Chapter 9, The Power of Beauty

Tian Qi came to his senses and said, "Your Majesty, this humble servant does not understand, but the scent is quite pleasant, and it must surely be of the finest quality"

Ji Heng turned his gaze away and picked up another bowl of tea to drink. While sipping, he shifted the topic and asked, "How did you enter the palace and become a eunuch?"

This medicinal tea should have been specially prepared by Her Majesty the Empress for those around her and sent over

Upon hearing this, Ji Heng pushed the teacup forward and said, "Since that is the case, I shall reward you."

Tian Qi had long since put this matter out of her mind; after her shift, she happily ran off to Cining Palace to engage in revenue generation

"Zhenzhen good tea, today I am fortunate," Tian Qi replied with a bitter face

As he pondered, Ji Heng realized that he had become somewhat lewd. He cleared his throat to mask the embarrassment he felt within

Tian Qi had no choice but to lift the tea bowl and gulp it down in one go

Who has ever wanted to be a eunuch since childhood

Ji Heng, feeling somewhat skeptical, asked, "Why don't you go study and take the examination?"

Tian Qi has already finished her tea. She sets down the empty bowl, and the tea stains her rosy lips, giving them a glossy appearance

Ji Heng saw that he was unhappy, and he felt very happy. Thus, he smiled and said, "Since that is the case, let us finish our drinks."

Without mentioning this young man's shamelessness and his skill in flattery, just considering the numerous foolish things he has done in front of the emperor, any ordinary eunuch would have been dead a thousand times over. However, Tian Qi has managed to turn every peril into safety and retreat unscathed each time, even earning the emperor's amiable demeanor towards him. This ability alone is not something an ordinary person can possess

Ji Heng's gaze happened to rest on her neck. Her long neck, with skin as fine and white as jade, exuded a delicate fragrance. At this moment, as the tea entered her mouth, her throat gently moved, resembling an elegant swan singing with its neck arched.

Tianqi: "... ..."

Tian Qi had been paying attention to Ji Heng's movements. Upon hearing him cough, she thought he had something to say and looked up at him

Ji Heng was reviewing documents in the Yangxin Hall, while Tian Qi stood below, straining to listen attentively, observing with his ears and heart, waiting for instructions. This task appeared leisurely, yet it was quite exhausting, as it required constant concentration, with no moment of relaxation allowed. Sheng Anhuai, being older, found his spirit not as vigorous as before; it was impossible for him to keep his nerves taut continuously. He also feared that excessive fatigue might lead to mistakes, which would be counterproductive. Therefore, he generously delegated this task to Tian Qi, which not only saved him some effort but also allowed him to give Tian Qi a favor, achieving a win-win situation.

Cough, cough, Ji Heng felt a bit uncomfortable, "Alright, alright, who drinks tea like this, chewing on peonies."

Why does this sound a bit neurotic

Tian Qi stretched his neck to sneak a glance at the bowl of tea. Seeing Ji Heng lift it up, he removed the lid and swirled it a couple of times, releasing thin and light white steam that overflowed from the tea bowl, curling upwards and dispersing in the air, becoming diluted in the atmosphere

Ji Heng suddenly began to understand why Tian Qi liked men. This person looks like this; if it weren't for that one injury, he would surely have become a beautiful young gentleman, not in the handsome and dashing way like him, but rather in an androgynous manner. Such a man is too suitable for engaging in the activities of same-sex love; placed in the hands of a woman, he probably wouldn't be able to act at all

Ji Heng reviewed the memorials for a while, glanced down to relax his eyes. He was quite satisfied with the matters handled by Sheng Anhuai, and felt that placing the little eunuch Tian Qi here was the right decision. Although he was not particularly useful, he had a pleasing appearance; just standing there quietly and elegantly was indeed very delightful. Being good-looking is an advantage, Ji Heng thought that his repeated tolerance towards Tian Qi was closely related to this pleasing appearance. If it were a person with a repulsive demeanor, pouring rainwater down his neck, that person would probably never have the chance to leave the imperial tomb, waiting instead to die and become fertilizer to nourish the row of poplar trees in the tomb.

Your Majesty may not be aware, but when I was a child, I was frail. My mother said that even if I survived, I would not grow up, and even if I did grow up, I would not survive

Sheng Anhuai believes that Tianqi has great potential

Tianqi: "... ..."

Upon being looked at by Tianqi, Ji Heng felt even more uncomfortable and shot her an annoyed glance

Ji Heng took a sip of tea, and when he looked up, he saw Tian Qi blissfully inhaling the aroma and grinning foolishly. He then asked, "Do you understand tea?"

"Puh—" Ji Heng couldn't hold back and accidentally sprayed tea. The tea splashed all over the pile of documents on the table, and he looked at the damp papers with a dark expression, saying, "Talking nonsense is a crime against the emperor"

"How is it?" Ji Heng deliberately asked

However, such words as "disdain" cannot be uttered, and even expressions must not reveal any discontent; one must maintain an appearance of gratitude. Tian Qi moved emotionally, walked over, held the bowl of tea, and after much deliberation, ultimately decided against drinking it. She then flattered, "Your Majesty, you have bestowed such fine tea upon this servant; this servant cannot bear to waste it. I would like to take it back and offer it up, burning a stick of incense each day to express my deep appreciation for your immense grace."

Tian Qi took a deep breath, sensing the fresh aroma of tea and a faint medicinal fragrance in the air. She squinted her eyes, looking utterly enchanted, and thought to herself, an opportunity to make money has arrived, and this time I must not let it slip by

She pretended well, and most people could not see through it, but Ji Heng was not an ordinary person; how could the fleeting discomfort on her face escape his eyes

At this moment, two eunuchs carrying tea entered. One approached Ji Heng's desk with a tray, while the other gently placed a bowl of tea on the desk with both hands, carefully saying, "Your Majesty, please enjoy the tea"

Ji Heng nodded slightly, and the two individuals retreated.

Ji Heng felt a bit angry, thinking that this eunuch truly did not know how to appreciate kindness, daring to show disdain for him. But then he thought, the more you refuse to drink, the more I will make you drink. Thus, Ji Heng said, "What is there to it? You drink this bowl of tea first, and if you wish to burn incense, I shall reward you later." As he spoke, he indeed ordered another bowl to be brought up.

What His Majesty the Emperor eats and drinks has always been a matter of close attention for all the ladies of the imperial harem. How much he eats, the expression on his face while eating, whether he likes it, and to what extent he enjoys it—these are all details that can be reported back to the ladies. This is also one of the ways in which the eunuchs serving in the imperial court generate income.

Occasionally, the master would reward the servants with food and drink, sometimes even giving them items that he had already partially consumed. Some of the servants regarded this as a mark of dignity, but Tian Qi truly found this dignity difficult to accept. She valued cleanliness and did not wish to touch anything that had been in someone else's mouth. What of the Emperor? The Emperor also had a human mouth; if he offered her the tea he had drunk, she would feel a bit of disdain.

Your Majesty, I have wanted to be a eunuch since I was young

Though he may not understand, as the chief eunuch in attendance, he should possess the necessary discernment. Consequently, Sheng Anhuai's attitude towards Tian Qi has finally improved; he no longer makes her wait in the storeroom but instead places her directly under Ji Heng's watchful eye

No wonder everyone says that serving a monarch is like serving a tiger; the emperor's temper is indeed too unpredictable. There was no sign of it before, yet he became angry again. Tian Qi lowered his head uncomfortably, thinking to himself that it was none of his business.

Tian Qi brought a cloth to wipe Ji Heng's front, while replying, "This servant does not dare to speak recklessly"

Sheng Anhuai actually finds it somewhat difficult to understand. Although the Emperor appears to be warm and gentle, he is not a soft persimmon with a good temper; he can execute a servant without even batting an eye. So why is it that when it comes to Tian Qi, his patience seems to expand time and again?

My mother meant that our family is poor and cannot afford to support idle people. If I cannot become self-sufficient when I grow up, I will only end up starving to death. Therefore, since I became aware of my situation, I have been calculating what kind of livelihood I should pursue in the future. My physique is not as strong as that of an average man, and after thinking it over, becoming a eunuch seems to be a viable option, especially since no girl is willing to marry me. Tian Qi admires this aspect of himself; he can fabricate stories effortlessly and tell lies without a change in expression or a racing heart. My physique is not as strong as that of an average man, and after thinking it over, becoming a eunuch seems to be a viable option, especially since no girl is willing to marry me. Tian Qi admires this aspect of himself; he can fabricate stories effortlessly and tell lies without a change in expression or a racing heart

Ji Heng sat in the chair, somewhat dazed. He felt regret and sympathy for Tian Qi's "tragic experience." This child actually has a bit of talent; if he were to study, he should be able to find a decent path in life.

Under the close watch of Ji Heng, Tian Qi could not refuse and had no choice but to brace himself and take a sip.

"Your Majesty, you jest. I can barely afford to eat, let alone have the spare money to study," she said, folding her handkerchief. "Your Majesty, your clothes have been stained by tea. I will summon someone to change your attire right away." With that, she turned and went out to call for assistance.

Now, Tian Qi watched as Ji Heng drank the medicinal tea sent by the Empress Dowager. As long as he did not find it too unpleasant, Tian Qi could naturally praise this tea in front of the Empress Dowager. Even if the Emperor did not enjoy it, she could say, "Although the medicinal taste is somewhat strong, the Emperor, touched by the Empress Dowager's maternal kindness, was moved to drink the tea." In any case, people have two faces; as long as one is willing to be shameless, this reward will surely be hers. The Empress Dowager is generous, and the reward money will certainly not be lacking. In any case, people have two faces; as long as one is willing to be shameless, this reward will surely be hers. The Empress Dowager is generous, and the reward money will certainly not be lacking.