Reborn as Powerful Minister's Beloved
Chapter 31 Wen Zan

Chapter 31: Chapter 31 Wen Zan

Zheng Congyuan had returned to the Crown Prince’s Mansion from the Imperial Palace when it was already deep into the night. Steward Hu had prepared hot water early since His Highness hadn’t returned for an entire day and night due to the ritual affairs, which really were exhausting.

After Zheng Congyuan had washed up and was ready to rest, he noticed an extra piece of letter paper on his desk. The unique paper envelope immediately revealed the sender. Steward Hu stepped back with a smile, and though he hadn’t delivered it to His Highness in time, he hoped that seeing it now would help him sleep well.

Zheng Congyuan picked up the envelope while Qi Ling carefully dried his still-wet black hair.

A rabbit that was roughly perceptible, with the final few strokes drawn impatiently — this must have been after several unsatisfactory attempts, and she was too lazy to draw it over again. Zheng Congyuan smiled helplessly; only she would dare to send such a drawing as if it were something serious.

Zheng Congyuan dropped the envelope, indeed feeling tired. The affairs in the palace would only intensify before the ritual ceremony, and Mage Huo Yi was not an easy person to deal with.

"Your Highness, Left Censor-in-Chief Lord Zhao has been waiting outside the Crown Prince’s Mansion for half a day and refuses to leave," Qi Yu came in. He was reluctant to report, but Zhao Huishen was stubborn like a bull – he would not leave without seeing the Crown Prince.

Steward Hu gave Qi Yu a reproachful look. Couldn’t this matter wait until tomorrow? No wonder His Highness had opinions about you two; you lack discernment.

"Let him in," Zheng Congyuan said as he placed the drawing in the drawer, along with the distinct dark pink envelope.

"This humble official pays respects to Your Highness," Zhao Huishen entered with firm steps and knelt in the parlor.

"Lord Zhao, please rise. Is there something urgent this late?"

"Your Highness, I indeed bring an urgent matter. The Second Prince has employed the Imperial Forest Guard’s guards and, within two days, kidnapped twenty young men and women from Zejun County, even brazenly entering homes to seize them, it’s simply..."

"Lord Zhao should understand that this palace has no control over this matter." Zheng Congyuan interrupted him directly. The Mage from Qiandao Temple near Fu Xin acted strangely, yet when even Mage Huo Yi was helpless, he managed to rescue the people.

But that person was from Qiandao Temple, and matters involving Qiandao Temple were more complex than he had imagined, having their own Imperial Forest Guard. And because of that mysterious mage, Mage Huo Yi had transferred all the guards to the Second Prince, who also had Loyal Warriors of the Wen Family by his side.

Now was definitely not the best time to act against the Wen Family or Noble Consort Wen.

"Your Highness, this humble official is very aware. However, the Second Prince’s actions are becoming increasingly reckless. If the continual disappearance of these youths stirs up public outrage, it will indeed provoke great conflict," Zhao Huishen said, his chest heaving – this was no longer about a few children but about inciting public wrath which could lead to even greater conflicts.

"Who is currently the Governor of Zejun County?"

"Prefectural Governor Pei Shi, who is indeed a disciple of Your Highness," replied Zhao Huishen as he rose.

Zheng Congyuan nodded; no wonder he sought me in the middle of the night.

"The palace is aware. You may return, and I will instruct Pei Shi to properly console the public. The palace will also investigate those twenty people," he said.

"Thank you, Your Highness."

...

"Have the selections been made?" Noble Consort Wen lay on the bed in the Traveling Palace, enjoying a rare moment of leisure after the long, jarring journey, while two top-ranking palace maids gently massaged her.

Eunuch Kang Ning carefully added a warmer, as the Traveling Palace was originally a place for summer relaxation, and was a bit cooler than the Imperial Palace.

"This servant believes that the Second Young Master Wen Zan of the Noble Consort’s Wen Family’s Fifth Branch is a talented and honest young man. What does Your Highness think of this proposal?" whispered Eunuch Kang Ning. Although Wen Zan was the second son, he had been raised in his grandmother’s quarters since childhood and was highly favored. Even Old Master Wen Kang and his wife could not control him.

Now, Eunuch Kang Ning had already sent an invitation, saying that the Noble Consort wanted to think of her family and meet some of the younger girls to talk. How could the Wen Family refuse? Meeting the current Noble Consort would also add to their reputation when it came time for the girls to marry, brightening their prospects.

On the third day, the Wen Family sent a carriage, after much deliberation, with Young Master Wen Zan of the Second Branch personally escorting it.

Dressed in a new, finely tailored suit that screamed wealth, Wen Zan looked every part the rich young nobleman of Nanzheng State. Just standing there, he exuded extravagance.

"Second Young Master Wen, you’ve finally arrived. The Noble Consort has been eagerly anticipating this," said Eunuch Kang Ning as he personally greeted him. The invitation was tactfully issued, suggesting a meeting with the Wen girls, but the Wen Family surely wouldn’t let their ladies come alone; they would definitely send someone to accompany them.

But the Wen Family were military generals. Old General Wen had taken his sons to the frontier, leaving only the limping Wen Kang in Zheng Capital. Of the grandchildren, only Wen Zan was left.

"Eunuch, I wish you peace," Wen Zan immediately greeted Eunuch Kang Ning, smiling a smile that bore a resemblance to the Noble Consort’s. He then pulled a handkerchief from his sleeve to wipe the non-existent sweat from his forehead, actually wiping off a layer of powder.

"Second Young Master Wen is becoming more and more handsome. Ladies, please follow this old servant," said Eunuch Kang Ning, turning to lead the sisters from the Wen Family.

"Oh, Eunuch, after you please. You are the Noble Consort’s most effective assistant, and we are but the younger generation," said Wen Mengrong of the Wen’s First Branch, the eldest of three sisters, who was of marriageable age. Her sisters, the eldest daughter of the Second Branch Wen Mengyue, the second daughter of the Fourth Branch Wen Mengxin, and the eldest daughter of the Fifth Branch Wen Mengshu, were all of a similar age and had seen a bit of the world. Although their eyes were filled with curiosity, they restrained themselves from looking around too openly.

Eunuch Kang Ning led the group smilingly toward the inside of the Traveling Palace, and the young ladies, growing bolder, started to marvel at the rock gardens and stone bridges in the palace with great curiosity. Wen Mengxin, the liveliest among them, swiftly moved up to walk beside Eunuch Kang.

"Eunuch Kang, I heard that the Second Prince has also come to the Traveling Palace?" asked Wen Mengxin curiously.

"Indeed, Second Miss. With all of you sisters here, the Second Prince is surely very pleased too," replied Eunuch Kang Ning still smiling.

"Indeed, I too am quite eager to see the Second Prince," said Wen Zan, observing the scenery within the palace, carefully walking to avoid getting his clothes dirty on the grass near the stone pathways.

"Then, Young Master Wen Zan should stay a few days to alleviate our Second Prince’s boredom," suggested Eunuch Kang Ning.

...

"My cousin also went to the Traveling Palace?" Zheng Haoyuan’s face soured. Why did he have to let the Grand Tutor come to teach him? His mother consort is meddlesome. Why did the Crown Prince agree to his mother’s request? He did not want this rigid Grand Tutor as a teacher.

"Young master, she truly has left; only a few eunuchs remain at Qiandao Building to clean. This old servant has personally seen it, I swear," Eunuch Ho Sheng insisted repeatedly, wondering why his young master wouldn’t believe him.

"I’m going to see for myself," said Zheng Haoyuan, slipping out towards Qiandao Building as soon as his class ended.

Seeing this, Eunuch Ho Sheng was not alarmed. Princess Chao Ren truly had gone to the Traveling Palace, and if the Fourth Prince went there, he would only return dejected, resigned to wait for the princess’s return.

However, after waiting for half an hour, two little eunuchs guarding the gate came running back. Eunuch Ho Sheng could never have imagined that his Fourth Prince would dare to sneak out of the palace.

Upon hearing this, Eunuch Ho Sheng collapsed and fainted.

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