16. Young Eunuch: So it’s you.

Night fell upon the Jun Prince’s Manor.

That evening, Yue’er found herself unable to sleep, her mind filled with thoughts of her mother. Now, only she and Qiqi shared a room; Hong’er and Lu’er had been forced to move into a cramped sixteen-person chamber with dreadful conditions—just retribution for those who bring harm to others. Restless, she decided to wander outside, strolling aimlessly through the garden. She thought to herself, I wonder if Mother is doing well. My brother and I can’t be by her side. I once promised Father I would take good care of her, but now I can’t even catch a glimpse of her. Brother, please come back soon!

She stopped and looked up at the sky, the stars glittering across the heavens. Despite the breathtaking beauty above, she could not quiet her heart enough to admire it.

Suddenly, a shadow flashed by. Thinking it was a thief, Yue’er followed stealthily. The figure slipped into the Tranquil Study, and Yue’er hid outside, watching intently. Suddenly, she felt a hand tap her shoulder. Instinctively, she grabbed the intruder’s wrist and spun around, the two of them tumbling into a scuffle. At that moment, the door to the study swung open, and by the light of the candles within, Yue’er saw that her opponent was none other than Zhao Chengxian—the man who seemed to disapprove of her at every turn.

Zhao Chengxian stared at her in surprise. “Little Crescent, why is it you? What are you doing here?” He was puzzled; at this late hour, everyone in the manor should have been asleep. Why was Little Crescent wandering about?

Yue’er gave him an odd look. “Why are you sneaking around, skulking back to your study? I was following a thief!” She glanced toward the Tranquil Study, certain someone was inside. Drawing closer to Zhao Chengxian, she whispered, “Let’s go in and see who’s trespassing in your manor. Your guards really are useless—letting just anyone stroll in. One day, I’ll design a security plan for you, and I promise not a single soul will ever slip in again!” For all her cleverness, she was being foolish now. How could the security of such a grand manor possibly be so lax? Unless someone was allowed in on purpose, even the most capable intruder would never make it past the main gate, let alone into the rear garden.

Zhao Chengxian shook his head and walked inside with perfect composure. Only then did Yue’er realize he must have let that person in deliberately. Curiosity getting the better of her, she followed, since Zhao Chengxian hadn’t told her not to.

Inside, they saw a man dressed in noble attire, standing with his back to them. Zhao Chengxian smiled and asked, “Everything went smoothly, I trust?” Yue’er could only watch the two men with wide-eyed curiosity. The stranger nodded. Zhao Chengxian smiled again. “Good. Those two old foxes are not easily dealt with!” He spoke openly in front of Yue’er because he had already investigated her thoroughly, confirming she had no ties to any political faction. Only then did he dare reveal such things in her presence.

The man turned around and, upon seeing Yue’er, both he and she wore expressions of shock. Though their last encounter had been in the dim glow of lantern light, his features were still faintly familiar. Yue’er cried out, “Little Eunuch, it’s you!” Yes, it was none other than Emperor Xuanyuan Ren of the Radiant Sun Kingdom. As it happened, Zhao Chengxian and Xuanyuan Ren had been close friends since childhood. Although Zhao Chengxian held no real power as a prince, he was the emperor’s eyes and ears, often gathering intelligence on the civil and military officials.

Zhao Chengxian looked at them in bewilderment. “You two know each other?” But surely not well, or Little Crescent wouldn’t have called the emperor a eunuch. The mighty emperor mistaken for a mere eunuch—how comical! Zhao Chengxian was secretly delighted.

Xuanyuan Ren chuckled and bowed to Zhao Chengxian. “Your Highness, this young lady once saved my life.” Zhao Chengxian understood at once—Xuanyuan Ren didn’t want Yue’er to know his true identity, so he played along and nodded.

Xuanyuan Ren then said, “The task you entrusted to me is done. If there’s nothing else, Your Highness, I shall take my leave.” He would rather be treated sincerely by one more person than be revered by one more subject.

Zhao Chengxian smiled. “Former Guard, you may go.” After all, it would not do for the sovereign of a nation to be known as a eunuch, so he elevated him to the status of a guard, offering Xuanyuan Ren a dignified exit.

With a grateful glance at Zhao Chengxian, Xuanyuan Ren withdrew. Yue’er turned to Zhao Chengxian and said, “Your Highness, I’ll be going too,” then hurried after Xuanyuan Ren.

What stories await them in the days to come? Dear readers, please stay tuned and look forward to the unfolding tale.

Ladies and gentlemen, young and old, and those in between—hurry and shower me with your gold medals, red envelopes, and gifts! Don’t hold back—let the storm rage even fiercer!