Reborn as Powerful Minister's Beloved
Chapter 424 - 403: One More Update

Chapter 424: Chapter 403: One More Update

"I understand," Zheng Nianru did not let Housekeeper He continue. The inevitable outcome would always arrive, and if her father’s illness last lifetime was anything like it is now, perhaps she even reduced the time she infuriated him.

Ju Nanyi’s hand, which held the carving tool, paused momentarily. What was wrong with Prince Duan? In the next instant, he had vaguely guessed some possibilities.

The Prince Duan he had encountered was different from the one in the rumors. He had been puzzled before, but now it seemed his suspicions were not unfounded.

"This piece is good," Zheng Nianru’s voice was gentle, occasionally drifting from behind Ju Nanyi, as if tearing through the misaligned fabric of time and space. She was also behind him, during leisurely times in her boudoir, appraising the work of the Embroidery Girl.

Yes, this piece is good. It was a phrase she often used. When in a good mood, she was not stingy with her praise. When she needed your help, her sweet words poured out like honey from a jar, coating your heart with sweetness.

But now, were they to become so distant from one another?

Ju Nanyi did not understand why, in this lifetime, things differed from his memories. She had never directed her attention toward him at all, even as Prince Duan’s relationship with him grew closer than in the last lifetime, and yet, Zheng Nianru still did not notice him.

Why was that?

Ju Nanyi did not know where the problem lay, but he was quite clear about one thing: without more effort on his part, he virtually had no chance in this lifetime.

But how could he put in the effort? To approach her in a flattering, obsequious manner would be like those shameless creatures in the harem later on. Would that intrigue her? When she was pleased, she might tease you. Ju Nanyi felt irritated, and his hand, uncooperative, jabbed the tool right into his flesh.

"Ah, Lord Ju, are you alright—" Housekeeper He immediately cried out with concern. He was extremely thankful to Lord Ju, especially for being so patient with the Prince and for his good temperament and character. Housekeeper He’s gratitude toward Lord Ju was sincere. Spending some money was one thing, but Housekeeper He was no fool; he could clearly distinguish who was deceiving the Prince and who was not. Although money was spent on these jade pieces, they were all genuinely valuable, and some were even treasures.

"Water—"

"Handkerchief—" Housekeeper He bustled about personally; this Lord Ju was very approachable and disliked making a fuss, so Housekeeper He saw this as a rare chance to show his gratitude.

"It’s trivial, just a small cut," Ju Nanyi said, his inner turmoil not reflected in his serene tone of voice, even as fresh red blood quickly stained the handkerchief.

"My lord, I’m afraid that won’t do, we need to call a physician," Housekeeper He insisted. How could he allow the lord to suffer an injury and not act? Without waiting for Ju Nanyi’s reply, he was already calling for someone to fetch the physician.

"Lord Ju is injured?" Prince Duan finally took notice and set aside the jade he was holding to come over for a look.

"It’s nothing serious. I merely lost my focus for a moment," Ju Nanyi pressed down on the wound but could not suppress the irritation in his heart. He was not the kind of person who took things one step at a time; he would contemplate all matters tens of times over in his mind, looking years, even decades, ahead. The more he contemplated, the more he felt it was impossible between them, and what troubled him most was that he couldn’t pin down exactly where the problem lay.

Clearly, he could sense that Zheng Nianru greatly heeded Prince Duan’s opinion when it came to marriage proposals—from the Scholars to Heir Zong. But why, then, when he felt that Prince Duan had such intentions, was there still no response?

There was only one answer: Zheng Nianru did not agree. But why wouldn’t she agree?

Zheng Nianru followed Zheng Boding’s gaze but in a split second Ju Nanyi pinched his fingers together, subconsciously not wanting her to witness this scene. She had always disliked such filthy things, and in this lifetime, she had never even taken a fancy to herself. After several attempts that had no effect, could it be that she only increased her distaste?

Zheng Nianru was slightly taken aback, feeling somewhat puzzled, but she paused only briefly and did not continue to dwell on it, replaced instead by another perplexity: Ju Nanyi was composed and steady, and it was unlike him to slip up in such a minor matter.

So, what was bothering him?

At this time, there were no signs of trouble in Nanzheng State and without her rebellion, Zheng Nianru felt that Nanzheng State could last for decades without issue, and with Zheng Congyuan present, Nanzheng State would be able to catch its breath at the end of its path.

So, what was bothering him.

"Prince, Commandery Princess, the physician has arrived," the house servant who had wisely returned called out; it was the regular physician of the Prince’s Mansion who immediately started examining Ju Nanyi’s injury without any fuss.

Zheng Nianru stepped out of the study, and Fu Dong promptly came to assist her.

"Commandery Princess must be tired. The room has already been scented, and the blankets are warm; would you like to rest for a bit first?" Fu Dong coaxed, finding the Commandery Princess a bit strange today. Usually, after getting angry with the Crown Prince, she would stir up a fuss upon returning, but today she was quiet and calm, showing no signs of being upset at all.

"No need, the drowsiness has passed. Let’s look at the chrysanthemums; I remember there were two or three varieties that hadn’t bloomed a few days ago, and I’m afraid they might bloom these days." Zheng Nianru glanced at the garden, intent on taking a leisurely stroll.

"Lord Ju, please take a leisurely stroll in the garden. Our Prince usually takes short naps and will wake up shortly," Housekeeper He said with unease. The Prince had become more and more indulgent, insisting that Lord Ju wait, yet Lord Ju was already injured.

"Housekeeper He, you go on with your tasks. I never had the habit of taking a midday nap; don’t worry about it," Ju Nanyi said again.

"Sir, I’ve had tea and pastries prepared in the Warm Pavilion over there. If you get tired from walking, please take a rest. If you need anything, just command Lin Sheng," said Housekeeper He with a sense of apology and utmost sincerity.

"Housekeeper He, there’s truly no need to bother so much. I have been to your mansion before; there is no need for anyone to follow me. I’ll just take a stroll in the outer courtyard’s garden. The variety of flowers here is indeed extensive and worth exploring," Ju Nanyi spoke, not just out of politeness. He didn’t know what Prince Duan’s Mansion used to look like, but he knew she liked these things, and after they married, the garden in his mansion had been just as exquisite.

"Alright then, very well. Lin Sheng, go prepare the refreshments to take to the Warm Pavilion, and then accompany Sir Ju for a nice walk," Housekeeper He said, truly occupied with business and therefore not insisting further.

Lin Sheng received the instructions and went to get the items. The garden wasn’t large, so even if he took a roundabout route, he was confident he could find Lord Ju within it.

Ju Nanyi walked aimlessly, looking at the flowers that all seemed familiar. The throbbing pain in his fingertips came in waves, but Ju Nanyi ignored it, caressing a half-opened chrysanthemum.

The light green chrysanthemum was something he had seen for the first time in this life, but when he truly first saw it, he was extremely surprised, not knowing that such a noble variety existed, that there could be chrysanthemums of such a color in the world.

"Commandery Princess, the Green Chrysanthemum seems about to bloom. It wasn’t easy to acquire this plantlet, and we don’t know if it will flourish. Shall we go take a look?" Fu Dong’s spirits were also high, especially after seeing several of the rare varieties in bloom, naturally wanting to make the Commandery Princess even more delighted.

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