In the dark of night, within the palace, the thick candles illuminated the vast hall, making it as bright as day. At this moment, a dark figure knelt on the ground with one knee.
His Majesty was reviewing memorial reports. Most people in the capital had already fallen asleep, yet the pile of memorials on the imperial desk was still over a foot high.
"What is the situation?" a deep voice echoed in the silent palace. His Majesty's imperial brush continued to move across the reports. Although the Grand Secretariat handled these memorials, the final decision always rested with His Majesty.
The man in black, his face expressionless, showed no emotional fluctuation, replying like a wooden figure to the information gathered from the investigation, "The Scholar's Residence is without any abnormality. Lord Gu has not prevented Fifth Miss Gu and the Gu family from contacting each other…"
In the entire capital, among the aristocratic families monitored by the Dark Dragon Guard, the Scholar's Residence was the most tranquil. From the beginning, Scholar Gu had paid no mind to Gu Xiao's appearance, and even as rumors spread like wildfire, Scholar Gu remained indifferent, only instructing the household steward to restrain the servants from spreading gossip.
An hour passed in the blink of an eye. The foot-high pile of memorials was finished. After reporting the movements of various aristocratic families, several princes, and even the princes' maternal relatives, the man in black departed.
"It is already the hour of Chou, Your Majesty," Eunuch Liu had been standing in the corner. If he hadn't spoken up at this moment, one might have forgotten that another person was present in the palace.
His Majesty stood up and stretched his stiff shoulders. In the candlelight, the bright yellow dragon robe shimmered, causing Eunuch Liu, who came to serve, to lower his head, his expression even more respectful.
"The common folk say that grown children do not obey their mothers. My good sons are all grown and have their own plans," His Majesty sat back on the dragon throne, allowing Eunuch Liu to massage his shoulders. He chuckled and continued to tease, "Now it seems Qingzhou is the smartest. And you, old servant, are not bad either."
Even though His Majesty saw his expression, Eunuch Liu dared not slacken. While skillfully massaging His Majesty's shoulders, he replied humbly.
"Your Majesty flatters this old servant. This old servant is a rootless person, how could he dare compare himself to Lord Gu? However, serving Your Majesty in this life is the greatest fortune, and indeed, there are not so many worries."
As the saying goes, "He who has no desires is strong." Eunuch Liu was loyal only to His Majesty and thus had few worries. Whether it was powerful court officials or concubines in the harem, Eunuch Liu paid them no mind, not even the solicitations from the princes.
If His Majesty were to ascend to heaven one day, he would naturally follow him in death. Therefore, Eunuch Liu only needed to be loyal to His Majesty. As long as His Majesty was alive, everyone in and out of the palace would respectfully call him Eunuch Liu.
His Majesty did not care about the answer from Eunuch Liu, a eunuch. At this moment, with his eyes half-closed in thought, His Majesty's concern was still for Scholar Gu, and then for Yin Wuyan, who had gone to Qianzhong Dao.
If Scholar Gu intended to resume contact with the Gu family of Nanling, His Majesty might feel a bit of apprehension. After all, he was a trusted minister, and half of the court officials followed Scholar Gu's lead.
The Gu family of Nanling was a century-old clan rooted in the region. His Majesty had to guard against these aristocratic families manipulating the princes, and even usurping the throne from the future emperor.
Fortunately, Scholar Gu did not disappoint His Majesty. The Gu family's probing met a dead end at Scholar Gu's hands, and it could even be said that they suffered a severe setback, falling head over heels.
"Wuyan is also of marriageable age. I allowed Qingzhou to go alone back then; speaking of which, I am indebted to Qingzhou. Wuyan has a cold disposition; if I let him be, I fear Wuyan will become like Qingzhou." His Majesty showed a rare trace of worry.
Looking at the stack of processed memorials on the imperial desk, His Majesty suddenly realized that handling state affairs was surprisingly simpler and easier than having Yin Wuyan marry and have children.
Thinking of Yin Wuyan's expressionless face and his pair of cold phoenix eyes that exuded an aura of being unapproachable, Eunuch Liu's hands paused. He truly couldn't imagine what it would be like for Yin Wuyan to get married.
"This old servant…" Eunuch Liu paused, hearing movement outside the door, "Your Majesty should drink his medicine."
A moment later, a young eunuch brought the freshly brewed medicine. Eunuch Liu touched the rim of the bowl, then brought it to the imperial desk to serve His Majesty. After he drank it, Eunuch Liu continued, "This old servant speaks disrespectfully, but Commander Yin likely has no intention of getting married."
Having served His Majesty for so many years, Eunuch Liu understood Scholar Gu. Scholar Gu remaining unmarried was partly because he hadn't met a suitable woman, and partly due to his preoccupation with state affairs. Without marrying and having children, His Majesty wouldn't have to worry about Scholar Gu having ulterior motives when he was alone, which could be considered a harmonious relationship between monarch and minister.
As for Yin Wuyan, Eunuch Liu truly dared not imagine. The long sword of Commander Yin had stained so much blood and taken so many lives. Which young lady would dare to sleep beside Commander Yin?
It was said that all members of the Forbidden Dragon Guard kept their goose-feather swords by their side when sleeping, and a dagger that sealed a throat with a single cut was hidden under their pillows.
Hearing this, His Majesty felt the medicine in his mouth become even more bitter. He sighed helplessly, "Wuyan only shows some closeness to that little girl Zhan Feiyu."
Eunuch Liu quickly served His Majesty to rinse his mouth and sent the young eunuch to prepare in the front sleeping quarters. At this time, His Majesty would definitely not go to the concubines' chambers; he would likely go to bed soon.
"I heard that Miss Zhan is intelligent and witty, but her actions are somewhat reckless. Perhaps she suits Commander Yin's taste." As His Majesty's confidant, Eunuch Liu, like tonight, listened to the reports from the Dark Dragon Guard. Having heard so much, even without having met Zhan Feiyu, Eunuch Liu could guess her general character.
Speaking of intelligent people, not to mention the Great Qing Dynasty, but just in the capital, there were countless intelligent people. However, neither Scholar Gu nor Commander Yin were interested in such intelligent people. After all, intelligence also implied cunning and scheming, and a desire to plan for oneself or one's family.
Scholar Gu and Commander Yin would absolutely not associate with such intelligent people who harbored ulterior motives and ambitions. As for foolish people, let alone the two lords, Eunuch Liu also looked down on them. Who would be willing to deal with a fool?
Zhan Feiyu was the most suitable. The young lady was naturally intelligent and studied diligently. But what ambitions could a young lady have? At most, like Fifth Miss Gu, she would want to marry a suitable husband. But how old is Zhan Feiyu now? So she probably didn't even have that plan.
Eunuch Liu recalled Zhan Feiyu's various deeds, "If this old servant were to say it, this girl is like a tiger, but she possesses a spirit of chivalry in her bones."
Fifth Miss Gu came from a noble background, a daughter of the Gu family of Nanling. From childhood, she lived in luxury, served by maids and attendants. From the age of four or five, she began her studies with a tutor, and she was proficient in zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Even the princesses pampered in the harem were no more than this.
However, having enjoyed the family's support, she would naturally have to repay the family in the future. Fifth Miss Gu immediately set her sights on Commander Yin. In Eunuch Liu's opinion, this was not for the power Commander Yin held, but was it truly because she liked the bloodthirsty Commander Yin himself?
Eunuch Liu saw clearly that Scholar Gu and Commander Yin were indeed loyal subjects and patriotic individuals. Zhan Feiyu encountered many life-threatening situations during her half-year of traveling abroad. Yet, Zhan Feiyu, a young girl, rushed headlong into them. In the end, it was for the Great Qing Dynasty. Perhaps this was the fundamental reason for their compatibility.
"That little girl is truly intelligent," His Majesty recalled Zhan Feiyu, who was also delayed in Qianzhong Dao. Not to mention her, a young girl, even his own sons would have likely left Qianzhong Dao by now. A gentleman does not stand under a dangerous wall.
Yet Zhan Feiyu remained there, for the purpose of luring out the old master who had been hidden for many years. Fortunately, the Forbidden Dragon Guard was secretly watching; otherwise, the little girl, no matter how many lives she had, would have perished.
A little more than half an hour later, after His Majesty had fallen asleep, Eunuch Liu quietly withdrew from the sleeping quarters. It was pitch black outside, and the cold night wind made one shiver.
"His Majesty has been sleeping lightly these past few days. You all be vigilant," Eunuch Liu patted his now straight back, then lowered his voice and gave a few more instructions before slowly walking towards the back of the sleeping quarters, attended by a young eunuch.
Only after His Majesty fell asleep could Eunuch Liu snatch a few hours of sleep. He had to wake up before dawn to serve, without the slightest negligence.
As Eunuch Liu took a few steps, he saw a young eunuch approaching with hurried steps. Although his steps were quick, in the quiet night, not a sound of footsteps could be heard.
"Godfather, you're back." The newcomer immediately stepped forward to take over the young eunuch's duties, supporting Eunuch Liu as they continued forward, speaking in a low voice.
"Ruyi couldn't hold on and has confessed… Godfather, what are these imperial consorts trying to achieve? His Majesty hasn't interfered with Commander Yin's marriage, yet they want to meddle. Isn't this like a centenarian hanging himself, seeking death?"
After the incident with Fifth Miss Gu, there was some chaos inside and outside the palace. Ruyi, a palace maid, was discovered by Eunuch Liu as soon as she appeared. He immediately had her apprehended and instructed his godson, Deshun, to interrogate her himself. In the end, it was all to gather information.
Entering the room, Eunuch Liu sat on the bed, allowing Deshun to remove his shoes and wash his feet. After a while, he suddenly spoke, "For what else?"
In the end, it was all for the position of Crown Prince. Commander Yin was His Majesty's own nephew. If he married a daughter of the Gu family of Nanling, gained the support of Scholar Gu, and coupled with His Majesty's favor over the years, not only the concubines in the harem would be anxious, but the princes would also be uneasy.
Therefore, after Fifth Miss Gu met Commander Yin just once at the Scholar's Residence, within half a day, rumors spread throughout the capital that Fifth Miss Gu admired Commander Yin. Eunuch Liu's overly fair face revealed a mocking smile. Which noble lady of an aristocratic family would do something so out of line?
Of course, Fifth Miss Gu was not entirely innocent, as she did have that intention. However, Fifth Miss Gu intended to proceed gradually, while these people deliberately spread the news far and wide, ruining Fifth Miss Gu's reputation.
Squatting on the ground, massaging Eunuch Liu's swollen calves from standing all day, Deshun asked again, "Godfather, how did Lord Qiu, who is far away in Qianzhong Dao, also get involved?"
"Commander Yin has only shown some closeness to Zhan Feiyu over the years. Fifth Miss Gu has transgressed a taboo." Eunuch Liu felt a little intimidated thinking of Yin Wuyan's expressionless face. Fifth Miss Gu harbored this intention, and Commander Yin, with his cold-blooded ruthlessness, bound her with the dissolute Qiu Third Young Master, completely extinguishing Fifth Miss Gu's hopes.
"Just wait. Commander Yin is in Qianzhong Dao now. When he returns, it will be time for reckoning," Eunuch Liu knew Yin Wuyan's vengeful and ruthless nature. Although he had no intention of marrying and having children, he could not tolerate these people plotting in secret. His Majesty had not interfered with Commander Yin's marriage, yet these people dared to "overstep their authority," they were truly tired of living.
Lord Qiu's involvement was also a way of showing his resolve to His Majesty. Once the news of Fifth Miss Gu and Qiu Third Young Master spread, the Qiu family had also offended the Gu family of Nanling.
Scholar Gu ignoring the Gu family was his own business. Lord Qiu offending the Gu family was equivalent to offending Scholar Gu. His Majesty would not have to worry about his ministers forming factions and engaging in private dealings. After all, a Grand Secretary of the Cabinet and a high-ranking provincial official joining forces would be the cooperation of two major aristocratic families, which would indeed cause unease.