Reborn as Powerful Minister's Beloved
Chapter 154 Two more

Chapter 154: Chapter 154 Two more

Yet, his life was like a ridiculous joke. He had thought he had resigned himself to such a fate, even if he had to cling to life desperately, he still wanted to fulfill his heart’s desire.

But in the next moment, someone else’s words easily changed his entire life.

Qu Xiang didn’t know whether to cry or to laugh at the sky in hysteria, mocking the injustice of heaven.

"Young Master Qu, this way, please," the attendant said very politely. Prince Duan had ordered that he be settled in Prince Duan’s Mansion, so from now on he would belong to Prince Duan’s Mansion. Because there were few attendants in the mansion, and Prince Duan had always treated his subordinates with respect and benevolence, and moreover, Prince Duan’s Mansion was not a lucrative post, it was hard work and even the servants of an average aristocratic family couldn’t compare. Therefore, those who remained in Prince Duan’s Mansion were loyal and devoted.

Due to the small number of people, there was much less scheming and infighting. Since Prince Duan was easy-going with his servants, there was little pretentiousness, and the entire Prince Duan’s Mansion was quite harmonious.

The attendant treated Qu Xiang as one of their own and had heard that the man was picked up by the Commandery Princess, half-dead on the road, and of course, it wasn’t proper for the Commandery Princess to keep a man by her side, so Prince Duan had kept him in the mansion instead.

"Brother, do you know my name?" Qu Xiang asked, slightly stunned and confused.

Prince Duan, he had heard about him. He was the prince in Nanzheng State with the most favorable reputation, accomplished in both literature and military tactics, a man of great capability, and moreover, the emperor’s own brother. But because of that one incident, he had come to such a desperate pass.

"How could I not know, I also know that you, just like us, are an unfortunate person. We too were picked up by the prince from the streets, not much different from you. Don’t be nervous, here it’s like being at home. As long as you work earnestly, the prince will not treat you unfairly."

Qu Xiang nodded without asking further, looking bewilderedly at the unfamiliar courtyard before him, imagining another possibility. If he stayed in Prince Duan’s Mansion, could he avoid the Eldest Princess for a lifetime and just be a modest servant, starting anew...

...

Shen Houmu and Mu Qingfeng arrived very quickly; hardly had Prince Duan led the man away when the four of them stepped through the gates of Prince Duan’s Mansion and were directly escorted to the main hall.

"Prince Duan."

"Prince Duan."

"Your student pays respects to Prince Duan—"

"Pays respects to Prince Duan—"

The four of them bowed in unison, noticing that Wen Zan was the only one there.

Shen Houmu felt a slight surprise. Were Lord Jin and Lord Lin truly not invited? Even if these two lords were less favored in Prince Duan’s eyes, then what about Lord Xu, who was known as the foremost authority of the Youchun Workshop? It was puzzling that he wasn’t present either.

With no one his age in sight, Shen Houmu speculated about this unclear situation.

As Mu Qingfeng stepped into the main hall, he took advantage of Shen Houmu’s tall frame blocking the view to quickly survey the room’s surroundings. Just as they had begun to bow, he suddenly heard a rustling behind a tall screen, and Mu Qingfeng was momentarily taken aback.

Someone was behind the screen?

But this screen had twelve panels, adorned with the images of Nanzheng’s twelve treasures, making it impossible to see anything behind it. And now, there was no sound from behind the screen, as if he had just been seeing things.

Shen Houmu glanced at Mu Qingfeng, signaling him to look at the table set up in the middle of the room.

Meanwhile, Mu Qingfeng was already humbly exchanging pleasantries with Prince Duan.

"I am grateful for Prince Duan’s patronage. I shall redouble my efforts and not let down the high regard of the prince," Mu Qingfeng said, bowing deeply as he brushed his robe in a courteous gesture.

"Here we go again, I’ve already said that there’s no need for such formality. This is a family banquet."

"Luh Xingze, I have heard that your strategic discussions are commendable..." Prince Duan looked again at Luh Xingze, who stood up in shock and awe as he had expected that with Brother Shen and Brother Mu present, he was just a foil. No matter what Prince Duan’s intentions were—even if it was to reward them—his merits were far less than those of Brother Shen and Brother Mu.

Mu Qingfeng glanced at Shen Houmu. Did they not notice? Prince Duan intended to speak with every person who came, and the purpose of introducing them was very clear.

Shen Houmu shook his head slightly. Second Young Master Wen had not engaged in conversation, and by all accounts, he was the most qualified among them.

Wen Zan felt gloomy, watching Prince Duan look at him as if looking at his own junior, showing favoritism to the other four, suddenly feeling somewhat jealous.

Could it be that Prince Duan had invited him only reluctantly, needing someone and so barely inviting him to participate?

Zheng Nianru frowned, and with a few inadvertent glances, she caught sight of Wen Zan.

"Why is he here?" Zheng Nianru went to ask Nian Xia, who immediately covered her own Commandery Princess’s mouth. Commandery Princess, keep your voice down, how could you forget Prince Duan’s instructions?

Mu Qingfeng’s ears twitched; he had good hearing. He was about to turn his head to look but suddenly turned his attention to Prince Duan, feigning an expression of having heard nothing, and his suspicions were basically confirmed.

There were people behind the screen, and judging by the voice, a woman—who could make Prince Duan set up such a scheme and sit behind the screen to watch the four of them?

Mu Qingfeng immediately thought back on the sudden promotions they had received to the Youchun Workshop, and now he had pieced together all the matters at hand.

They were not chosen for the Youchun Workshop because they were outstanding, but because Prince Duan had taken an interest in the four of them from the beginning.

So, this woman?

Mu Qingfeng thought of the rumored offspring of Prince Duan, who, it seemed, had also reached the appropriate age...

Prince Duan coughed a few times, disguising his action, and glanced behind the screen.

"The maid in the mansion has no manners. Serve the dishes now," Prince Duan said towards the screen.

Zheng Nianru glanced at Nian Xia and pushed the plate in front of her towards Nian Xia. Biting her lip, Nian Xia, dressed in the attire of a maid, holding a tray of pastries, walked out from behind the screen; several gazes fell on her. Indeed, she was dressed as a maid, carrying a plate of pastries—but for whom?

Nian Xia didn’t think much of the question and directly served the first person to her left, keeping her head down the whole time, not looking at anyone, and then retreated back behind the screen.

Mu Qingfeng thoughtfully noted that this plate of pastries carried a faint fragrance, not from the maid who served them. The edge of the plate had visible fingerprints, the small, clustered patterns delicate, sending Mu Qingfeng into a moment of reverie.

...

The Eldest Princess, having drawn a blank at Wen Zan’s residence, was furious and immediately vented her anger on the attendants in her private quarters, resorting to punishment, before she learned from their confessions that he had been taken to Prince Duan’s Mansion.

Zheng Tianxin had been preoccupied with thoughts of that completely transformed figure, which seemed even more captivating than when by her side, in the day and night since she returned.

Zheng Tianxin felt she couldn’t wait another moment, and so, on the third morning, choosing an excellent time, she directly prepared to snatch the person back first before discussing it further.

But after searching every corner of Wen Zan’s private residence, she learned that the person had been sent to Prince Duan’s Mansion.

Zheng Tianxin snorted coldly; she had no fondness for this Imperial Uncle, so naturally, it was even less likely that she would avoid anyone because of him.

"Princess—," Yan Xia warned anxiously, perhaps it’s better to let it be; the person you’re tired of playing with, even if you bring them back, will only be a novelty for a few days. After all, you were already disdainful of it.