After Transmigrating Into A Eunuch, I Became Famous In The Harem - Chapter 21

Guan Zhixian gazed down at Shao Yin beneath her palm, taking in her vulnerable, pitiful appearance. She saw her own reflection in Shao Yin’s eyes, as if she were the only thing in the world that mattered to her.

For the first time, she felt the absurd thought that the person before her was more important than the border warriors.

If her father knew of such feelings, he would surely be disappointed.

Though she was a woman, her father had raised her from childhood to value great principles.

The madness in her eyes deepened, as if a caged beast within her needed to be released.

Under the Empress’s intense gaze, Shao Yin sensed a trace of an unusual madness.

Her heart skipped a beat, as an indescribable emotion slowly coiled in her chest.

She raised her hand and gripped the Empress’s wrist—the wrist that held her life in its grasp.

She saw no fear or terror in the Empress’s eyes. This time, she felt certain she wouldn’t be harmed, even with the Empress’s fingers still pressed against her throat.

An indescribable anguish lingered around them, like layers of invisible bonds binding them together. They couldn’t even tell which path to take to free themselves.

The anguish in Shao Yin’s eyes pierced Guan Zhixian’s heart.

Guan Zhixian softened her grip, her fingers gently gathering and caressing Shao Yin’s hair with an almost imperceptible tenderness.

“This isn’t your fault,” she said, her voice low and steady, yet firm. “I won’t let the Emperor take you away.”

“You belong to my palace,” she continued. “No one can take you from me.”

In that moment, Shao Yin’s heart settled. Her eyes welled with tears, a misty veil blurring her clear gaze.

So, in this world, would she finally be the one protected?

The wind and snow raged outside, but they couldn’t penetrate the warmth of the coal-heated room.

A scalding tear welled from Shao Yin’s eye, traced a path down her cheek, and landed on the Empress’s wrist, making her heart skip a beat.

Back in her quarters, Shao Yin closed the doors and windows, lit the coal fire, and listened to the sound of snow falling outside. She gently pressed a hand to her chest.

There, a sour, bloating ache, like fermentation. Her breathing grew ragged. A prickling sting crept into the corners of her eyes and tip of her nose. The turbulent emotions surging within her chest, like the raging blizzard outside, crashed against the walls she had spent years suppressing.

That night, Guan Zhixian lay awake. Seated at her desk, she had never felt more acutely the importance of wielding power.

No wonder so many people eagerly pursue power. Now, she was about to become one of them.

Whether it was commercial taxes, military funding for the borders, or the people around her, she wouldn’t let any slip through her grasp. She had to keep everything in her hands.

*******

Early the next morning, Guan Zhixian had Ruyi help her change into a set of clothes, then strode out of Kunning Palace with a fierce aura.

Before leaving, she instructed Su Zhongjie, who was guarding Kunning Palace, “If Shao Yin arrives, have her wait in the hall for me.”

In the Imperial Court, the Emperor sat listlessly on the Dragon Throne, glaring at his ministers below with patience worn thin.

The Empress’s father once again brought up the Commercial Tax Reform, hoping the Emperor would agree. This time, the Emperor raised his hand to silence the opposing voices and casually replied to the Empress’s father, “It is approved.”

The court erupted in surprise. They had expected this to be a long and arduous battle. They had been wracked with anxiety over the border conflicts, never imagining the Emperor would agree today.

The ministers opposing the reform were about to submit a memorial of protest when the Emperor silenced them again. “This matter is settled. There’s no need for further discussion.”
He just wanted to return to Qianqing Palace quickly and have someone bring Shao Yin back to the Imperial Study.

Meanwhile, the Noble Consort received the news: “What did you say? The Emperor wants to bring Shao Yin back?”

Deep within the Imperial Palace, Liang Fujun sat upon a jade-colored daybed, clad in resplendent golden robes embroidered with intricate patterns. A haughty smile curled her lips. “Has the Empress agreed to this? Haven’t she and that eunuch been at odds lately? Their rivalry over Shao Yin has become quite the spectacle in the palace.”

The eunuch replied, “I’ve heard the Empress went to the Empress Dowager’s Palace early this morning. She likely doesn’t want the Emperor to take Eunuch Shao away.”

Liang Fujun’s smile faded, her eyes darkening. “So they’ve truly begun to compete over their ‘beloved’? What enchantment does Shao Yin hold? I recall the Empress has never openly clashed with the Emperor like this before.”

She rose from the daybed, her jade-like fingertips smoothing the immaculate folds of her robes. With a hint of amusement, she instructed the eunuchs and palace maids nearby, “Take me to Kunning Palace.”

In that instant, her eyes blazed with feverish intensity, her features twisting into a chilling, sinister glee.

The attendants behind her lowered their heads and followed, their hearts heavy with dread. They feared their mistress might provoke another irreparable crisis, and it would be the lowly servants who bore the brunt of the Empress Dowager’s wrath.

But who would dare stop her?

Liang Fujun, dressed in vibrant red, didn’t even use a sedan chair. She walked forward like a splendid, blooming flower on the snow-white palace path.

Before long, Liang Fujun arrived at Kunning Palace.

The Empress had already left, but Shao Yin remained.

In the main hall of Kunning Palace, Liang Fujun lounged in her chair, openly staring at Shao Yin with an almost malicious glint in her eyes. She crooked a finger. “Come here.”

Shao Yin’s heart skipped a beat as she slowly approached Liang Fujun.

The Empress had been working tirelessly to secure Shao Yin’s return, yet she detested having Shao Yin serve others. Shao Yin wondered if the Noble Consort’s visit today would anger the Empress again.

Unfazed by her unwelcome status, Liang Fujun’s gaze lingered on Shao Yin’s face. “I heard the Emperor wants you back?”

Shao Yin lowered her head. “Regardless of which palace I serve in, I always fulfill my duties as a servant.”

“Why would the Emperor want you back?” Liang Fujun pressed. “He’s been thriving in the Imperial Harem these past few days, so content he’s forgotten his original purpose. Why suddenly remember you now?”

This matter would eventually reach the Noble Consort’s ears, so Shao Yin decided to stop hiding. She stepped closer to the Noble Consort and lowered her voice. “Last night, His Majesty visited Kunning Palace. The Empress and I have already persuaded him to agree to the Commercial Tax Reform. When the ministers bring it up in court today, His Majesty will surely consent.”

Liang Fujun’s amused expression vanished, her gaze turning serious as she looked at Shao Yin. “So, demanding your return to his palace is his bargaining chip for the Commercial Tax Reform?”

Shao Yin nodded.

Liang Fujun lowered her gaze.

Her initial desire to watch the drama unfold had completely vanished.

No wonder the Empress was going to such lengths, even resorting to pleading with the Empress Dowager.

But she thought, the Empress Dowager would surely refuse to get involved again.

Now that the Emperor was once again bestowing his favor evenly among the harem concubines, it was likely that several would be pregnant within two or three months.

As long as no single concubine monopolized the Emperor’s affection, what difference did it make if he toyed with a eunuch?

As Emperor, he had the right to do as he pleased.

Besides, having just agreed to the Commercial Tax Reform, the ministers wouldn’t dare submit memorials denouncing an imperial eunuch after securing such a favorable outcome.

The Empress Dowager wouldn’t take the Empress’s side, and the ministers wouldn’t care who Shao Yin served in the palace.

This time, the Empress would likely return disappointed.

Liang Fujun had previously wondered how Shao Yin had suddenly become the Empress’s favored attendant.

Today, Shao Yin claimed he had helped the Empress obtain the Emperor’s approval for the Commercial Tax Reform.

Liang Fujun knew that Shao Yin must have played a crucial role.

She understood the relationship between the Empress and the Emperor better than others. The Emperor wouldn’t have been swayed by the Empress’s mere words to agree to such a thing.

Only his beloved Shao Yin could have achieved this.

This was why Liang Fujun had invited Shao Yin to her palace a few days earlier.

She hadn’t anticipated that Shao Yin would take the matter seriously and resolve it so swiftly, even the previous night.

Liang Fujun surmised that the Empress wanted to protect Shao Yin precisely because he had made this reform possible.

If Shao Yin returned to the Emperor’s side, it would undoubtedly lead to trouble.

That’s why the Empress was going to great lengths to keep him at Kunning Palace.

Since Shao Yin had fulfilled his promise to her, Liang Fujun, who wasn’t one to be indifferent, resolved to do her part as well.

Liang Fujun looked at Shao Yin. “You don’t want to return to the Emperor’s side?”

Shao Yin’s eyes sparkled, but she remained silent.

She wasn’t sure if she should reveal her thoughts to the Noble Consort, at least not yet. Her distrust of the consort lingered.

But her sparkling eyes already betrayed her inner turmoil to Liang Fujun.
Liang Fujun smiled brightly. “If you don’t want to return to the Emperor’s side, why not tell me? I’ll gladly help you, since you’ve assisted me with my own matters.”

Yet her tone carried an indescribable madness and danger.

Shao Yin’s heart trembled. She didn’t know whether she should refuse. But in this Imperial Harem, did she even have the right to refuse?

Perhaps someday she could cautiously defy the Empress’s requests, but for now, defying the Noble Consort would be disastrous.

She felt she couldn’t bear the consequences.

Liang Fujun, impulsive as ever, stood up mid-sentence and gave Shao Yin a meaningful look. “I still have some influence with the Emperor, unlike the Empress, who has grown so estranged from him.”

“The Emperor craves soft, gentle words, and the Empress can no longer speak to him in such a manner.”

“Considering this, you might still have a chance with me.”

Shao Yin didn’t dare say a word.

Liang Fujun didn’t need her to say anything. She simply traced her gaze over Shao Yin’s figure one last time before leaving with a soft chuckle.

Only after she was gone did Shao Yin feel a chill run through her, colder than a night spent exposed to icy winds. She had a nagging feeling that things wouldn’t develop as favorably as she’d hoped.

Standing before the door, Shao Yin watched the snow fall in the courtyard. Her heart sank.

Even if she returned to the Emperor’s side, it wouldn’t be the same as before. She was no longer the cautious, step-by-step Shao Yin who had first arrived in this world. Everything had changed the moment she entered the Empress’s Palace and became the Empress’s person. Even if she returned to the Emperor, she now had some leverage.

In the vast expanse of snow, a figure appeared. Clad in dark crimson palace robes, she carried an aura of cold severity as she strode purposefully toward Shao Yin. Shao Yin immediately picked up the umbrella beside her, opened it, and hurried to the Empress’s side, shielding her from the falling snow. “Imperial Consort,” she said, looking up, “why did you return without an umbrella?”
Guan Zhixian stopped, turning to face the person before her.
She had removed her makeup and no longer looking as charmingly lovely as she had last night, yet she remained as delicate and lovely as an icy lotus in the snow, evoking feelings of tenderness.

Guan Zhixian’s frown deepened, her voice weary. “The Empress Dowager refused to join me in presenting a memorial to the Emperor.”

Shao Yin felt no disappointment; she had already made up her mind. A faint smile crept across her face as she said, “Your Majesty, it doesn’t matter. I can serve you anywhere. I can still come to Kunning Palace to see you and help you with your affairs.”

“I’ve heard that the Emperor has been indulging in the new Junior Attendants and Junior Ladies in the Imperial Harem these days. I’ll certainly take good care of myself.”

After a moment, she added, “Being at the Emperor’s side, I can still speak on behalf of your Imperial Consort’s father and brother, and advocate for the soldiers on the border. This might not be such a bad thing after all.”

The wind and snow blew past, shattering the solemnity Guan Zhixian had been trying to maintain. A trace of bewilderment flickered in her eyes.

This was the first time Guan Zhixian had ever seen Shao Yin smile. The faint smile that bloomed at the corners of her eyes and brows was like an icy lotus in full bloom, casting a soft, delicate radiance in the swirling snow.

Guan Zhixian sighed softly, her usually stern features softening. A gentle light shimmered in her eyes as she said, “It was I who failed to consider this carefully.”

The wind scattered Shao Yin’s voice, making it audible only to Guan Zhixian. “What does this have to do with the Imperial Consort?”

“The Imperial Consort’s kindness to me has already made me feel deeply favored by fate.”

Guan Zhixian’s heart trembled. “You’ve brought hope to the soldiers and people on the border. Whatever it takes, I will protect you.”

A flicker of hesitation crossed Shao Yin’s eyes, unsure whether to reveal the Noble Consort’s attempt to meet with the Emperor.

Guan Zhixian noticed her hesitation. “What is it? Why that look?”

Before Shao Yin could respond, Su Zhongjie stepped forward. “Your Majesty, a young eunuch just informed me that the Noble Consort is already in the Imperial Study. She apparently wants to transfer Eunuch Shao to her palace.”
“What?” Guan Zhixian turned to Su Zhongjie in disbelief. “She wants to bring Shao Yin back to her own palace?”

Her expression hardened. “Who gave her the audacity?”

A fire blazed in Guan Zhixian’s chest, her nails digging into her palms. Her gaze turned icy and ruthless, as if controlled by some external force.

Su Zhongjie had initially thought he was bringing good news. He had figured Shao Yin being transferred to the Noble Consort’s palace would be better than staying in the Imperial Study.

He never imagined the Empress would be so furious.

Though the Empress and the Noble Consort appeared to be at odds, their relationship was actually quite amicable.

Guan Zhixian glanced at Shao Yin again. Though her gaze remained fixed on Shao Yin, her words were directed at Su Zhongjie: “Prepare the sedan. I’m going to the Imperial Study.”

Concerned, Shao Yin instinctively reached out and gripped Guan Zhixian’s hand, only then noticing the woman’s tightly clenched fist.

Guan Zhixian’s nails were meticulously cared for, and with such force, her sharp nails might tear into her palm.

“Imperial Consort,” Shao Yin said anxiously, “you mustn’t go. If His Majesty retracts the decree because of this, what then?”

“Whether I remain in the Imperial Study or go to the Noble Consort’s palace, I can still find a way forward. But if we fail to act now and fail to secure more funds, what will happen to the people and soldiers on the border?”

“If my actions alone disrupt the plans of the entire court, plunging the border’s people and soldiers into crisis, their very lives hanging in the balance, what a monstrous sin that would be!”

Guan Zhixian’s breathing grew heavy as she finally made up her mind. “Wait for me here in Kunning Palace. I have a plan. I won’t let the Imperial Edict we’ve secured be revoked by the Emperor.”

With that, she turned and left, her robes billowing with snow.

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