Wu Dequan

Biodata

Feature	Information
Name	Wu Dequan (吴德全)
Alias(es)	Eunuch Wu 18
Gender	Male
Affiliation	East Palace 1
Occupation/Role	Chief steward of the East Palace; attendant to Crown Prince Xiao Hanye 2 9
First Appearance	Chapter 1

Background / History

Wu Dequan served at the East Palace while Lin Zhao, the hidden-guard commander most trusted by Xiao Hanye, was missing after protecting the Crown Prince. He quietly attended Xiao Hanye with ginseng tea but did not dare offer comfort in the face of the prince’s grief and foul mood. 1

During the palace banquet, he initially rebuked Shen Tingjue for failing to kneel before Xiao Hanye. After learning Shen was the newly favored young master of the Chancellor’s Residence, Wu immediately urged the Crown Prince to treat him courteously for political reasons. 1 2

Shen’s eyes eventually lead Wu to recognize him as the supposedly missing Lin Zhao, whom Wu knew only through the concealed commander’s distinctive gaze. He is left stunned by Lin’s survival, amnesia, and shameless claims of a secret romance with Xiao Hanye. 2

Appearance

Wu Dequan is an elderly eunuch with a round belly and a beard. 5 9 47

• Often described as an “old servant” or “old steward.” 2 8
• His round figure is noted when he rubs his belly or hurries after Xiao Hanye. 5
• Frequently keeps his hands tucked into his sleeves while observing the chaos around him. 6 18

Personality

Wu Dequan is observant, protective, and deeply attuned to Xiao Hanye’s moods. He notices the Crown Prince’s grief over Lin Zhao, his growing attachment to Shen Tingjue, and the danger created whenever officials or servants speak too freely around him. 1 5 15

He is also politically practical. Although he first objects to Shen’s breaches of etiquette, he quickly recognizes Shen’s powerful backing and advises Xiao Hanye not to alienate him. Later, he bluntly warns Xiao that avoiding Shen will only create larger problems. 2 8

His concern often manifests as anxious comedy. Wu repeatedly assumes Xiao is about to harm the seemingly frail Shen, tries to preserve the Crown Prince’s reputation, and is scandalized by the couple’s increasingly open intimacy. Despite his disapproval, he continues to serve Xiao faithfully and accommodates Shen when Xiao permits it. 2 15 35 47

Duties and Skills

East Palace Stewardship

Wu Dequan manages the Crown Prince’s household routines and personal comfort.

• Prepares and serves tea, including ginseng tea, during official meetings and late-night work. 1 5 15
• Receives visitors, manages attendants, and handles practical arrangements within the East Palace. 5 17
• Prepares hot water and clean clothing when Xiao Hanye requires them. 35

Etiquette and Reputation Management

Wu attempts to maintain proper conduct around the Crown Prince, often with limited success.

• Defends palace protocol when Shen Tingjue refuses to kneel. 1
• Silences and removes Yu Gao after the vice minister tactlessly asks whether Xiao Hanye has found his beloved. 5
• Tries to dismiss Shen’s declaration that Xiao Hanye is his beloved in order to protect the Crown Prince’s reputation. 15
• Objects to Shen entering Xiao’s bedchamber at night, but lacks the authority to stop him. 17

Story Role / Major Arcs

Recognition of Lin Zhao

Wu’s recognition of Shen Tingjue as Lin Zhao confirms that the East Palace’s missing hidden-guard commander survived. His shock reflects the extraordinary change from Lin’s former concealed, disciplined role to Shen’s open and provocative behavior. 2

Mediator Between Xiao Hanye and Shen Tingjue

Wu frequently becomes the unwilling intermediary in Xiao and Shen’s relationship. He advises Xiao to honor dinner appointments, worries that Shen will use another dramatic fainting spell, and repeatedly witnesses the Crown Prince indulging Shen’s demands. 6 8 17

Witness to Xiao Hanye’s Change

As Shen becomes increasingly dependent on Xiao, Wu observes that the Crown Prince is less isolated and more emotionally expressive. Though distressed by Shen’s lack of propriety, he recognizes that Xiao has become warmer and smiles more often. 47

Relationships

• Xiao Hanye — His master and the Crown Prince he has served loyally through grief, political pressure, and romantic embarrassment. Wu understands Xiao well enough to offer cautious but blunt advice. 1 8 24
• Lin Zhao / Shen Tingjue — Initially regards Shen as an insolent stranger, then recognizes him as the missing hidden-guard commander. Wu is repeatedly overwhelmed by Shen’s flirtation and familiarity with Xiao. 1 2 17
• Yu Gao — Intervenes when the vice minister’s curiosity about Xiao’s “beloved” becomes dangerously inappropriate. 5
• East Palace shadow guards — Shares their concern and exasperation when Shen visits the East Palace, though he is generally more invested in propriety than they are. 18 35

Notable Quotes

“You can hide for a moment, but not for a lifetime.” 8