Reborn as Powerful Minister's Beloved
Chapter 260 Second Update

Chapter 260: Chapter 260 Second Update

"I’ve heard that Lord Ju has made some outstanding academic achievements. It seems I have been ignorant," said Yunqian upon seeing that Nanyi did not speak and the atmosphere turned somewhat cold. He was actually surprised when Prince Duan mentioned Nanyi’s scholarship, as he had not realized that Nanyi had a background as a civil official.

"Prince Duan is too kind," replied Nanyi, who had not really been listening, "How can I compare to Prince Duan? Everyone in Zheng Capital still speaks highly of the septet series you once created. I still have much to learn from you."

"Hahaha, it’s hard to believe you remember that, those are matters of the past, unworthy of mention. But honestly, out of all the officials produced by the imperial examinations, the one whose scholarship I admire the most is indeed yours," Prince Duan suddenly became more engaged, feeling good about his discernment. A youth capable of maintaining such composure was truly rare.

As Prince Duan and Nanyi became more engrossed in their discussion, moving from poetry and prose to political essays, Yunqian felt invisible, as though his future father-in-law saw right through him, leaving him with a feeling he could hardly express.

This was not Yunqian’s first encounter with Nanyi. He had not noticed before that Nanyi possessed such a skill for flattery, nor did he expect that someone who seemed as pure as a mountain stream could flatter so eloquently.

Deliberately ignoring several of Yunqian’s attempts to change the subject, Nanyi continued to engage Prince Duan until the tea was finished, and the night had grown late, which saw Prince Duan’s interest slowly waning.

"Under such a night sky, to have discussed high matters with Heir Zong and Lord Ju has lifted my realm of life yet another level," he declared.

Yunqian had no compliments left to offer, knowing he could not outdo Nanyi.

"Where do you come up with such words, my Lord? You are the beacon on the path of my life, foreseeing the needs of the nation and its people, commanding my utmost respect." Nanyi smoothly responded, without skipping a beat.

The following guards, although scattered inside and outside the house, resting, could hear everything clearly. They were all somewhat astonished. Was this really their new leader, who rarely spoke more than necessary?

"It’s getting late, let’s gather again another time," Prince Duan said contentedly, patting Nanyi’s shoulder with a hint of regret. Such an outstanding man was rare, and it was precisely because of his excellence that he felt guilty about involving Nian Ru — otherwise, with his eye for talent, only someone like him would be worthy to be his son-in-law.

"After you, my Prince," Nanyi respectfully stood up.

"You go ahead, I have something to ask about here," Yunqian waved his hand, and Nanyi thus took his leave.

"My Lord, I too will take my leave now," Yunqian also stood to say goodbye.

After everyone had left, Prince Duan thought about the situation at hand, which gave him a headache although there was still a possibility of success.

"Prince," Song Gao and Song Yuan glanced at the already-departed Yunqian and Nanyi, unsure why these people had gathered so late, but it seemed to have been a coincidence.

Since Prince Duan wasn’t leaving, they couldn’t go out to corner Yunqian. It was just as well; they were still recovering from injuries and would have to wait for another chance.

"Hmm, you two, take me to see the sheep pens."

"Yes," Song Gao and Song Yuan had not arbitrarily chosen the Goat Horn Lamp; they had been lurking in Prince Duan’s Mansion for a while and had figured out the Prince’s preferences. Thus, their preparation for his visit wasn’t entirely unexpected.

Yunqian stopped outside the manor.

"Lord Ju, let us part ways here." Gu Dao and Xi Feng were stunned, looking at their Heir. Why, at this late hour, were they not leaving together? There wasn’t more than one road back to the city from here.

Zong Yunqian simply did not want to walk with Ju Nanyi; it wasn’t that he was petty or worried about losing the spotlight, he just didn’t like him.

Ju Nanyi wanted to leave even less, and in the next moment, he bid farewell and left directly with his men.

"Princely Heir—" Gu Dao glanced at Zong Yunqian in the darkness, holding the Goat Horn Lamp given by Prince Duan before his departure. They hadn’t found a single clue that afternoon, and Lord Ju might already be a step ahead with some clues.

"Let’s go—" Zong Yunqian glanced at the road outside the city and walked in the opposite direction.

Gu Dao and Xi Feng immediately understood their Princely Heir’s intent and followed him.

"Princely Heir, and really, this lamp is indeed excellent," Xi Feng said, holding the lamp he had snatched from Gu Dao, both lightweight and resistant to wind.

Zong Yunqian did not speak; it was just a lamp, given to both Ju Nanyi and him, one each. Not to mention the approving look Prince Duan had given Ju Nanyi, a hundred approving looks.

"Princely Heir, shall we continue searching?" Gu Dao looked at the pitch-black night sky, as finding anything at night was key.

"Keep looking, the band of thieves were injured and won’t get far." Furthermore, without timely treatment, they would get even less far. Making it to the outskirts was already their limit; without treatment, even a superficial wound could seep into the marrow, and by then, no one could save them.

It wasn’t that Zong Yunqian was overly confident, but because he rarely made a move since his spells were excessively domineering. Also, counting the Shichen Chinese Time, it was time for the wounds to react.

Song Gao and Song Yuan sent off Prince Duan and immediately after, Song Yuan supported the already struggling Song Gao and, without a word, went directly into the house and bolted the door tightly.

"How is it?" Song Yuan clearly knew of Song Gao’s capabilities, as he had almost faltered in front of Prince Duan, indicating something must have gone wrong.

Song Gao had already ripped open the bandage on his arm, instantly releasing a strong stench of blood that quickly turned into a rotten, burnt smell. Song Yuan took a sharp breath; the wound was black, like meat that had spoiled for several days.

"How could this be?" Song Yuan grew nervous. He had already dug out the necrotic flesh down to the bone; how could it still be like this?

"Go get the axe," Song Gao clenched his teeth, fearing his arm might not be saved.

Song Yuan nodded immediately, returned in an instant with an axe—they were both men who had experienced death up close and knew that preserving life was paramount. Losing an arm was nothing in comparison.

Song Yuan heated the axe until it glowed red with candlelight, then raised it high ready to chop down, while Song Gao did not even blink, only waiting for the axe to fall so he could press down on the wound instantly.

But in that instant, as if something had changed, Song Yuan held the axe aloft without bringing it down; Song Gao’s turning motion also froze in a particularly difficult position.

At that moment, the door slowly began to open, followed by soft footsteps—clearly, someone was entering. Though Song Gao and Song Yuan could not move, as if their bodies were not their own, they could still hear and see, distinctly hearing the footsteps slowly approaching them, one step, two steps, one person, two people.

Fear instantly filled the bodies of Song Gao and Song Yuan.