Chapter Thirteen: Confronting Yu Huatian

Already struggling to keep his balance, Yu Huadian collapsed to his knees with a thud at these words, and cried out in a mournful voice, “Your Majesty, I am being wronged! I know my errors now. When I was kneeling in front of the palace, how could I dare to use internal energy to protect myself? If Your Majesty does not believe me, you may summon the imperial physicians to examine me. If I have uttered a single lie, may I die a miserable death!”

Zhu Yu seemed half convinced, but he still spoke up, “Very well, get up and tell me—where did you go wrong?”

Yu Huadian, who had expended considerable effort just to stand, looked troubled at Zhu Yu’s question.

Noticing this, Zhu Yu’s lips curled into a smile. “Think carefully before you speak. Otherwise, remember—lying to your sovereign is a crime punishable by extermination of your entire clan.”

At these words, Yu Huadian’s expression changed at once and he quickly replied, “Your servant deserves a thousand deaths for having left the capital without first informing Your Majesty.”

“And what else?” Zhu Yu asked indifferently.

“There’s also… also…” Yu Huadian stammered, but before he could finish, Zhu Yu spoke again.

“Remember your station: you are but a eunuch! Even if your martial prowess is unrivaled in the world, even if you hold sway over the court, so what? You are still a eunuch.

You are like a dog that has broken free from its leash, snatching food wherever it pleases.

This dog has suffered countless humiliations at the hands of others, yet it was not killed—not because it was so formidable, but because its master still lives! Because, leash or no leash, the dog still heeds its master’s command!

Besides, you are not even at that level yet. To say so is actually a compliment. But you must remember whose hand holds the leash around your neck. Just because someone feeds you better now and then, do not mistake them for your master. A dog will always be a dog, no matter how fierce—it will never be the master!

A little disobedience once or twice can be overlooked, but persistent defiance only leads to being served up as meat on the table!”

Zhu Yu spoke with the calm cadence of a storyteller, spinning a fable of his own invention for Yu Huadian.

As Yu Huadian listened, his face grew paler with every word, until he was ashen. When Zhu Yu finished, Yu Huadian collapsed to his knees once more, stretching his arms out flat on the ground, his head pressed tightly between them, his whole body trembling and silent.

Seeing Yu Huadian in this state, Zhu Yu was puzzled. Shouldn’t he now be wailing and proclaiming his innocence, swearing his loyalty? Then Zhu Yu would accept his plea, winning his heart.

Isn’t that how it always goes on television?

Yu Huadian huddled on the ground, shuddering, while Zhu Yu sat on his chair, frowning at the kneeling figure. Neither spoke, and an uncanny silence settled over the room.

It remained that way until Eunuch Wu finally broke the silence.

“Your Majesty, it is time to bestow death,” Eunuch Wu whispered in Zhu Yu’s ear.

Zhu Yu was momentarily taken aback. He turned to Eunuch Wu and said, “I never said I was going to execute him.”

“Understood, Your Majesty,” Eunuch Wu replied with a smile and a bow, then retreated quietly.

Zhu Yu had not concealed his words, and Yu Huadian heard them. His trembling gradually ceased, and he lifted his head, his face streaked with tears.

He cried out loudly, “Your Majesty, I am wrongly accused! I have always been completely loyal! If I ever had a divided heart, may I meet a wretched end and never find peace in the afterlife! I only pursued Noble Consort Huang to preserve the royal family’s honor!”

Yu Huadian’s face, once handsome and sharp-featured, would have made him a fine-looking young man if only he were still whole—a match for Zhu Yu in looks. But now, his pallid face was smeared with tears, snot, and dust, a sight so foul that Zhu Yu felt nauseated just glancing at him. He hastily said,

“All right, enough. Looking at you like this, I have neither the mood nor the appetite for further conversation. Be off with you.”

He left at once, not waiting for a response, afraid that Yu Huadian’s wretchedness might somehow infect him through the air.

…

That night, just as Zhu Yu was preparing to choose a concubine for the night, Eunuch Wu entered quietly.

“Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager wishes to see you. Shall I show her in?”

Zhu Yu frowned. “It’s so late—what does she want?”

“She wishes to impeach Yu Huadian for gross disrespect,” Eunuch Wu replied.

Zhu Yu’s interest was piqued. “What happened? Isn’t Yu Huadian her trusted aide? He handles everything, big and small, for her. Why would she want to impeach him?”

“According to palace gossip, after Yu Huadian returned to the Western Depot, the Empress Dowager summoned him, but he refused on account of ill health. The Empress Dowager was displeased and sent three summons before he finally appeared. No one knows what passed between them, but after Yu Huadian left, the Empress Dowager came seeking Your Majesty.”

Eunuch Wu added, “The guards at the palace gate said Yu Huadian’s cheeks were swollen as if he’d been beaten.”

“Hahaha!” Zhu Yu laughed heartily when he heard the story. His mood brightened; originally intending to have an early night, he now felt a surge of mischievous energy and was eager for some amusement.

Zhu Yu casually told Eunuch Wu, “Tell her that I have already retired for the night, and she should return as well. After all, I am about to choose a concubine—surely I cannot let the Empress Dowager stand in my way.”

Eunuch Wu bowed and withdrew.

…

The next day, at the headquarters of the Six Doors.

After announcing the imperial appointments, Zhuge Zhengwo kept Leng Xue, Wu Qing, and the other two behind.

He pondered a moment, then said, “Leng Xue, Wu Qing, the two of you are to investigate Li Guishou. Xiyu of Black Stone may soon seek him out to alter her appearance, or perhaps already has. Look into it, and bring Xiyu back—do not harm her.

“Zhui Ming, your lightness skill is unmatched. In the coming days, visit every temple in and around the capital. Check if any patches of earth appear recently disturbed. If you find any, dig them up. Should you find Rama’s remains, bring them back.

“Tie Shou, you are to track the whereabouts of Black Stone’s leader, the Wheel King. No need for detailed investigation—just find out where he is likely to appear, and report back to me immediately.”

Leng Xue was somewhat confused by Zhuge Zhengwo’s orders and was the first to speak. “Are we investigating the Zhang Hairui case?”

“That is not your concern. You need only remember that this matter is of the utmost importance,” Zhuge Zhengwo replied, revealing nothing further.

“There are so many temples in the capital, Chief. Are you trying to wear me out?” Zhui Ming grumbled, being assigned the most laborious task.

“Of everyone here, your lightness skill is the best. No one else could handle this task. Don’t worry, there will be fine wine for you when it’s done. And remember, I am no longer the Chief Constable—be mindful of how you address me in future.”

The promise of good wine instantly brought a smile to Zhui Ming’s face.

“All right, get to work,” Zhuge Zhengwo said with a shake of his head, smiling.

The four clasped fists in salute and departed to carry out their orders.