Reborn as Powerful Minister's Beloved
Chapter 269: One More

Chapter 269: Chapter 269: One More

Zheng Congyuan didn’t know why he felt compelled to go, as if an impulse in his heart dictated that without going, he wouldn’t be able to concentrate on anything, sit still, or sleep.

Upon leaving the Crown Prince’s Mansion, Qi Ling saw that his highness had asked Qi Jin to draw the carriage, which meant they were not heading to Qishun Building. If not there, it was obvious where they would be going, and Qi Ling dearly wished to find a better destination for his master.

When Qi Yu hurried out, he was also confused. Where could they be going so late? His Highness hadn’t mentioned any destinations.

Seeing this, Qi Ling had no choice but to give Qi Jin a look, whose impatient nature immediately prompted him to speak up. Your Highness, it has been peaceful for a few days now, they all think it’s settled, the Commandery Princess will be at Prince Duan’s Mansion from now on. Gradually, this relationship that should have never existed was supposed to have been severed.

Qi Jin immediately cracked his whip, and the carriage darted into the darkness, the rapid and rhythmic clip-clop of hooves disturbing the underlying solitude in people’s hearts.

As Qi Ling sighed inwardly, he may not have known what was written in the Commandery Princess’s letter, but he could guess that she was now engaged and had moved back to Prince Duan’s Mansion. There were some things that, even if... they too would eventually come to an end.

Moreover, in the hearts of Qi Ling and Qi Zhu, after so many years of companionship, there was an indescribable connection with the Commandery Princess that made them automatically consider her well-being.

Therefore, at this time, becoming gradually distant was the best choice for both His Highness and the Commandery Princess.

Zheng Congyuan remained silent, his gaze fixed on the darkness, never uttering a word.

Not taking a single item with her? He knew it should be this way, as many things couldn’t appear in Prince Duan’s Mansion, any of them could arouse Prince Duan’s suspicion. But by not taking anything, would she continue to remember the good times? Without those items constantly before her eyes, she would gradually forget everything about Qishun Building, forget those past moments.

She definitely would. Prince Duan cherished her immensely, provided her with the finest things. Why should she remember an unhappy time at Qishun Building? Slowly, even he would be buried with her memories in the recesses of her mind.

Zheng Congyuan’s fingers slowly curled into a fist, his wavering heart becoming more entangled as the carriage moved forward. Before reaching Prince Duan’s Mansion, he still had the chance to reconsider, still had the chance to stop his irrational behavior.

"Your Highness, we have arrived," Qi Ling whispered. In truth, they had already been stopped outside Prince Duan’s Mansion for a while and not hearing any command from His Highness to return had resignedly spoken up.

But stopping here wasn’t a solution either. This place wasn’t exactly discreet, what if they were discovered?

Zheng Congyuan was as if he hadn’t noticed their arrival. Despite knowing he should return, he couldn’t bring himself to say the words.

He just wanted to look at it from afar, to leave something behind as long as...

Zheng Congyuan firmly lifted his head, regarding the night shrouded Prince Duan’s Mansion, like a fierce beast crouching in the dark, mysterious and unpredictable, capable of swaying his heart at any moment.

...

Prince Duan’s Mansion was located in a manor on the outskirts of Zheng Capital. Song Gao and Song Yuan, just recovering from their apprehension, had been anxious for two days, healing even faster than they expected.

Song Gao and Song Yuan had been on tenterhooks for two days, neglecting their shepherding duties, but only now did their hearts start to settle a bit. As darkness fell, however, those two shadows appeared in their manor like ghosts.

Yin He gave Elder Can a glance, a signal to be efficient and avoid unnecessary talk.

Elder Can immediately nodded, assuring his Young Master that he was adept at handling this situation. The newcomer, having just arrived from Ghoul Ravine and not having a formal introduction, was pulled along, eager and frustrated not having had the time to prove himself before the Young Master.

But Elder Can had warned him ahead of time, so he merely stole a quick glance at his Young Master, who was handsome and icily arrogant, very imposing.

"Young Master, rest assured, the three newcomers are very reliable, and the Ghost Shadow they brought is completely clean, kept in the Black Jar and has never come out," Elder Can said, still showing concern for the people from Ghoul Ravine by bringing the man forward.

"This is Gui San, very sharp minded, one of the best young men we have in Ghoul Ravine," Elder Can introduced.

"Subo— subordinate, pays respects to the Young Master," said the man, slight and keen, immediately kneeling, his expression agitated.

If Yin He didn’t feel it inappropriate to involve himself personally, he wouldn’t bother with these people. He now gave a perfunctory nod.

"Stand up, follow Elder Can and do your work well," Yin He stated indifferently.

"Yes, yes, this subordinate will definitely... work well." Gui San had prepared a long speech, but after beginning, he caught Elder Can’s urgent gesturing and quickly passed up the chance to express his loyalty, standing up promptly.

"Young Master, please wait a moment; I will go in with Gui San," said Elder Can taking Gui San with him as they entered the manor.

Song Gao and Song Yuan waited in the courtyard for a long time until they finally saw the two enter. They dared not move or speak, just watching Elder Can as he arrived.

"You two need not be afraid," seeing the pallor on their faces and their feigned composure, Elder Can said in a good mood.

Song Gao exchanged a glance with Song Yuan. They were still on the same side for now; there shouldn’t be any danger.

"May I inquire if the elder has come today with a detailed plan?" Song Gao respectfully saluted and asked.

Elder Can nodded.

"This time, although you two will be the front, I have brought you an assistant," Elder Can glanced at Gui San, who immediately placed the Black Jar he was carrying on a nearby stool.

Song Yuan eyed the Black Jar, an entirely black container, yet the man described it as an assistant. Clearly, the jar wasn’t just a thing; there was something inside it.

Song Yuan frowned, barely perceiving a whisper of black smoke emerging from the Black Jar. The smoke seemed sentient, dancing about, and as the man carrying the jar stepped forward, the smoke quickly withdrew.

"This thing will accompany you inside, but don’t be afraid, just carry on with your tasks, our people will manage it," Elder Can assured them.

"Good, when do we leave?" Song Gao asked immediately, ready to rid themselves of Zong Yunqian as long as it could be managed, regardless of the other party’s agenda. Apart from Prince Duan, their identities were untraceable on the surface.

Even if things were exposed, Prince Duan would naturally not reveal them. They would destroy their own faces before their deaths, and not implicate Nanmen or Prince Duan.

"Now," Elder Can said firmly, determined to prove himself before the Young Master and let him recognize the prowess of Ghoul Ravine.