Chapter 10, Li Dai Tao Jiang
What came into Feng Wuhen's view was a face that smiled with the skin but not with the flesh, unmistakably revealing jealousy and hostility in its gaze. After forcing himself to calm down, Feng Wuhen replied in a low voice: "Elder brother, I am on an assignment sent down from above. If I delay any longer, it will be too late. How about this: once the matter is settled, I will treat you to a drink, and you can let me off this time!"
Red was both angry and amused, stopping him from continuing to shout: "You are courting death, what kind of place is this? If you want to express your feelings, you should choose a different location. Can you afford to scare the master? Alright, tomorrow's matters won't be so easy to handle. Repeat what you know."
In the night, a young eunuch stood respectfully to the side, meticulously recounting all the details that needed attention to a palace maid. The events of tomorrow concern the lives and deaths of many, and the arrow is on the string, ready to be released
This is the first time Hongru has dealt with such a shameless person who takes advantage of the situation, leaving her somewhat at a loss. She has just acknowledged her father, and now another brother who is a eunuch has suddenly appeared; what is going on? However, she also finds some fondness for Xiao Fangzi's cleverness. After considering that her master also needs an informant, she hesitates for a moment and then agrees.
Xiao Fangzi trembled as he picked up the silver note, quickly glancing at it and almost exclaiming in joy. Two hundred taels! For a low-ranking eunuch whose monthly allowance was only two and a half cash, this was indeed a considerable fortune. After weighing it back and forth, he finally agreed, saying: "This worthless life of mine, even if sold to the young lady, will be entirely at your command from now on. However, the young lady must act swiftly tomorrow, as those guards are particularly strict in their inspections."
The eunuch in blue was surprised to find that the usually sharp-tongued Xiao Fang had changed his demeanor. However, taking advantage of the situation, he did not consider much and patted Feng Wuhen's shoulder heartily, saying with a smile, "You are quite perceptive today; I won't bother you this time!" After saying this, he swaggered off in the opposite direction.
Early in the morning, there were not many people moving about in the palace. The palace maids and eunuchs were all busy attending to their respective masters, helping them with their grooming and dressing, resulting in very few people on the paths. Feng Wuhen's disguise was assisted by Doctor Chen; his physique was similar to that of the little eunuch, making it not difficult to disguise himself. Thus, with a rough appearance, he bore a resemblance of about seventy percent. However, he could not mimic the eunuch's croaky voice no matter how hard he tried. Nevertheless, he thought that very few people would greet an insignificant little eunuch, so it should not be too difficult to pass unnoticed.
Ming Fangzhen's temporary residence in the palace is the side hall of the Qinzhen Hall. The emperor does not stay here at night, so it can be said that at this time, the Qinzhen Hall is essentially his alone. Fifty guards personally appointed by the emperor take turns guarding this place, making it so secure that not even a fly could get in. However, now, Feng Wuhen is determined to find a way to enter this forbidden area of the palace.
The wind sighed silently as he took a deep breath, having passed yet another hurdle. It seemed he still possessed a certain talent for deception, which made him smile wryly. Glancing at the sun, he hurried his pace; if he missed the appointed time, it would be troublesome. Little did he know that his earlier handling of that young eunuch's words would bring considerable trouble to the real Xiao Fang.
Xiao Fangzi was overjoyed. He certainly understood that the palace maid before him could accomplish such significant matters for her master, and being favored was a certainty. In the future, he might even receive greater promotions. With such a powerful backing, he would truly prosper. Bang, bang, bang, he immediately bowed three times, saying, "I lost my parents at a young age and have only my younger brother to rely on. Now I finally have a sister who is like a celestial being; truly, the heavens have favored me." At this point, he was genuinely moved, with tears and snot flowing, making it seem quite sincere. Bang, bang, bang, he immediately bowed three times again, repeating, "I lost my parents at a young age and have only my younger brother to rely on. Now I finally have a sister who is like a celestial being; truly, the heavens have favored me." At this point, he was genuinely moved, with tears and snot flowing, making it seem quite sincere.
Feng Wuhen responded vaguely and picked up the food box to head outside. Eunuch Feng was taken aback for a moment; usually, this little eunuch was quite clever and talkative, often overflowing with words. Why was he suddenly mute today? However, considering that he still had numerous breakfast duties to attend to for the various consorts, he set aside this doubt. A little eunuch's silence had nothing to do with him. With a light snort, he began to shout at the cooks in the Imperial Kitchen again.
You need not worry about this; afterwards, I will find a better position for you at the Culinary Bureau. Hong Ru also breathed a sigh of relief, finally getting rid of this key figure. However, to be on the safe side, you must sign this document. I do not want you to be unable to control your tongue at that time
"Tomorrow, someone will naturally take your place. Remember, if today's matters are leaked, while Fenghua Palace will certainly face consequences, you will bear the risk of extermination of your clan. You should know what to do without me having to teach you!" This threatening statement, uttered by Hongru, unexpectedly added a touch of authority. "Of course, if this matter succeeds in the end, Fenghua Palace will never treat you unfairly in the future." Hongru took a banknote from her sleeve and tossed it to the ground without even looking at it.
Feng Wuhen approached the duty guard, Luo Xingjie, and respectfully handed over the waist token and food box. Luo Xingjie glanced at him casually before lowering his head to inspect the food box. This young eunuch had been seen a dozen times, so there shouldn't be any major issues; however, he needed to be cautious about whether anyone might secretly slip a message into the food box. Carefully picking up a pair of special silver chopsticks, he stirred the porridge and then adjusted the side dishes. Only then did Luo Xingjie, satisfied, wave his hand and say, "You may enter. Be careful in your service; if the real person is displeased, you will have to bear the consequences."
However, things are far from as smooth as imagined. Xiao Fangzi's current position in the palace has attracted the envy of many, and now, a sharp-eyed young eunuch in blue has set his sights on him. Feng Wuhen only felt a tap on his shoulder, startling him momentarily. "Xiao Fangzi, you've been doing well lately. When will you take care of your brother?" A sinister voice came from behind, "When you eat, you should at least share some porridge with me, shouldn't you?"
Xiao Fangzi finally understood why this young girl would alternate between a dark expression and a bright one. However, it was not entirely wrong; as a humble little eunuch, what could he possibly have that would make others value him? Yet, the risk was indeed too great. "Miss, if I do not go tomorrow, who will take my place?" Xiao Fangzi decided to take the plunge. If he could truly climb up to a powerful figure, then he would no longer have to worry about his future in the palace. Although the actions of this Seventh Prince at this moment were not in line with the usual rumors, he was still prepared to take a gamble. However, the risk was indeed too great. "Miss, if I do not go tomorrow, who will take my place?" Xiao Fangzi decided to take the plunge. If he could truly climb up to a powerful figure, then he would no longer have to worry about his future in the palace. Although the actions of this Seventh Prince at this moment were not in line with the usual rumors, he was still prepared to take a gamble.
Early the next morning, as usual, Eunuch Feng prepared a bowl of plain congee and several small dishes, placing them into a food box. Master Ming Fang's diet was quite simple. Over the past few days, he had long lost the initial trepidation he felt. Even this celestial being, who was revered by the Emperor, had lost some of his initial mystique. Upon seeing the usual attendant, Xiao Fangzi, entering with his head down, he couldn't help but jest with Tu Shu, saying: "You little rascal, why are you so late? If the Emperor finds out, he might just skin you alive!" He casually pointed to the food box on the table, adding, "Hurry and take it away. If it gets cold and Master gets angry, I can't protect you!"
Pushing open the palace door, Feng Wuhen finally saw the mysterious old man. With white hair and a white beard, he wore a slightly worn but immaculate Daoist robe. Although only his back was visible, one could still sense that he was a person deeply concerned with the world beyond. Feng Wuhen quietly closed the door, knowing that at this point, it was time to consider his final step.
Feng Wuhen took the waist token and food box, and immediately walked towards the hall. Fortunately, this checkpoint was relatively easy to pass. Just now, Luo Xingjie’s glance at him nearly made his heart leap into his throat
Feng Wuhen felt a cold sweat break out on his back; he realized that while it was easy to think about, it was difficult to execute. He finally understood this kind of pressure. If Eunuch Feng had noticed even the slightest flaw just now, this trick of switching people would have likely been exposed long ago. Wiping the beads of sweat that had formed on his forehead, he picked up the food box and walked briskly forward
Xiao Fangzi pressed his handprint without a second thought, then grinned and said: "Miss, are you at ease now? Although I am lowly, I have never engaged in betraying my master. I still hope for your favor and promotion. How about this: if you do not mind, I would like to call you my elder sister and follow your guidance. What do you think?"