Chapter 88

Chapter 88

◎Combined Two Chapters◎

Cui Xun had two sons, Cui Dalian and Cui Erlang, both born to his legitimate wife, Li Shi. Cui Erlang had handled affairs in Taicang for a few years and was considered diligent. Cui Dalian had also contributed significantly during Li Cheng's attack on Wei Duo, serving as a reliable internal informant.

But did Li Cheng truly trust them? No, he did not.

At least for now, there was a need for harmony on the surface. Out of respect for his mother, he would reward her natal family. Otherwise, it would be unreasonable not to reward the Cui family while posthumously honoring his own father and mother.

In such occasions, no one dared to drink themselves into a stupor. After a few bites of food and some conversation, the men went to the front hall for reports, while the women followed Huiyin to Linde Hall. Madam Cui had been to the palace before, but she came and left in a hurry, fearing any mistakes in her etiquette.

At present, as a public lady, although she couldn't stay and admire Linde Hall, she could leisurely observe the surroundings. Despite the newly established dynasty, Linde Hall was extraordinarily magnificent, truly resplendent and luxurious, with expensive calligraphy and antique furnishings that were dazzling yet not overwhelming.

The palace maids quickly served tea. Madam Cui took a sip; it was premium tribute-grade tea with a pure flavor.

She heard the Empress above inquire, "Is this the young lady from your second cousin's family? She is indeed quite lovely."

Madam Cui responded attentively, "Yes, she is Erlang's daughter, ten years old this year. Her mother passed away last year, so she has been raised by me."

"At ten years old, she's not small. Although she lost her mother, with your guidance, it's no wonder her manners are exemplary," Huiyin remarked.

When unsure of what to talk about, people generally start with children.

Madam Cui was pleased and somewhat regretful upon hearing these words, "Your Highness doesn't know, many families abandon the eldest daughter of a widower. I am getting old and don't know how many more days I can care for her. If her father remarries and someone takes care of her, that would be the best."

Madam Cui, the wife of Cui Dalian, also picked up on the subtle hints, "We met the wife of Eunuch Guo some days ago. It was said that the marriage was arranged by you, truly a harmonious family that is enviable."

The implication was also to request a marriage bestowal. Huiyin thought that if De Yin wasn't an adversary and had maintained a good sisterly relationship, it would have been ideal to have De Yin marry into the Cui family under her control.

A widower and a widow, neither looked down on the other, and both families were of comparable status and related.

However, in her previous life, Huiyin had taken great care of De Yin, but upon her rebirth, the first thing De Yin did was to snatch the bride. De Yin's attempt to block her path was overly excessive.

Apart from De Yin, Huiyin didn't know much about others, as she had been alone in the palace for several years, which was very different from Xuzhou. In Xuzhou, she had to manage relationships and handle various matters to build connections. But as Empress, she could not form factions.

Her actions and conduct had to appear impartial and neutral, which suited Huiyin's preference. She didn't like meddling in other people's affairs. Each family has its own path, so why should she meddle?

Therefore, Huiyin merely smiled, "Each person's marriage is predestined. Now you say this, but by the next time you come to the palace, you might bring a new second wife."

Everyone laughed, and then Madam Cui expressed concern for the Crown Prince and the Second Prince, "We have always been concerned about the two princes."

"They still have school. The Emperor is very strict about their education. Except for a few major days of the year and their birthdays, they are not allowed to rest," Huiyin replied.

Madam Cui felt awkward, "That's too strict."

This time, Madam Cui noticed that the Empress was different from before. Many years ago, the Empress had returned to her natal home for a visit and stayed at their mansion. At that time, though she had a bit of an edge, her demeanor was still pleasant. Now, she fully carried herself as the Empress, speaking bluntly, which made Madam Cui uncomfortable.

Huiyin, however, thought, I am an Empress with genuine authority, not one constrained by others. If I have to watch others' faces while speaking, then why don't you take the Empress's position?

Huiyin's attitude was the same towards her uncle and two cousins. It wasn't that she acted superior; her position naturally demanded respect. Without the young master Cui, she would still have succeeded, though with more difficulty, and gradually won people's hearts, which was her own ability.

Thus, their interactions were those of sovereign and subject.

The Cui family was a prestigious family. During the previous emperor's reign, prominent families became influential. Later, as the previous emperor's health weakened, warlords in various regions took control. Any large family with some strength seemed to hold themselves high. However, Li Cheng disliked using such people. They had indeed been influential, relying on patronage and recommendations to sustain vast networks, making it hard for the Emperor’s edicts to be enforced.

Now, civil officials were selected through the imperial examinations, all of them the Emperor's protégés, and military officers through martial examinations. Additionally, Li Cheng valued capable officials, showing greater favor to those with strong administrative abilities.

Just because you come from a privileged background doesn't guarantee you a high-ranking position. Those days are over.

Cui Erlang had been stationed in Taicang for three years, and Li Cheng said, "You are now part of the nobility. If you truly want to get things done, wait for the Ministry of Personnel's selection. As long as your performance is outstanding, you’ll be rewarded accordingly."

"Thank you, Your Majesty. Cui Erlang was well aware of Li Cheng’s methods."

Li Cheng smiled and said, "You are not an outsider; you are my relative. Therefore, you need to be even more diligent and not rely on your status to get things done."

Cui Erlang quickly replied that he didn't dare to be otherwise.

After this incident, members of the Cui family began to act more modestly. Cui Xun organized for members of the Cui clan who met the requirements to take the imperial examinations in order to produce more talents.

This time, representatives from the Cui, Xin, and Xie families joined candidates from all over the country in taking the exams. Academies were also being established. This was also Li Cheng's intention, to make the people focus on education so that military power could be completely controlled by him. Even though he was the emperor, each noble still maintained their own private armies. If this continued, these people could rebel against him if they were dissatisfied.

It was also mentioned that Cui Xun had a nephew who was thirty years old and passed the examination this year. Cui Erlang also participated in this imperial examination but again ranked poorly. However, he was not discouraged and planned to try again in three years.

Pleased with the selection of talented scholars, Li Cheng returned to share the news with Huiyin.

Huiyin, however, was concerned for him. "The world has just found peace; you should take some time to rest too. I only worry about your health. A person's energy is limited; even the Son of Heaven is human. I know you might get upset when I say this, but I need to say it. Our relationship is different from others. Those who say nice things are not genuinely concerned about you."

"I know, I know. Your character, how would I not know? I have been well taken care of by you." Li Cheng had no reservations.

Huiyin smiled and said, "As long as you understand what I mean, it's fine. By the way, it seems I am pregnant."

"Really?" Li Cheng almost jumped up.

Huiyin quickly said, "Behave more steadily; you are the Son of Heaven now."

Li Cheng used his large hand to protect Huiyin's belly and sat down, touching his forehead. "After all that horseback riding, you managed to get pregnant so quickly! Do you hope for a boy or a girl?"

"I'm fine with either. A boy or a girl, both are good." Huiyin stroked her belly without much feeling.

She already had two sons, and her health hadn’t been great even before marriage. Giving birth was not extremely difficult for her, but it was still taxing on her body. Now that she had just recovered and was pregnant again, she was actually quite apprehensive and not as overjoyed as others might be.

Seeing this, Li Cheng understood that during the two years he was away, Huiyin's health had not been good. She often had trouble sleeping and eating. Now that she was pregnant again, she must be very worried.

"Huiyin, don't always take care of me. You need to take care of yourself now. How about bringing your mother into the palace to keep you company? That way, I'll be at ease." Li Cheng whispered to her while hugging her.

Huiyin said, "My mother can stay in the palace for a few days, but she has her own children and grandchildren. I can't disrupt her family reunions."

In Li Cheng's opinion, there was really no one like Huiyin who understood things so clearly. She never overstepped and was very self-restrained. She might occasionally slack off on small matters, like sleeping in, but she never wavered on significant issues.

Even with her own mother, she was very clear. Madame Ji had been living in the palace for a long time, which wasn’t ideal.

But the more so, the more Li Cheng cherished her. "My parents passed away early, and I've always envied others. If you could reunite with your mother, I would be happy to see that."

"If you say so, you're making my heart ache. I'll do as you say. When my mother comes, let's have a big family meal with our two sons, and we'll have a lively time."

The couple cared for each other deeply. However, when the news of Huiyin's pregnancy reached the Zheng family, they were overjoyed. But just then, the emperor summoned Madame Ji to the palace again. As Madame Ji was packing, she said to Cui Yuehuan, "I'll leave everything at home to you."

"Madam, don't worry. Everything at home is in order. Leave it to me." Cui Yuehuan said.

Madame Ji and Zheng Fang were an old couple. She nagged, "You're not young anymore. Don't always have alcohol in your hand and a smoking pipe by your side. If you continue like this, how can you expect to live long? When I was at home, you didn't like to hear my nagging. Now you're going to have another grandchild. In the future, this grandchild will rely on you as their grandfather."

Like all men who feared their wives' nagging, Zheng Fang impatiently said, "You're going to the palace, so go. Why do you keep nagging? A person's lifespan is determined by the heavens. My father rarely drank alcohol and ate little meat, always maintaining his health, but he passed away early. My grandfather had no taboos at all and lived to a ripe old age."

"These are all fallacies. I'm too lazy to argue with you. I'll tell the Empress to let her scold you." Madame Ji didn't argue with him but said with a smile.

Zheng Fang remembered how his daughter used to lecture him with big principles, and quickly said, "Please don't talk nonsense. The Empress has finally conceived; you should say things she likes to hear."

Madame Ji pointed at him and said, "Old fool, are you scared now?"

Zheng Fang still wanted to argue, but he didn’t mind. In recent years, as he had grown older, he always felt like his life was like a dream. When he was the Grand Commander of Jizhou, he often found the days difficult to bear. Now that life had become easier, the days flew by. Sometimes he felt as if he was still in Xuzhou, only to realize he was in the capital.

Seeing Madame Ji still nagging, he couldn’t help but say, "Don’t treat the palace like it’s your own home. Now that the Empress is pregnant, many people will want to take advantage of the situation. You shouldn’t get involved. The Empress has her own thoughts."

Madame Ji was stunned. "You’re overthinking."

Zheng Fang yawned. "Consider it my nonsense."

Madame Ji continued packing to enter the palace. Before she left, news came from Xuzhou about the death of Madame Xu, who had been wearing red clothes.

This signified deep resentment, and De Yin felt a chill of fear upon hearing it. Elder Madame Xu sobbed, "Your mother led a hard life, working for others in vain."

De Yin, who had been sitting below and had been feeling much better lately, still found it hard to breathe upon hearing the news of Madame Xu's passing. She even found it hard to believe. "Why? Why did this happen? Grandmother, tell me this isn’t true."

Elder Madame Xu called over the person who had been serving Madame Xu. Knowing how close Elder Madame Xu had been to Madame Xu, the servant revealed everything: "Ever since we returned to the capital, our mistress had been feeling depressed. There were people bullying her at the nunnery, and she believed someone had instructed them. She often muttered curses under her breath. Later, Qiuyan, who was serving her, eloped with someone, which upset her again. Recently, she had been having nightmares, saying we had let a wolf into the house. A few days ago, she asked me to find some red cloth for her. That’s what she… wore to hang herself..."

"It’s all my fault for being unfilial." Tears fell uncontrollably from De Yin’s eyes.

If only she had been as honored as Huiyin, her mother would have been granted a first-class title and lived as gloriously as Madame Ji, treating the palace as her own home.

It was all her fault for being incapable. If she had been more capable, her mother wouldn’t have taken her own life.

Elder Madame Xu had no mood to care about De Yin, as she was grieving herself. Cui Yuehua had gone to the main room several times, making sure nothing happened to the elder Madame. She was also frustrated with Madame Xu for causing trouble.

When she had been released, it was actually an opportunity given to her, but she still conspired with Elder Madame Xu. Thinking she was still the head of the household, she failed to see the situation clearly. The fact that she was still alive was due to seeking refuge with Madame Ji’s daughter. Even so, she was allowed to stay in the nunnery.

Like Madame Dong, who was also sensible. Her son had been recklessly betrothed by Madame Xin to her own family. From her perspective, she had been both angry and wronged. Ever since she entered the household, although she had been favored, she had never refused Madame Xin anything. Yet Madame Xin played such tricks, thinking she was clever.

What she didn’t realize was that this only made public opinion and Pei Shuo more sympathetic to Madame Dong. Even Madame Ji had personally sent tonic to Madame Dong last time, without any regard for Madame Xin.

Internal matters should remain internal. If Madame Dong offended you, the elders would handle it. But using Pei Shuo’s son as a pawn, how could he not be furious?

Similarly, Madame Xu had already been cast aside. Her daughter wasn’t as capable as others. She could have requested to leave and remarried. If not, she could have stayed quietly and waited for De Yin to come out, and they could have lived together.

The situation had changed, and one must understand the new reality.

Over the years, Cui Yuehua had matured and was no longer the easily angered girl. She had become more experienced in dealing with various matters.

When Zheng Wuheng returned, she had just come back from the main room and informed him about this.

"What she did is indeed quite eerie. No one in our family wanted her dead," Zheng Wuheng said, puzzled.

Cui Yuehua replied, "The Xu family saw Madame Yin and her son as valuable assets. Later, they caused the disturbance with the old followers of the Prince of Wei and were made an example of. The Emperor didn’t blame her. We kept her alive for her own good. Besides, there’s a saying: 'Winners and losers are part of the game.'"

Zheng Wuheng looked at her. "I didn’t expect you to have grown so much these days. You’re becoming more like my sister."

"How dare I compare myself to the Empress?" Cui Yuehua shook her head. "These are just my humble opinions."

Zheng Wuheng looked up at the sky. He remembered his mother mentioning that De Yin was pitiful, and she wanted to arrange a good marriage for her. But his sister advised their mother not to bother. They were already in an adversarial position. No matter how good your intentions were, the other side would see them as bad. If Madame Ji had lost the struggle back then, she might have been the one suffering and unable to find peace.

Thinking about it, Zheng Wuheng shuddered.

Inside the palace, it was warm and inviting. On the first day Madame Ji entered the palace, Li Cheng had come over to accompany her. The table was filled with food. Jing’er and Zhan’er were surrounding Madame Ji, while Huiyin and her husband sat opposite her. Madame Ji couldn’t help but wipe her tears.

"Mother, why are you crying on such a good day?" Huiyin smiled.

Madame Ji sighed, "I was just thinking how heartwarming it is to see our whole family gathered here like this. I'm moved just being here with you all."

It’s hard enough for a daughter to be alone in the palace, surrounded by strangers, having to protect two sons and maintain the home front without letting anyone see any flaws.

These words made Huiyin's eyes sting, but Li Cheng actually cried. He’s rarely home and has been apart from his wife for long periods, which always made him feel very sorry for her.

Huiyin, who was usually quick to cry, hadn’t expected her husband to actually break down like this. She laughed awkwardly, "My mother is old and naturally prefers gatherings over partings. But now that we are together, those past separations were for the sake of our long-lasting togetherness now, which is a very good thing. Why are you reacting this way?"

Li Cheng realized he’d lost control and quickly wiped his tears with a handkerchief. Madame Ji, watching from the side, found it rather curious how the emperor resembled a pampered young lady, while her daughter seemed more like the head of the household.

Luckily, her daughter seemed deeply attached to the emperor, who looked both handsome and imposing.

"Mother, this is a new dish prepared by a chef recommended by someone from the emperor's side. We all think it's wonderful. Please try it," Huiyin said, motioning for Jing'er to serve Madame Ji.

Madame Ji was very pleased, and although she didn’t dare fully accept it, she felt happy in her heart.

After the banquet dispersed, and the princes went to study while the emperor attended to his duties, Huiyin took Madame Ji's arm and walked in, still as lively as she was in childhood. "Mother, why don’t you sleep with me tonight? The emperor will definitely stay in the Duanning Hall and won’t come over."

Madame Ji patted her daughter, "You're pregnant, so it’s not safe for us to sleep together. We don’t want any complications."

"Mother, what are you saying? Do you think we don’t know better?" Huiyin regretted letting it slip.

Madame Ji patted her hand, and they sat down in the room together. In a low voice, she said, "Men don’t always consider these things. Sometimes, when they’re in the mood, they might even insist on intimacy during menstruation, and women have to please them and endure."

Huiyin was shocked, "Is there really such a thing? If it were me, I couldn’t do that. It would wreck my health."

"My child, you are married well. The emperor is more considerate than ordinary men. Others don’t have this blessing, not even me," Madame Ji said, reminiscing about her former husband, Pei Ye. When things were good between them, he was truly wonderful, and she was willing to do anything for him because of that.

Unfortunately, the couple could never go back, and their love, too intense, ended in a decisive and earth-shaking separation.

Feeling comforted by her daughter’s words, Madame Ji relaxed considerably. "Every time I talk to you, my mood improves greatly. If I talk to your father, he always makes me angry."

"Father is by nature unrestrained. That kind of attitude probably helps him live longer. What’s wrong with that?" Huiyin laughed.

The mother and daughter, after chatting, felt sleepy. Huiyin rested on the bed, while Madame Ji reclined on a daybed.

Later that night, the Empress Dowager summoned Madame Ji for a conversation. When Madame Ji returned, she mentioned that the Empress Dowager had bestowed many gifts upon her. Madame Ji said, "The Empress Dowager has never been this generous with her rewards before. I wonder why?"

Huiyin laughed, "Mother, she's usually like a pixiu, not very generous even to me and the emperor. At most, she gives gifts to the Xun family during festivals. She’s always trying to support her natal family. Although Princess Jianjia is betrothed to the Xun family, the Yuzhang King is not significant, and the Xun family is probably not very satisfied."

Madame Ji truly didn’t understand, "The Xun family was only granted nobility due to the Empress Dowager’s influence, and they’re nowhere near as prominent as we are. They are marrying a princess, and they are still not satisfied? What more could they want?"

Huiyin said, "I heard there's a girl in the Xun family around Jing'er's age. It's naturally for this reason."

It’s hard to fathom why they are in such a hurry when Jing'er is still so young...