[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-nation-of-ten-thousand-nations":3,"chapter-the-nation-of-ten-thousand-nations-the-nation-of-ten-thousand-nations-chapter-134":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","The Nation of Ten Thousand Nations",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2333102,4562,"Chapter 134: What Empress Mother Maria Said","the-nation-of-ten-thousand-nations-chapter-134",134,"\u003Cp>As a Byzantine princess rather than an Arasaluan one, Maria had encountered few men while in Constantinople—most of them her brothers, uncles, father, or grandfather—but to claim she understood male psychology not at all would be a grave mistake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Byzantium practiced primogeniture, yet even after the eldest son, the emperor’s brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces, daughters, and grandsons retained equal rights of succession, leading to constant conspiracies and hidden currents within the Byzantine court. Elsewhere, women might be men’s servants, slaves, or beasts of burden, regarded as unenlightened animals or children; but in Byzantium, women were equally matched adversaries to men.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as Maria nearly died in the city-entry ceremony when a grieving she-bear lunged at her—her enemies would not spare her because she was a woman.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And it was for this reason that the Arasaluan people had mocked and warned her with the words of saints.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having chosen Baldwin, she naturally paid close attention to his closest friend.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the Byzantine court, same-sex affection was not uncommon, nor was it as strictly restrained as in Arasalua; even if discovered, only “light penance” (a form of confession) was required.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had once reflected on whether their bond was too intimate, but unfortunately—or perhaps fortunately—both men belonged to the type emotionally detached and with shallow desires: Baldwin perhaps due to his chronic illness, Cesar possibly because of his origins—when his identity was unknown, indulging his desires would only invite disaster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not to mention noblewomen like Damara, even the castle’s maids and servants might be some nobleman’s concubine—besides, he had no elder to take him to brothels.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His closeness to Baldwin likely stemmed from their differing statuses yet unexpectedly similar circumstances, and also because their mothers and fathers came from the same womb, like lambs born of the same ewe—they would draw near to each other, guided by unseen forces, even if unaware of one another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To Maria, this deep bond—woven of friendship, gratitude, and kinship—was far harder to deal with than love, or more directly, desire. Love is possessive; a slight provocation could shatter a pair of lovers. Desire needed no explanation—it was like the first cup of water to the thirsty, the first bite of bread to the hungry; once satisfied, it turned bland.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Baldwin and Cesar were like two once frail saplings—one scarred by sword wounds, the other trembling from illness—accidentally standing side by side, forced to intertwine roots and branches to withstand hurricanes, storms, and scorching sun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amalric I’s original concern had been correct: from Maria’s observation, Baldwin should have been the superior in their relationship, yet Cesar had never yielded—he was not a greedy man, but by holding onto his independence, the one forced to retreat could only be Baldwin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Baldwin seemed to sense it too—he was vying with Cesar for control, and the advantage appeared to be on his side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had just become king and won an unprecedented great victory. This triumph was enough to make every Crusader knight willingly follow him, watching the white banner with the golden Arasaluan cross on the battlefield; the people praised his deeds, his valor, his justice, regarding him as a holy knight like the first Godfrey—indeed, even his leprosy, this blemish, had become a black spot on the sun, unable to dim its radiance, instead making its color more vivid and intense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And this stubborn, unrestrained demeanor—Maria had seen many such cases in history and in reality. To be honest, Baldwin had already shown remarkable restraint. Perhaps the only person he truly recognized was Cesar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If someone claimed the king’s favor was insignificant, even troublesome, others would surely curse them as ungrateful and faithless—but the Empress Mother Maria, who had seen countless high-ranking ministers fall from great heights, knew all too well—this situation could not continue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scorching sun could make a tree’s branches flourish, yet also cause it to wither and burn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Heraclius first reminded Cesar to inspect his lands, then sent him on a mission to Aleppo—perhaps for this very reason. But to reason with a young, capable monarch about such matters would likely be useless—he would surely believe that as long as he remained king of Arasalua, Cesar could safely remain entrenched in wealth and power, unshakable by anyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, the Empress Mother Maria considered and decided to approach from another angle: “Then, what are your plans?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Baldwin had prepared himself for her counsel. But he had not expected her first question to be this—what are your plans? What else could there be?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The things that once troubled and constrained them had vanished. Even though Raymond remained his regent, and old ministers like Bohemond still lingered—yet by next February, when he turned sixteen, he could reclaim all his rights and become a true king.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The greatest problem that had clung to Cesar had disappeared—he was no longer an unknown slave, but the only son of the Count of Edessa. They might still fight the Saracens, force cities to submit, or even reclaim Edessa for Cesar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cesar was right—he had never intended to remain confined within Arasalua’s walls. Even if his life would be short, perhaps in a few years he would launch a third campaign against Egypt, or, depending on circumstances, march on Damascus or other Syrian cities, further extending the glory and light of Christ to the deeper reaches of this holy land.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cesar, of course, would always remain by his side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was his friend, his brother—they had fought side by side on the battlefield and shared honor and disgrace in court. He might have a wife, or he might not—but that would not stop him from finding Cesar a more suitable bride.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had quietly raised the criteria for Cesar’s future wife even higher.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Baldwin glanced at his stepmother—the Byzantine princess Maria had earned everyone’s respect solely through her own ability and cunning. If that noblewoman could match her in this regard, and possessed a title and domain—no, no, he thought to himself, she must still be beautiful—not so that she wouldn’t be overshadowed beside Cesar, but at least not invite ridicule.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Empress Mother Maria saw Baldwin’s expression and guessed he had not thought of the important event she had long ago noted in her memorandum—perhaps, as a man and a king, he could not conceive that once Joscelin III returned to Arasalua, it would trigger a chain of reactions, and the consequences… Cesar would bear them first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, she did not mean Joscelin III and his wife would deny Nattia and Cesar’s identities—they might no longer remember their child’s face, but they would surely recall the discovery by the Archbishop of Edessa and the evidence recorded on the birth certificate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the “Seal” incident became known, people inside and outside the castle had tried to prove or disprove the discovery—some using their own servants and relatives, others directly using pilgrims or residents of the Holy City.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though it could not be certain whether these patterns would change as the child grew, at least one thing was now confirmed: indeed, every person’s palm and sole prints were unique, as if stamped by God’s own hand—so far, they had found not a single pair identical.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was said that Patriarch Heraclius was already drafting a treatise, proclaiming this as a miracle discovered by the Archbishop of Edessa, and perhaps in time, this archbishop might even become a saint.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it was hard to say whether Heraclius’s actions were meant to prevent further doubts about this evidence…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I think you should already understand,” Maria said in an impossibly gentle voice, uttering a cruel truth: “You must know—there are fathers who do not love their children.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Baldwin was a fortunate child—he was Amalric I’s only son, meaning he faced almost no serious rivals during his upbringing. And even after he inexplicably contracted leprosy, Amalric I never wavered—was it out of a father’s love? If you wish to see it that way, yes—but perhaps the enraged king was using his own son as a pawn against his enemies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Baldwin could not yet see this—he had become king but not yet a father. His love and hatred were equally pure; he did not yet know what a father meant to a child.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cesar’s unknown origins had been a misfortune, but also a blessing—it meant that, aside from Baldwin, almost no one could constrain him. But if Joscelin III returned to Arasalua, even to appease his own mother, he would inevitably claim a prominent position beside Baldwin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You might ask whether father and son serving together had ever occurred—yes, it had. But for both to hold equal power and authority? That was impossible. Even if Baldwin wished it, others would never permit it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She saw Baldwin unconsciously frown, and smiled as she continued: “And then there is the fortune worth two hundred thousand gold coins.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Saracens were willing to return Joscelin III without a single gold coin as ransom because Cesar had performed the “Purification” for Sultan Nur ad-Din—this duty was meant for the deceased’s blood kin; even the Saracens owed him this kindness, though he had done it without seeking any return.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But do you think, when Joscelin III returns, he will willingly hand over those two hundred thousand gold coins for Cesar to use as he pleases?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Baldwin clenched his lips—he knew the answer was no. Even his own father, Amalric I, would hesitate. What did two hundred thousand gold coins mean? Roughly equivalent to a kingdom’s entire annual tribute and taxes—enough to support two hundred knights, launch a war, or repair a crumbling castle. Since becoming king, he had realized that governing a realm, managing his vassals, ruling his people—everywhere required money.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sometimes he complained to Cesar that he felt like a patchwork mender—wherever there was a leak, he had to plug it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Baldwin could unhesitatingly return those two hundred thousand gold coins to Cesar, and Cesar could unhesitatingly deposit them into Arasalua’s treasury. But would Joscelin III? Remember, Joscelin II spent his entire life scheming to reclaim Edessa; Joscelin III is unlikely to be the exception. And even a landless knight is mocked—how much more so a landless count?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do not test human nature,” the Empress Mother Maria whispered. “Even God’s first creation could not withstand the serpent’s temptation and trial. After eating the fruit of wisdom, we are their descendants—our hearts are even more fragile.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We know nothing of Joscelin III—he might be another Cesar, or a madman, or even just an ordinary man—you know what ordinary men are like when sudden power and wealth strike them—more importantly, he is Cesar’s father, and anyone who sees or hears you two will immediately recognize how deeply you are bound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He may use Cesar to demand things from you. And if you refuse, have you seen how fathers treat their sons?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You need not look far, child—just observe your companions: David, Abigail… Raymond never allowed David to have his own thoughts or actions, and as for Abigail, forget it—even after marrying, his father still frequently slapped him and whipped him. The only comfort is that his father finally confines his beatings to behind closed doors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But worse than the whips and slaps were his words—they were like the sharpest knives, turning him into a groveling, cringing monster. Can you imagine Cesar becoming like that?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I am king!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, you are king—royal authority supersedes paternal authority. Just as Louis VII could incite his vassal, Richard, Duke of Aquitaine, to attack his father Henry II. But can you do that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Can Cesar do that?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if Joscelin III were an utterly vile man, he could not. Was he the only Christian Amalric I ever saved? Didn’t you have attendants and servants before you contracted leprosy? Why were they unwilling to remain loyal to you as Cesar is? Whether you are king or monk?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He is tightly bound by his own morality—you should understand this better than we do.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Our ancestors destroyed Rome and inherited Rome—the father is the patriarch; everyone in the household is his slave, slaves have no private property, and even their bodies can be bought and sold at will—though he won’t go that far, do you think he won’t interfere with Cesar’s rule over Bethlehem?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He may see Bethlehem as a reservoir, draining its life to sustain his army and ministers, hoping one day to reclaim Edessa. And you know Edessa has fallen—it now belongs to Sultan Nur ad-Din. If he wishes to reclaim it, he must conquer an entire kingdom anew. Can you imagine how much energy, time, and gold that would consume?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And unlike a subject’s loyalty to a monarch, a son’s loyalty to his father is ordained by heaven. If Cesar possesses that innate emotional bond toward his father, but the father does not reciprocate, it will become… a terrifying situation.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Baldwin’s cheeks, once flushed from wine and fine food, slowly turned ashen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2148,"2026-06-20T20:58:34.857Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","66d18d5f2f415ac813b517a49cf1bb2439ea79d72990ca964c97abbe55be471c","the-nation-of-ten-thousand-nations-chapter-135","the-nation-of-ten-thousand-nations-chapter-133",168,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-nation-of-ten-thousand-nations-cover.jpg"]