. Yet, upon closer observation, she hadn’t noticed such thoughts in him. Moreover, the women of Zheng Capital were too delicate for her taste. Every girl from an official’s family could barely walk a few steps without gasping for breath, needing a maid’s support.

Mother Ju disliked this, naturally thinking her son would too. The problem must still be that the Cheng Family was originally unwilling to lower their pride about it.

However, this delay had now reached sixteen years and it was time for him to marry. Mother Ju decided not to wait any longer. They would set the engagement first. If he claimed he was busy, they could still wait a bit longer to arrange the wedding.

Moreover, she had watched the third daughter grow up. The girl was bold and decisive, capable of supporting a family.

"Alright, once I get back, I’ll talk to my mother," Luh Xingze nodded, feeling sentimental that Brother Nanyi still cared deeply, his heart set on the third daughter. "Auntie, don’t worry, the third daughter’s family will definitely be happy."

"Enough chatter, visit when you’re not busy."

"Ah, ah, I definitely will, Auntie. I have to go now, I need to get up early tomorrow."

Mother Ju turned around, smiling contentedly. If this matter were resolved, she could finally rest and feel she had honored her late husband’s memory.

"Mother, you should rest early," Nanyi came out of the house, having cleared the dishes.

"How many times have I told you, you are meant for greater things; let me handle these matters," Mother Ju immediately grew displeased upon seeing him, "And this elderly maid you hired is unreliable, disappearing every three days. It’s better to just hire a live-in maid." Her teeth set, once the third daughter entered the house, it would finally look the part.

Now that her son was an official, it was only appropriate to employ a full-time maid to match his status. This was not an area where they could afford to cut corners.

"I’ll go in a few days to see if there’s anything suitable," Ju Nanyi said, unexpectedly glancing at his mother. Your old mother was also diligent in the past. It’s just that she, having grown up in hardship, was reluctant to spend such money. Why would she consider buying one now?

...

The night gradually darkened. The Ju family was extremely strict in discipline, and although Mother Ju was a widow, she was a very serious person.

Not even one Shichen passed since the lamps were lit, and Mother Ju was already urging Ju Nanyi to go to bed, reminding him that there is a time to sleep and a time to work.

But Ju Nanyi didn’t respond. He just silently stared at the dark ceiling above him.

The starlight from outside the window came in, speckling the canopy, almost ethereally unreal.

But why did the Crown Prince uniquely favor these newcomers? Or was it Prince Duan’s idea?

In the court, there was no lack of young talents loyal to the Crown Prince with no background yet highly ambitious. Although these four newcomers were also decent, they surely didn’t hold a candle to those who were well known...

Was the Crown Prince not ready to utilize the networks he had already established? Prince Duan usually avoided getting involved in the struggles for power; thus, was the Crown Prince afraid that those he would send forth might end up like Prince Duan, and hence lose a rising supporter?

The next moment, Ju Nanyi dismissed this thought. Even a budding supporter wasn’t as crucial as Prince Duan. Prince Duan’s status was noteworthy, a force decidedly worth courting; the Crown Prince wouldn’t forsake Prince Duan for a yet unproven supporter.

If the Crown Prince truly acted that way, it would be meaningless.

So, was this Prince Duan’s intention?

Did Prince Duan wish to avoid factional disputes, particularly to ensure Princess Chao Ren remained neutral, ensuring her peaceful future? Was that why he had such requirements?

It wouldn’t be so. Prince Duan had been frequently visiting the Crown Prince’s Mansion with no regard for appearances lately. Was it not too late now to distance himself? Even if he chose a few newcomers, lacking strong connections and without the Crown Prince as a shield, meant no security for Prince Duan.

Luh Xingze, who was on the verge of copying the Life-Sustaining Scripture for the Empress Dowager, didn’t voice much, but his excitement was palpable. Ju Nanyi even thought that such enthusiasm was typical whenever the Crown Prince assigned him a task.

So, having no backing and being easy to control, talented, of good character, and appearance were the qualifications Prince Duan sought in these four individuals. Copying the Life-Sustaining Scripture would take a while since the Empress Dowager’s thousand-character Life-Sustaining Scripture on her birthday was a significant component — enough time for Prince Duan to slowly observe these individuals.

So...

Ju Nanyi felt some irritation in his heart. If he were Prince Duan, besides these criteria, already having some achievements and gaining the Crown Prince’s approval would also be crucial. That would be the optimal selection.

Yet why hadn’t Prince Duan chosen him?

What made Prince Duan willing to forego these and opt for newcomers whose futures were uncertain?

The starlight was chilling. As he looked up, the starry sky slowly changed positions, becoming more bewildering. Ju Nanyi suddenly sat up.

Pensive.

Princess Chao Ren, at the tender age of thirteen this year.

This is...

Worried they are getting old...