Hu Xiaotian left a few instructions with Xiao Zhuozi, then followed the Little Eunuch to the Directorate of Imperial Cuisine.
Although Zhang Fuquan was only responsible for the Cattle and Sheep Office, he wielded considerable power. His residence was actually a courtyard all to himself. It was not large, but among the many eunuchs in the Imperial Palace, such quarters were exceedingly rare.
When Hu Xiaotian entered Zhang Fuquan's residence, he saw him in the courtyard amusing himself with a glossy black myna. At the sight of Hu Xiaotian, the bird called, "Good fortune to you, Eunuch! Good fortune to you, Eunuch!"
Hu Xiaotian smiled. "What a clever bird you have, Eunuch Zhang."
Zhang Fuquan chuckled. "That's the only thing he can say, and I've been teaching him for two years." He approached Hu Xiaotian and lowered his voice. "Eunuch Quan is waiting inside."
Before coming, Hu Xiaotian had already guessed that Quan Dean wanted to see him. He smiled, then pushed open the door in the direction Zhang Fuquan indicated and went inside.
Quan Dean sat in the room, gazing out the window. A wintersweet stood before it, its buds poised to bloom.
Hu Xiaotian approached him and bowed deeply. "Xiaotian pays his respects to Eunuch Quan!"
Quan Dean did not turn around. His eyes remained on the wintersweet as he asked softly, "Have things been going to your liking lately?"
"Thanks to your kindness, Eunuch Quan, I've been getting along well enough."
Quan Dean smiled faintly. "Thanks to Eunuch Ji's kindness, surely?"
Hu Xiaotian laughed inwardly. The old eunuch was jealous. He replied respectfully, "When drinking water, one must never forget the man who dug the well. Everything I have today is thanks to your care, Eunuch Quan. In my heart, no one holds a place equal to