Reborn as Powerful Minister's Beloved-Chapter 656 - 633: First Update_3

Ju Nanyi staggered a step and almost crashed into the flower table beside him, recalling the sensation of being between life and death just moments ago on that same table, he now felt breathless. Kicking the table leg in frustration, there was a sharp crack as the leg broke off.

The man turned and walked away, feeling like a laughable figure now, similar to a courtesan from the brothel who couldn’t keep her visitors. Was he supposed to send them off with a smile?

"Empress, Lord Ju is following behind the procession," Nanny Yun suddenly reported quietly after Zheng Nianru’s procession had left Prince Duan’s Mansion by some distance.

Zheng Nianru rubbed her forehead, feeling tired, originally thinking that Ju Nanyi would be as easy to deal with as in her past life.

"If he wants to follow, then let him follow," Zheng Nianru said irritably.

...

Before Eunuch Du’s men arrived at Prince Duan’s Mansion, they saw the returning procession of Zheng Nianru’s carriages and were overjoyed to see Lord Ju also present, hastily moving forward to report to the Empress and then to return to Lord Ju.

"Empress, this junior officer will take leave first,"

"Please do as you wish——" the voice from the carriage was distant and cold, filled with politeness, Ju Nanyi could not detect any other emotion, as if the last straw of his foolish dreams had also sunk beneath the water.

He should have known where her heart lay, could he not see clearly in his past life, let alone now?

But why? Was Zheng Congyuan truly that important? Ju Nanyi did not know when exactly Zheng Nianru and Zheng Congyuan became acquainted, nor since when did their relationship start to become inseparable.

Thinking about Zheng Nianru, who walked like a zombie in his past life, Ju Nanyi felt as if his heart was being pressed down by a heavy weight, making it hard to breathe.

Therefore, he could not rush things, could not repeat the path of his past life.

"Your Majesty——" before Ju Nanyi could finish his sentence, Zheng Congyuan hurriedly emerged from the Inner Hall, the man’s complexion was pale, but eager to be able to walk on his own again even if it was forced, seemed unarguably necessary.

"The Emperor——" Ju Nanyi paused slightly, about to speak, Zheng Congyuan already waved his hand, stopping Ju Nanyi from continuing further.

"I know what you want to say, I am aware of my body’s condition, and I will not push myself," Zheng Congyuan said and then gestured for Ju Nanyi to sit down.

"How is it?" Ju Nanyi had just sat down when Zheng Congyuan began.

"They seem to believe it," Ju Nanyi calmly began, his feelings towards Zheng Congyuan indescribable.

It wasn’t hatred; in his past life, and this life, if this was the karma they could not escape, then Zheng Congyuan actually owed him nothing, instead, gratitude for recognition and trust was there, if possible, Ju Nanyi would not hesitate to repay him with his life.

Now, all he could do was to gradually make Nanzheng stronger; he knew well the feelings Zheng Congyuan had for Nanzheng, perhaps this was the only way he could make amends.

To trade a thriving Nanzheng for Zheng Nianru, Ju Nanyi silently made up his mind, hoping Zheng Congyuan would feel his sincerity.

Zheng Congyuan immediately relaxed, nodding his head; he naturally trusted Ju Nanyi.

"We can’t be careless, the news cannot be leaked until Nanmen Yu has returned," Zheng Congyuan added, still worried.

"Rest assured, Your Majesty, I understand," Ju Nanyi said, "Your Majesty, if possible, I would like to discuss with you about the trade south of Weishan Mountain, the agricultural harvest in Huainan, along with the military conscription after the New Year."

Zheng Congyuan was also of the same mind; these three matters were currently of utmost importance. The initial reorganization of the government had been completed, and what followed was most crucial.

Thus, Ju Nanyi laid out the measures for these three matters one by one, including an analysis of benefits and drawbacks, the strengths and weaknesses, and even speculated on the power distribution among the Aristocratic Gentry Clans, his considerations were thorough, all being the best methods verified in his past life.

Unconsciously, it had gotten very late by the time Ju Nanyi finished discussing the plans regarding the Aristocratic Gentry Clans and the centralization of Nanzheng.

"Your Majesty, I believe three years should be sufficient——" Ju Nanyi stated confidently; in his past life, it had taken four years, but this life, he was confident to complete it in three years or even sooner.

"Nanyi, you have considered everything very well," Zheng Congyuan excitedly slapped the table, some ideas even coinciding without discussion, exactly what he had in mind, and Ju Nanyi was even more pragmatic.

"If Your Majesty approves of my plan, the sooner it is implemented, the better,"

"Your considerations coincide exactly with mine, this matter should indeed be pursued as quickly as possible," Zheng Congyuan instantly replied, "I will quietly arrange for reliable people to assist you..."

"I accept the command," Ju Nanyi immediately stood up.

"Your Majesty, the night is deep, I shall take my leave; Nanzheng has a long future, please take care of your health,"

"I am fine, but you’re right," Zheng Congyuan was very pleased.

Seeing Ju Nanyi leave, Eunuch Du cautiously carried over a bowl of soup.

"Your Majesty, the Empress sent this soup, she mentioned it’s time for you to rest,"

"The Empress is back?" Zheng Congyuan’s eyes softened.

Seeing the Emperor pleased, Eunuch Du seized the moment to speak.

"The Empress has been back for a while, and it was Lord Ju who escorted her back, Your Majesty can rest assured,"

Zheng Congyuan’s spoon clattered against the edge of the bowl as he looked towards Eunuch Du.