Prince Donghai’s marriage arrangement with the Tan family was quickly finalized, though it received less attention compared to the Champion Marquis’s union with the Cui clan. After several conversations with the Tan family, Prince Donghai secured numerous promises and made even more in return. While helpful, he felt it wasn’t nearly enough.

The Champion Marquis had already gained open support from most ministers. Though the Tan family’s influence at court was substantial, it wasn’t determinative. Many officials were indebted to the Tan family, but none would easily repay such favors in matters as significant as choosing an emperor.

Relying solely on the Tan family wouldn’t be enough – the Champion Marquis would ascend the throne before the officials could be persuaded.

While Prince Donghai would still proceed with the Tan family marriage, he needed to devise a more expedient plan.

“The Han imperial clan descendants have been frightened silly by Prince Qi’s rebellion. Even with such a major incident in the Capital, barely anyone dares to step forward,” Prince Donghai sighed as he entered the hall with his hands behind his back. “We are both sons of the Graceful Emperor. If we don’t unite to save the imperial clan, the Han family will truly be finished.”

Han Ruzi looked toward Grand General Han Xing.

Han Xing said, “I’ve heard about what happened at Shattered Iron City. Prince Donghai, you acted wrongly.”

Prince Donghai’s face reddened. In the past, he would have flown into a rage regardless of Han Xing’s status or seniority. Now he could only laugh awkwardly, not daring to show anger, and had to admit his mistake: “Honestly, I’m a coward who can’t handle the battlefield. When I saw the Xiongnu warriors covering the hills, I lost my nerve and my wits. But away from battle, I return to normal and can recognize my mistakes, as well as see the wisdom in your and Chai Yue’s actions.”

“The Capital is also a battlefield,” said Han Ruzi.

Prince Donghai smiled, “Different kinds of battlefields. I’m not afraid of the Capital’s kind – I dare say I’m like a fish in water there. You need my help.”

“Help with what?”

“Help to connect you with the imperial clan members and noble families.”

“What can I do for you?”

Prince Donghai glanced at Han Xing and smiled without speaking.

Han Xing shifted in his chair. “Though the imperial clan has many members, it lacks a leader. The Champion Marquis won’t do – he seems to resent the imperial clan due to the former Crown Prince’s death. Moreover, for the imperial clan, the best choice is to acknowledge all of the Martial Emperor’s decisions, including his changes to the crown prince succession. Therefore, only the Graceful Emperor represents legitimacy, no one else. Only the Weary Marquis and Prince Donghai qualify to lead the imperial clan.”

Han Xing looked at both of them in turn. “Prince Donghai is younger and loses composure in crisis – he can’t handle such responsibility. That leaves only the Weary Marquis.”

Prince Donghai’s face reddened again, but this time he didn’t argue.

Han Xing continued, “During the palace coup, the Weary Marquis almost single-handedly defeated the rebels, and then successfully defended Shattered Iron City against the Xiongnu.”

“That’s because the Xiongnu wanted peace talks.”

“The Weary Marquis needn’t be so modest. If you hadn’t held Shattered Iron City, the Xiongnu might have advanced deep into our territory rather than choosing negotiations.”

Han Ruzi smiled and stopped being modest.

“This concerns the imperial clan’s survival – no one will leak information. I won’t approach anyone with divided loyalties. Even if something goes wrong, the Champion Marquis and ministers won’t resort to killing. They must keep the succession competition going – without competitors, it becomes a joke.”

Han Ruzi wanted to reveal Guo Cong’s plan – the grand scholar’s idea was to discourage competitors and make the competition meaningless – but he stopped himself. From another perspective, gaining the imperial clan’s support was beneficial, and there was no need to tell them everything.

“I still need the Grand General’s recommendation, at least to mislead the Champion Marquis and ministers.”

“Of course. Do you want it now? No one has written such a thing before – is there a format?”

“There’s no hurry,” said Han Ruzi. The succession competition was just a concept with many details still undetermined. He had come to see the Grand General only for a promise. “Your word is enough. I’ll stay in touch with you – you’ll remain at Hangu Pass?”

“I’ll be there for the next few months. If I move elsewhere, you’ll be the first to know.”

Han Ruzi stood to leave, but remembered something: “There are many displaced people across the empire. Left unchecked, they threaten Great Chu’s rule, but if gathered, they could become a powerful force. With the Southern and Northern Armies facing off north of the capital, and the eight palace guard camps controlling the palace and Capital, why don’t you take this opportunity to recruit these displaced people? It would both strengthen our forces and demonstrate the imperial clan’s care for the common people – achieving two goals at once.”

“An excellent plan. I’ll begin working on it soon,” Han Xing smiled.

Prince Donghai returned to the capital with Han Ruzi, unafraid of being seen together: “We’re brothers – who can say anything?”

Outside Shang County, the refugees receiving porridge had dispersed. Riding side by side, Prince Donghai said to Han Ruzi: “You needn’t have suggested recruiting refugees to Han Xing. He agreed readily but won’t bother with such matters.”

“He won’t do it even with such benefits?”

Prince Donghai laughed heartily, “This is why you need me – you don’t understand people like Han Xing. They’ve spent their lives enjoying privileges and fear trouble most. Recruiting refugees requires more supplies, coordination with the court and local officials – endless troubles. So even with Han Xing and the imperial clan’s support, we brothers must still work hard ourselves. Only when we succeed will they truly pledge their loyalty.”

When they reached the Capital, it was already dark. The group spent the night at an inn outside the city. Before retiring, Han Ruzi asked Prince Donghai, “Why didn’t Lin Kunshan come with you?”

“Ha! You think I’d still trust fate seers?” Prince Donghai winked and left.

The next morning, Han Ruzi and Prince Donghai entered the city separately. Upon returning to the Weary Marquis’s residence, Han Ruzi immediately summoned Yang Feng and recounted yesterday’s meeting.

Yang Feng seemed unsurprised. “We’ll see how many imperial clan members actually dare to offend the Champion Marquis and court ministers.”

Yang Feng also had news: after the Champion Marquis’s wedding, the succession competition was finally being put on the agenda. In three days, all princes and imperial grandsons participating in the competition would gather in the palace to hear the rules.

“Perhaps this time I’ll meet the real Chunyu Xiao,” said Yang Feng.

Han Ruzi suddenly felt that Yang Feng’s interest in Chunyu Xiao seemed greater than in the succession competition. Han Ruzi didn’t ask – even with Yang Feng, he needed to keep some things to himself.

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