Chapter 53

Following the instructions of Consort Ju, Luoluo arranged for a group of people to clumsily carry the unconscious Ding Wei back to his private quarters. They "thoughtfully" placed him on his bed, and then, using Consort Ju’s authority and tone, said to Chunhua and Shuiyue, "Eunuch Ding is exhausted from heavy drinking; he should not be disturbed." Hearing that this was the will of Consort Ju and that he was merely drunk, Chunhua and Shuiyue did not think much of it. Eunuchs often worked themselves to the bone; it was not unreasonable for him to relax and indulge in a drink or two. Believing that leaving him to sleep was the best way to show him respect, the two women did not say anything more and calmly returned to their duties. The next day, Ding Wei woke up from his stupor. He felt parched, and his head throbbed as if it were splitting open. Startled, he flipped over and sat up, glancing around. He patted his head, confirming that he was indeed on his bed in his private quarters. He leaned his back slowly against the wall and began to think hard. The more he thought, the more a chill ran down his spine. He quickly rolled off the bed and called for Chunhua and Shuiyue to bring water for him to wash.