Reborn as Powerful Minister's Beloved
Chapter 190 Second Update

Chapter 190: Chapter 190 Second Update

"Alright, alright, I’ll stay with you until you fall asleep tonight, and tomorrow you can make a list of the things you want and send it to me," Zheng Congyuan dared not force his way, especially since the person on him was clinging to him like an octopus with arms and legs entwined.

"I don’t want to." Zheng Nianru fussed but was clear-headed, enjoying the current Zheng Congyuan—this was her Brother Crown Prince.

"Then I will leave right now." Zheng Congyuan finally caught the hands of the person in his arms, looked at her without delving into her fake cries, and clung to him in his moment of panic.

Zheng Nianru did not believe it, and during her struggle, she intentionally loosened her collar to reveal a faint bruise on her neck, which caught Zheng Congyuan’s eyes. Immediately, he forgot what he had just said. His grip on Zheng Nianru weakened almost completely.

Zheng Nianru freed her hands and pulled on Zheng Congyuan’s lapels to wipe her tears. Zheng Congyuan wanted to move but restrained himself.

She had been frightened quite a bit today, and her clinging to him was understandable, yet the thought of that bruise made Zheng Congyuan clench his fists. This matter could not end here, even if he was reluctant to deal with the people from Qiandao Temple; it was time to step in.

The night was more than half over. Zheng Nianru, tired from clinging, slowly lay back on the bed, and while fussing, had Zheng Congyuan sit by her side, fanning her, but overwhelmed by the day’s exhaustion, soon fell asleep.

Nian Xia had quietly come in to take over fanning from Zheng Congyuan.

When Zheng Congyuan left the Qishun Building, Qi Ling and Qi Zhu immediately followed him.

"Find out everything about what happened today, spare no one," Zheng Congyuan commanded coldly, intending to take advantage of the confusion within the major aristocratic families, not letting anyone off.

...

When Zong Yunqian returned from Siyan Lake, the poetry gathering at Siyan Lake hadn’t yet ended, but the gathering wasn’t important anymore. The fact that Crown Prince and Heir Zong, who ranked first and second in the first two rounds, both missed the third meeting, became the biggest topic of the event.

Many were speculating and trying to find out the identity of the person who fell into the water, but despite all the inquiries, the identity of the lady from the prominent family remained undiscovered.

There were also conspiracy theories—that a assassin had infiltrated the event but was promptly discovered by the Crown Prince.

The gift originally presented by Her Majesty the Empress Dowager, intended for the future Crown Prince’s wife, ended up unexpectedly in the hands of an obscure new official, causing many ladies from prominent families to feel disappointed.

Mu Qingfeng also felt somewhat surreal. The item was valuable to him, yet it was a prize easy to present, exceeding his expectations. Although the victory wasn’t honorable, Mu Qingfen remained calm, neither overtly joyous nor ashamed, gracefully accepting the prize and carefully storing it away.

The mansion of the Zong Sheng Aristocratic Family in Zheng Capital was very grand, marked by a plaque bestowed by the Former King. The courtyard and space were much larger than other aristocratic families.

Zong Yunqian’s new outfit was bought ready-made from a store, and Gu Dao wore a suit of incongruous long clothes. When the two stepped into the Zong Sheng Manor, the steward who opened the door was immediately startled.

"Hold on—you little rascal, where have you been today?" Emerging behind him was Eldest Madam Lin. Her face was ashen, and she sat on a chair at the main entrance, obviously waiting for Zong Yunqian to return.

"Mother, why are you here? It’s so hot today; what if you catch a chill sitting out here?" Zong Yunqian immediately put on a smile and went to support Eldest Madam Zong.

"Don’t smooth-talk me. Where’s your clothes? Why did you change your clothes?" Eldest Madam Zong immediately noticed that these were not the clothes Zong Yunqian had worn when he left, and indeed, they were not made by the house’s tailors—crude and poorly made, even worse than what the steward wore.

Eldest Madam Zong had many more questions. Although today’s lake excursion was exclusively for young men and ladies from prominent families, news had been delivered back promptly.

"Also, where did you go? Why did you skip the third round of poetry? Your grandmother was eagerly waiting." Eldest Madam Zong didn’t wait for Yunqian to answer and immediately asked again.

Yunqian immediately grinned to please her.

"Where else could I have gone? I was admiring the beauty of Siyan Lake by the shore and accidentally fell into the water. If you don’t believe me, ask Gu Dao." Yunqian instantly pointed towards Gu Dao.

Gu Dao immediately made a face full of grievance, Princely Heir, you can’t do this.

Eldest Madam Zong didn’t bother asking Gu Dao, knowing it was a lie.

"Falling into water, you can’t even bother to fabricate a decent excuse. I can’t control you. Be careful when your father asks you today, and your grandmother will definitely ask too." Eldest Madam Zong poked Yunqian’s forehead, her son had been spoiled by Old Lady Zong since childhood; she had no control over him.

This trip to Zheng Capital, Zong Sheng Aristocratic Family had plans. Seeing that Yunqian was not getting any younger, a family of their status naturally sought a suitable bride. So, this time, Eldest Lady Zheng had high hopes to settle this important matter.

"Mother, I really did fall into the water. Who would have time to compose any poems after that? I hurried back instead." Yunqian immediately straightened his face and spoke pitifully.

"Truly fell into the water?" Eldest Madam Zong looked at his hair, still not fully dry, and Gu Dao, who appeared dispirited, still somewhat disbelieving as she looked toward Gu Dao.

"Madam, he truly fell into the water." Gu Dao honestly replied, after all, he wasn’t lying; he did fall into the water.

"Then don’t delay in sending for a physician to check on him, Steward Ying, go quickly." Eldest Madam Zong immediately grabbed Yunqian’s hand and looked him over from top to bottom.

"It’s fine, see, I came back in good shape. By the way, Mother, I heard about several excellent eateries today. I’ll take you to taste Zheng Capital’s specialties soon." Yunqian found an excuse to leave, "Mother, I’ll go change my clothes first, this outfit is terribly uncomfortable."

"Hurry up, Xi Feng, follow him. There’s no one by his side who knows how to care for him, and you’re not young anymore..." Eldest Madam Zong’s words trailed off behind Yunqian.

Once inside his room, Yunqian dropped his smile. Xi Feng handed him a change of clothes, and Yunqian took off his outfit to let Xi Feng take it away.

As he picked up the new clothes, his hands paused slightly; he vaguely remembered the bold woman among the reeds and suddenly his face turned red as if his secret had been exposed. He yanked the clothes on quickly, dressed rapidly, and only then did his heart begin to stabilize.

"Princely Heir, today Madam has invited several ladies from prominent families, all with daughters eligible for marriage." Xi Feng brought in some tea, pouring as he spoke, preparing his lord mentally.

Yunqian immediately frowned, looking towards Xi Feng.

"Which families did she consider?" Yunqian asked, drinking his tea in one gulp. He was aware of the purpose of this trip to Zheng Capital; his ears almost calloused from his grandmother’s and mother’s nagging.

But Yunqian was not in the mood for it.