Chapter 132 The Empress is Reinstated Again

Inside the dining hall, lunch had been prepared after the card game ended.

Jiang Nan ate with elegance, but at an astonishing speed and with extremely high efficiency.

Emperor Kangxi was still holding little Erhe in his arms. The little guy had fallen asleep again after eating and drinking his fill.

He gently patted the child while looking at Jiang Nan, pondered for a moment, and then spoke.

"Nannan, I have something I'd like to hear your thoughts on."

Jiang Nan picked up a mouthful of refreshing bok choy without even looking up.

"Your Majesty, please speak, I am listening."

Kangxi organized his thoughts, his tone carrying a hint of seriousness as he weighed his options.

“It is Gabula who has recently submitted numerous memorials, his words earnest and earnest, repeatedly requesting that I… depose the Empress.”

He paused, observing Jiang Nan's reaction, and continued.

“I understand that his actions may be because he truly believes that the Empress is immoral and unfit for the position, and wants to use this to protect the reputation of the Hesheli family. But it is also possible that he is just using this as a pretext to force me to lift the confinement of the Empress.”

He sighed softly, with the helplessness of an emperor.

"The situation in the previous dynasty was complicated, and the Hesheli family still needed to stabilize it. The Hesheli family held the position of Zuo Ling (military commander) of the Plain Yellow Banner of the Upper Three Banners, and their power was deeply entrenched. I had to give them some face. Gabula said in his memorial that if the Empress were to remain confined like this... Alas, what do you think is the best course of action for me in this matter?"

Jiang Nan understood immediately after hearing this.

Having a good family background really does allow you to do whatever you want.

The Eight Banners system of the Qing Dynasty was the foundation of the nation.

The Hesheli family, a long-established noble family, is different from Aobai, a lone wolf who relies on his personal power to act arrogantly.

They were deeply entrenched, knew how to be patient and united, and never easily challenged the core of imperial power.

If we rashly take action against them, the resulting backlash and potential unrest among the bannermen will be too costly to handle.

She didn't think much of Empress Hesheli herself, and she didn't care whether she lived or died.

The mention of the Empress reminded her of Niohuru, who was sharpening her knives, waiting to take revenge on the Empress.

So what difference does it make whether or not people are confined to their homes?

She wiped her mouth with a handkerchief, her tone indifferent.

"Why don't you lift the ban? She's been under house arrest for so long, and we've already given her a good talking-to. The head of the family has already asked to be deposed. If you keep pressing her, it will only make you seem heartless. Besides, even if you release her, she won't be able to cause any trouble."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Kangxi nodded slightly.

He spoke out because he didn't want Nannan, or even the entire harem, to look down on him as the emperor.

When dealing with these deeply rooted aristocratic families, imperial power is not omnipotent; often, checks and balances and compromises are necessary.

Nan Nan's words offered him some comfort in his aggrieved state of mind.

Jiang Nan continued eating, but her mind was racing.

There was one thing she hadn't forgotten: the Empress wasn't important, but the Hesheli family of the previous dynasty was.

Now the Hesheli family probably hates her to the bone, especially Suo'etu, who sees her as a thorn in his side.

Rather than waiting for Songgotu to recover and then seeking an opportunity to retaliate, it would be better to eliminate the Hesheli family once and for all.

If one were to shake the foundations of the Hershey family, ordinary crimes would not suffice; it must be a grave offense that would incur divine wrath and threaten the very existence of the nation.

Murdering the imperial heir... is the sharpest weapon.

If a plan could be devised to force the Queen to confess or be irrefutably exposed for this crime in front of everyone…

At that time, the Hesheri family will not only be disgraced, but will practically be cut off from the world.

At that time, Kangxi could then legitimately use the pretext of rectifying the palace order to directly suppress the entire Hesheli family.

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Having considered this, Jiang Nan put down her chopsticks and looked at Kangxi across from her, whose brows were furrowed in thought.

In a calm tone, he posed a startling question.

"Your Majesty, I have a question for you."

Upon hearing this, Kangxi snapped out of his thoughts and looked at her.

"Hmm? You go ahead."

Jiang Nan looked directly into his eyes, her gaze clear and bright, and asked slowly.

"Do you want to completely crush the Hesheli family and end this hereditary position as the Banner Commander of the Plain Yellow Banner?"

Emperor Kangxi remained silent.

For a moment, only the faint chirping of birds outside the window could be heard inside the hall.

He naturally wanted to reclaim power and centralize imperial authority.

However, the old noble families are deeply entrenched, and taking action against one would have far-reaching consequences.

The Guarjia clan has completely submitted to Aobai, and given their relationship with Nannan, they can be used with confidence.

The Niohuru clan is currently behaving themselves.

If we could take this opportunity to completely eliminate the most deeply entrenched Hesheri family, that would be ideal.

He hesitated for a moment before speaking, his tone carrying the caution and helplessness of an emperor.

"Nan Nan, the Hesheli family is keeping a low profile and has not committed any wrongdoing. What reason would I have to revert to the hereditary system? Unless…"

Upon hearing the word "unless," Jiang Nan understood immediately.

Emperor Kangxi did have this intention, but he lacked a sufficiently grand and respectable reason to silence public opinion.

Before Kangxi could finish speaking, she interjected, her tone carrying a calm confidence.

"I understand. Since you are so willing, I will devise a plan and see if it can be accomplished."

Kangxi was somewhat hopeful that she could actually create that unavoidable condition.

However, he couldn't help but worry that her actions might be too drastic and cause trouble, so he couldn't help but remind her.

"Nannan, this matter is of great importance, so please don't do anything reckless."

Jiang Nan gave him a reassuring look, her tone carrying a hint of cunning and confidence.

"Your Majesty, please rest assured, I know what I'm doing. Besides, I'm just a concubine in the harem, and I have no right to interfere in the affairs of the court."

She abruptly changed the subject, a glint of shrewdness flashing in her eyes.

"However... there's something we can do with the Empress. It's just a matter of finding the right opportunity."

Hearing her say this, Kangxi felt somewhat relieved.

As long as no obvious evidence is left, he would be happy to let Nan Nan cause trouble for Hesheli.

He leaned forward slightly, lowered his voice, and spoke with a hint of curiosity.

"Nannan, what are you planning to do?"

Jiang Nan leaned forward slightly, lowering her voice even further, yet each word was clear.

"What I want is for the Empress herself to confess in front of everyone, or for her crime of murdering the imperial heir to be exposed on the spot. At that time, the Hesheli family will lose face and suffer a great humiliation. Your Majesty can then take back what you want to take back under the pretext of upholding the dignity of the royal family."

A glint flashed in Kangxi's eyes; this was indeed a ruthless yet effective method.

If successful, the Heseri family will never be able to recover.

He pondered for a moment, weighing the pros and cons, and finally said.

"If that's the case... then so be it. But I must remind you again and again to be careful and never give anyone a handle to use against you, so that the Hesheli family can turn around and bite you back."

Jiang Nan nodded confidently, her tone resolute.

"Your Majesty, rest assured, I am only good with words. Other matters will be handled by suitable people."

The image of Niohuru had already appeared in her mind.

Kangxi opened his mouth, wanting to ask more about the candidate for the substitute and the more specific plan.

But Jiang Nan seemed to see through his thoughts, and preemptively waved her hand, speaking in a relaxed tone.

"Alright, I haven't thought through the specifics yet. Please allow me to consider them more carefully."

Seeing that he was still holding the child and not eating, Jiang Nan continued to speak.

"Your Majesty, please give the child to the wet nurse first. It's time for your meal. This little baby does nothing but eat and sleep right now. It will be about six months before he starts interacting with you. That's when he'll be more fun and lovable."

Emperor Kangxi was both amused and exasperated by her words, and glared at her.

"So you had children just to play with? What kind of mother are you?"

Jiang Nan looked back at him with a self-righteous air.

"I was just trying to be kind and worried that you might go hungry. If you don't appreciate it, then so be it. Anyway, you are the Emperor. No one else will go hungry, but you won't."

A hint of helplessness flashed in Kangxi's eyes. He turned and gestured to Liang Jiugong to summon the wet nurse inside.

Only when the person approached did he carefully hand over the swaddled baby in his arms.

Then, she carefully handed the child to the wet nurse, and only after confirming that it was safe did she reach for the chopsticks on the table to prepare for her meal.

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Another big scene is about to unfold, but this plot is just too difficult. I've dug myself a huge hole.

I've been brainstorming this for days, and I'm practically going bald from exhaustion. Give me some encouragement!

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