Early morning, Palace of Heavenly Purity.
The Palace of Heavenly Purity contained both eastern and western warm chambers, divided into two levels. The lower level had five small warm chambers, while the upper level had four. Each small warm chamber contained three beds, totaling twenty-seven, allowing the Emperor to choose whichever he pleased for sleep. Once the Emperor selected a bed, the eunuchs on duty would lower the curtains of the others. In this way, outsiders would not know where the Emperor was sleeping, minimizing the risk of assassination.
Emperor Chongzhen, sleeping soundly in the eastern warm chamber, was awakened by a soft calling.
Chapter 34