[x] (eyes narrow) "I had been trying to get away from work today, but if I must.... So be it. I will not send her with you as Empress Dowager, but there are other ways."
-[x] Inform the Crab that Hida Benjiro is to officially propose to your mom, and make it look good. When the proposal arrives, inform your mom that she is to accept, as Kaiu Ryoko. Hint strongly to Hida Kuon that he'd be well-served to have one Kaiu Ryoko deployed in some fashion as a representative to the Lion court.
-[x] Let your brother know the rough general plan on the matter, one-on-one. Suggest that for his own sake, he shouldn't let her have *too* much influence at court, as she will be there as a Crab, and that could undercut him with his own people (she's almost guaranteed to push for more influence than she really ought to have). Still, she is your mother, and he is your brother, and you want to help make their lives better.