Reborn as Powerful Minister's Beloved
Chapter 431 - 410: Second Update

Chapter 431: Chapter 410: Second Update

Chapter 410 Part 2

Zheng Haoyuan felt guilty when questioned, his gaze slightly averted, his mind in turmoil. What did that mean? What did she tell him, he...

The young man remembered his older female cousin who had once told him, every word clear as a bell, but when spoken aloud, it sparked in him a great interest in the Northern Meng Savage.

But how could his cousin be a bad person? How could she possibly covet something from the Wen Family? She just knew, it must have been a coincidence.

The next moment, Zheng Haoyuan thought, if Noble Consort Wen found out it was his cousin who told him about the Northern Meng Savage, would his cousin then be in danger?

"I, I overheard my uncle’s conversation by chance," Zheng Haoyuan said, averting his gaze out of guilt, not looking at Noble Consort Wen.

Noble Consort Wen, upon hearing this, didn’t know whether to believe him or not. Clearly, Zheng Haoyuan was avoiding something. Was it because he feared her scolding for eavesdropping?

Noble Consort Wen was unable to judge at the moment but considered it highly likely that this was the reason, so she just patted the young man’s shoulder.

"Fu Gong, Mother Consort is taking this savage away because someone is using this to target the Wen Family, with plans long in the making. Now, the Crown Prince is the rightful heir to the throne. But someone still finds us an eyesore, and they may take some action; we need to act early to prevent future threats," said Noble Consort Wen. While she didn’t explain everything in detail, she believed that Zheng Haoyuan would understand.

Zheng Haoyuan was slightly taken aback upon hearing this, staring dumbfounded at Noble Consort Wen.

"Mother Consort means that Father Emperor..." Before Zheng Haoyuan could finish, Noble Consort Wen covered his mouth with her hand, glanced around, and whispered into Zheng Haoyuan’s ear in a low voice.

"Some things can’t be said out loud, Fu Gong. Now you are Mother Consort’s only hope," said Noble Consort Wen. After releasing her hand, she indeed saw Zheng Haoyuan regain composure, his eyes still red and teary, and though his nod was not yet resolute, it offered her some consolation.

"Rumors started in Zheng Capital and then spread to harm the common people, reaching the imperial court. The other side has cast such a wide net, naturally they won’t let things go easily. And we don’t even know who the opponent is; we have to be more cautious at this time. Don’t worry, your warrior will not die. Mother Consort is merely putting on a show, asking your uncle to replace them and get them out first. Once the rumors die down, we’ll bring the savage back to another residence," Noble Consort Wen said.

Upon hearing this, Zheng Haoyuan finally relaxed his expression and tears began to flow, as he quickly nodded.

"Mother Consort, I will be careful."

...

Chenyuan Hall was bustling due to Emperor Jingzhi’s improving health, and guards, once firmly stationed throughout the somber Chenyuan Hall, were now joined by many brightly dressed figures.

Even more rare was that today, Emperor Jingzhi had even left Chenyuan Hall to personally visit Empress Dowager Yan Ping in Xingqing Hall, reviving a liveliness in the palace that had not been seen in a long time.

Empress Dowager Yan Ping said excitedly that it was all thanks to Master Yu Sheng’s blessing. Even the theater troupe within the palace had livened up, and the entire Imperial Palace radiated an air of joy not seen in several years.

"Didn’t I tell you to invite Prince Duan and the Commandery Princess again? Why have you returned?" After drinking a bowl of soup, Emperor Jingzhi frowned at the eunuch beside him. This eunuch was the Chief Eunuch by his side. It hadn’t been half a cup of tea’s time since he left; dawdling even a little bit meant he probably hadn’t even left the palace gate and naturally couldn’t have brought Prince Duan over.

He Ling took a step forward. As the Chief Eunuch by Emperor Jingzhi’s side, He Ling was respectful and composed, showing not a hint of panic despite Emperor Jingzhi’s obvious displeasure.

"Your Majesty, this servant had just reached the palace gate when I happened to encounter the Crown Prince. Upon hearing that Your Majesty summoned Prince Duan, he told this servant that Prince Duan was not available today and instructed this servant to come in and report to Your Majesty. The Crown Prince requests an audience," He Ling spoke slowly, glancing at the greenish hue under Emperor Jingzhi’s eyes. Being just a servant, he naturally dared not offer any advice, well aware of Emperor Jingzhi’s temperament.

"What is he here for?" Emperor Jingzhi narrowed his eyes, uninterested in expending energy on imperial court matters. "He’s been doing well; there’s no need for him to discuss anything with Us. Just say We are tired..."

"This son pays respects to Father Emperor." Zheng Congyuan had already entered the room, glanced at He Ling, who then bowed in respect to Zheng Congyuan and stepped aside. Two Little Eunuchs had already brought over a stool.

"Fu Xun, is there a matter?" It was clear to Emperor Jingzhi, who was naturally no fool, that apart from He Ling, his eunuch, all the others around him had been replaced. Such an unhidden move meant that these people were either Zheng Congyuan’s or Empress Xiao’s.

"Father Emperor, your son has an urgent matter and requests an audience. If it were not urgent, I would not dare to disturb Father Emperor’s rest," Zheng Congyuan said respectfully, standing in front of Emperor Jingzhi without sitting down, his demeanor mild, resulting in Emperor Jingzhi’s brows relaxing slightly. He looked up at Zheng Congyuan and noticed that Congyuan was holding a thick petition. Seeing Emperor Jingzhi’s gaze, he respectfully presented it.

Emperor Jingzhi glanced at He Ling, who immediately stepped forward to take the item and place it in front of Emperor Jingzhi.

At first, Emperor Jingzhi merely skimmed it, but soon his eyes fixed on the petition, unable to look away. He motioned for He Ling to step back, opened the petition, and after reading a few pages, began turning them with increasing speed. Then, with a "snap," he closed the petition.

"Rebels—" Emperor Jingzhi shouted furiously, only to be racked by a violent cough due to his lack of strength. Zheng Congyuan quickly approached, gently aiding Emperor Jingzhi to catch his breath.

"Father Emperor, this is what your son has been able to uncover over the years. I do not dare claim to have fully clarified matters, but based on the current information..." Before Zheng Congyuan could finish, Emperor Jingzhi had already grabbed his hand.

"She will not succeed—" Emperor Jingzhi shouted furiously. How could he allow the same thing to happen twice? Nanzheng had already endured such an ordeal once and had not yet recovered; it was impossible to withstand it a second time.

"Therefore, Father Emperor, this is not a good time to summon Prince Duan," Zheng Congyuan stated blandly, giving only a faint glance at Emperor Jingzhi’s flushed face. It seemed that actions needed to be expedited.

"Fu Xun, you start the preparations. Regarding the Northern Border, We have our own resolution," Emperor Jingzhi said slowly, closing his eyes as he truly felt tired. Congyuan helped the Emperor to the bed, tending to him as he lay down.

He Ling stepped forward, ready to take over, but Zheng Congyuan suddenly looked at him. He Ling shuddered, instantly understanding the warning in Congyuan’s eyes, and immediately knelt down silently.

But he could not stop those medicines.