Reborn as Powerful Minister's Beloved-Chapter 555 - 534: Second Update

Zheng Congyuan’s expression briefly stiffened, yet it wasn’t entirely unexpected, for he could not think of anyone else who might be involved.

However, what was the purpose of the other party, exactly when had they entered Nanzheng, and why were they now appearing within the Imperial Palace?

The Marquis of Zhenbei suddenly felt at ease, quickly pulled Wen Sheng back, and took a step forward, his expression relaxing.

"A misunderstanding, a misunderstanding, it turns out to be the elders from Ghoul Ravine." At this moment, the Marquis of Zhenbei could no longer avoid suspicion and did not care about letting Zheng Congyuan know that he had reached some agreement with Ghoul Ravine.

However, after the Marquis of Zhenbei finished speaking, there was still no response from the other side, showing no intention of giving the Marquis of Zhenbei any face. But the Marquis of Zhenbei was not in a hurry.

"I am Wen Jing, commander of the North Border Army, acquainted with your Elder Can and Elder Su," the Marquis of Zhenbei continued, stepping forward again, but just as he moved, the ghost shadow above him immediately pounced towards the Marquis of Zhenbei, who was frightened into sitting on the ground, then the ghost shadow returned to mid-air, circling above the black-clothed people.

The Marquis of Zhenbei’s face alternated between red and white and he didn’t dare to move forward anymore. The soldiers also hesitated to step forward and all turned their eyes to the Marquis of Zhenbei, who raised his hand, no longer caring about saving face.

The people of Ghoul Ravine were strange, and besides Elder Can, the Marquis of Zhenbei dared not act rashly.

Could it be because the terms weren’t agreed upon?

The Marquis of Zhenbei felt that this was the only possibility; thus, he would have to wait for their leader to arrive and discuss matters further.

Still, even so, they held many advantages over Zheng Congyuan. Moreover, since Ghoul Ravine and Qiandao Temple were likely as incompatible as fire and water, Ghoul Ravine’s presence here was very likely aimed at Qiandao Temple.

Thinking this, the Marquis of Zhenbei felt more reassured, and regarding the remaining matters, he was in no hurry; the one who should be anxious was Zheng Congyuan.

Indeed, Zheng Congyuan was anxious—the sudden emergence of Ghoul Ravine disrupted all his plans, even though he had been confident of keeping control despite the Wen Family having Zheng Nianru in their hands.

But now, it was different; still, by the looks of it, these people were not summoned by the Wen Family.

Zheng Congyuan naturally thought they came targeting Qiandao Temple; Ghoul Ravine taking this opportunity to enter Nanzheng was most likely for revenge.

Retaliation for past grievances with Qiandao Temple, and possibly for the temple’s pursuit of their Young Master.

"Nanyi, do you have any solution—?" Zheng Congyuan asked.

At the moment, Ju Nanyi found the address as endearing as it was now disgusting; his heart was a tangled mess, and he wanted to scream to vent the anger inside him, finding the whole situation increasingly ludicrous.

"There isn’t a surefire solution." Ju Nanyi began to speak. He had a contingency, which even now could potentially be put to use, but why should he reveal it? To slap his own face?

Zheng Congyuan nodded, not doubting Ju Nanyi’s words. For Ju Nanyi to be able to rush back at a critical time and still manage to get this far in such circumstances was already his limit.

But the arrival of Ghoul Ravine was sudden, likely taking advantage of the chaos among the three parties to quietly enter Nanzheng.

Yet what were they waiting for? Their goal couldn’t possibly be just to stand there.

Zheng Nianru’s rural life became dull after just a day; the coarse bedding, poor food, and even the plates served only turned her off. Aside from the first taste of roasted game, eating such coarse meals daily, she initially thought she would quickly come to accept it, even hoping to move Zheng Congyuan when he found her. Now, Zheng Nianru found it unrealistic; she disliked this kind of life and even found her initial thoughts laughable.

"Commandery Princess—" Xing Yu’s excited voice came from outside the courtyard, seemingly the only one enthusiastic about such a life. Meanwhile, Nanny Yun, Fu Dong, and others inside the house simultaneously sighed, wondering what creature Xing Yu had found this time—a pheasant? A wild rabbit? Or perhaps she had even chased back a wild fox.

"Commandery Princess, I’ve found them," Xing Yu said, but no one in the room looked up before he suddenly threw a huge thing inside.

Everyone was startled, but on closer inspection, it turned out to be a person.

Zheng Nianru frowned, feeling that the person looked familiar, and that person was already kneeling on the ground, kowtowing while introducing himself.

"This subordinate pays respects to the Commandery Princess."

"Whose man are you?" Zheng Nianru felt the person was familiar but couldn’t quite remember.

"Subordinate, I am a man left in the Zheng Capital by the Heir of Nanmen, but now the Prince has kept me in a manor. Because the Zheng Capital is in chaos now, I dare not forget the Heir’s entrustment, so I secretly protected the Commandery Princess," Song Gao hurriedly explained, then took out a token and handed it over.

Zheng Nianru looked at it, and indeed it was Nanmen Yu’s item; she hadn’t remembered it much in this life, but she had seen it many times in her previous life and had not forgotten.

As they were speaking, another person hurriedly entered from outside and respectfully knelt beside Song Gao.

"You may leave now, it’s very safe here." Zheng Nianru was reminded of Nanmen Yu and it gave her a headache, especially since she had become the Empress Dowager and Nanmen Yu had become the Emperor of Nanmen State, so it was better to have no dealings with him in this life if possible.

However, it seemed they already had dealings. That was what troubled Zheng Nianru the most.

"What news do you have of your master?" Zheng Nianru asked offhandedly.

Song Gao and Song Yuan were stunned, their hearts touched by the indifferent query that implied that the Commandery Princess was indeed concerned about the Heir, making their staying here suddenly seem worthwhile.

"Be at ease, Commandery Princess, our Heir is safe for now, and as soon as the situation is certain, our Heir will definitely..." Song Yuan then gently tugged at Song Gao’s clothing. They hadn’t heard from the Heir for such a long time, how could they carelessly speak of his condition? The last time the leader mentioned that news about the alliance with the great clans of Nanmen was related to a proposed marriage...

"When was the last time your Heir sent a message?" Zheng Nianru asked further.

Song Gao and Song Yuan hesitated; indeed, the Heir had not sent any messages, everything was reported by their leader.

"It seems you too are unaware of his condition. You should go back, he needs you more than I do," Zheng Nianru said, settling one matter as the two departed.

"No, we are here by order to protect the Commandery Princess," Song Gao and Song Yuan immediately replied.

"I do not need your protection. If something happens to your Heir, what purpose is there for you to remain here?" Zheng Nianru said.

Song Gao and Song Yuan hesitated, realizing the logic in her words, however, the Heir had given the order...

"Besides, you cannot protect me. Being by my side now is instead a burden," Zheng Nianru continued.

The two men were about to speak when suddenly a strong wind blew. Before Xing Yu could close the door, a group of people had already stormed into the courtyard.

Song Gao and Song Yuan were immediately taken aback.

"Look, Commandery Princess, we cannot leave." The two immediately stood up, only to be knocked down by a palm strike the next moment.

Visit freewe𝑏n(o)v𝒆l.𝑐𝘰𝑚 for the best novel reading experience