Your Majesty, please do not disturb, the empress only wants to engage in business

Chapter 197 Quick Blade Slash

Consort Rong's due date is at the end of the year.

The weather is gradually getting colder; it's already early autumn, and there are only a few months left until the end of the year.

If the emperor wanted to take action against the Duke's Mansion, he would more or less consider Consort Rong's current child. Xie Yun'an didn't think much of the Duke's Mansion, but his respect for the old Duke and his affection for Consort Rong were genuine.

Unfortunately, after experiencing the struggle for succession among princes, the current court still desperately needs a wise and virtuous emperor. For ordinary people, wisdom means reducing exploitation; for officials in the court, wisdom means reducing the number of powerful clans; and for powerful clans, wisdom means having fewer competitors so that they can better consolidate their wealth and power.

Unfortunately, all three Duke's mansions encountered this.

Taking advantage of his family background, he committed all sorts of evil deeds and bullied men and women with his power. In the past year, he has also taken advantage of his status as a concubine in the palace to suppress others in every way. The number of impeachment memorials Xie Yun'an received in the past year could be described as a small mountain, but he has kept them all hidden and not issued them.

To outsiders, this behavior appeared to be an act of protecting the Chen family, but the Chen family members themselves also felt that way, and became even more unscrupulous in taking advantage of the emperor's favor.

As for the old Duke, others might not know, but Yao Jinse did know a little.

The eldest pillar of the Duke's mansion had long been pampered by his family to enjoy his retirement and no longer concerned himself with outside affairs. With so many grandchildren around to accompany and comfort him, he resembled the "Old Lady Shi" somewhat. Naturally, his end was similar to that of the Old Lady Shi; he passed away before the mansion collapsed, and he left with dignity.

But just as monkeys scatter when a tree falls, it was already an extraordinary act of leniency by Emperor Xie Yun'an to allow this old Duke to live out his days in peace and die a natural death. His honor and dignity complemented the existence of the Duke's Mansion; without him, the Duke's Mansion would naturally cease to exist.

Recently, when Yao Jinse was talking to Consort Rong, she would often mention these things, but she would use the previous dynasty and history books to tell stories about the decline of great families. Although there was no extraordinary book like Dream of the Red Chamber in this world, there were still similar stories written by people.

Since someone has written these things, the principles they present as a warning to the world must have their own thought-provoking significance.

However, Consort Rong didn't seem to listen to her advice.

This is normal. Yao Jinse was not surprised at all that the Imperial Concubine was not interested in these things. However, she had mentioned some things beforehand, so that when things actually happened, it would serve as a prelude and prevent people from thinking that a great disaster was about to strike.

So she never intended to persuade the Imperial Concubine, but what she didn't expect was that although the Imperial Concubine wasn't persuaded, some people did take her words to heart.

When Yao Jinse left Chengqian Palace, she hadn't gone far when she heard a soft call from behind.

"Lin Jieyu, please wait."

Although the voice was somewhat low, as if it was the result of deliberately lowering the throat, it was still possible to tell that the speaker was somewhat anxious.

Yao Jinse turned around and saw Kang Mama walking quickly towards her. "Greetings, Mama," Yao Jinse nodded slightly as Kang Mama approached. Although there was a hierarchy, this old nanny was, after all, someone from the Consort's side, so it was only right to treat her with more courtesy: "Mama, you seem to be in such a hurry. Does Your Highness have any words to instruct me?"

"It's not that Your Highness has something to say, but this servant has something to say to Consort Jieyu. Consort, there's no need to linger here. Talking here might attract attention. This servant will escort you on your way."

It's always easier for smart people to talk to each other. Some things don't need to be said openly. Yao Jinse understood and turned to walk ahead, deliberately slowing down so that Kang Mama could follow beside her.

"Your Highness has been accompanying Her Majesty these past few days, and it must have been quite tiring. Since Her Majesty became pregnant, she has often been unwell. If it weren't for Your Highness's devoted efforts, Her Majesty might not have been able to enjoy such comfort."

Those who served in the palace, whether masters or servants, were all respectable people.

Talking to respectable people usually doesn't involve worrying about a falling out, but there's one downside: when people talk, they often like to beat around the bush.

They always make a big deal out of things that could be explained in a single sentence, and they never speak their minds directly.

Kang Mama would naturally not chase after someone for such a trivial matter as expressing gratitude, and besides, given her respectable position by the side of the Imperial Concubine, the word "gratitude" was hardly even a question.

The palace places great emphasis on hierarchy and status. Those who are close to the Noble Consort are considered to be half masters. In a sense, Kang Mama and Yao Jinse are almost equal in status.

"Why are you saying all this, Granny? Being able to stay by Her Highness's side is already a great blessing. Many people in the palace would love to do that. Moreover, Her Highness is currently pregnant. When the child in Her Highness's womb is born, there will probably be even more joy."

Hearing Yao Jinse's words, Kang Mama's face did not show any joy. She glanced around and said in a low voice, "Your Highness is a wise person, so I won't say any more polite words. I have seen and heard everything clearly these days. Your Highness is wholeheartedly thinking about the Empress. It is not easy for the Empress to inquire about things outside due to her pregnancy. If Your Highness can help find out, that would be the best."

What kind of news could be coming from outside?
If nothing happens to the Duke's mansion, the news will naturally get in. But if there is a real problem, by the time Yao Jinse receives the message, it will probably be too late.

Yao Jinse's reminders to Consort Rong these days were not intended to help her devise any countermeasures before the incident occurred. Xie Yun's stability was irreversible. Whether it was a warning or a deterrent, the downfall of the Duke's mansion was already a foregone conclusion.

However, Yao Jinse also felt a little puzzled after hearing what Kang Mama said, "Since Mama knows the answer, why didn't you remind Her Highness?"

“This servant has served Your Highness for many years, ever since Your Highness was in your boudoir. Whether it was the Duke’s mansion, the Prince’s mansion, or even now that you have entered the harem, there are many things that are not for someone of my status to discuss. If it weren’t for the fact that Your Highness has reminded me many times these days, this servant would not be standing here talking to Your Highness today.”

Kang Mama's attitude was actually quite clear. Since Consort Rong had married out of the Duke's mansion, she could no longer be considered a member of the Duke's mansion. Although it was her maternal family, the troubles of her maternal family would not affect a married woman. Consort Rong and Xie Yun'an must still have some friendship after so many years. As long as they didn't completely break off relations, there was still room for maneuver.

The problem is that nowadays, no one knows how useful this leeway will be, or when the emperor's knife will fall and to what extent it will cut. These are not things that can be easily explained.