After Transmigrating Into A Eunuch, I Became Famous In The Harem - Chapter 11

As Guan Zhixian’s gaze pierced Shao Yin’s eyes, she felt an unsettling sensation, as if she were a ferocious predator—perhaps a jackal or a tiger—and Shao Yin was a small, trembling white rabbit in the midst of pristine snow, already struggling to survive, now facing death at her claws.

The thought made her grip falter for a moment.

Finally, Guan Zhixian forcefully shook her hand, flinging away that unsettling face.

She deliberately amplified the contempt in her eyes to mask her wavering resolve. “Even if you’re a rootless man, I never imagined you’d sink lower than a woman, putting on this pitiful act. What do you think you’re accomplishing with this?”

Shao Yin lowered her gaze, retreating half a step and bowing her head.

She strained to control her emotions, but the overwhelming surge of grief within her was impossible to conceal.

In modern times, Shao Yin had lived well. Though she lacked a stable job, as a freelance creator, she enjoyed flexible hours and an income higher than most.

She lived alone, but instead of feeling lonely, she savored the freedom and unrestrained ease of her life.

This comfortable existence didn’t last long. She found herself transported to this era, forced to live as a eunuch, a mere servant beneath the emperor’s power, unable to even hold her head high. The original body’s actions had plunged her into even greater danger.

She was barely over twenty years old, and the original body was even younger—just eighteen this year.

Yet at such a tender age, she had to endure immense pressure, constantly risking her life in the treacherous depths of the Inner Palace, all to grasp at a sliver of hope for survival.

How could she possibly maintain a calm demeanor facing this harsh reality?

Her mere survival was already her greatest achievement.

She had no one to confide in, no one to comfort or encourage her.

She had exhausted every ounce of strength to do her best, yet still failed to achieve satisfactory results.

What other choice did she have?

Her slender frame swayed slightly, her already thin body now frail as a willow in the wind.

Guan Zhixian frowned slightly, her irritable mood lending her voice an unyielding force. “Suppress your weakness. I won’t tolerate such displays.”

After a moment, she said, “Considering your service tonight, I won’t hold it against you.” She glanced at the low couch behind her. “You may rest here tonight.”

The Emperor would undoubtedly want to see Shao Yin early tomorrow morning. If she returned to her quarters now, she wouldn’t make it in time and might even cause trouble. Staying here tonight was clearly the best choice.

As the candle flame flickered, the brazier burned brightly in the room. Shao Yin, lying on the low couch, wouldn’t feel the chill.

Now that she had calmed down, she reflected on the day’s events and regretted her emotional outburst.

Yet, she soon felt a surge of relief.

The Empress seemed more gentle than she appeared. Though seemingly cold and unyielding, she remembered Shao Yin’s overture and was willing to accept this small kindness.

Shao Yin closed her eyes.

Thinking about it now, the Empress was approachable. Even if she wasn’t sure if the Empress was the Great Female Protagonist of this book, befriending her couldn’t be harmful.

Perhaps, to the Empress, someone like Shao Yin wasn’t a true friend, but merely a useful servant.

But this was enough for her.

In this feudal imperial world, Shao Yin didn’t expect to enjoy the endless privileges some transmigrated women claimed to have. She knew she wasn’t capable of such things.

Surviving in the Inner Palace and eventually being released to the outside world when the time came—that was the best outcome she dared to hope for.

The next day, when the Emperor awoke for the morning court session, his face was etched with irritation.
Fortunately, the two Junior Attendants had already received a warning from the Empress. After the Emperor fell asleep the previous night, they quietly slipped away.

Early that morning, Eunuch Qian became the target of the Emperor’s wrath.

Shao Yin thought of Eunuch Qian as a tireless old ox plowing the fields, never uttering a complaint. He endured the Emperor’s fury while dutifully helping him dress and wash.

Only then did Shao Yin arrive with her attendants, bearing the morning meal. This allowed the Emperor to snatch a few bites before the court session, preventing hunger from fueling his temper and making him snap at his ministers during the proceedings.

During her months in the palace, Shao Yin often lingered in the Imperial Study. There, she sensed that most court officials still harbored genuine compassion for the realm.

Recently, there had been days of torrential rain in the south, causing widespread flooding along the riverbanks. Many families lost their nearly mature crops, and some even lost their lives.

The disaster relief efforts troubled the elderly officials so much that new strands of white hair sprouted on their heads.

Only the Emperor remained indifferent to the lives of these commoners, whom he likely saw as mere numbers to demonstrate his imperial authority during his reign.

Even though Shao Yin struggled to survive in the palace, she was willing to do everything in her power to help the officials she considered good-hearted.

Therefore, she would urge the Emperor to eat more in the morning and even carry a plate of pastries on her way to the imperial court, so he could have a snack during the journey.

She wasn’t qualified to stand beside the Emperor during court sessions.

Such a presence would provoke the elderly officials into submitting memorials of protest.

So, she would escort the Emperor to the entrance, bow deeply as he entered the court, and then withdraw.

After the Emperor sat down, he remarked to Chief Eunuch Qian, who was pouring his tea, “Yin’er is truly considerate. Knowing I don’t eat breakfast and feel restless sitting here, he specially prepared a variety of my favorite pastries and meals, insisting I eat at least a few bites.”

He savored Shao Yin’s attentiveness and care, even chuckling softly. “It’s only because he gently coaxes me with his soft, persuasive voice that I can manage to eat. Otherwise, who would be in the mood for such things first thing in the morning?”

Eunuch Qian agreed with the Emperor, praising Shao Yin’s attentiveness.

His praise was sincere.

Having served in the palace for so long, he had developed a keen sense of discernment. He was confident he wouldn’t misjudge someone. He understood that Shao Yin’s constant advice to the Emperor wasn’t about currying favor or seeking praise. It was for the sake of those stubborn old ministers in the court.

Eunuch Qian was grateful for this loyalty. That’s why he never made things difficult for Shao Yin, and sometimes even went out of his way to cover for her.

Naturally, Eunuch Qian knew Shao Yin was a woman, which was precisely why the Emperor favored her.

After escorting the Emperor to the imperial court, Shao Yin returned to her residence.

Not all eunuchs could live within the Imperial Palace; most resided in the Imperial City. However, those exceptionally favored by the Emperor were granted private quarters within the palace itself.

Shao Yin was among them. Thanks to that despicable Emperor’s favor, her quarters were even a single-occupancy room.

This arrangement saved her considerable trouble.

Just as she was preparing to rest, Su Zhongjie arrived with a meal.

Clearly, Su Zhongjie was bitterly jealous that the Empress had bestowed a meal upon her. When he spoke, his chin practically pointed toward the ceiling.

After thanking him, Shao Yin carried the meal into her room. She opened the food box on the low table and saw the steaming dishes—a balanced mix of meat and vegetables, even a bowl of soup. For a moment, her eyes reddened.

She squatted in this cramped, stifling private quarters, clad in ill-fitting eunuch attire, suffocating under the low ceiling beams.

Being able to eat a hot meal like this felt like a luxury to her.

Most of the time, she had to eat leftovers from the Emperor’s table.

Under the Emperor’s authority, many eunuchs considered this an honor.

But every time she ate it, she felt disgusted.

The food in the Empress’s Palace was different. There, she ate meals specially prepared for the servants, the same quality as Su Zhongjie’s.

That had been the best time she’d had since arriving in this world.

Cining Palace.

Guan Zhixian listened to Su Zhongjie’s report, lowered her gaze, and fiddled with her delicate fingernails. Then she looked up at him. “Go and discreetly inquire… Does His Majesty truly favor Eunuch Shao merely because he’s a considerate attendant, or is there another reason?”

After a moment, Guan Zhixian added, “This must be done secretly. No one must find out.”

Su Zhongjie’s heart skipped a beat. He immediately nodded in agreement and left with his mission.

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