Reborn as Powerful Minister's Beloved
Chapter 194 Second Update

Chapter 194: Chapter 194 Second Update

The sudden invitation sent out by the Zong Sheng Aristocratic Family left the ladies of the other noble families quite astonished, but upon thinking about the underlying implications in the words of Zong Sheng’s Eldest Madam, they gradually ceased to be surprised.

Therefore, once they understood the crux of the matter, there were few among the noble ladies who were not tempted.

Especially since, aside from the Crown Prince, there was indeed nothing more alluring in the Imperial Palace. On the contrary, the Zong Sheng Aristocratic Family was different, and Eldest Madam Zong Sheng was capable of bearing children, having given birth to such an excellent Princely Heir, and the family also had the backing of Qiandao Temple.

Perhaps to the commoners of Nanzheng State, Qiandao Temple was just a place to pray and make wishes on ordinary days. However, over the years, Qiandao Temple’s influence had gradually infiltrated all sectors of the nation, related to Emperor Jingzhi’s extensive construction of temples in Nanzheng State, his reverence for Qiandao, as well as Qiandao Temple’s wide acceptance of disciples in recent years, including officials, merchants, and commoners who all take pride in being affiliated with it. Slowly but surely, Qiandao Temple has subtly influenced everyone.

The major aristocratic families saw even more clearly that nowadays, Qiandao Temple had countless followers. The heir of the Zong Sheng Aristocratic Family was even more fortunate to be favored by Master Huo Yi, who took him as his close disciple.

Thus, compared to the Imperial Palace, the Princely Heir was the better choice.

Eldest Lady Zou of the Shiping Aristocratic Family, the only lady who did not bear her husband’s surname, also stood out among the other ladies. Eldest Lady Zou’s father, a remarkably brave and skilled warrior, General Zou, died on the battlefield, leaving behind only his legitimate eldest daughter. Emperor Jingzhi, in remembrance of General Zou’s sacrifice for the country, specifically issued an edict.

Lady Zou threw down the invitation in her hand and smiled.

"This Eldest Madam Zong seems a bit too anxious," she said. With the Crown Prince’s marriage not yet settled, the Zong Sheng Aristocratic Family is already eager to secure prospects for their precious son, as if they fear the ladies from prominent families will all be taken.

"Mother, maybe Eldest Madam Zong is just inviting us over for tea, perhaps just to reminisce with the noble ladies," Nanmen Yuyan glanced at the invitation in her mother’s hand, smiled lightly, and didn’t think much of it.

"You, my child, are too naïve," Lady Zou tapped her daughter’s forehead, wanting to reprimand her but not having the heart to do so. Lady Zou had thought that at Siyan Lake, the Crown Prince himself would deliver the Purple Jade Bangle to the Shiping Aristocratic Clan’s Mansion, but she didn’t expect that in the end, the precious item would be snatched by an obscure young man—what a turn of events.

Lady Zou had assumed that her Shiping Aristocratic Family would be the one to stand out during this trip to the Zheng Capital. And now, the Zong Sheng Aristocratic Family also seeks a share of the limelight.

"Mother, why should we bother guessing the intentions of Zong Sheng’s Eldest Madam? Even if Madam Zong Sheng wants to select a daughter-in-law, it would be perfectly reasonable," Nanmen Yuyan said, not taking these minor matters to heart.

Her Majesty the Empress Dowager had already conveyed to her mother the implication that all they needed was the right opportunity to announce it publicly; a mere jade bangle was nothing in the eyes of their Shiping Aristocratic Family.

Nanmen Yuyan was more concerned about what exactly had happened at Siyan Lake that day. Who was the person who had fallen into the water? However, she had discreetly inquired with her mother and elder brother, but there was no news whatsoever.

It must be someone of no importance, she surmised, or else things would not be as calm as they were now.

"Mother, why not let me take those sisters with me? It’s their first time entering the capital, and everything will be novel to them. They might even catch the eye of those noble ladies," Nanmen Yuyan suddenly suggested.

"You really are too guileless," Lady Zou said, claiming her daughter was too naive for caring so much about the affairs of others. But in the end, she did not refuse; it was good for Nanmen Yuyan to go out and see the world.

...

Compared to the subdued affairs of the Shiping Aristocratic Clan, the news of Madam Zong Sheng’s invitation to all the noble ladies had already caused quite a stir among the various clans, especially the young ladies, regardless of their being legitimate or not. Their cheeks blushed with embarrassment, yet they all openly and covertly competed to attend.

The position of the future Crown Prince’s Wife was naturally reserved for the eldest legitimate daughter of a family well-matched in social status, but even becoming a concubine to Heir Zong would be considered a very good match for them.

Moreover, the reputation of Eldest Madam Zong for her generosity had long been circulating among the aristocratic families.

The next day, some of the concubines suddenly began to feel unwell, suffering from diarrhea or breaking out in rashes. The noble ladies were accustomed to such tricks and, after pulling everyone aside for a scolding, kept the matter quiet as it was, after all, family embarrassment.

On the third day, the Zong Sheng Aristocratic Clan opened the doors of their mansion early, standing below the plaque bestowed by the Former King, respectfully awaiting the arrival of all the noble ladies and young misses.

The first to arrive were the Hejian and the Fu Feng Aristocratic Families, who came together, bringing their own treasured tea. The lady of the Hejian family was the blood sister of the current Duke of Jing from the Ma Family, and the Duchess Jingguo was known to be on very good terms with her sister-in-law. The eldest miss of the Hejian family, Zhang Linghui, naturally accompanied her mother, along with a group of her legitimate and illegitimate sisters.

"Good, good, Eldest Lady Zhang sure knows how to raise them, look at these young ladies, each one more charming than the last," remarked Eldest Madam Zong, who, at the thought of one of these girls eventually becoming her daughter-in-law, felt as delighted as she would be looking at a garden full of blooming flowers.

"No need for you to accompany us, Madam Zong. We will take a walk around ourselves," Eldest Lady Zhang and the Duchess Jingguo insisted upon seeing that Eldest Madam Zong intended to personally welcome them inside.

"Very well, you ladies please feel free to make yourselves at home," Eldest Madam Zong responded, standing at the entrance again as the Jiumu, Hongnong, and Wuxing Aristocratic Families, among others, arrived in succession with their female family members, bustling into the Zong Sheng residence. Some of the lesser gentry, who did not yet have a footing in the Zheng Capital, were even more in awe of the elegant and refined ancient residence of the Zong Sheng family.

"It’s said that this courtyard dates back to the previous dynasty; there are only two such residences in the entire Zheng Capital. One was bestowed upon the Zong Sheng family by the Former King, and the other is now the residence of Prince Duan," Miss Xia of the Jiumu family whispered to her sisters, fearing that they might embarrass themselves during the tea party due to their ignorance.

"Elder sister, I heard that Prince Duan’s Mansion is next door?"

"Yes, these two residences were originally the estates of two favored princes of the previous dynasty; even the layouts are somewhat similar."

The group of sisters dared not scrutinize too openly, but they quietly admired the courtyard, where even every tree and stone seemed to have been chosen with great care.

.....

"My lord, please get up," Gu Dao urged anxiously to Zong Yunqian, who was still in bed. "Your wife has been here to hurry you along several times already."

Zong Yunqian waved his hand dismissively.

"What business do I have at a women’s tea party?" Zong Yunqian had never intended to leave but had willingly stayed behind when he accidentally discovered traces beside the path. His master had been pursuing the trail of the Beside the Path group for years with no progress, yet surprisingly, with the disappearance of Master Yin He, those people had suddenly appeared in the Zheng Capital.

"Your wife wants you to greet the noble ladies," Gu Dao, unable to persuade Yunqian any further, let go in frustration just as Xi Feng rushed in urgently.

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