Reborn as Powerful Minister's Beloved
Chapter 229: One More Update

Chapter 229: Chapter 229: One More Update

"Mother, no matter what, we must try," said Eldest Madam Zong, who had run out of ideas. She was still wearing yesterday’s clothes and her face showed utter exhaustion.

Duke of Qing had visited several times, and a procession of imperial physicians and doctors had come and gone dozens of times, all shaking their heads.

Eldest Madam Zong did not necessarily believe in it, but now that there were no other options, they had to try regardless.

"Mother, the child from Gu Dao has been by Yunqian’s side since he was young; he is reliable. There might be some truth to his words. Now, we can only take one step at a time," said Duke of Qing, fully aware of the gravitas of the situation. Although Prince Duan currently had no power, his frequent interactions with the Crown Prince meant that this marriage would inevitably be seen as aligning with the Crown Prince’s faction.

While factions within the court had already been at a stalemate for years, most of the great aristocratic families appeared not to take part in these factional disputes. The Crown Prince’s desire to marry into the Shiping Aristocratic Clan also suggests an attempt to win the support of the aristocratic families against the court factions.

Nevertheless, Duke of Qing was keenly aware of how many aristocratic families were truly uninvolved in these factional disputes. Some might even be the backbone of the factions, while truly neutral families like theirs, alongside the Shiping, Nanan, and Wuxing aristocratic families, were few.

Therefore, this alliance would undoubtedly break the balance, prompting all the families to act upon hearing the news.

Old Lady Zong nodded, she was well aware of these matters, but if anything should happen to Yunqian, nothing else would matter.

"Open the storeroom, pick a few presentable items, and go yourself," Old Lady Zong took a deep breath. Tears welled up in Eldest Madam Zong’s eyes as she nodded in agreement.

...

Prince Duan was somewhat taken aback upon receiving Housekeeper He’s report. Duke of Qing from the Zong Sheng Aristocratic Family was someone who couldn’t just be refused an audience, even the Empress Dowager had to show him some respect.

Prince Duan hesitated for a moment, recalling Heir Zong’s words. Could it be that the young man really succeeded?

"Prince—" Housekeeper He also understood the importance of Duke of Qing’s status; they couldn’t just leave him waiting.

Prince Duan was momentarily stunned, his thoughts perhaps premature. He knew his daughter’s value, and she would barely be noticed by someone from such a distinguished family. Why would such a person come to their door in person to propose? They could have easily found a matchmaker.

With this in mind, Prince Duan became alert; for all he knew, Duke of Qing’s personal visit might be intended to thwart the marriage.

"Please show him in," Prince Duan set down his pen. During his many years at the mansion, he needed something to fill his time and quench past passions. Prince Duan had only two interests: authentic ancient books and ink slabs.

Duke of Qing personally arrived with several servants from the Zong Sheng Aristocratic Family, carrying gift boxes whose contents could not be discerned from the outside. Duke of Qing had not witnessed the most glorious days of the Zong Sheng family, being born as its influence slowly waned, yet he remained unruffled and composed.

Tall in stature, though not a Northerner, Duke of Qing possessed the broad frame typical of Northern men, and with age, his belly had grown prominent. Dressed in a plain brown brocaded robe without excessive adornments, he had an imposing air about him just by standing.

"Duke of Qing," Prince Duan glanced at him and the items the servants were holding, "How can we keep Duke of Qing standing? Please, take a seat."

This one came without bringing anyone else, indicating a desire to negotiate more, since after all, if this matter drags on, it’s their Zong Sheng Aristocratic Family who will lose face.

"Prince Duan is too polite," said the Duke of Qing, his voice even and resonant. His features, which bore a resemblance to Zong Yunqian’s, now carried a dignified self-respect. After giving a formal bow, he dispensed with pleasantries. Conversations between men lacked deceit and flattery and got straight to the point.

"Prince Duan, my foolish son has behaved recklessly and offended you. I beg for your understanding," the Duke of Qing said, bowing even more solemnly.

"Duke of the State, what are you talking about? Children’s squabbles are not to be taken seriously." Prince Duan realized the Duke was here to make things clear. Indeed, not only would the Duke of Qing never agree to such an arrangement, Prince Duan himself found it implausible.

Although Prince Duan hadn’t quite grasped the Duke’s purpose in coming, he could guess most of it. So, he thought it better to hold the initiative rather than let someone else reject the notion.

Hearing this, the Duke of Qing could tell that Prince Duan was also skeptical about the marriage alliance. Although the Zong Sheng Aristocratic Family was not closely acquainted with Prince Duan, the Duke had heard about the Prince’s deep affection for his daughter.

The Duke struggled with his following words, but as a cunning old fox, he soon understood why Prince Duan might oppose such a union. If he were Prince Duan, he wouldn’t agree either, and for no other reason than the "Prince" in Prince Duan’s title.

The Duke was in no rush to speak. Presently, the matter rested entirely on his shoulders, especially since there was no Princess Consort at Prince Duan’s Mansion capable of handling the issue, which only complicated things further.

"Prince Duan, you speak too modestly. Although my son can be impulsive and was spoiled by his mother, I only learned of this matter yesterday. Upon inquiry, I discovered that my son and the Commandery Princess had once met," the Duke of Qing recalled, as his wife had informed him. "My son is kind-hearted and even studied at the Qiandao Temple, coming to understand the principle of life and death there. Our Zong Sheng Aristocratic Family has long withdrawn from court politics, possessing nothing but an empty title; it is only expected that Prince Duan would not regard my son favorably."

Prince Duan was startled. Good grief, was the Duke kicking the ball into his court in just a few words? Considering Heir Zong’s status and his affiliation with the Qiandao Temple, was the Duke implying that no compliments were allowed about his son? Was this his way of saying Prince Duan should admit that such a marriage proposal was out of the question?

"Duke of the State, you undervalue him. Heir Zong is among the most promising young men in all of Nanzheng, with a bright future ahead. Where does this undervaluation come from? I have nothing but admiration for him. And besides, there’s the matter of the Princely Heir coincidentally saving my naive and timid Commandery Princess, a favor for which I am grateful. The more I see of the Princely Heir, the more I appreciate him; with such future prospects, he surely has great things in store," said Prince Duan. After finishing his speech, he poured some tea and took a sip, musing to himself that Nian Ru viewed the issue far too simply—it wasn’t Zong Yunqian who made the decisions for the Zong Sheng Aristocratic Family.

"Prince Duan, you flatter me. The Commandery Princess was raised alongside the Empress Dowager and thus naturally upholds exemplary conduct and virtue. Despite being stationed at the Northwest Border, I have often heard praises of her," responded the Duke of Qing, grateful for a smooth way to step down from the conversation.

Prince Duan was taken aback, feeling something was off with the Duke today. Praises? He hadn’t heard any.

Prince Duan’s smile faded as he looked earnestly at the Duke. Had he misunderstood?

Seeing that Prince Duan had grasped his intention, the Duke stood up, not bothering with further small talk.

"I must be frank, I have come personally to propose a marriage for my son, to show the sincerity of our Zong Sheng Aristocratic Family. The young ones have a predestined affinity. Prince Duan does not regard titles of distinction, and my Zong Sheng Aristocratic Family considers them as fleeting as clouds. Both youngsters are of similar age, a match made in heaven..."

Prince Duan, who had just sipped his tea, almost spat it out in shock upon hearing this, staring at the Duke incredulously.

"Duke of the State, this..." Prince Duan wanted to check whether the Duke was out of his wits, his head feverish and not functioning properly?