Reborn as Powerful Minister's Beloved
Chapter 169: First Update

Chapter 169: Chapter 169: First Update

He Jin stared at this strange stranger, a face incredibly hideous, all bones and no flesh visible amidst the creased face, and the disheveled hair only added to the eeriness and fear.

Lan Xing, receiving no answer, stepped forward anxiously, and He Jin felt the tension in the air. He didn’t know with what kind of mentality he should consider this matter regarding the appearance of this stranger.

Lan Xing was highly regarded by Zheng Tianxin, and no matter what Zheng Tianxin did, Lan Xing was always by his side. Therefore, it made no sense for someone he brought to harm Zheng Tianxin.

Thinking this way, He Jin didn’t know whether to feel happy or lost, the only consolation being that if something had really happened to Zheng Tianxin at this moment, he himself would certainly not end up well. So then, what was the purpose of all he had endured over these many years?

The lean and weak man turned his head, and his short hair, which had stood up like steel needles, fell limply back down, returning to its original filthy appearance.

He Jin distinctly felt Zheng Tianxin’s body slump down softly.

"Just sleep it off," the man spat out a phrase that was very cryptic, but because it was short, He Jin actually understood it.

Without waiting for Lan Xing to speak, He Jin put Zheng Tianxin back on the bed and glanced at Lan Xing.

"What happened?" He Jin suddenly asked. Lan Xing was taken aback, not expecting the Prince Consort, who never inquired about anything, to take the initiative to ask.

Lan Xing hesitated only briefly before cautiously speaking up.

"Replying to Your Highness the Prince Consort, the Eldest Princess encountered some trouble a few days ago; this person has some connections with the Qiandao Temple." As soon as the Eldest Princess left Prince Duan’s Mansion, people were sent to investigate that mysterious eunuch by Princess Chao Ren’s side.

Many pieces of information had come back, but Lan Xing wouldn’t share them with the present He Jin, let alone tell him that the Eldest Princess took a fancy to this man.

He Jin glanced at Lan Xing and did not ask further, as the other’s words obviously hid something.

Yan Xia respectfully took the fan from the Prince Consort’s hand, fanning his own princess. Jin Luo was carrying a bowl of soup; the Prince Consort had looked after her all day and night without eating much himself.

He Jin waved his hand to refuse; he had no appetite. San Sheng sighed silently upon seeing this.

Seeing that He Jin asked no further questions, Lan Xing let out a sigh of relief. He glanced at Zheng Tianxin, who had already fallen into a deep sleep, unlikely to awaken anytime soon. Thus, he took the strange man and first withdrew.

"Young Master, you should rest on the couch for a while," San Sheng couldn’t help but speak up. There was no need for him to remain on duty with no one from Her Majesty the Empress’s entourage present.

"No need, you go back. Have San Shi come and replace you," He Jin said without looking at Zheng Tianxin on the bed, unsure of what exactly he was persisting for.

Hate? That would be too much to say, as no one in this world is truly innocent. Every path taken is one’s own choice. No hatred? Who doesn’t start with a boundless ambition, believing in a bright future? But by the end, every path that seemed bright demands a bloody price.

Two Shichen later, Zheng Tianxin woke up and immediately summoned Lan Xing.

Lan Xing, already guarding outside the palace, hurried in. Seeing this, He Jin took the opportunity to leave with San Sheng and promptly returned to his own courtyard.

"Princess, I have brought someone," Lan Xing said, leading the person in.

Zheng Tianxin glanced at the man kneeling on the ground with Lan Xing, furrowed her brows slightly, somewhat dissatisfied, but there were more important matters at hand, so she had to let it go.

"Can this man subdue that eunuch?" Zheng Tianxin was still not at ease. It wasn’t that she didn’t trust Lan Xing — he had never failed her in the many years they had worked together. Facing such an incident for the first time, it was natural to be panicked. And thinking about the eunuch’s appearance, she felt it was a waste to not have such a person by her side.

"Princess, rest assured, this is my elder brother in the craft. With the two of us, we will definitely be able to control him," Lan Xing immediately assured her.

"Reporting to my master, the details of that eunuch by Princess Chao Ren’s side have been thoroughly investigated," Lan Xing added quickly. "This person was originally a mysterious mage by the Second Prince’s side. After the Second Prince died, he was severely injured and lost his memory. Princess Chao Ren, by mistake, saved him, and since then, he has been following the Princess."

Upon hearing this, Zheng Tianxin felt even more that it was a waste not to utilize such a person.

It’s not difficult to find out this information, as the palace is filled with spies from various factions. He didn’t even need to seek it out, but there was one more thing Lan Xing was unsure whether he should report.

"Princess, there’s another matter..."

"Speak your full mind at once. I have no patience for half-statements..."

"Princess, this Master Yin He is not really a eunuch. He has not been castrated..." If they use this as a reason to exert pressure from within the palace, perhaps they won’t need to exert much effort at all.

Upon hearing this, Zheng Tianxin was first taken aback, then her expression cleared. Why had he not spoken of such good news earlier?

"Lan Xing, you should have mentioned this first. I want this man for myself," Zheng Tianxin decided at once. What a stroke of luck; it was a blessing in disguise that she had encountered such an exceptional person.

Lan Xing opened his mouth—Princess, that’s not the main point.

"Princess, besides us, the Fourth Prince is also preparing to make his move. He’s acted earlier than us and has found a way to get close to Princess Chao Ren for some time."

Zheng Tianxin’s hand swept the bowl away, and it clattered to the ground, rolling around.

"What does Fu Gong, that greenhorn, want with this man? He’s not a necrophile," said Zheng Tianxin hatefully. No, we can’t wait any longer. We need to find a chance to act and move quickly.

"Princess, rest assured. I have already made arrangements. The day after tomorrow, during the lake tour, I heard that Zheng Haoyuan invited Princess Chao Ren to join. When we act then, amidst the crowd and chaos, it will be easy to create a disturbance. They won’t suspect us—"

...

Ju Nanyi was suddenly tasked with overseeing the poetry competition during the lake tour. This poetry event was a last-minute addition, sprung from a whim of Her Majesty the Empress Dowager, who even placed a treasure as a prize.

It was clear how important this event was to Her Majesty the Empress Dowager, who had offered one treasure for the winner, with the Empress providing another for second place. Such prizes had never been offered at previous poetry competitions.

Obviously, the true purpose of this lake tour was evident. Members of the external and internal aristocratic families and the offspring of high officials gathered in the Zheng capital like bright blooming flowers, but they weren’t there just for the heirloom jade bracelet offered by Her Majesty the Empress Dowager. In the hearts of the aristocratic gentry clans, they had already chosen who would receive the bracelet.

The Crown Prince had yet to marry, and Her Majesty the Empress Dowager favored the legitimate eldest daughter of the Shiping Aristocratic Clan. The Crown Prince probably felt the same way.

However, Ju Nanyi felt that the Crown Prince usually acted with restraint, but this time his approach was beyond his expectation.

Ju Nanyi was returning home late today. The moon was clear, making it a good night for a walk.

"Brother Nanyi." Without needing to look back, Ju Nanyi knew who it was.

"Luh Xingze." Ju Nanyi turned and saw Luh Xingze, who had apparently waited for him for quite some time.

"Brother Nanyi, about the poetry competition the day after tomorrow, I heard the Crown Prince asked you to preside over it?" Luh Xingze didn’t beat around the bush.

"Yes." Ju Nanyi glanced at Luh Xingze. The boy was naïve and unwittingly heading into the fray, but there was no loss to himself.

"Brother Nanyi, do you know that several people from our Youchun Workshop will also be going the day after tomorrow?" Luh Xingze spoke with an air of mystery. It was a good opportunity to make an appearance in front of so many members of the aristocracy.

"Oh? Prince Duan asked you to form a team for the competition?" Ju Nanyi feigned surprise.

"It’s the Fourth Prince." Luh Xingze scratched his head. "Brother Nanyi, I won’t waste your time. Can I borrow your collection of auspicious poetry to prep a bit?"

"Sure, come with me to get it." Ju Nanyi replied. Hmm, the Fourth Prince could perfectly avoid any suspicions between him and the Crown Prince, and since Wen Zan was close to Zheng Haoyuan, he was the best choice.

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