Palace Gate
A young eunuch was craning his neck to look out. Only after Liu Zhan and Yu Qianzhi's ox cart had gone far away did he turn around.
The guards at the gate wore red uniforms. Under Great Zheng's system, they were Ninth Rank officials; this one appeared to have only recently been promoted from probation. Familiar with Little Douzi, he could not help teasing him. "I say, Eunuch Little Douzi, what errand are you running this time? Why are you here looking east and west?"
Little Douzi glanced at him and shook his head. "Better that you don't know."
With that, he turned and hurried inside. Even when the guards' snickers sounded behind him, he ignored them.
The palace had its rules. Eunuchs and palace maids carrying out their duties were not allowed to make loud noises, look about in all directions, or run without cause. Otherwise, they would be severely punished according to palace regulations.
This rule had been passed down from the previous dynasty and continued to be used in the present one.
Thus, all those who served in the palace, whether eunuchs or palace maids, had learned a particular skill: they appeared to be walking normally, yet moved like the wind. Little Douzi returned from the palace gate to outside the main hall in less than the time it took half an incense stick to burn.
There was no need for anyone to announce him. Since he was on duty in the hall today, he went straight in.
"Your Majesty, Liu True Person, Lord Yu, Huo True Person, and Eunuch Chen have all left. Huo True Person headed straight for the alchemy chambers upon leaving the hall. Eunuch Chen returned to his quarters. Liu True Person and Lord Yu left the palace together. When they