Reborn as Powerful Minister's Beloved
Chapter 336 - 323: One More Update

Chapter 336: Chapter 323: One More Update

The night was oppressively dark as if trying to squeeze ink from the shadows, a heaviness and despair pressing down on everyone’s hearts. Qi Ling and Qi Zhu were leading the way, with Zheng Congyuan’s footsteps sinking deeper with every step he took.

No one in the procession dared to make a sound, only the footsteps, the rustling of clothes, the struggle of feet in the muddy ground, and the occasional weak, defiant chirp of a cricket pierced the silence.

Qi Ling didn’t know what to do next. The longer the time dragged on, the more faint the hope became. The commandery princess was not skilled in swimming, having been fearful of water since childhood, always keeping a wide berth even from a pond. The thought of her falling into the water made Qi Ling vividly feel the princess’s panic.

Terror, despair, helplessness. Under such tension, how could one think of holding their breath and navigating through the undercurrents? Even if, by some stroke of luck, one was carried downstream by the current, what were the chances of surviving?

Action must be taken, of course.

The guards that had descended failed to detect this undercurrent immediately, missing the best opportunity to search, costing a full two Shichen.

Not just the Hidden Guards of the Crown Prince’s Mansion but also the Loyal Warriors of Wen Family were likely to meet a grim fate. The Crown Prince would not refrain from taking lives if he wanted company in death, and given the Fourth Prince’s attitude, he would not let the matter rest.

Qi Ling was not afraid of death. If the commandery princess didn’t make it, he couldn’t imagine what would happen next.

Qi Ling suddenly stopped, not even realizing that he had been unaware of the team stopping a step ahead of him. Qi Zhu, following Zheng Congyuan, halted by the riverbank.

This particular riverbank was found after crossing a small, unremarkable hill next to the Golden Spirit Mountain range. The current was swift, the sound of the river rushing through the valley, extending into the wide sandy plains below.

Zheng Congyuan, looking at the river that suddenly emerged from the foot of the mountain, felt his heart hammered violently. Several Hidden Guards without waiting for orders had already dived into the water. This was their fourth time entering the water, rotating in groups of four, some unaware of the circumstances or perhaps only informed to search for Prince Duan’s offspring, Princess Chao Ren.

"Splash!" The guards quickly moved forward, probing around without much hope of finding anything. Yet, as they dove in, they saw a piece of light-colored clothing caught on a branch by the water’s edge.

"Your Highness, we’ve found something—" Zheng Congyuan’s hand trembled, not even having the courage to look, knowing a guard swiftly scooped up the clothing and hurriedly presented it to Zheng Congyuan.

"Your Highness, it’s a man’s outer garment, of a high-quality material befitting the Heir Zong’s status," reported the guard swiftly.

Zheng Congyuan’s heart clenched, unsure whether to let go or not—no news seemed the best news at the moment. But considering what Lu Hu had privately reported to him, that Zong Yunqian and Zheng Nianru had jumped one after the other with not much time between them, the chances of finding Zheng Nianru were quite high if Zong Yunqian was discovered.

But...

Zheng Congyuan felt his heart sink even more, not daring to think about what might be discovered next, or the chance of Nianru surviving such a long passage through the undercurrents.

"Go and notify Prince Duan, Duke of Qing, and the others, allowing only them to come here," said Zheng Congyuan, perhaps not even fully aware of what the implications of his words might be.

Having spoken, Zheng Congyuan continued forward. He didn’t want to think, didn’t wish to think, and even feared facing the truth.

What was he afraid of? Zheng Congyuan sneered at himself. Even if she survived, what then? Could he give her a stable and fulfilling life? If he selfishly took her, he’d be nailing her to a pillar of shame for life, unable to ever raise her head high again.

It was as if two people were tearing apart from inside Zheng Congyuan—one frantically, madly wanting to smash himself into the soft, chaotic mud. If Nianru were dead, he’d be buried here too, to sleep eternally with her. But the other part held onto a desperate sliver of hope, wishing she was still alive, even if it meant never seeing him again, even if they never met again, as long as she continued living well. That, even if it meant they were punished with a lifetime of separation.

No, no, if she were still alive, why would he care about those concerns? Why keep watching her struggle in pain, knowing what she wanted yet never being able to take that step? Since he could never provide what she wanted, why should he care, what did he need to care about? As long as she was alive, he was willing to fulfill her wishes, even if...

...

Ju Nanyi timed his arrival at the Crown Prince’s Mansion perfectly, as Zheng Congyuan’s message indicated midnight. It suggested that before then, the Crown Prince must have had other arrangements.

However, having waited for a long time at the gate of the Crown Prince’s Mansion, Ju Nanyi saw no doors opening. Surprised, for the Crown Prince was usually absorbed in official matters, and if a midnight meeting was scheduled, someone would certainly greet him at the entrance. But now, there were no greeters, the mansion lay in complete darkness, void of the slightest sign of life.

Ju Nanyi furrowed his brows, hesitated for a moment, and then knocked on the door.

After a while, a guard rushed hurriedly to answer, maintaining his former position. This scene didn’t resemble the usual style of the Crown Prince’s Mansion. Had something happened?

"Squeak—" The door was hastily opened, and the guard peeked out, his lantern shaking uncertainly, obviously having run there, setting aside all notions of decorum to ask.

"Any news?" The guard blurted out, and upon recognising Ju Nanyi standing at the door, quickly composed himself and withdrew his lantern.

"Lord Ju, at such a late hour..." Did the Crown Prince send for you? Why haven’t you brought anyone with you?

"My lord, His Highness asked me to come before midnight, saying that there was a matter to discuss," Ju Nanyi said with reverence, though he found it strange. A thought struck him instantly, could something have happened to the Crown Prince?

Although Ju Nanyi didn’t recognize the guard before him, nor was it Qi Jin, Qi Yu, or the others who usually opened the doors, by his attire he seemed to be one of the Qi-generation Hidden Guards. The Crown Prince usually kept a low profile, and apart from Qi Jin, Qi Yu, Qi Zhu, and Qi Ling, the other members rarely appeared at the Crown Prince’s Mansion.

"Is it about the events of the daytime?" asked the guard.

Ju Nanyi’s sense of strangeness intensified. "Yes—"

"Oh, Lord Ju, then please return. His Highness has been caught up with something sudden and won’t be able to make it today," Qi Geng spoke with irritation in his heart, wondering if there was still no news. Could it be that the Commandery Princess had not yet been found?

"Then this subordinate shall take his leave—" Seeing this, Ju Nanyi made his exit without a moment’s hesitation.

The large door closed quickly behind him.

...

Prince Duan felt his heart sink upon hearing the guard’s words.

Just as he was about to speak, the Duke of Qing stepped forward, grabbing the arriving guard.

"Have you found something?" the Duke of Qing dared not ask whether they were alive or...

"Duke of the State, we have only discovered some clues. Please come with us to take a look," the guard said cautiously. Prince Duan’s legs went weak upon hearing this.

"What... clues?" The color drained from the Duke’s face as grim images and bad premonitions flashed through his mind.

"The Commandery Princess is dead?" Prince Duan could no longer control his emotions, his voice trembling. Zheng Haoyuan’s eyes were red with tears; they had searched nearly all night, and the news that came at this hour...

"It can’t be, that’s nonsense..." Zheng Haoyuan could not accept it. He refused to accept this information. He’d rather continue the search because as long as they continued, there was hope.

"Prince Duan, Duke of the State, please don’t be anxious. For now, we have only discovered clothes floating in the river. This suggests that it is highly likely the Commandery Princess and the Princely Heir were swept away by the undercurrent. The Crown Prince has gone downstream along the riverbank and has sent me to inform you both. If you wish, you may follow me..." The guard struggled to express the rest of his statement.

Having personally searched all night, the entire night, and knowing the length and ferocity of the undercurrents, even a guard with excellent swimming skills nearly drowned in the underwater tunnels coming from Earth Spirit River. It was even more unlikely for a delicate lady like the Commandery Princess.

This Hidden Guard had not been with Zheng Congyuan for long, but he was sharp-witted. He was one of the few who had discerned some secrets. Now, as he faced Prince Duan and the Duke of the State, he did not try to console them, merely waiting quietly for their decision.

Prince Duan’s mouth opened as if he wanted to say something, but in the end, he just nodded. Even if it were the worst news, he wanted to see Nian Ru with his own eyes.

The Duke of Qing also nodded. He couldn’t believe it. How could his proud and distinguished son die so unremarkably here, his life snuffed out by an accident?

"I must go too—" How could Zheng Haoyuan not go? He stepped forward, determination on his face. He had to go; he had to see his cousin.

"Then please follow me—" The guard glanced at them and then turned to leave. At this moment, there were no superfluous words. He believed Prince Duan and the others didn’t want to hear anything unnecessary either.

Following the Crown Prince’s Mansion guard, Prince Duan slowly learned that the dark flow beneath this mountain range was that of Earth Spirit River. To know that it ran so long, Prince Duan was aware that Zheng Congyuan was a reliable man. If he called them now, it must be because he had some theories.

Prince Duan walked faster and faster, thinking of his Nian Ru...

His ill-fated daughter, how could she be so unlucky? To be confined in the palace for so many years and now, just as she had gained her freedom, such an incident occurred. What face did he have to see Lady Ru again? He...

Zheng Haoyuan had already started to weep softly.

"Prince Duan, why did my son come here today?" The Duke of Qing could no longer hold back. Though he wasn’t sure about the specifics, it was clear this involved Zheng Haoyuan and the Commandery Princess’s visit to the area. Why else would Zong Yunqian be here if not for the Commandery Princess? It couldn’t be just because of her, for what other reason would Zong Yunqian make this trip?

Prince Duan glanced coldly at the Duke of Qing and waved his hand dismissively.

"Duke of Qing, let bygones be bygones. Let’s just take our people back and live quietly from now on..." Prince Duan’s voice trailed off, thinking of his ill-fated daughter. What sins had he committed in his life to warrant such retribution on Nian Ru?

The Duke of Qing’s emotions surged. Yes, even in death, it had to be dignified. He wouldn’t allow anyone who harmed his son to be buried in Zong Sheng Family’s ancestral grave.