Chapter 374: Being Frank
Regarding Empress Dowager Cining’s search for her relatives, the ministers displayed remarkably unanimous support, even more enthusiastic than the Emperor himself.
“This matter cannot be delayed. We should order the Princedom of Donghai to conduct a detailed investigation, compile a list, and bring the Wang family members to the Capital as soon as possible so the Empress Dowager can reunite with her entire family,” Chancellor Shen Mingzhi suggested seriously, appearing somewhat urgent.
The Emperor, however, wanted to remain calm. “Let’s not rush. We must first investigate the truth and cannot simply believe Donghai’s one-sided account.”
Shen Mingzhi stepped aside and pointed to another minister, saying, “Minister Yuan of the Ministry of Rites is mature and prudent. Having him go to Donghai to investigate the truth would be most appropriate.”
Yuan Jiuding did not decline, stepping forward and bowing. “This minister is willing to go to Donghai to investigate. I will ensure that the matter is handled most appropriately.”
The Emperor could not appear too indifferent, so he nodded in agreement and offered a few words of encouragement.
The entire morning was spent discussing this matter. The ministers provided several historical examples from the records for reference. While an empress dowager’s search for relatives did not occur frequently, during the early period of Great Chu, there had been an empress dowager who waited until the grand empress dowager’s death before promoting her maternal relatives. In an even earlier dynasty, another empress dowager had spent many years reconciling with her family after falling out with them.
In these examples, the emperor always had to richly reward his maternal uncles, with at least one receiving a marquis title, and those receiving official positions numbering anywhere from three to five at minimum, to sixteen or seventeen at most.
Han Ruzi felt it was too early to consider reward plans at this time, and that they seemed too generous. “The saying goes that rewards and punishments should be clear. Even if the Wang family found by the Prince of Donghai truly are Our maternal uncles, they should not receive rewards without merit, should they?”