Reborn as Powerful Minister's Beloved
Chapter 238 Second Update

Chapter 238: Chapter 238 Second Update

Old Woman Feng was once again invited over and sat in the main hall of Old Lady Zong’s residence. Seeing Eldest Madam Zheng walking out from the inner chamber, she promptly stood up.

Moved, Old Lady Zong’s face showed a touch of emotion. She was grateful to Old Woman Feng for speaking up in time; had she hesitated any longer, she might have jeopardized her own grandson.

"Old Madam, now that I see the Princely Heir is safe and sound, I am relieved," Old Woman Feng spoke first. Old Lady Zong had already motioned for her to sit down. Old Lady Zong knew a bit about Old Woman Feng – that she had some connection with Qiandao Temple, and when Master Huo Yi came to the Zheng Capital, he would always find time to visit her.

Years ago, when Zong Yunqian visited Qiandao Temple, Old Woman Feng had played a role in that as well.

"My dear elder sister, I owe you a great deal for helping me make this decision," said Madam Zong with genuine sincerity. The address of "elder sister" was something the other could rightfully carry.

Eldest Madam Zong personally brought over tea.

"Eldest Madam, I really cannot accept this honor," Old Woman Feng immediately stood up.

"Sit down, you deserve it. You saved Yunqian; you are a great benefactor to our Zong Sheng Residence," said Old Lady Zong. Old Woman Feng accepted the tea with some reluctance.

"My dear elder sister, I have troubled you to come today to discuss Yunqian’s marriage. Although it’s been rushed and Prince Duan has emphasized the simplicity, I feel, given the circumstances, we must not slight the Commandery Princess," Old Lady Zong said slowly.

Old Woman Feng nodded.

"Old Madam is a person of kind heart and generosity, surely you will be blessed in the future," she said.

At this moment, Eldest Madam Zong had no other concerns. All she wished for was that Yunqian would slowly recover.

...

The engagement gifts from Zong Sheng Residence had been delivered to Prince Duan’s Mansion by the afternoon. A formal government mediator had come to deliver them, causing Prince Duan to frown upon seeing the thick list of gifts.

Had Zong Sheng Residence not heard his requirements clearly? He had said all should be simple; he did not want Nian Ru to become the center of attention. That young fellow Yunqian was no good thing either. Their mutual needs considered, accepting so many things seemed rather ungracious.

Just this list alone was enough to show the strength of Zong Sheng Aristocratic Family, and it had not even touched upon their true foundation in the Northwest Border.

"Prince Duan, this list was personally drafted by the Duke of Qing, and Old Lady Zong added many valuable items as well. Given the short notice, it truly represents Zong Sheng Residence’s sincerity," the government mediator, experienced in these matters, said with very pleasing official rhetoric.

Seeing this, Prince Duan did not decline the gifts any further, but accepted them for the time being, with the thought of later adding more to the dowry.

...

Zheng Congyuan listened coldly to Qi Jin’s report. Zong Sheng Residence was acting quickly; it seemed they were in a hurry to conclude the matter, weren’t they?

But did Prince Duan not know that the Commandery Princess was gravely ill beyond recovery? Or was it that, to have Nian Ru leave the Imperial Palace, Prince Duan would rather have her live in solitude and hardship in the bitter cold of the Northwest?

Zheng Congyuan could no longer sit still. He could not understand why Prince Duan would agree to such a marriage. Was it not Prince Duan who always considered Nian Ru’s well-being?

Or was it that Prince Duan took Nian Ru’s departure from the palace too seriously, resorting to such a decision in his eagerness for a resolution?

Zheng Congyuan stood up and walked out, Qi Ling immediately followed.

The carriage went straight to Prince Duan’s Mansion.

Prince Duan was somewhat surprised; what was Zheng Congyuan doing here at this time? But he did not dare to neglect the visitor and immediately had him ushered in.

"Fu Xun, has something happened?" Prince Duan was somewhat puzzled. Usually, it was Qi Jin or Qi Yu who came to invite him to the Crown Prince’s Mansion.

"Imperial Uncle," Zheng Congyuan glanced at Prince Duan, his expression neither pleased nor troubled. Zheng Congyuan didn’t know whether this was a good or bad thing. "I have been negligent and only now learned of the Empress Dowager’s imperial edict."

Prince Duan had a sudden realization upon hearing this, but some matters were, after all, not easy to discuss, so he had to feign ignorance.

"Fu Xun, about this matter, it was Duke of Qing who came personally to show his sincerity. You know my original thoughts; I only wanted Nian Ru to live a good life by my side." Prince Duan patted Zheng Congyuan on the shoulder. He was very satisfied with this nephew, Zheng Boding—steady and restrained, neither arrogant nor impetuous.

Zheng Congyuan became anxious inside upon hearing this, but his face remained unchanged.

"Imperial Uncle, there’s something strange about this matter, and I’ve heard some things," Zheng Congyuan slowly began, and seeing that Prince Duan looked up at him, he had to suppress his urgency. "I heard that the Heir Zong suddenly became critically ill and incurable, and in desperation, Zong Sheng Residence hastily sought this marriage from the Empress Dowager."

Prince Duan nodded. Although he did not understand why Zong Yunqian would do this, based on what Nian Ru had told him, what Zong Yunqian likely sought was a great future at Qiandao Temple, and considering the hints he gave before he was supposedly at death’s door, Prince Duan guessed that this critical illness was probably feigned.

Indeed, Prince Duan hoped that Nian Ru could lead an ordinary life, but such a life, it seems, is not so easily had. Sons of impoverished aristocratic families might fear his status and position, but those are not the most important things. With a status like Nian Ru’s, even sons of impoverished aristocratic families would probably have some reservations, wouldn’t they?

Thus, his wish might attract those coveting power, those who wish to secure their standing at the imperial court through his status. Once such people rise to prominence, the consequences could be even worse.

On the contrary, Zong Sheng Residence’s move now seems to Prince Duan, upon reflection, not to be the worst outcome after all. At the very least, Zong Yunqian has shown his sincerity by clearly expressing his intentions, allowing Nian Ru to marry into their house with a perfectly reasonable status and with merits towards Zong Sheng’s Family.

"Could it be that Imperial Uncle isn’t worried at all that Heir Zong suddenly became incurable..."

"Ah—" Zheng Boding also found it inappropriate to say more, only patting Zheng Congyuan’s shoulder again, "Fu Xun, I’ve thought this all through, but where in this world can one find perfection? As long as Nian Ru can secure a place and leave the Imperial Palace in safety, that would set my mind at ease."

Zheng Congyuan’s heart chilled. Indeed, it was all about leaving the palace. But recently, hadn’t the Empress Dowager’s actions diminished a lot? And with his Hidden Guard watching over, Prince Duan might be overanxious. Or was it that the Empress Dowager had pressured Prince Duan in secret again?

"Imperial Uncle, to get Nian Ru out of the palace, this isn’t the only way." Zheng Congyuan took a deep breath. The Empress Dowager’s actions had completely disrupted his plans, getting a step ahead before Master Yu Sheng could arrive.

Prince Duan was taken aback. Nian Ru? Could Congyuan really be so bold as to call Nian Ru by her name?

"Imperial Uncle, to be honest, my personal visit to Qiandao Temple is also somewhat related to this matter," Zheng Congyuan spoke again. Had he said something wrong?

"Fu Xun, I know, you’ve worked hard for the sake of Imperial Uncle’s matters. It’s just, now that the Empress Dowager’s edict has been issued, and since I have personally given my word to Duke of Qing, well, perhaps this is the will of heaven," Prince Duan shook his head, feeling that something was amiss but couldn’t put his finger on it.

Given Fu Xun’s steady nature, he wouldn’t have personally come to the Prince’s Mansion for this matter, especially since even if it were settled, it would be of no harm, only benefit to him.

Zheng Congyuan, seeing Prince Duan’s resigned attitude, knew that anything further he said would be in vain.

"Yes, Imperial Uncle’s considerations are also reasonable. It was my impulsiveness."