(Yesterday I wrote "sinister" with the wrong character. What does that tell you? It tells you I use Wubi, not pinyin. I rarely make such elementary mistakes now. Does that mean I've become cultured? No, it only means I use fewer and fewer of those complicated characters in my writing these days. Is that laziness? Of course not. I've gained more self-awareness, and my aesthetic sense has improved. Today marks the first anniversary of starting Great Dao. To sum it up simply: I'm very satisfied. Thank you, everyone.)
He Zhan left the Imperial Palace and walked down the street with the eunuchs, while passersby hurried out of their way.
There were fewer and fewer people on the street, because a sinister government office stood at the end of the long avenue.
This was the Secret Service Bureau He Zhan had established. It answered directly to His Majesty, which, in most circumstances, meant it was He Zhan's own office.
The Secret Service Bureau had several thousand spies and even more Mounted Guards. Most of its senior officials were eunuchs He Zhan had promoted. Without seeking approval from the relevant authorities, it could directly investigate and arrest ministers and even princes and dukes, wielding immense power.
The eunuch officials all wore understated black robes, while the highly skilled commanders of the Mounted Guards wore brocade uniforms that remained dazzling even in the night.
He Zhan entered the office. The eunuchs and Mounted Guards commanders bowed in greeting as he walked expressionlessly to the highest seat, took off his cloak and tossed it to a subordinate, then sat down.
Everyone knelt and said in unison, "We pay our respects to Lord Qiansui."
Still expressionless, He Zhan raised his fingers slightly to signal them to rise, propped his chin on his right