Reborn as Powerful Minister's Beloved
Chapter 298: Second Update

Chapter 298: Chapter 298: Second Update

Nanny Yun hurriedly tugged at Zheng Nianru’s sleeve, while Fu Dong and Nian Xia who followed were also too scared to utter a word; how unlucky it was to encounter Eldest Madam Zong at this moment.

"Commandery Princess—" Nanny Yun couldn’t help but raise her voice to remind her; she clearly saw that her own Commandery Princess didn’t want to bother with Eldest Madam Zong in front of her.

Indeed, how could Nanny Yun not know? With such a commotion, Eldest Madam Zong had not come out at the start, and now she chose this moment to appear. She clearly did not consider them as part of her own family, her intentions were elsewhere. How was their Commandery Princess supposed to react now?

Eldest Madam Zong felt somewhat displeased; even though Zheng Nianru was not yet officially their Zong Sheng Family’s daughter-in-law, the betrothal had been set, and it was only proper for her to receive some respect.

Second Madam Geng immediately pulled at Eldest Madam Zong’s sleeve.

Don’t be foolish, she’s not yet married into your family; she remains a Commandery Princess, and Prince Duan’s status is there to be seen.

"Princess Chao Ren, for my sake, let’s put this matter to rest," Eldest Madam Zong took a deep breath. Their Zong Sheng Family had always been the representative of all aristocratic families. Making such a fuss over idle gossip would only lead to mockery in the future.

Moreover, given the status and reputation of the Zong Sheng Family, they were above squabbling with such people, and the pride of Zong Sheng Residence was there for all to see. Naturally, Eldest Madam Zong could understand that this Commandery Princess lacked guidance and therefore couldn’t perceive the intricacies at play; however, in time, she would patiently explain.

Zheng Nianru looked at Eldest Madam Zong, not that she had no impression of her. In her previous life, Eldest Madam Zong’s humble yet poised demeanor had left a somewhat favorable impression on her.

But that did not give her the right to demand the release of people.

"Why?" Zheng Nianru turned her head, her innocent large eyes looking at Eldest Madam Zong. Wen Ling, standing in front of her, saw a terrifying fear in those eyes that appeared so innocent and pure, yet within that fear lay an indescribable and inexplicable odd sensation, like a bloodthirsty lion eyeing its prey; dangerous, yet arousing an animalistic desire.

Eldest Madam Zong suddenly felt as if she had a fire burning in her belly, her breath uneven, not knowing how to respond.

Upon seeing this, Senior Nanny immediately grew anxious. This Princess Chao Ren grew up in the palace, and she had secretly inquired about the nanny that taught her—she was not from a reputable background, which clearly made a difference.

"Commandery Princess, what our madam means is that these young ladies from prominent families have learned their lesson. And it was just a few words they said. As a person of high standing, you do not have to stoop to their level," Senior Nanny immediately said, not so much for Eldest Madam Zong, but more for Heir Zong.

Zheng Nianru looked coldly at the speaking nanny; at this moment, she did not appreciate Eldest Madam Zong’s sudden appearance. Had Eldest Madam Zong remained hidden in her room until Zheng Nianru had handled everything, perhaps she wouldn’t have been so repulsed.

The ladies from prominent families at the scene, now seeing Eldest Madam Zong, appeared as though they saw a glimmer of hope and quickly gathered around her.

"Eldest Madam Zong, please save us."

"Eldest Madam Zong, we merely believed some rumors and spoke a few words," they pleaded.

Eldest Madam Zong looked at Zheng Nianru, suddenly feeling that Princess Chao Ren was not as manageable as she had imagined, and even now, she was not certain whether Zheng Nianru would release them.

Therefore, Eldest Madam Zong did not speak, but faintly felt that her intuition was correct—Princess Chao Ren was not as she appeared on the surface, nor as she had been led to believe.

Zheng Nianru did not budge, not because she was unwilling to give face to the Eldest Madam Zong or to release them. It was simply that, having experienced the incident with Princess Helin’s startled horse that did not trample her to death, Miss Zhang pushing her into the river, and on top of that, the recent rumors swirling through Zheng Capital, all of it indicated that either someone was deliberately targeting her or that she, Zheng Nianru, had presented herself as an easy target.

All of this greatly resembled the time when she had first ascended to the position of Empress Dowager, when everyone felt entitled to direct and criticize her, believing she was unfit for her seat.

Of course, the situation improved somewhat after she had had a minister’s head cut off and the homes of several ministers confiscated.

Thus, Zheng Nianru knew that mere forbearance was not the solution, especially since it did not work in her case.

"So the Eldest Madam means to have me release those who have been spreading malicious rumors about Prince Duan’s Mansion and Zong Sheng Residence?" Zheng Nianru chuckled, "The Eldest Madam may not be aware, but although my father is merely Prince Duan, he is still a legitimate descendant of the Imperial Family. How can we allow these ministers to slander the Imperial Family with such treacherous crimes? Can the Eldest Madam really afford to give them that much face?"

Nanny Yun’s lips quivered. It was the right principle, but, Commandery Princess, in this situation...

Fu Dong and Nian Xia dared not speak, naturally unwilling to interfere with their Commandery Princess.

The Senior Nanny’s face turned pale upon hearing those words, clearly not expecting Zheng Nianru to confront the Eldest Madam Zong with such a statement.

At that moment, Yin He turned his head and glanced at the Eldest Madam Zong, who immediately perceived a murderous intent in the young man’s eyes, which made her heart skip a beat.

"Xing Yu, take action," Zheng Nianru commanded coldly, not waiting for the Eldest Madam Zong to speak.

Upon hearing the order, Xing Yu immediately moved towards the individuals beside the Eldest Madam Zong.

Only then did Eldest Madam Zong realize that she had underestimated the situation; however, at this point, if she did not speak up, the matter might spiral out of control. It was clear Princess Chao Ren was the type to act without considering the consequences, and emboldened by having two capable servants, she looked down upon everyone, unaware that there were others beyond her reach.

Therefore, even if Princess Chao Ren did come to Zong Sheng Residence in the future, these two servants must definitely not accompany her.

"Princess Chao Ren, please hear me out," Eldest Madam Zong said, barely suppressing her anger, thinking more and more that such a temperament was unsuitable for Heir Zong. It was indeed too hasty initially; they had not had the time for thorough scrutiny.

Xing Yu hesitated. In fact, she did not want to stop. These people deserved a beating, for without it, they wouldn’t learn their lesson – would their Commandery Princess have to endure such foul words everywhere she went? Yet the person before her was to be the Commandery Princess’ future mother-in-law.

Zheng Nianru remained silent. Nanny Yun became anxious. The Eldest Madam had already spoken; there would still be time to punish them later.

The sweat on the faces of the Imperial Forest Guards began to seep out slowly, as the pain they could not express in their expressions multiplied several times over with each passing moment.

When Xing Yu did not move, Eldest Madam Zong breathed a sigh of relief.

"Commandery Princess, these families from the lesser household can hardly compare to your esteemed status, let alone the standing of the Zong Sheng Residence. Why should you bother with people who have not seen the world and thus lower your noble stature? Furthermore, as a lady, it is unsuitable to resort to violence. If the Commandery Princess trusts me, hand these people over to me. I will personally teach them a lesson. How about that?" Eldest Madam Zong restrained her temper. This way, even if those families intended to pursue the matter, they would consider Zong Sheng Residence’s dignity first.

Moreover, her idea of pursuing the matter would only be to reprimand them, not injure them significantly, thus giving the families a form of explanation.