Chapter 242 The Duke of Chu Mourns
The emperor's harem was strictly hierarchical. Being demoted from a Noble Consort to a Consort was not just a matter of losing some of the monthly allowance and the reduction in food, clothing and other necessities; it was mainly a change in status.
Consort Su's family was not prominent, and it was incredibly difficult for her to rise from a lowly concubine to the position of Imperial Consort after entering the palace. But now, all because of a letter, she has been pulled down from her position as Imperial Consort.
How could she not hate?
Even with all her hatred, she dared not say anything. She didn't even dare to cast a hateful glance at Jiang Yu. Over the years, because of the emperor's favor, although she had acted somewhat arrogantly, she also knew when to be patient and restrained, otherwise she wouldn't have gotten to where she was today.
She knelt on the ground and looked at Jiang Yu, saying, "Duke of Chu, it is my fault for not disciplining my family well, which has caused harm to the old Duke of Chu and you. I apologize to you."
She lowered her head, appearing quite sincere. However, Jiang Yu remained silent with a cold expression. The Emperor frowned and said, "Consort Su, please leave."
Consort Su staggered to her feet, glanced at the nearly unconscious Lord Qingshan, and turned to leave. The Emperor then ordered Lord Qingshan to be dragged away for treatment, and then said to Jiang Yu, "Minister Jiang, please accept my condolences. The Duke of Chu's mansion still needs you to support it."
The emperor's expression remained calm, but his eyes held a hint of anger. He was angry at the Earl of Qingshan, and also at Jiang Yu. He was angry that the Earl of Qingshan was restless and had written a letter to the already terminally ill Duke of Chu, leading to his untimely death. Therefore, he had to punish Consort Su and the Earl of Qingshan's family.
However, this is a crucial time for establishing a crown prince. He wants to appoint the eighth prince as the crown prince, but there are already many objections in the court. Now that this incident has caused so much trouble, it has added a lot of trouble to the process of appointing the eighth prince as the crown prince.
He was also angry at Jiang Yu's impatience and ruthless methods. The old Duke of Chu was already nearing the end of his life, and the Earl of Qingshan's letter only hastened his death. How could Jiang Yu, so shrewd, not know that he intended to make the Eighth Prince the Crown Prince? Did he not know his purpose in making the Eighth Prince the Crown Prince?
She knew all this, yet she still made a scene at this crucial moment, and on such a grand scale. How could someone as intelligent as her not know how to discern the Emperor's will? Didn't she know how to share his burdens? She knew all this. It was simply that, for Jiang Yu, the grief over the death of the old Duke of Chu was more important than sharing his burdens as Emperor.
Rationally, he knew that Jiang Yu's choice wasn't wrong, but his own wishes as the emperor weren't his first priority, so he was simply unhappy and angry.
But he also knew that he couldn't blame Jiang Yu for his own displeasure, because that would alienate Jiang Yu and the other court officials. The Duke of Chu was a veteran official of two dynasties who had helped him greatly, and he couldn't punish Jiang Yu while the Duke of Chu's body was still warm.
Jiang Yu naturally knew that her actions today would displease the emperor, but she had to do it. First, the old Duke of Chu was angered to death by the Earl of Qingshan's letter, and if she didn't take revenge, she would never forgive herself. Second, she wanted everyone in the capital to know that she, Jiang Yu, was not to be trifled with, and anyone who wanted to deal with her should think twice before acting.
Having vented her anger and filed a complaint, Consort Su became Consort Su and got what she wanted. Jiang Yu bowed to the Emperor and Empress Dowager, then turned and left.
Night had fallen, and two young eunuchs, carrying lanterns, led the way. The dim light illuminated the small space as Jiang Yu walked forward step by step.
She recalled her first visit to the palace, the towering gates and walls making her feel incredibly small. She had been a little nervous then, but the thought that her grandfather was also in the palace, and that she wasn't alone, lessened her anxiety considerably.
Actually, she didn't spend much time with her grandfather at that time, but they trusted each other completely from the beginning, even though they each had their own plans.
After returning to the Duke's mansion, she accomplished one great feat after another, and everyone outside praised her for her excellence. However, she sometimes lacked confidence and felt fear when doing these things, so she liked to discuss them with her grandfather. Even if her grandfather didn't offer any advice, she would carefully tell him what she thought and what she wanted to do.
She had to admit that, for so long, deep in her heart, her grandfather had been her strongest support and her reliance.
But now she has no support or backing...
He suddenly stumbled, but a large hand caught his arm, and Ning Yunchuan's voice came, "Be careful."
Jiang Yu nodded and continued walking forward.
Ning Yunchuan watched her stiff steps, opened his mouth as if to say something, but didn't speak. What could he say? Tell her to accept his condolences, not to be sad, because even his heart was clenched with pain. If he could, he would cut off Uncle Qingshan's head with a single stroke.
Before they knew it, they had arrived at the palace gate. As they stepped outside, they saw a group of people standing expectantly. Among them were Jiang Chengye, the Marquis of Anyuan and his son, the Duke of Wei and his son, and even the Marquis of Jinyang and his son. Upon seeing them come out, they all surrounded them, their faces filled with worry.
Jiang Yu told them about the Emperor's treatment of Consort Su, and then left with the others. Riding to the entrance of Yuqian Street, he saw a figure standing by the Chengtianfang archway. Upon seeing Jiang Yu and the others, the figure strode over.
Upon recognizing the newcomer, Jiang Yu dismounted and bowed, saying, "Your Highness Prince Rui."
Prince Rui returned the greeting, then said with concern, "Duke of Chu, please accept my condolences."
"Thank you, Your Highness," Jiang Yu said.
Prince Rui seemed to have been waiting for her there. After offering his condolences, he said nothing more, told Jiang Yu to go about her business, and turned to leave. Jiang Yu watched his retreating figure, pursed her lips, then mounted her horse and returned to her residence. At the gate, she saw Prince An again, who also offered his condolences before leaving.
Jiang Yu felt a warmth in her heart at the actions of Prince Rui and Prince An. Her interactions with these two princes were all official matters, and their prompt visit was truly thoughtful.
Upon entering the mansion, everyone gathered in the main hall. Marquis Anyuan and Duke Wei comforted Jiang Yu, though they themselves were deeply saddened. They had been close friends and relatives by marriage with the late Duke Chu for many years, and now that the late Duke Chu was gone, having been driven to his death by someone's anger, how could they not be heartbroken?
"I'm fine, don't worry," Jiang Yu said to them.
Although she was sad, she was not someone who couldn't handle things. Even when she rushed to the Qingshan Marquis's mansion and killed him, she was still rational. There were still many things to do, and she couldn't stay sad forever.
Seeing her so calm, Marquis Anyuan was both relieved and heartbroken. He reached out and patted her shoulder, saying, "Don't be afraid, your maternal grandfather is here."
Jiang Yu's eyes welled up again. She nodded and then prepared to see Marquis Anyuan and the others off. At this moment, Jiang Chengye stepped forward and told her to rest while he escorted Marquis Anyuan and the others out of the mansion.
P.S.: I've noticed that Tomato's review process is much stricter now. I haven't written much for the next chapter yet, it's been under review for a while. Please wait a bit, it shouldn't be too long.
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