Recalling how radiant and brimming with bashful smiles Dugu Mingyue had looked when she returned to the palace the day before, Qinger could not help feeling a stirring of yearning.
"He is rather handsome indeed, but what a pity you are a eunuch. Otherwise, even this sister of yours would like to experience just how wonderful relations between a man and a woman really are."
Zhao Wujiang was stunned. "What? You've never tried it?"
Qinger crossed her arms over her chest and let out a huff. "Talk as if you, a little eunuch, have tried it yourself! I grew up by Her Majesty the Empress's side all my childhood; where would I ever get the chance? Never mind, let's talk business."
"The Patriarch wants to see you!"
Zhao Wujiang paused. "The Patriarch? The head of the Dugu Clan?"
"That's right, you've struck it lucky, kid."
Qinger pursed her lips. "Back when the Empress and I were still at the Dugu estate, countless people came begging for an audience, and most could only leave behind gifts and turn away. But this time, the Patriarch has summoned you of his own accord."
"When?"
"At noon."
Zhao Wujiang's thoughts raced, but he was not about to let a small matter like this turn his head.
The head of the Dugu Clan, Dugu Yihe.
Why does he want to see me?
To do me harm?
No, I rendered meritorious service in the matter regarding Dugu Mingyue. Besides, on the surface, I am Dugu Mingyue's man; he has no reason to wish me harm.
Furthermore, even if he wanted to harm me, with his heaven-reaching influence and capabilities, he would hardly need to summon me specially to his presence.
That being the case, it must be for something beneficial. What harm is there in going for a visit?
Zhao Wujiang's eyes shifted. "Sister Qinger, do you happen to know what he wants with me?"
"I have no idea. How could I possibly be qualified to know?"
Qinger shook her head earnestly, a hint of playful cuteness in her expression.
"Could it be that Sister Qinger is being betrothed to me?" Zhao Wujiang exaggeratedly covered his mouth, excitement written across his features. "Good heavens!"
"You little eunuch, keep dreaming."
Qinger's face flushed red. For reasons unknown, her heart began to flutter like a startled fawn. In a panic, she jumped to her feet and dashed out the door.
Zhao Wujiang chuckled heartily. As he watched Qinger scurry away, his smile gradually faded, turning lazy and casual, though a sharp, piercing gleam inadvertently flashed in his eyes.
He muttered to himself, "The politically all-powerful Dugu Yihe is taking the initiative to see me. How interesting."
......
The palace corridors stretched deep and long. Zhao Wujiang wore a deep blue robe, having removed his eunuch's cap, making him look exceptionally handsome. With his hands tucked into his sleeves, he walked at an unhurried pace toward the outer palace.
Xuanyuan Jing had granted Zhao Wujiang considerable privileges; he held a token that allowed him to enter and leave the imperial palace freely.
Yet Zhao Wujiang knew that out of his sight, someone was bound to be trailing him, reporting his movements straight to the Empress.
As he pondered, upon rounding a corner, he bumped head-on into a group of people. All of them wore deep blue eunuch robes and radiated a menacing aura.
Just as he frowned and prepared to step aside, his sharp instincts made him quickly glance back. Down the path he had just walked, yet another menacing crowd was approaching, blocking him from both ends of the palace corridor.
Every pair of eyes was fixed on him with undisguised hostility. It was abundantly clear they were all here for him.
"When did I manage to offend so many people?"
Zhao Wujiang narrowed his eyes.
Even if the Empress wanted someone to keep tabs on me, surely she wouldn't mobilize this many people?
"Zhao... Wu... Jiang..."
A shrill, duck-like voice echoed through the corridor. The group in front parted to let a corpulent man in dark black eunuch robes slowly step forward. A mocking smirk hung on his face, the fat on both sides of his cheeks quivering as he sneered:
"You've certainly been stirring up quite a storm in the inner palace these past two days. Everyone's talking about you... even this old servant has to bow to your achievements."
The Grand Eunuch... A glint of lethal danger flashed through Zhao Wujiang's eyes. Only one eunuch in the entire inner palace was permitted to wear dark black attire, and that was the Grand Eunuch.
Zhao Wujiang slowly lowered the hands tucked into his sleeves, his fingers pinching a fine, slender silver needle. Yet not a trace of hostility showed on his face; instead, he wore a bright smile as he stepped forward to greet him:
"This humble servant pays his respects to Grand Eunuch Chen."
They outnumber me and hold the advantage in force; I must bide my time and endure this temporarily......
Besides, according to those palace maids, Third Great-Uncle's death seemed to be connected to this man.
"This humble servant has merely stumbled into some blind luck these past two days."
As he spoke with a smile, Zhao Wujiang slipped a heavy, embroidered money pouch into the Grand Eunuch's hand.
"If the Grand Eunuch has any instructions, just say the word. Once this junior finishes attending to the Emperor's affairs, I'll be right back."
He dropped Xuanyuan Jing's name once more.
First use a pleasant facade and lure him with profit, then counter pressure with status.
The Grand Eunuch weighed the embroidered pouch in his hand, then opened it to take a peek. Inside were rows upon rows of glowing, golden little beans. His eyes instantly lit up, and his hostility abated somewhat:
"You know how to read the situation far better than that Zhao Shou ever did."
Yet his tone abruptly turned ice-cold as he changed the subject:
"Still, you shouldn't be showing off quite so brilliantly..."
Dozens of men from the front and back surged forward, cracking their knuckles and pressing in with a crushing momentum. At a single word from the Grand Eunuch, they would beat this handsome little eunuch to death right on the spot.
The Grand Eunuch chuckled and waved his hand. The men ahead and behind caught the signal and halted their steps, his absolute authority within the inner palace fully displayed in that single casual gesture.
"With all these golden beans, it seems your harvest hasn't been small..."
He murmured softly, leaning in close to Zhao Wujiang, his eyes filled with greed. "This old servant is well aware of the relationship between Zhao Shou and you..."
Zhao Wujiang's eyes widened for a split second. As the Grand Eunuch of the inner palace with countless informants, the man was bound to discover such a loophole.
"Hehe, do you happen to know how Zhao Shou died?"
The Grand Eunuch let out another cold laugh, his tone dripping with intense triumph and threat:
"He offended someone he shouldn't have, and died without a soul even knowing. Do you understand?"
Suppressing the turmoil in his heart, Zhao Wujiang kept his expression completely calm. "I wouldn't know who my Third Great-Uncle offended."
Noticing the slight shift in the other man's expression, Zhao Wujiang sneered, "That bastard sent me in to be castrated just so he could use me to reap benefits in the palace. I've wanted to settle that score for ages, though I never found out who did it for me. This humble servant should actually thank them."
"Oh? Is that so? Then it turns out this old servant is your benefactor after all. Hahaha."
The Grand Eunuch smiled ambiguously without confirming anything, but Zhao Wujiang already understood.
"From now on, this humble servant will take Grand Eunuch Chen as his sole leader!"
With his head bowed, dark, surging murderous intent flickered in Zhao Wujiang's eyes.
Yet to the Grand Eunuch, Zhao Wujiang was simply submitting. He laughed heartily. "Since you're doing the Emperor's errands, go on and be quick about it."
"However, whenever you score benefits from your masters in the future, this old servant takes ninety percent."
Zhao Wujiang knew that if he refused, he wouldn't be walking out of here.
"This humble servant understands. In the future, I will always show my filial respect to the Grand Eunuch."
"Good!"
The crowd parted in unison to clear a path, though their oppressive momentum lingered, glaring daggers at Zhao Wujiang.
Zhao Wujiang offered a bow, kept his head lowered, and walked tremblingly through the crowd.
"Hahahaha... Look at the state of him... Hahaha..."
"Grand Eunuch, looks like we worried over nothing. Zhao Shou had a spine of steel, but this punk is just a spineless coward."
"Cowards are the best; makes it easy for us to twist him however we please."
Behind him rose waves of jeering laughter—arrogant, triumphant, and overwhelmingly haughty.
Chapter 11: I Can't Take It Anymore!
The Dugu Clan's residence in Jingdu was located east of the Imperial City.
The East City was a prosperous sector of the capital. Once Zhao Wujiang stepped out of the palace gates, neither murderous intent nor lingering gloom remained on his handsome face; instead, he wore an expression of calm indifference, unperturbed by disgrace or favor.
With his hands tucked into his sleeves, the Liu family token kept flipping between his fingers, mirroring the steady whir of his thoughts.
Click-clack, click-clack went the horse carriage as it wound its way smoothly through the streets.
After the space of half an incense stick, the carriage curtain was lifted, and the driver's respectful voice sounded:
"Lord Zhao, we have arrived at the Dugu estate."
"Mhm..."
Zhao Wujiang stepped down using the carriage's wooden stool and slipped a gold ingot into the driver's crossed hands.
"Th-Thank you, Lord Zhao! Thank you, Lord Zhao!" The coachman repeatedly bowed with clasped hands in a frenzy of excitement.
Zhao Wujiang smiled genially and nodded, walking toward the estate with unhurried ease.
The Dugu manor featured gilded gates, black walls, and grey tiles. Servants stood on guard outside. Judging his identity from his attire and appearance, they hastily cupped their fists in greeting:
"Lord Zhao, please come inside."
Guided by two servants, Zhao Wujiang walked along paths paved with bluestone slabs, skirted around an exquisite screen wall, and passed by the courtyard pond. After crossing three courtyards, he arrived before an antique-style hall.
The sound of laughter drifted endlessly from within. Zhao Wujiang pushed the door open and stepped inside.
Tables and desk arrangements were neatly laid out, laden with delicacies, fine dishes, melons, fruits, and wine. Quite a few officials he had previously seen in the deliberation hall sat cross-legged on the floor, chatting among themselves, sipping fine wine, or caressing the concubines seated beside them. It was a scene of a banquet in full swing, with guests thoroughly enjoying themselves.
Zhao Wujiang's glaring eunuch attire immediately drew attention, and quite a few guests furrowed their brows, discontent creeping onto their faces.
"A mere eunuch dares to barge into the Dugu estate uninvited. What incredible audacity... Tch..."
An Assistant Minister from the Six Ministries reeked of wine as he clutched a wine jar and sneered.
Zhao Wujiang merely glanced at the Assistant Minister, completely ignoring him, and strode on toward the main hall.
"Lord Zhao, you've finally come. This old man has been waiting for you for a long time."
A hearty laugh rang out simultaneously, and Zhao Wujiang saw a majestic, imposing middle-aged man walking toward him from the seat of honor.
Dugu Yihe's hair and beard were half-white, and he moved with the majestic stride of a dragon or tiger, kicking up a breeze as he walked. His sword-like eyebrows slanted upward toward his temples. First, he glared coldly at the Assistant Minister who had just mocked Zhao Wujiang, and said in a deep voice:
"The Assistant Minister is drunk. Escort him back!"
"Yes."
Two stern-faced Dugu family guards in tightly fitted martial attire immediately stepped forward, hoisted the Assistant Minister up, and carried him out.
"He spoke wildly and offended you; I hope my little friend won't take it to heart."
Dugu Yihe threw a heavy arm around Zhao Wujiang's shoulder. He hadn't stopped the Assistant Minister's mockery earlier precisely because he wanted to see how this little eunuch named Zhao Wujiang would react.
To his surprise, faced with public ridicule, this young eunuch hadn't shown anger—or at least, hadn't let his fury show on his face—which made Dugu Yihe hold him in slightly higher regard.
"Allow me to introduce everyone. This talented young man beside me is none other than Lord Zhao, Zhao Wujiang."
Standing majestically, Dugu Yihe led Zhao Wujiang to a pair of seats near the head of the table and sat down.
A chorus of greetings immediately erupted across the great hall.
"I've long heard of Lord Zhao's reputation. Seeing you today, you truly are a man of exceptional talent."
"Lord Zhao, I am the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue. A pleasure to make your acquaintance."
"......"
None of the officials present were fools. The Assistant Minister who mocked Zhao Wujiang had just been dragged away, and now Dugu Yihe, this towering titan, was personally introducing Zhao Wujiang to everyone. That could only mean one thing.
Dugu Yihe valued Zhao Wujiang immensely.
Naturally, they needed to show their goodwill as well.
Besides, over the past two days, all of them had heard more or less about Zhao Wujiang. Someone who could stay in the imperial bedchambers alongside the Emperor, help regulate the imperial dragon-body, and even nudge the Emperor into bestowing his favors upon the Empress and Consort—they had been itching to catch a glimpse of him anyway.
Through Dugu Yihe's banquet, they had now formed a preliminary impression.
Uncommon temperament, unperturbed by favor or disgrace.
"I assume you've all heard about Lord Zhao assisting my daughter Mingyue in the palace."
Dugu Yihe brought up the topic, no longer sitting in the seat of honor, but casually taking a seat right beside Zhao Wujiang.
Most of those attending the Dugu family banquet were faction members aligned with the Dugu influence, and they lost no time in offering even more goodwill:
"Lord Zhao possesses such extraordinary bearing; one day you're bound to soar straight up to the blue skies. When that time comes, you must look after this official."
"Indeed... You can tell at a glance he's no mere pond fish."
"......"
"May all you lords share one heart and one mind."
Zhao Wujiang raised his cup and drained it in a single gulp.
"That's right. Lord Zhao is my daughter Mingyue's man."
Dugu Yihe stated it plainly, his gaze gentle while his authority remained veiled in his eyes:
"From now on, he shall enjoy the protection of the Dugu Clan!"
The guests broke into an uproar, filled with sudden, inexplicable astonishment.
Such an overbearing, old fox... Zhao Wujiang's eyes grew deep and dark. Dugu Yihe's words served a dual purpose: while expressing goodwill, they also forcefully stamped him with the Dugu family's brand, leaving him no room to utter a single word of refusal.
"As for the Emperor's end, there's no need to worry. My little friend can carry on just as before..."
Dugu Yihe lowered his voice, speaking in whispers audible only to the two of them. He patted the back of Zhao Wujiang's hand with sincere earnestness:
"Wujiang, this old man has already investigated much regarding the Grand General of the Northern Frontier.
I know the Emperor... harbors anxieties concerning our Dugu Clan... But this old man can guarantee to the Emperor that the Dugu Clan holds absolutely no disloyal intentions.
The territories of this Daxia realm were all forged through the blood and sacrifice of our forebears. We descendants will never watch them shatter and drift apart into internal attrition."
Wujiang... We...... Zhao Wujiang sighed inwardly. Was Dugu Yihe saying these things so they could be relayed through him to Xuanyuan Jing, in order to dispel Xuanyuan Jing's doubts?
When Dugu Mingyue had spoken in a haze of passion, she too had blurted out that the Dugu Clan had no disloyal intentions.
Now the head of the Dugu Clan was telling him the exact same thing. Could it really be true?
"Lord Dugu, rest assured. Heaven and Earth bear witness; Her Majesty will naturally understand."
Zhao Wujiang smiled.
Dugu Yihe's smile widened. He fished an envelope from his sleeve and quietly slipped it into Zhao Wujiang's sleeve:
"Then I won't stand on ceremony with you either. Deliver this letter to the Emperor, and the matter of the Loulan Gu-worm will be resolved... In addition, I will grant you one promise as a welcoming gift. Anything at all, as long as it lies within this old man's capabilities."
Zhao Wujiang knew the value of this welcoming gift was by no means small.
"Thank you, My Lord. This junior has an enemy who threatens my life, and I fear I may not be able to deliver this letter safely..."
Zhao Wujiang cupped his fists, a look of worry clouding his features.
Dugu Yihe smiled broadly, not even bothering to ask for details.
"A mere trifle. Just give me the name."
Zhao Wujiang's heart skipped a beat.
Just a name, and it gets resolved?
This was the sheer audacity and power of the Dugu Clan!
Chapter 12: Western Region Hudeng Maidens, Unrivaled Beauties of the World
"Then I thank you, My Lord. As for the letter, this junior will brave fire and water without hesitation, and make sure to put in a good word before Her Majesty."
Zhao Wujiang likewise laid out his sincerity.
Dugu Yihe stroked his short beard, looking benevolent and amiable, completely devoid of any murderous aura on the surface.
Yet the words he uttered spelled death.
"Who is this person threatening you?"
"This matter begins with the death of my Third Great-Uncle... Alas..."
Zhao Wujiang wore a melancholic expression, downed a cup of wine, and let out a heavy sigh:
"My uncle worked himself to the bone in the inner palace, only to pass away suddenly from illness... Just as this humble servant was leaving the palace earlier, that scoundrel tried to coerce and bribe me into becoming his man."
"Daring to snatch people from under this old man's nose? Interesting, very interesting."
Dugu Yihe stroked his beard with a faint smile, but a sharp, killing light surged within his starry eyes.
This was precisely the effect Zhao Wujiang desired—not only to establish his motive for murder, but to pit the Grand Eunuch directly against the Dugu Clan.
"Afu!"
Dugu Yihe called out.
An old man with completely white hair and beard stepped out from behind a folding screen. With a benevolent face, he stood respectfully beside Dugu Yihe, awaiting orders.
"Lord Zhao, give me a name."
Dugu Yihe asked in a deep, gravelly voice brimming with dominance.
"Grand Eunuch Chen Zhenghua!"
Zhao Wujiang cupped his fists and bowed, lowering his head slightly:
"I beg My Lord to leave him half a breath of life; I have things I must ask him clearly!"
"Did you hear that?"
Dugu Yihe's brows gathered, his authority flaring like wrath itself.
The old man called Afu bowed in acknowledgment, then retreated behind the folding screen, vanishing from Zhao Wujiang's sight.
"From now on, you are a member of my Dugu Clan. We share in glory, and we share in wealth!"
Dugu Yihe's expression reverted to one of benevolence, resembling a guiding elder as he gently patted Zhao Wujiang's shoulder.
Such pretty pleasantries; you're probably just fattening me up like a pig... Zhao Wujiang's eyes reddened as he bit his lip. "Thank you, My Lord. This humble servant has no way to repay you... But I possess an ancestral secret formula. Since my mutilated body is already useless, I wish to present it to My Lord. It nourishes the kidneys and fortifies the body..."
A secret formula... for the kidneys...... Dugu Yihe was momentarily taken aback. "Speak."
"Ginseng... velvet antler... deer penis... a moderate amount..."
Zhao Wujiang chanted the secret formula:
"One Liang of sea python (namely, pipefish)... two Liang of epimedium...
Wolfberry... dodder seed... Cherokee rose fruit... raspberry... flatstem milkvetch seed... morinda root... three Liang of each... Soak them in wine... for over a month... and it's ready to be served..."
Gasp...... Dugu Yihe drew in a sharp breath. A kidney-tonifying secret formula—what man didn't want that?
"My Lord, do you see that official historian sprawled on the floor?"
Zhao Wujiang pointed obliquely with his fingers. Dugu Yihe followed his gaze, looking puzzled.
"Drink this wine, and your strength will be mighty, your stance heavy, and your stamina unending!" Zhao Wujiang smiled triumphantly:
"Don't look at how dead drunk that historian is right now; without the slightest exaggeration, if he were to drink this wine of mine, he could plow three feet of earth, and even a passing dog would meet a miserable fate!"
"Hahahaha... You rascal..." Dugu Yihe couldn't help bursting into hearty laughter that echoed through the entire hall.
Zhao Wujiang chuckled along with him. The two of them slung their arms around each other's shoulders, and he began chatting animatedly about several off-color jokes, the old man and the youth laughing until they doubled over.
The seated guests all looked on with suspicion and bewildered curiosity at the two men up on the dais.
"The Dugu Patriarch is actually chatting this jovially with Lord Zhao. It seems he truly regards him as one of his own now..."
"This Zhao Wujiang has formidable skills; we'd better pay close attention to him from now on..."
"......"
The guests murmured inward criticisms before returning to their own drinking and merrymaking.
The Minister of the Court of State Ceremonies lay sprawled out face-up on the floor, surrounded by heavy fumes of alcohol. His face was flushed red as he belched drunkenly, ignoring the junior official beside him who looked frantic and kept shaking his body.
It wasn't until the junior official whispered a few words in his ear that the Minister's eyes widened instantly. He jerked upright in a straight line and hurried over toward the "warmly affectionate" duo of Zhao Wujiang and Dugu Yihe.
"Brother He, the Court of State Ceremonies..."