Ding Wei returned to his quarters, head hanging low and hands empty.
Eunuch Li, having seen him leave for half the day only to return empty-handed, asked with a look of extreme displeasure, "What happened?"
"I was rubbing the Empress’s back earlier and nearly got myself executed. I didn't have time to buy your wine, but please, take this silver." With that, Ding Wei took out the scattered silver and handed it to Eunuch Li.
Eunuch Li did not stand on ceremony. He reached out, took the silver, and with a smile that didn't reach his eyes, said slowly, "You lucky brat. To still be alive after rubbing the Empress’s back."
Ding Wei’s body stiffened, and he asked in confusion, "Must everyone who rubs the Empress’s back die?"
Eunuch Li thought to himself, *You brat, you don't understand the first thing about court struggles.* Seeing that the lad was sharp, sensible, and willing to show him respect, he felt he should offer some guidance so the boy might live a few days longer—and offer him a few more tributes.
He clasped his hands behind his back, paced a few steps, and let out a long, heavy sigh. "Little Ding! Do you want to live a few days longer?"
The old eunuch was asking such a foolish question; who wouldn't want to live? In this Imperial Palace filled with such delights, the longer one lived, the better. But though he thought this, he still needed the old eunuch's guidance.
"Master, I am listening to your instruction!"
"If you want to live longer, you must not get involved with any faction."
"Master, could you clarify exactly how many factions there are? You tell me to listen to my superiors, but then you tell me not to get involved with any faction. If a superior orders me to do something, can I refuse? Doesn't that mean I’ve already taken a side?"
Eunuch Li took a deep breath and looked at him. "Go to the Menial Service Department! Otherwise, no matter which consort you serve, you’ll be in danger." He shook his head and muttered to himself, "With a face that handsome, why become a eunuch? Even in the Menial Service Department, you’ll be snatched up by some other consort—it’s all up to fate now."
Upon hearing Eunuch Li’s words, his hair stood on end. Was the Imperial Palace truly this dangerous? Why were they dragging innocent eunuchs into their petty squabbles? It seemed the only way to survive was to make himself powerful enough to drag them into his own web; only then would he have a future. Otherwise, he might be decapitated in one of their power struggles before he even knew what hit him.
The next day at noon, Eunuch Li told Ding Wei, "Tonight, you will accompany me on official business."
"Understood, Master."
Ding Wei pondered for a moment, deciding it was necessary to be clear, and asked, "Master, what is our official business tonight?" Even though his master had told him not to ask about things he shouldn't, failing to ask could lead to a mistake that would cost him his head. Being scolded was better than being killed.
Eunuch Li initially wanted to snap at him, but seeing the genuine sincerity on the boy's face, he said slowly, "The eunuch who carries the consorts kicked the bucket last night. Your build is good, so you’ll fill the vacancy. Remember to wash yourself clean and put on fresh clothes."
"Understood, Master."
Ding Wei couldn't help but ask, "What exactly is the duty of a consort-carrying eunuch?"
"It’s just as it sounds: you carry the consort on your back." Eunuch Li, impatient but worried the boy would botch his first time, suppressed his irritation and continued to explain. "After the Emperor finishes dinner, he flips a jade tablet. Whichever consort is chosen, you are responsible for undressing her. Once she is stripped of her clothes, you wrap her in a large blanket and carry her to the Emperor’s bedchamber. After the Emperor is done with his business, you carry the consort back."
*Help her undress? That sounds nice.* But the thought of carrying a stark-naked woman around made him feel a bit awkward and embarrassed. Despite this, he was filled with anticipation and couldn't help but ask, "Master, is the status of a consort-carrying eunuch high?"
Eunuch Li’s aged face dropped, and he curled his lip. "You’ll find out later. But the responsibility is immense. You must ensure the consort is wrapped up properly. She cannot catch a cold, and she must not be exposed to the wind. Don't take long strides; keep your gait steady. Also, you must not fall too far behind the Director of the Directorate of Imperial Banquets. When you return her to her quarters, you must also handle the 'aftercare'."
Ding Wei was dizzy from the instructions. So the work wasn't as simple as he thought. If the consort caught a cold, he was responsible. If his steps were too large, it was on him. If he slipped, that was also his fault. And at the end, he had to provide "aftercare." This... this he understood, but what was "aftercare"?
He asked shamelessly, "Master, what is 'aftercare'?"
Eunuch Li gave a mysterious smile. "Figure it out yourself."
"Master, just tell me plainly. If I do well and get rewarded, I’ll show you proper respect."
Eunuch Li nodded. "Those consorts are all in their prime. After being favored, their spirits are high and their desires are peaked. The Emperor is busy night and day; there are times when even a hero finds himself lacking in stamina. When you carry a consort back to her quarters, she will still be agitated and burning with desire. At that time, you must help her extinguish the flame—what we call 'cooling the fire.' Only when the consort has cooled down and calmed herself can you leave quietly. If the heat is not dissipated, it will fester in the consort’s heart, making her temper volatile. If she finds you displeasing, she might just slap you, or worse, have your head."
Hearing Eunuch Li’s explanation so clearly, Ding Wei gulped. This trade was incredibly high-risk. Forget about getting rewards; one wrong move—or even if *she* made a mistake—and he would be killed.
Eunuch Li saw his nervous expression and gave a disdainful laugh. "Go and rest, and make sure you wash yourself clean."
...
Before the night had fully descended, Ding Wei, feeling both nervous and excited, followed Eunuch Li toward the Imperial Kitchen.
On the blue-brick path, he asked, "Master, which eunuch is the Director of the Directorate of Imperial Banquets?"
Eunuch Li stopped in his tracks and glared at him. "Isn't that a waste of breath?"
Ding Wei froze, then suddenly realized. "Master, you... you are the Director of the Directorate of Imperial Banquets?"
He muttered, "No wonder you don't do regular duties during the day."
Ding Wei felt no resentment toward the old eunuch for hiding his status; instead, he felt a flicker of newfound respect. Rising to the position of Director was no small feat.
Upon arriving at the Imperial Kitchen, Eunuch Li ordered him to wait outside the door while he went in alone, bowing slightly as he stood by the side of the Emperor—that "old emperor"—who was eating.
Through the window, Ding Wei caught a glimpse of the man in the bright yellow dragon robes. He didn't look particularly tall, his face was pale and weary, and he seemed to be around forty.
*Is this the Emperor Xiong?* He didn't look very "Xiong"—heroic—at all. If he wasn't heroic, could he really handle all the beauties in the harem? It was truly a pity that he couldn't satisfy them all, leaving so many consorts neglected in the deep palace.
Once the Emperor finished his dinner, it was time for his most agonizing moment. He had to overcome his indecision and choose which consort would serve him that night.
Eunuch Li held up a large silver tray and presented it to the Emperor. On it lay several green-headed tablets inscribed with the names of the concubines.
The Emperor Xiong glanced at them, reached out, and picked one up with a flick of his wrist, placing it on the tray.
Eunuch Li flipped the tablet over, his voice soft and clear. "Your Majesty, Noble Consort Zheng shall attend to you tonight."