Reborn as Powerful Minister's Beloved
Chapter 374 - 355: First Update

Chapter 374: Chapter 355: First Update

Yin He sat quietly in a small room in the outer courtyard, listening patiently, which was rare for him, as Elder Can had been speaking for a long time. However, the matters were numerous, and every step was crucial; a misstep could easily incur Prince Duan’s dissatisfaction.

"The matter of manpower has already begun to be arranged, using the identity of a paper and ink merchant from the Southern Frontier, spurred by the imperial examinations. With the trend of academic examinations rising in Zheng Capital, more scholars meant the need to expand business."

Yin He turned around, somewhat dissatisfied, wondering why they couldn’t adopt the identity of an Honest Official.

Elder Can awkwardly responded with a smile, "Young Master, taking on the identity of an Honest Official isn’t difficult, but the key is that they don’t have a single scholar among them. With some knowledge of literature, Prince Duan would spot the truth immediately."

"Young Master, Prince Duan is skilled in these matters. We are prone to mistakes, so we must approach this from aspects Prince Duan is unfamiliar with. Moreover, I’ve heard that Prince Duan is fond of inkstones, which presents us with an excellent opportunity." Elder Can continued strategically, "Moreover, from the way interactions have been progressing, things are moving smoothly."

Yin He looked at Elder Can again; although impatient, he understood that these steps were necessary. To be openly united with Nian Ru, these tasks had to be completed.

For the first time, Yin He felt that having an identity was very important. Over these days, he had gradually realized that all Elder Can’s efforts were to whitewash his identity before Prince Duan.

Only then could he openly seek to marry Nian Ru.

"Young Master, there is another important matter. After all, she is to be Madam Young Master of Ghoul Ravine, and the lord wishes to meet her personally..."

Elder Can hadn’t finished speaking when the youth’s gaze turned icy, preventing any further brewing of emotions.

"After all, it was Duke of Qing who personally came to propose for Heir Zong. As merchants, we naturally need to show greater sincerity, which is also what the lord thinks."

Yin He said nothing, uncertain whether the old man’s words were genuine, but since he was in a position of needing help, the youth stiffly held his peace, yet did not openly refuse.

Elder Can immediately breathed a sigh of relief; that hurdle was crossed. The next tasks only needed to be conducted carefully. Even if Prince Duan disagreed, they had ways to handle it.

...

Empress Dowager Yan Ping summoned him, and though Prince Duan did not wish to go, the current sensitive circumstances forced his hand.

As for why Empress Dowager Yan Ping summoned him, Prince Duan almost knew it had to do with his annulment.

"Foolish, foolish, what kind of father acts this way?" Even before Prince Duan reached Xingqing Hall, Empress Dowager Yan Ping had already thrown a cup at the sight of him approaching, the porcelain shards rolling to Prince Duan’s feet.

"Your Highness pays respects to the Empress Dowager—" Prince Duan ignored the tea by his robes; in matters concerning Nian Ru, he could not back down.

Nanny Du immediately stepped forward, wiping the Empress Dowager’s hand, "Your Majesty, don’t be angry. Ruining your health isn’t worth it, especially not over a Commandery Princess. Prince Duan is your own son, let’s talk nicely."

Empress Dowager Yan Ping took a deep breath and sat down, not responding, letting Prince Duan kneel there.

Seeing this was getting nowhere, Nanny Du grew anxious, yet did not dare to make Prince Duan stand without authorization, as that would only hurt the mother-son relationship, which had only just begun to mend.

"Your Majesty, please allow Prince Duan to accompany you to listen to Mage Yu Sheng preach the sutras. Then he will realize the boundless power of Qiandao Temple and that those misleading rumors are utterly groundless." Nanny Du spoke up, suggesting someone clean up the broken pieces.

Zheng Boding was kneeling; since he was already kneeling, he felt reassured by Nanny Du’s words.

However, regardless of whether it was true or false, as it had nothing to do with Nian Ru, he didn’t care.

"Uncle Chun, Nian Ru is not getting any younger. With this annulment, I fear for her future..." Empress Dowager Yan Ping’s voice softened, knowing all too well how oblivious her son could be concerning this woman and his daughter; she had witnessed it many times before, but this time, it did seem a bit too much.

Hearing this, Prince Duan, who had been ready to remain stubborn, began to show genuine emotion—they were his mother’s words, after all.

"Mother, I understand your concerns, but what I am about to say is based on what I have personally witnessed, not hearsay. I had already sensed something amiss before the incident at the square, but did not make up my mind due to the presence of Heir Zong, a disciple of Qiandao Temple." Prince Duan said, "Mother, you should also be cautious about the matter of Ghost Shadow Sorcery, for we mortals do not..."

Search the lightnovelworld.cc website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.