Reborn as Powerful Minister's Beloved-Chapter 716 - 653: Another Update 3
"How could it still not be settled? The essence of war is speed, and this delay is missing the opportunity," someone said anxiously.
Ju Nanyi nodded slightly.
"Rest assured, even if I, Ju Nanyi, do not lead the troops personally, I will still strive to secure the opportunity for all," Ju Nanyi declared.
The current situation was complex, but with Nanmen Yu’s involvement, it became even more problematic.
The crowd was taken aback, and although some wanted to speak up, the leader immediately shushed them with a look.
They were not blind to the covert struggle between the Emperor and Prime Minister Ju, but the Emperor’s actions were merely out of fear of Prime Minister Ju’s growing power and the dread of another Wen Family rising.
"Thank you, Prime Minister—"
"Thank you, Prime Minister—"
Ju Nanyi had given his orders and was about to leave when suddenly, his trusted aide whispered something in his ear, prompting Ju Nanyi to look immediately at his confidant.
His heart skipped a beat the next moment.
"Is the Prime Minister leaving now?" his trusted aide asked at once.
Ju Nanyi nodded slightly. He could guess why Zheng Nianru was seeking him out, but his heart nevertheless pounded uncontrollably.
Suddenly stopping, Ju Nanyi was approached by his aide.
"Send for more of the Imperial Forest Guard, be vigilant, and come to report to me immediately if anything arises," Ju Nanyi ordered after glancing at the soldiers whose thoughts were clearly not on their guard duty.
The aide left to carry out the orders.
Without delay, Ju Nanyi mounted his horse, gripping the reins tightly.
Zheng Nianru coming to him was the only chance he had. He cared more about what would happen to her than about Zheng Congyuan, whether she already knew the conditions he had proposed.
"Go—" As soon as Ju Nanyi arrived at the entrance to his own residence, he saw it was already surrounded by guards.
"Prime Minister Ju, the Empress is inside," the lead Imperial Forest Guard Commander said as he stepped forward, speaking respectfully.
Ju Nanyi nodded, took a deep breath, and entered his estate directly.
This was his estate, chosen on purpose to be the same as in his previous life. Zheng Nianru once said that this estate had excellent Feng Shui, especially with the two hundred-year-old crape myrtle trees in the front courtyard.
Yet in this lifetime, he only now realized the garden’s true beauty, with each guard seemingly reflecting her presence.
Even after an entire lifetime had passed, the Imperial Forest Guards she had selected did not emphasize martial arts prowess or social status; they simply needed to look imposing.
With a wry smile, Ju Nanyi couldn’t help feeling that these men were often all show and no substance.
For this reason, he had wracked his brain for solutions in his past life.
Continuing inward, Ju Nanyi soon saw Nian Xia and Xue Liu waiting outside. For a moment, he felt as if he had returned to his previous life, coming back to see Xue Liu and Xing Yu eagerly awaiting him, coming forward to share joyful tales of their mistress.
"Prime Minister Ju—" Nian Xia and Xue Liu curtsied, pulling Ju Nanyi’s thoughts back to the present.
"Ladies..." Ju Nanyi gave a fist salute, grounding himself in reality.
Nian Xia cast a glance toward the inside of the house.
"Prime Minister Ju, the Empress is inside," Nian Xia said succinctly, obviously unable to say more.
Ju Nanyi nodded again, his breathing uneven, but he quickly collected himself, continuously reminding himself of why she had come, which calmed him down.
Zheng Nianru looked up.
"Your subject greets the Empress," Ju Nanyi said, bowing reverently, as eager as he had been in this life or the last.
"Prime Minister Ju, dispense with the formalities," Zheng Nianru said indifferently.
Zheng Nianru fell into contemplation at the sight of Ju Nanyi, not expecting the negotiation today to hold much suspense, likely because, in their interactions in a previous life, she had always had the upper hand.
"Forgive me for not greeting the Empress at a greater distance, for the oversight is mine," Ju Nanyi immediately said.
"The Prime Minister’s estate is quite pleasant," Zheng Nianru said lazily, having not slept well the night before and clearly feeling tired as she stood and slowly walked toward Ju Nanyi.
Ju Nanyi offered no response, well aware that Zheng Nianru’s visit was not to praise his estate.
"I have come to ask Prime Minister Ju to personally lead the troops to the Western Border," Zheng Nianru said bluntly, not wasting any words.
Ju Nanyi was slightly startled and surprised by Zheng Nianru’s forthrightness, not beating around the bush, unlike her usual self, who was quick to take offense.
"Empress, I have no experience leading troops, and I am not well-versed in the affairs of the Western Border. However, I can allocate the forces previously stationed at the Western Border under my command to the Empress," Ju Nanyi shifted his stance, intent on heading to the Western Border, both to keep Nanmen Yu out of the affair and to negotiate further with Zheng Congyuan using it as a condition.
But with Zheng Nianru’s arrival, the situation changed. Ju Nanyi, looking at Zheng Nianru moving toward the doorway in her splendid garments, was momentarily captivated by her retreating figure.
