CH 373: Behind the Search for Family

Han Ruzi had always lived in hardship with his mother, dependent on no one. When a large family of relatives suddenly appeared, his first reaction was that there must be some deception involved. However, after carefully reviewing the official documents sent by Donghai, he felt he could not rashly draw conclusions. After a moment’s thought, he decided to enter the palace to see his mother.

Maternal relatives were usually a source of trouble, but if they had truly been found, Han Ruzi absolutely could not hide this from his mother—after all, these were their closest blood relatives.

Just before the Emperor’s arrival, Empress Dowager Cining had already heard the news. As the person most affected by this development, she appeared remarkably calm.

“Sigh, it’s just the provinces making trouble again. After all these years have passed, what’s the point of searching now? Besides, who knows if it’s real or fake? If there’s even the slightest discrepancy and word spreads, wouldn’t that make the entire realm laugh at us?”

“If Donghai wasn’t confident, they wouldn’t have reported it to the court. Mother might as well pay attention to this.” Han Ruzi handed the Donghai official documents to a palace maid, who passed them to Empress Dowager Cining.

Empress Dowager Cining quickly read through them. “Donghai has truly put their heart into this—witness testimony, physical evidence, piles of it. Many things even I don’t remember, yet they managed to investigate them all…”

Empress Dowager Cining shook her head, still not taking it seriously.

Han Ruzi stepped forward and said, “Does Mother still have any memories from childhood? Perhaps they could be used for verification.”

Empress Dowager Cining frowned slightly, thought for a while, then said, “Does Your Majesty truly wish to seek out these relatives?”

“Of course. Regardless, they are Mother’s family and also my maternal uncles. As the documents state, originally they didn’t intentionally sell their daughter—they were harmed by villains. Now my maternal grandfather still lives, with many aunts and uncles. If this proves true, it would be tremendously good fortune.”

Empress Dowager Cining thought again for a while, then waved her hand to dismiss the palace maids and eunuchs from the room. She then said to the Emperor, “Marchioness Ping’en is a daughter of the Cui clan. With her involvement in this matter, I feel uneasy.”

Regarding Marchioness Ping’en, the Donghai documents only mentioned her once, claiming that when she passed through the Donghai Kingdom, she had spoken of wanting to help find the Empress Dowager’s family. Han Ruzi was also puzzled by this and consoled her, “Regardless of what Marchioness Ping’en has in mind, as long as these truly are my maternal relatives, I will definitely bring them to the capital. Mother will never feel lonely again.”

Empress Dowager Cining smiled. “We’ve endured through the most difficult times… Indeed, ‘When poor, no one pays attention to you even in a bustling market; when wealthy, distant relatives appear before you even in remote mountains.’ If not for Your Majesty, Donghai wouldn’t be so dedicated either. I’ve forgotten almost everything from childhood, only remembering… there was a child who often called me ‘little sister.’ I don’t know if this was before or after I was kidnapped—it’s just an impression I have. Donghai’s documents didn’t mention this matter. If Your Majesty is determined, send a trustworthy person to investigate and verify.”

“Understood.” Han Ruzi already had someone in mind.

Empress Dowager Cining was still worried and added, “This matter must not be rushed. My life in the palace is very good. As long as Your Majesty is safe, I have no other desires. It’s not necessary to find a group of relatives.”

“Without complete certainty, I absolutely will not casually acknowledge relatives.”

Empress Dowager Cining smiled again. “Very well, let Your Majesty handle it. I won’t say much more. There’s no need to report everything—just give me the final result.”

“Yes, Mother.”

“The weather has been cold lately. How many layers of bedding do you have at the Weary Marquis’s residence? Have the household staff prepared charcoal? Zhang Youcai is too young—should we find a more mature eunuch to manage affairs…”

Empress Dowager Cining was more concerned about her son’s food and lodging. Han Ruzi answered each question to put his mother at ease, then took his leave, treating the search for relatives as a matter of great importance.

The next afternoon, Marchioness Ping’en entered the palace to meet Empress Dowager Cining. The anxiety and unease in her heart could not be concealed and showed plainly on her pale face. As soon as she entered the room, she knelt before the Empress Dowager.

When Empress Dowager Cining was still Maiden Wang, she had held no favorable impression of the Cui clan members. It was a hatred mixed with considerable jealousy: though both were concubines, Prince Donghai’s mother could act arrogantly and domineeringly by relying on her family’s power, even threatening the principal wife’s position several times, while Maiden Wang could only hide and cower, constantly fearing for her own life and her son’s.

Empress Dowager Cining did not allow Marchioness Ping’en to rise, having a female official by her side conduct the questioning. After just a few exchanges, she understood this was a woman who curried favor with those in power, purely seeking to ingratiate herself. She just didn’t know whether there was any Cui clan conspiracy behind this woman’s foolishness.

Marchioness Ping’en had received strict orders from her father. After several questions and answers, she still refused to take her leave, shamelessly recommending herself, willing to personally go to Donghai to verify the authenticity of the royal family.

Empress Dowager Cining agreed, but emphasized one point: “The court will make its own decisions on this matter. You may go to Donghai if you wish, but do not say I sent you, and you must not interfere with the court’s investigation in the slightest. Do you understand?”

Marchioness Ping’en kowtowed repeatedly, guaranteeing she would never speak carelessly. After leaving the palace, she felt her entire body was covered in cold sweat, yet she felt puzzled in her heart. Empress Dowager Cining was not as forceful and domineering as expected. Her reaction was somewhat cold, but there was absolutely no anger. What exactly was her father worried about?

Marchioness Ping’en immediately went to the Cui residence to see her father, recounting the entire process in detail. Finally she said: “Empress Dowager Cining… seemed quite reasonable to talk to.”

Cui Hong gave a cold laugh. Now he could explain to his daughter: “Empress Dowager Cining has endured patiently for many years. How could she be someone who loses composure when facing difficulties? Even if she harbors suspicions, she wouldn’t reveal them in front of you.”

“But she agreed to let me go to Donghai…”

“Of course she agreed. The Empress Dowager still believes the family reunion matter is fraudulent. She’s letting you go to Donghai not to verify authenticity, but to take the blame when things go wrong.”

Marchioness Ping’en was greatly shocked, only now realizing that Empress Dowager Cining had simply set a trap for her. “What if… what if that family is real?”

Cui Hong said coldly: “Then you would be a traitor to the Cui clan. Empress Dowager Cining might have use for you. After the Cui clan falls, she’ll deal with you slowly.”

When Marchioness Ping’en left the Cui residence, she was utterly dejected, understanding clearly that even her father had no good intentions, essentially offering her up to the Empress Dowager as a small piece of prey.

If there truly was fraud in Donghai, the Cui clan would never admit any involvement, and Marchioness Ping’en would have to bear responsibility alone. If Empress Dowager Cining’s family members had no problems, the Cui clan would thereafter be wary of this eldest daughter.

Marchioness Ping’en held too low a position; neither faction took her seriously.

Marchioness Ping’en regretted deeply. After much thought, she could only seek help from one person. She hated this person, yet also needed his guidance.

Prince Donghai received his cousin, smiling cheerfully as he congratulated her on achieving merit.

Marchioness Ping’en dared not reproach Prince Donghai. After exchanging pleasantries for a while, she explained her predicament: “What can I do? If I go, I’ll either offend the Empress Dowager or anger my own family. Good brother, no matter what, you must give me another idea. Be a good person to the end.”

Prince Donghai shook his head with a smile: “Alas, I didn’t expect you to be so impulsive. When I originally gave you advice, I meant for you to discuss it with the Cui clan before making a decision. I never thought…”

Marchioness Ping’en was so angry her teeth itched, yet she had to force a bitter smile on her face: “I was too stupid and didn’t grasp your meaning. This time, speak more clearly and don’t let me make rash decisions alone.”

Prince Donghai showed a troubled expression and thought for a moment: “Very well, since I originally gave you the advice, I can’t abandon you halfway.”

Marchioness Ping’en thanked him repeatedly.

“You now feel troubled because you think you can’t please both Empress Dowager Cining and the Cui clan simultaneously, right?”

“Exactly! The key is I can’t afford to offend either side.”

“Why do Empress Dowager Cining and the Cui clan bear enmity toward each other?”

The Marquis of Ping’en’s wife was stunned, then gave a dry laugh: “Because of… Grand Consort Cui?”

Prince Donghai nodded calmly: “Correct. Actually, there’s no deep hatred between the two sides. You understand the real reason too – it’s nothing more than palace struggles. Although my mother was involved, I must still say this, because it’s the truth.”

Marchioness Ping’en nodded. This was indeed the truth, and she did understand. Jealousy and rivalry were the same everywhere. The Emperor had troubles in his harem, and noble households were no different. To maintain her position in the Miao family, how many women had she hated and fought against. But she didn’t understand what Prince Donghai meant by saying all this now.

Prince Donghai waited for a while, and seeing that Marchioness Ping’en still looked bewildered, he couldn’t help but laugh. “You really are… I’ve said this much, and you still don’t understand?”

“Understand what? Good brother, please speak clearly.”

“If Marquis Ping’en still had two favored concubines, would you deal with both of them at the same time, or would you win over one to deal with the other?”

“Of course…” Marchioness Ping’en finally understood a little. “You’re saying that Empress Dowager Cining and the Cui clan could actually join forces, so that way I wouldn’t offend anyone, but would actually please both sides?”

Prince Donghai nodded.

“But to join forces, there must be an enemy. Where is the enemy?” Marchioness Ping’en thought for a long while. “Empress Dowager Cishun? She no longer interferes in court affairs now, and the Shang-guan family has already fallen…”

“Has the Shang-guan family fallen? Who instigated the rebellions in Donghai and Qi? Who promoted Prince Ying to claim the throne? Now that the rebellion has been quelled, the main culprits haven’t been captured.”

“There are still Shang-guan family members who haven’t been captured?”

Prince Donghai shrugged. “I don’t know. Isn’t your son going to suppress bandits at Cloud Dream Marsh? Have him investigate thoroughly.”

Marchioness Ping’en nodded in deep agreement.

Seeing that she still wasn’t quite getting it, Prince Donghai had to speak more plainly. “Don’t just focus on the Shang-guan family. There are also those pirates at sea.”

“What relationship do the pirates have with Empress Dowager Cishun?”

“A great relationship. The most important force among the rebel army came from Righteous Heroes Island. The islanders claim to be descendants of Chen and Qi, and they’ve been secretly plotting this rebellion all along.”

“Mm.” Marchioness Ping’en had heard about these matters.

“Someone from Righteous Heroes Island, who changed his name to Meng Che, was once a palace guard brought to the Capital from Donghai by the Empress Dowager. As soon as trouble broke out here, he fled and participated in the rebellion as one of the leaders. His whereabouts are now unknown – he’s either hiding in Donghai or concealed in Cloud Dream Marsh.”

“I’ve heard about this matter.”

“See, you know all these things. Why don’t you connect them together?”

Countless thoughts emerged in Marchioness Ping’en’s mind. “You’re absolutely right. Strange, too strange. Good brother…”

“I can only say this much. Go home and think it over slowly.” Prince Donghai saw his guest out.

When Marchioness Ping’en left the prince’s manor, she had recovered all her scattered wits, but she quietly resolved not to act rashly this time.

In his mansion, Prince Donghai poured himself a cup of wine. Empress Dowager Shang-guan’s greatest weakness was Meng Che. Prince Donghai hadn’t told Marchioness Ping’en that Meng Che’s sister was now one of the Emperor’s most trusted guards.

Meanwhile, Han Ruzi discovered that the Empress Dowager’s search for relatives was an excellent opportunity for him to establish a relationship of mutual trust with the court – especially with Chancellor Shen Mingzhi.