Reborn as Powerful Minister's Beloved
Chapter 244 Second Update

Chapter 244: Chapter 244 Second Update

Nanny Yun and Nian Xia suddenly felt like hedgehogs, wishing a gust of wind would sweep these people away.

In a silent moment, Princess Helin took a step forward and scrutinized Zheng Nianru with her eyes, making everyone feel the tension in the air.

If it weren’t for the interjection of Commandery Princess Chao Ren, Heir Zong would most likely have married Princess Helin.

Although Princess Helin was not the daughter of a Prince, she had an unmatched background. Furthermore, her mother had become seriously ill while saving the Empress, and the Empress regarded her as an adopted daughter.

Zheng Nianru glanced at the crowd, her expression unchanging, as if she were a senior observing a group of mindless sparrows who knew only how to flock together—ultimately, they were not fit to be seen on stage.

Zheng Nianru felt bored and turned to leave.

"You, stop," Princess Helin suddenly spoke up, causing someone in the air to involuntarily gasp. This was followed by the awkward conversations behind their backs, but hearing Princess Helin speak seemed to embolden them.

That’s just how it was, could not others speak?

Zheng Nianru had no intention of stopping, but behind her, Princess Helin suddenly laughed mockingly, her cold eyes fixed on Zheng Nianru.

"Why, running away? Are you off to see your cheap fiancé? Will he even make it to the wedding?" Princess Helin thought of this and was filled with rage.

Since arriving in Zheng Capital, she knew that the Empress had been actively trying to match her with Heir Zong, and Her Majesty the Empress Dowager also had high hopes for this. Thus, the Nanan Aristocratic Family was highly regarded and paid extra attention to Heir Zong’s affairs.

Thus, unknown to others, Heir Zong had met Commandery Princess Chao Ren at Siyan Lake, and it was since then that Heir Zong had begun those absurd actions.

Princess Helin regretted that she had not seen Commandery Princess Chao Ren at Siyan Lake to know what she looked like. Now seeing her for the first time, even if Zong Yunqian had chosen this woman due to his grave illness, it still left her feeling uneasy.

"So this is Commandery Princess Chao Ren?" Many who had not seen Zheng Nianru naturally asked this, clearly adding fuel to the fire amid the brewing trouble.

Zheng Nianru turned around. Princess Helin? She did not recall this person, even after becoming the Empress Dowager. The Nanan Aristocratic Family didn’t appear in her memory, so had she wiped out the Nanan Aristocratic Family during her plotting against them?

Zheng Nianru suddenly felt that plotting a rebellion was not entirely without merit.

"Is Princess Helin cursing the death of Heir Zong?" Zheng Nianru retorted.

Princess Helin scoffed, did she need to curse? It was already the truth, otherwise, would Old Lady Zong be so desperate?

At that moment, Zhang Linghui was chatting with Tang Wei when they noticed some commotion here, and a female servant informed Tang Wei of the situation.

Although Tang Wei didn’t want to meddle, now in the palace, if they displeased Her Majesty the Empress Dowager, it would not end well for them. Tang Wei was just about to intervene when Zhang Linghui grabbed her.

"Why rush, Sister Tang? Isn’t everyone here from the Empress Dowager’s camp? What could possibly go wrong?"

Tang Wei was slightly puzzled. Yes, they were all people of Her Majesty the Empress Dowager, so why did no one step forward to stop this?

Princess Helin laughed, looking at Zheng Nianru, "Such a fine marriage alliance, and now no one benefits from it, and yet the person before us has become the biggest winner."

The lady of the Zong Sheng Aristocratic Family, even if the Heir Zong had died, she would still be the lady of the Zong Sheng Aristocratic Family, blessed to have a son and a daughter.

"Do you think you were granted marriage to Heir Zong for what reason? Isn’t it because the Zong Sheng Aristocratic Family didn’t want to offend the prominent families, so they chose a Commandery Princess of no particular significance, truly thinking she had become the Crown Prince’s wife?" Princess Helin snorted coldly. Others might not know, but she truly knew that Zheng Nianru’s days were worse than those of ladies from lesser aristocratic families, and Her Majesty the Empress Dowager also greatly disliked her. Otherwise, who would be willing to send a beloved daughter to promote good fortune?"

The place fell silent. Although Princess Helin’s words were harsh, everyone understood the logic. Even so, it unduly favored the present Zheng Nianru.

To think that such a Heir Zong would marry such a woman, which woman would not resent that?

"Old Lady Zong has arrived—" Just then, following the announcement, everyone snapped back to reality as Old Lady Zong arrived, naturally halting the current topic.

And no one would sympathize with Zheng Nianru, remembering what the Zong Sheng Aristocratic Family represented. Even daughters of general aristocratic families would be willing. In the end, the Zong Sheng Aristocratic Family was far too benevolent.

Xia Zhiqian saw everyone dispersing and awkwardly wanted to say something, but Zheng Nianru never looked her way, so she gave up and, after waiting a moment, also headed toward the pavilion.

"Heir Zong—" Someone called out first, causing the ladies from prominent families to startle, then they saw Old Lady Zong approach, accompanied by a man with black hair as dark as a raven’s, his demeanor as clear as the moon. Where was there any sign of illness?

In the midst of everyone’s astonishment, Zong Yunqian firmly supported Old Lady Zong, looking straight ahead, walking toward Her Majesty the Empress Dowager.

Next to Her Majesty the Empress Dowager, the conversation of regret continued, ushered on with a sigh from Lady Zou and Madam Tang could not help but speak up.

"Old Lady Zong is just too kind-hearted. If it was to save a life, our Wuxing Aristocratic Family wouldn’t stand idly by either," she said.

"Enough, enough, Old Lady Zong has her reasons for her actions—" Empress Dowager Yan Ping watched Old Lady Zong approach, her face clearly breaking into a smile.

"Old Madam, you have arrived late—" Empress Dowager Yan Ping was in good spirits, glancing at Zong Yuanqian, who although not ill, looked markedly leaner than in previous days.

How could this be? How could this happen? Princess Helian immediately looked toward the ladies nearby. Hadn’t they all heard that Heir Zong was critically ill and that Old Lady Zong was desperately seeking medical help?

Empress Dowager Yan Ping naturally wouldn’t suspect that Zong Yunqian was really feigning illness. If the Zong Sheng Aristocratic Family had nothing to gain from this marriage arrangement, no schemes planned, then they were merely compelled by the circumstances.

What exactly the purpose was, Empress Dowager Yan Ping had not discovered, nor could she see any utilitarian value in seeking to marry Zheng Nianru, who held no power and had never left the palace before.

On the contrary, the Empress Dowager believed more in Old Lady Zong’s words, that it was simply a matter of their fate aligning, holding a hope of prolonging life.

"Your Majesty the Empress Dowager, today I especially brought my grandson to kneel and thank Your Majesty for your great kindness," Eldest Madam Zong said, patting Zong Yunqian on the hand.

"I thank Your Majesty for your great grace," Zong Yunqian said calmly, kneeling respectfully amidst the surprise and consternation of those present.

Heir Zong was alright? Heir Zong was not gravely ill as the rumors suggested? This fact suddenly exploded in the minds of all the ladies from prominent families.

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