Chapter 47: You Are No Better

Chapter 47: You Are No Better

Another beautiful sunny day, but the wind was stronger than yesterday, stinging cheeks like needles.

Cui Han, wrapped in a jet-black cloak, stood at the entrance of Shen Gui Hall.

This was the first and only time he had worn dark clothes to see his mother. In the past, his mother always preferred him to wear white robes, saying it made him look refined and graceful.

From the main gate of the Cui family to Shen Gui Hall, one had to pass through five halls and four courtyards. Along the way, numerous members of the Cui family cast curious glances at him.

If it was like this within the family, imagine how it was outside.

Cui Han, with his proud nature, still walked straight ahead without looking sideways.

His gaze slowly moved from his feet forward, where fragments of various porcelain were scattered everywhere. Among them was a sky-blue cracked double-eared vase from the Ru kiln of the previous dynasty. He remembered this was his mother's favorite plum vase. When it snowed, she would insert a few red plum blossoms into it and carry it wherever she went, full of charm.

There was also a set of exquisitely crafted agate beast-head cups from the Western Regions. She loved to drink from them, and when she was in a good mood after drinking, she would even smile at him.

His gaze slowly shifted to her feet, where a pair of snow-white embroidered shoes lay. She was always so afraid of the cold, yet in the depths of winter, she wore only these thin embroidered shoes.

Cui Han closed his eyes in despair, bent down to remove his boots, and walked forward in thin socks, stepping on the shattered porcelain fragments. He dared not cry out in pain, his tall figure swaying but he forced himself to steady. Finally, he knelt down amidst the wreckage.

"Mother, I have come to pay my respects."

He lowered his body, not daring to raise his eyes.

The room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop, with no sound at all, as if it were empty. He knelt silently, nearly numb, until a cold voice finally came from above.

"Go away. From now on, go wherever you wish, do whatever you wish. You need not come here anymore."

Cui Han's body trembled, and he suddenly looked up. His mother was wearing a long robe embroidered with red plum blossoms, sitting alone at the table in the hall. The winter sun outside was too bright, shining through the colorful stained glass windows, illuminating her entire body, except for her pale face hidden in the shadows.

"Mother..." he couldn't help but call out again.

But she remained motionless, her eyes dull, giving no response.

Blood seeped from Cui Han's knees, staining the white porcelain beneath him. He choked back tears several times, but knowing his mother's unyielding nature, he had no choice but to obey. Slowly, he stood up and stepped back out of Shen Gui Hall. As he reached the threshold, he noticed his father standing by the corridor window with his hands behind his back.

He paused, wiped the tears from the corner of his eyes, and turned to bow to his father.

Cui's father looked at his son with a complex expression, his heart aching. "Go back to your room and rest. Take it slow. Don't let a setback crush you. Remember, your surname is Cui, not Li..."

As he spoke, the sound of shattering porcelain came from inside again. Cui Han couldn't help but shudder. Seeing this, Cui's father's face turned cold, and he gestured for Cui Han to leave. He then quickly walked forward, circling to the front of the hall.

Cui's mother, Lady Li, sat in the shadows, looking at him with disgust.

"What are you doing here?"

Cui's father strode in with his hands behind his back, stepping on the shards to reach her side. He stared at her for a moment, then sat down across the table from her in frustration.

"Have you had enough? Are you satisfied now?"

Lady Li's cold gaze swept over him. "Had enough of what? Satisfied with what?"

Her tone dripped with sarcasm. "I raised him to be upright and honorable. But he, just like you, uses underhanded methods to ruin others' marriages, kill and steal, doing all sorts of evil deeds. I nurtured him for over twenty years, and what was the result? I couldn't change the rotten core in his bones!"

Her words struck Cui's father like a whip.

His lips tightened, and the lines around his eyes deepened.

He indeed used some dishonorable means to marry Li Ruyun, but he truly loved her. She was beautiful, spirited, and had great depth and courage. In the early days after their marriage, she managed the household so effectively that she wielded more authority in the Cui family than he did as the family head. He felt he must be the happiest man in the world to have married such a perfect wife.

Until one night three months after their wedding, when she drank deer-antler wine to enhance the mood and, in a moment of passion, inadvertently called out another man's name. He then realized that the beautiful life before him was just a fragile dream that could be shattered at any moment.

Since giving birth to Cui Han, she never let him touch her again. Now, after twenty-four years, they lived as strangers under the same roof.

The Cui family acknowledged only the mistress, Li Ruyun, and had all but forgotten him, Cui Ji.

"Han'er has suffered enough, don't push him anymore. If you have anything, come at me..."

"Get out, don't pollute my sight," Li Ruyun turned around, pointing to the door, not even glancing at Cui Ji.

Seeing her so resolute and icy, Cui Ji couldn't help but stand up, his face filled with resentment, "Li Ruyun, how much longer must I endure your cold shoulder?"

Li Ruyun's expression remained unchanged. She cast a glance towards the doorway and emitted a faint, derisive snort.

Seeing her unwilling to engage, Cui Ji, filled with shame and anger, said, "At least say something..."

"Are you so desperate for women?" Li Ruyun turned her head, looking at him with disdain, pointing to the bright sunlight outside, "You have a legion of mistresses and concubines outside. If you feel uncomfortable at home, go as far as you wish; your absence would go unnoticed."

One of the conditions for Li Ruyun marrying Cui Ji was that she would have control over the household. So from the wedding night, the authority of the family head was firmly in Li Ruyun's grasp.

Cui Ji found himself utterly marginalized by Li Ruyun.

Cui Ji muttered in frustration, "Every one of those women is a pale imitation of you. Do you think I have someone else in my heart..."

Li Ruyun was overcome with revulsion. She grabbed a tea cup beside her and threw it at Cui Ji's face. With a clang, the cup hit Cui Ji's forehead, sending him reeling in agony. Blood quickly trickled down from his brow. Despite this, he dared not dodge, enduring her blows.

Seething with resentment yet too cowed to display his fury, he quickly wiped away the blood, annoyed, "For you, I haven't had children with any of those women outside, preserving Han'er as our only legacy. What more do you want... Just give the command, and I'll cast them all aside..."

All he sought was a sliver of her affection.

Li Ruyun felt increasingly as though her ears were being defiled. She got up and walked away. Cui Ji hurried after her, but was stopped by two female guards at the back corridor entrance. Gazing upon his wife's unyielding back, Cui Ji stomped his foot in anger,

"Li Ruyun!"

Only the biting wind and the stark winter sun answered his call.

Cui Han returned to his study, sat silently for a while, and then a servant brought news that the emperor had summoned him.

Cui Han, weighed down by despair, massaged his temples, slowly got up, changed into his official robes, and headed to the palace.

However radiant the sun, it failed to pierce the shadow veiling his eyes.

Things had reached this nadir, yet death was not an option.

Cui Han thought self-mockingly, regaining his usual composure as he entered Donghua Gate.

The emperor received him in the imperial study, voicing his sorrow at witnessing the tarnishing of such a promising young man's reputation, and directly proposed that he take a post outside the capital. Cui Han did not agree, kneeling in the center and pleading,

"Your Majesty, give me another chance, I wish to remain in the central government."

The emperor had once planned this, but now the central government could not accommodate Cui Han.

"Bide your time for a few years, then return, and I shall secure a position for you."

How many years could he afford to waste?

Cui Han withdrew from the imperial study and descended the steps in front of the Hall of Supreme Harmony. His gaze suddenly drifted towards the Cining Palace to the west. Using the pretext of heading towards the West Gate, he detoured to a small courtyard in front of the Cining Palace, where he handed a silver ingot to a young eunuch guarding the door, asking him to relay a message to the Empress Dowager that he requested an audience.

This time, the Empress Dowager did not delay and quickly received him in the warm chamber of the Cining Palace.

She knew Cui Han was desperate.

Despite his ruined reputation, Cui Han still possessed considerable abilities.

With the backing of the Cui and Wang families, how could he not manage to deal with the Cheng family?

The Empress Dowager had been secretly scheming this matter, and Cui Han's initiative to come to her was indeed a pleasant surprise.

"You cannot enter the Ministry of Rites..." Because of his ruined reputation, the Ministry of Rites would not and could not accept him.

"The Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of Revenue are under the emperor's control."

The Empress Dowager recalled that Lu Xusheng's uncle was still in prison, and the position of Vice Minister of Works was open, to be filled by one of the five officials below, thus creating an opening.

"Go to the Ministry of Works. I will shield you from the emperor. Just go back and wait for the news."

Cui Han knew he had made the right move.

"Your servant thanks the Empress Dowager for her immense kindness."

"However," the Empress Dowager stroked a snow-white chinchilla and smiled deeply,

"The position of Vice Minister of Works cannot fully exploit your talents. I have another important task for you."

Cui Han raised his head and asked, "Please instruct, Your Majesty."

"Help me uncover the secrets of the powerful eunuchs in the capital and keep an eye on the movements of those aristocratic families."

Cui Han knew it wouldn't be so easy to gain the Empress Dowager's trust. To join her faction, he had to first offer a token of submission. He smiled brilliantly, "Your servant obeys, but Your Majesty, I fear my manpower is insufficient..."

This was a negotiation of terms.

The Empress Dowager was not surprised and sighed, "I will assign some personnel from the Eastern Depot to you. The orders will be delivered to you tonight."

With the agreement reached, Cui Han prepared to leave.

The Empress Dowager gazed at the still handsome man and suddenly felt a stir in her heart, "Cui Lang, don't rush into marriage. I have plans in store. The Wang family has a virtuous maiden waiting in the inner chambers. I will introduce her to you when the time is right."

The Empress Dowager intended to find a less conspicuous Wang family daughter to marry Cui Han, thereby solidifying the alliance.

Cui Han felt a sudden reluctance in his heart, but he swallowed and did not refuse on the spot, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

Leaving the West Gate, although the wind was still bitingly cold, he seemed to be able to accept it calmly.

Fortunately, years of suppression by his mother had forged a resilient character. Cui Han was not so easily defeated.

He went to a tavern near the West Market for a drink. Hearing the gossip about him and Fan Yulin outside the private room, Cui Han tightly gripped his wine cup, his lungs nearly bursting with anger. Cheng Mingyu would not stoop to such despicable tactics, so it must be Lu Xusheng. How could such a person be fit to marry a Cheng family daughter?

It was also quite a coincidence that a carriage stopped under the open window.

A maid placed a brocade stool and assisted a young girl in alighting. The girl was clad in an old silver fox fur coat, was tall and slender, with sunken cheeks that made her look pitiful, but her eyes shone with a unique brilliance. She turned and raised her hand to welcome someone behind her.

An arm reached out and rested on the girl's palm, a flash of emerald green visible at the wrist. Then the person bent down and stepped out of the carriage.

As she bent, her cloak slightly lifted, revealing a slender and delicate waist. Once she stood steady, she couldn't help but look back at the sky. Under the bright winter sun, her face glowed, the fiery beauty between her brows seemed to overshadow the world, the curve of her almond-shaped eyes perfectly trailing a smile, like spring snow melting on the wrist, rain falling on peonies blooming.

So delicate, soft, and brimming with vibrant life.

Truly the daughter of Cheng Mingyu.

He suddenly grasped his mother's persistence a bit more.

Like the snow atop a mountain peak, sacred and pure, always tempting one to take a handful.

Cheng Yian was visited by an unexpected guest early this morning.

It turned out that Cheng Yike, after listening to her advice last time, seized the opportunity when her stepmother lashed out. She showed the bruise on her wrist to the disciplinary committee, lodging a complaint that startled the elders. This exposed the previous mistreatment, including the withholding of her daily necessities.

The disciplinary committee intervened, demanding that the main mistress of the eighth household return all the dividends from over the years to Cheng Yike, to be kept as her dowry.

After a night of uproar, Cheng Yike finally received two thousand taels in silver notes.

"Two thousand taels, An An! I've never seen so much money," she said, having stayed up all night, unsure where to keep it. Feeling uneasy at home, she rushed to the Cheng family early in the morning to entrust it to Cheng Yian for safekeeping.

Handing over her life savings to Cheng Yian showed her complete trust.

Cheng Yian, seeing her flustered state, felt deeply compassionate.

"This money might seem like a lot, but it won't last if spent carelessly. You need to plan for the long term. Among my dowry, there are a few shops. Why don't you pick one to run, start a business, and let the money grow?"

A girl raised in the inner chambers had no experience in such matters, and it all sounded like a fantasy to her. Feeling overwhelmed, Cheng Yian took her out to the streets, visiting shops, introducing her to managers, and broadening her horizons to plan a livelihood.

From early morning until late afternoon, they visited seven or eight shops, one after another. Cheng Yian also used the opportunity to inspect the Lu family's shops. Eventually, they parted ways at the south gate of the lower district.

"Go back and think it over. When you have time, visit the shops and chat with the managers. Once you have some ideas, come and discuss them with me."

Cheng Yike felt as if a new world had opened up before her and nodded repeatedly, saying, "Thank you for your hard work, An An."

Cheng Yian watched her walk away from the corner, planning to return home, when she suddenly noticed a figure standing by the wall of a nearby alley.

The man, clad in a pitch-black robe, saw that she had noticed him and strode over with a smile.

"Miss Cheng the Third."

Despite having suffered such a tragedy, he could still smile as if basking in the spring breeze, displaying resilience far beyond ordinary people.

Cheng Yian eyed Cui Han suspiciously, her expression icy. "What do you want?"

"Why are you blocking me from marrying your second sister?" Cui Han asked bluntly.

Cheng Yian sneered, "What do you mean by blocking you? Do you think just because you want to marry her, she’ll agree?"

"Cui Han, you really overestimate yourself!"

Cui Han carefully observed her expression, finding no trace of affection, only disdain.

A sudden realization struck him—he suspected Fan Yulin had tricked him.

That bastard, scheming against him!

Cui Han prided himself on his intelligence, always outwitting others. This was the first time he’d been fooled by a pretty boy.

Cui Han couldn't help but laugh at his own frustration.

When he looked at Cheng Yian again, his eyes betrayed a mix of emotions.

Two matrons flanked Cheng Yian in a V-formation, shielding her on both sides, while Qiu Qing and three guards glared at him with hostility, ready to pounce at Cheng Yian's command.

If it had been earlier, when he knew Cheng Yian had no feelings for him, he might have let it go.

But now, he found her intriguing and couldn't bring himself to let her go.

Cui Han maintained his usual composure and bowed to Cheng Yian, "Third Miss, could you tell me where I've offended you? Please enlighten me."

"No." The matter was too complicated to explain, so Cheng Yian chose to remain stubborn.

Cui Han was genuinely surprised that such a gentle and delicate girl could be so strong-willed.

How intriguing.

He couldn't help but probe, "Have you heard about my mother?"

"Who’s your mother?"

Cheng Yian wasn’t naive enough to take the bait. Her father's affairs couldn't be made public, as it would harm his reputation.

Cui Han looked at the seemingly oblivious girl, feeling utterly helpless. This conversation was getting them nowhere.

He was at a loss for how to handle her.

Taking another step back, he bowed gracefully,

"In any case, we’ve crossed paths through conflict. If Third Miss Cheng ever needs my help, don’t hesitate to send word to the Cui residence. Farewell."

With a slight nod, he turned and left.

Cheng Yian gaped at his tall, retreating figure and asked Ru Lan,

"Is he out of his mind? Did something rattle him?"

Ru Lan was just as confused.

She’d been on pins and needles earlier, thinking Cui Han had come for revenge, but instead, he seemed to be making friends.

As for Qiu Qing, he stared at Cui Han's departing figure, mentally cursing his ancestors eight hundred times.

Damn it, how dare he set his sights on the mistress of the main branch.

Cheng Yian didn’t have time to dwell on Cui Han and quickly boarded the carriage to head home.

The elder master’s crimes were confirmed, and he was stripped of his rank, reduced to a commoner. This also implicated the eldest son, Lu Yunsheng, who was stripped of his official position. The entire main branch was in disarray, with everyone wailing and weeping. The mistress of the main branch, Liu Shi, was in tears, too overwhelmed to handle anything. Cheng Yian had no choice but to return and take charge.

Meanwhile, Cui Han went back to his private residence and barked an order to his guards,

"Head to the Fan family, grab Fan Yulin, and beat him to a pulp."

The Cui family guards had long harbored resentment toward Fan Yulin for tarnishing their young master's reputation. Upon receiving the order, they rushed off without delay.

Poor Fan Yulin, who had barely managed to drag himself to the temple to perform a ritual for the servants, was beaten again on his way back. Cui Han's men were ruthless, and Fan Yulin was carried back, his mouth full of blood.

Fan’s mother, seeing her unconscious husband and her barely alive son, felt like her world had collapsed.

Lu Xusheng came back late at night once more, and Qiu Qing, waiting at the door of the study, informed him about the Fan family's situation.

"I suspect it was Cui Han who made a move against Fan Yulin."

Lu Xusheng's gaze froze.

Was it really so hard for him to personally teach Fan Yulin a lesson?

"What about Cui Han? Did he cause any trouble for Madam today?"

Lu Xusheng noticed that Qiu Qing's expression turned very odd after he asked.

"What's the matter?"

Qiu Qing gulped and looked at his young general with deep sympathy.

"Cui Han not only did nothing but even told our young mistress to let him know if she ever needed his help..."

Lu Xusheng was speechless.

Qiu Qing could see the steam practically coming out of his head.

Lu Xusheng clenched his teeth, rubbed his chest, and nodded reluctantly.

"Bold move."

By now, Cui Han's defection to the Empress Dowager was common knowledge. The emperor was so furious that he smashed a royal cup, denouncing him for his treacherous ambitions.

"Well, if he doesn't wipe out the Cui family, it would be a waste of his audacity."

"First, have someone monitor Cui Han's every move."

Returning to the backyard, Cheng Yian was at her desk, practicing calligraphy.

Lu Xusheng walked over suspiciously and took a peek, only to see a beautifully crafted piece of small regular script hanging on a wooden frame before her. The strokes were sharp, the lines elegant, and it was truly a delight to look at.

Cheng Yian, meanwhile, was meticulously copying it, so engrossed that she didn't even notice him standing beside her for quite some time.

Lu Xusheng's expression darkened as he sat down across from her, gesturing coldly toward the calligraphy with his chin.

"Who wrote this?"

First Fan Yulin, now Cui Han. I hope she's not eyeing some other pretty face.

Cheng Yian looked up with a smile and said, "It's my father's..."

Relieved to hear it was her father's calligraphy, Lu Xusheng let out a quiet sigh.

Still proud, Cheng Yian boasted, "I swiped it from my father's study last time."

Lu Xusheng leaned back comfortably in the armchair, his long fingers lightly tapping on the desk, smiling ambiguously.

"They say 'one glance at Cheng Lang and you're hooked for life.' Seems you're not far off."

Even the backbone of the Empress Dowager's faction is dizzy for her.

Cheng Yian gave him a charming glare.