"Father, I will say it again: with each new dynasty comes a new court."
"Even if you were to sacrifice the entire Rong Prince Mansion, how many could you actually protect?"
"If a new emperor ascends the throne and suspects your motives because you sheltered a few incompetent fools, what would you do then?"
"The Rong Prince Mansion once held immense power—we were the blade in the Emperor's hand, the sharp weapon used to keep civil and military officials in line. Now, out of brotherly affection and a desire to prevent the new emperor from targeting the Rong Prince Mansion, the Emperor has stripped several of my elder brothers of their actual authority. But not everyone possesses the Emperor's benevolence."
"Unless... Father... intends to... take... a gamble..."
Chu Qingmeng's voice grew fainter and fainter. Feeling her consciousness slip away into drowsiness, she hazily murmured, "Third Brother," before her body went completely limp, nearly sliding off the chair. Mo Liujin moved in two strides and caught her in his arms, helplessly pulling her against his chest as he looked up at Mo Chenfeng.
Mo Chenfeng had still been pondering how to prevent such bloodshed among brothers, but Chu Qingmeng's words left him utterly silent. Mo Liufang signaled for Mo Liujin to take Chu Qingmeng away and give their father some time to think.
Chapter 189