Shenjing.
The emperor's bedchamber.
Inside the bedchamber, candlelight flickered and warm fragrance drifted through the air.
The bright yellow curtains hung low, faintly revealing the outlines of several intertwined figures within, accompanied by stifled, breathy moans and a man's heavy breathing.
The eunuchs and palace maids standing guard outside kept their eyes lowered and their minds still, wishing they were deaf and blind.
Just then, Song Wuya, the elderly eunuch who served at the emperor's side and chief superintendent of the Imperial City Department, hurried up to the bedchamber. His face was grave.
The senior eunuch on duty outside felt his eyelid twitch at the sight. He hurried forward a few steps and said respectfully in a lowered voice, "Godfather, what brings you here... His Majesty is resting. Even if the sky is falling, you must wait..."
"Wait?"
Song Wuya glanced at the bedchamber and immediately understood.
His brow furrowed. The emperor's imperial body was already ailing, yet he still favored his consorts every few days. If this continued... he feared...
"Ah..."
He sighed, then narrowed his eyes, lowered his head, and waited outside the bedchamber.
Half a cup of tea later.
The emperor's rather weak, listless voice came from inside.
"Is that you, old companion?"
Hearing the emperor's voice, Song Wuya quickly turned and answered in his thin, high voice, "Yes, Your Majesty. It is this old servant. I have an urgent matter to report."
"Come in."
As his words fell.
Two young eunuchs opened the bedchamber doors from within.
Draped in bright yellow informal robes, the emperor's face bore an unnatural flush. Supported by two palace maids, he walked unsteadily into the outer room and sat on a cushioned couch.
He waved a hand, dismissing the other attendants in the room.
Song Wuya took in the emperor's condition,