Chapter 223
**Chapter 221: The Eunuch**
Shen Xiuming was left speechless. Could it be that Mo Xun was truly a miraculous doctor?
Mo Xun's eyes sparkled with a hint of laughter as he cupped his hands in greeting to Princess Zhaoyang, his voice clear and bright. "It’s been five years, and the princess still radiates grace."
Zhaoyang, filled with excitement, exclaimed, "Mo Shenyi, your life-saving grace is something I can never repay! Since you’ve come to Yanjing, please do stay at the princess's residence for a few days. I will make sure you are well taken care of."
Mo Xun entered the room and took a seat. After sipping a cup of rich spring tea, he pulled out a letter from his sleeve and got straight to the point. "I’m here today on the orders of the Emperor of Yue to deliver a letter to Princess Zhaoyang."
Zhaoyang felt a strange flutter in her heart. She had never met the new Emperor of Yue; why would he write a letter specifically for her?
She took the letter and opened it in front of him. The Emperor's elegant handwriting was impeccable, each stroke precise and meticulous, showing no signs of disorder.
Zhaoyang read slowly, each word resonating with sincerity.
"This letter from the Emperor of Yue was written ten times to ensure there were no mistakes, to make sure every character was perfect before I brought it to you," Mo Xun casually mentioned.
The room fell silent, the window opened to let in the warm spring sunlight, casting a golden glow on Zhaoyang's gilded dress.
After finishing the letter, Zhaoyang carefully placed the paper back into the envelope. Her emotions surged within her. She never imagined that the woodcutter she had saved during a hunt in Dongshan years ago would turn out to be the new Emperor, Tuoba Hongchuan of Yue.
After a long pause, Zhaoyang finally spoke, "Thank you, Mo Shenyi, for delivering the message."
Mo Xun cupped his hands again. "No need for thanks. It’s getting late, and I still have to drink with Shen Tongpan, so I’ll take my leave."
Shen Xiuming quickly objected, "But I have to attend a banquet in the palace tonight! I can’t drink beforehand!"
Mo Xun grabbed Shen Xiuming by the sleeve and dragged him away.
Zhaoyang personally saw Mo Xun off from Anguo Temple. At the top of the temple's high stone steps, she held the Emperor of Yue's letter close to her chest and instructed Yun'er, "Return to the princess's residence. We’ll head to the palace for the banquet tonight."
...
As night fell, the lanterns began to glow.
Carriages of officials arrived one after another, stopping at the square outside the palace gates. Tonight, the Emperor was hosting a welcome banquet for Shen Mieyue and the envoy from Yue, with the venue set at Qinghua Hall, where high-ranking officials were gathering for the feast.
The carriage of the Duke of Lu arrived.
The Duke's daughter was the favored Consort Lu Xuan. She assisted the Empress in managing the harem and had borne the Emperor a son, earning her great favor and a high status within the palace.
As soon as the Duke's carriage arrived, a palace eunuch came personally to escort them. The Duke stepped down from the carriage, followed closely by his younger daughter, Lu Yun.
Lu Yun was dressed exquisitely today, looking as delicate as a water lily. Her beautiful eyes gazed at the majestic palace, a flicker of envy passing through them.
Such a splendid imperial city, where her sister resided like a phoenix, was truly enviable. She too wished to enter the palace and serve the Emperor.
Trailing behind her father, Lu Yun curiously asked, "Father, will my seat be close to the Emperor tonight?"
The Duke replied, "Why ask such things? We’re about to enter the palace; speak cautiously."
Lu Yun pouted in disdain.
"Lord Duke! How have you been lately?" A sharp voice called out. It was Eunuch Zhou, the head eunuch, passing by with a few junior eunuchs, smiling as he greeted them.
The Duke had a strong aversion to eunuchs.
They were rootless beings, always carrying a lingering odor that no amount of perfume could mask.
However, Eunuch Zhou was the head eunuch, powerful and favored by the Emperor. The Duke forced a smile, "Eunuch Zhou, it’s good to see you. If you have time, do come to the Lu residence for a drink."
Eunuch Zhou chuckled, "You’re too kind, Lord Duke. I serve the Emperor; I hardly have time to leave the palace."
Lu Yun, standing beside her father, held her silk handkerchief to her nose in disgust. This old eunuch had a smell that was a mix of perfume and something foul, truly unbearable.
Eunuch Zhou, being astute, noticed Lu Yun's disdain.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, the Duke continued on with Lu Yun. As they turned a corner, Lu Yun complained delicately, "Father, that eunuch has such a terrible smell."
The Duke replied, "Eunuchs are rootless, so naturally, they have a strong body odor. Just keep your distance in the future."
The father and daughter walked away, unaware that although Eunuch Zhou was aging, his hearing remained sharp. Their words pierced his ears like needles.
Eunuch Zhou's expression darkened.
Eunuchs had a strong sense of pride. Being discussed behind their backs by this father-daughter pair was infuriating.
Suppressing his anger, he continued on with his group of eunuchs toward the imperial kitchen. On the way, he encountered Shen Mieyue and his brother Shen Xiuming.
"Eunuch Zhou!" Shen Xiuming recognized him.
Eunuch Zhou replied, "Ah, it’s General Shen and Tongpan Shen."
Shen Xiuming smiled brightly and told his brother, "Elder brother, this Eunuch Zhou once helped me. Three years ago, when our third sister was sent to Donghua Mountain, I went to the palace to plead for her, and the Emperor had me beaten with ten strikes. It was Eunuch Zhou who showed mercy, instructing the guards to use the lightest touch; otherwise, I would have surely died under the blows."
Shen Xiuming had not forgotten that kindness.
Shen Mieyue, upon hearing this, was surprised that this eunuch had saved his brother?
Respect suddenly flickered in Shen Mieyue's dark brows. He cupped his hands toward Eunuch Zhou, "Thank you, Eunuch Zhou."
Eunuch Zhou discreetly scanned Shen Mieyue. Eunuchs were often looked down upon by officials, especially by those iron-willed generals who prided themselves on their masculinity and rarely treated eunuchs with respect.
Yet this renowned General Shen Mieyue showed no hint of disdain. He even politely cupped his hands in gratitude.
Eunuch Zhou felt a surge of goodwill.
It was rare to meet a general who did not look down on eunuchs; this General Shen was indeed extraordinary.
"It was just a small matter; there’s no need for you to be so polite, General Shen. It’s getting late, and I must head to the imperial kitchen, so I’ll take my leave," Eunuch Zhou said as he bid farewell.
Shen Mieyue watched Eunuch Zhou depart.
It seemed Sun Qingmei was right; not all eunuchs were bad people.
Shen Mieyue told Shen Xiuming, "Now that you’re back in the capital, bring a generous gift and personally thank Eunuch Zhou."
Shen Xiuming nodded, "Don’t worry, brother. I’ll go tomorrow."
Shen Xiuming thought to himself that if he could build a good relationship with Eunuch Zhou, it might bring some benefits to their poor sister in the palace.
The brothers chatted as they walked.
Eunuch Zhou perked up his ears to catch a few words, revealing a satisfied smile. Consort Chen was generous and kind, and her brothers were all exceptional individuals.
The Shen family had truly risen to prominence.
...
As the evening deepened, the princess's carriage arrived at the palace gates.
Zhaoyang was dressed in her finest attire, exuding elegance and grandeur. She supported herself on the arm of a palace maid as she stepped down from the carriage. Just as she was about to enter the palace, a familiar yet strange voice called out from behind, "Zhaoyang!"
Zhaoyang paused, slowly turning around.
The palace walls were illuminated by bright lanterns, their light spilling like moonlight. Yan Yunting stood beneath the glow, dressed in a red official robe.
Yan Yunting gazed at her with deep affection. "It’s been a long time."
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