Reborn as Powerful Minister's Beloved
Chapter 284: Second Update

Chapter 284: Chapter 284: Second Update

Eldest Lady Zhang didn’t ask, but she knew something must have happened. What could possibly happen inside the Imperial Palace?

Ju Nanyi didn’t look at anyone and directly sat down in the third row, where the external officials were seated. Although there were many people in the hall, there were hardly any voices to be heard at the moment.

Then came the sound of footsteps drawing nearer, the eunuch’s hurried, light steps approaching until he reached the entrance of the hall. Suddenly the hall fell silent, and everyone stood up in an instant, lining up on both sides of the banquet tables.

"Her Majesty the Empress Dowager, the Empress, and the Crown Prince have arrived—" The eunuch entered hurriedly, his voice not high, yet everyone had already swiftly knelt down.

"We pay our respects to the Empress Dowager, the Empress, and the Crown Prince—" The voices were uniform, and many robes swayed among the kneeling officials.

"Dispense with the formalities—" The eunuch’s voice carried through.

"Everyone, please rise, please rise." Empress Dowager Yan Ping was clearly in a good mood; her words were filled with laughter as she walked to the main seat with the help of her attendants.

Only after the person in the main seat settled down did everyone in the hall return to their places.

Zheng Congyuan scanned the hall. Although it wasn’t at first glance, he found Zheng Nianru’s location quite easily. The next moment, he felt somewhat breathless with irritation.

Zheng Congyuan bowed his head and stood up discreetly before turning to Empress Dowager Yan Ping.

"Imperial Grandmother, today is your birthday. On behalf of Father, I wish you longevity like the pine and the crane, and a life of blessed longevity."

"We wish the Empress Dowager health and a long life, and boundless fortune and longevity."

"Very good, sit down, all of you." Empress Dowager Yan Ping’s expression was joyful as she lifted her cup and drank.

"Mother, please have something to eat first." Empress Xiao attended to the Empress Dowager personally. Noble Consort Wen, at her side, did not dare to neglect her duties and was fully devoted.

After three rounds of drinks, the atmosphere in the hall visibly lifted. With the sound of silk and bamboo instruments and singing, rows of dancing girls filed in, their lively and festive tunes carefully chosen for the occasion.

The group of officials in the hall gradually eased up. Some officials had started toasting and exchanging cups, and Zheng Congyuan’s cup was never put down.

"Mother, this year’s banquet seems to have more new entertainments than in previous years. Look at that boy dressed up like a monkey..." Empress Xiao stayed beside Empress Dowager Yan Ping, pointing at a dancing girl dressed as a monkey and commenting.

"Yes, yes, this simple revelry is best. Noble Consort Wen, you have worked hard. You should be rewarded—" Empress Dowager Yan Ping, delighted on her day, was generous with her praise.

"Thank you, Empress Dowager." Noble Consort Wen quickly stepped forward to pay her respects. "Your Majesty, how could I dare to take the credit? It is all thanks to the servant’s obedience in the palace. When they heard it was for the Empress Dowager’s birthday celebration, each one of them worked harder than anything else."

"Ha ha ha ha, such sweet words from you." Empress Dowager Yan Ping touched Noble Consort Wen’s forehead with a smile.

At the main seat, relatives were close and content, and after a round of toasting, the officials below were already much more relaxed than before.

"Commandery Princess, would you like to try this venison?" Zong Yunqian saw that Zheng Nianru wasn’t eating much and took the initiative to ask.

At that moment, Prince Duan was being surrounded by a group of young officials toasting him and wasn’t looking in Zheng Nianru’s direction.

Zheng Congyuan retracted his gaze. The eunuch who had organized the banquet seemed too cunning; Ju Nanyi was already carrying a cup of wine and walking towards Zheng Congyuan.

"Your Highness is truly perceptive. The Commandery Princess almost fell into the river." Ju Nanyi didn’t know why he chose this moment to report, but indeed, if one were to look for a reason, it wasn’t completely inexplicable. The matters Princess Chao Ren is involved in now concern Prince Duan and the Zong Sheng Aristocratic Family.

Even if the Crown Prince feels it is inappropriate to address this matter now, it could only show his prudence.

Zheng Congyuan immediately turned to Ju Nanyi, fell into the river? The only bridge in Xingqing Hall was the Lingqu Bridge, and he who understood this mindset ...

"Who made the move?" Zheng Congyuan picked up his wine cup; to outsiders, it appeared as if the two were simply conversing, their expressions calm and waveless, but everyone knew that the Crown Prince always acted this way, and Ju Nanyi even more so.

"Miss Zhang of the Zhang Family of Hejian," Ju Nanyi said without any intention of concealment. If it had not been for the fact that this was not a good time to act, he would not have stopped her.

Was it because of the life-saving grace that she had started to see Zong Yunqian in a different light?

"Then there is no need to keep her around," Zheng Congyuan spoke coldly, while his mind was filled with the image of Zheng Nianru struggling for life in the river—the despair in those heartbroken eyes made it impossible for him to move a step further.

So, how could he let her attempt such a thing again?

Ju Nanyi’s spirit slightly wavered as his gaze inadvertently swept over an outline neither too far nor too near. In just an instant, within the corner of his eye, he saw Zong Yunqian and her shadow overlapping; he was saying something, a clown skilled enough to make her laugh. Although Ju Nanyi couldn’t see Zheng Nianru’s expression, he could guess most of it from the warm atmosphere.

So, was it because of the past life-saving grace that she looked at him differently?

Zheng Congyuan looked at Ju Nanyi, for he had not heard a response from him.

Ju Nanyi had already gathered his thoughts.

"Yes, Your Highness," No, it wasn’t just the life-saving grace but also Zong Yunqian’s identity, the Princely Heir of the Zong Sheng Aristocratic Family.

Ju Nanyi continued to back away with his wine cup in hand, but then he took an unwilling step forward and reached Prince Duan. As Prince Duan noticed Ju Nanyi’s approach, he immediately grabbed Ju Nanyi.

"Lord Ju—"

Ju Nanyi drew back to make his courtesy, but Prince Duan caught him in one motion.

"Lord Ju, let us have a drink—"

"Prince, this official toasts you—" Ju Nanyi didn’t decline and even standing here, he could faintly hear conversations from behind.

"Lord Ju, may I have a word with you in private." Prince Duan glanced back; today’s seating arrangement was not ideal, and Master Yu Sheng had not yet arrived. Master Yu Sheng seldom met with people; it was his oversight to think the Mage would attend such a banquet.

"Prince, is there something you wish to discuss?" Did she mention what had happened earlier? Indeed, Prince Duan was the closest person to her; if she wanted to tell anyone, he would be the first.

"Lord Ju, about the matter you helped with yesterday, how is it going?" Prince Duan asked urgently.

Ju Nanyi was startled for a moment; what he knew of yesterday’s event he had already told Prince Duan, and he had made it clear that the monster comes and goes without a trace, and without specific reasons, it was unfindable.

"If there is anything Your Highness wishes to say, I shall not shirk my duty if it is within my power."

"Heir Zong, thank you. Our Commandery Princess is just not feeling well with her appetite," Fu Dong’s voice came through.

"Is she unwell?" Zong Yunqian was slightly startled; it wasn’t just a problem with his intuition, something had really happened.

"Lord Ju, since that is the case, there is something I would like to ask you. When you encountered the monster at the Wen Family’s separate residence, was Heir Zong also present? Did you witness Heir Zong slay the monster with your own eyes?"

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