Chapter 67 - 3#
The wind and snow outside the window were getting heavier, as if to freeze the whole world.
Emperor Jingyuan stood in front of the window, his figure appearing particularly lonely.
He recalled the past, those unbearable memories surged into his heart like a tide.
“Shen Zikun…”
He whispered the name, a trace of complexity flashing in his eyes.
“Why…”
Why treat me like that…
A trace of pain appeared on Emperor Jingyuan’s face, his fists clenched tightly.
“Your Majesty…”
A soft call broke his contemplation.
He turned around, his eyes instantly turning cold.
“What is it?”
“Manager Jingzhe requests an audience.”
“Let him in.”
Emperor Jingyuan said lightly.
Soon, Jingzhe walked in, kneeling on the ground.
“Your servant pays respects to Your Majesty.”
“Rise.”
Emperor Jingyuan waved his hand, “What brings you here so late?”
“Your servant… came to report on the fire at the warehouse.”
Jingzhe lowered his head, not daring to look directly at Emperor Jingyuan.
“Oh? Have you found out clearly?”
“Yes, it was Liu Fu who incited Xiao Li and Xiao Zhang to do it. He has already confessed.”
“Hmm, well done.”
Emperor Jingyuan nodded, “How do you plan to deal with him?”
“According to the palace rules, setting fire to the warehouse is a capital crime.”
Jingzhe said respectfully.
“Then deal with it according to the rules.”
Emperor Jingyuan said indifferently, as if talking about a trivial matter.
“Yes.”
Jingzhe bowed, “Your servant… has one more request.”
“Speak.”
“Your servant wants to… plead for mercy for Xiao Li and Xiao Zhang.”
“Plead for mercy?”
Emperor Jingyuan raised his eyebrows, “Why?”
“They were just bewitched by Liu Fu for a moment, and they didn’t cause serious consequences. I hope Your Majesty can be lenient.”
Jingzhe pleaded sincerely.
Emperor Jingyuan looked at him, silent for a moment.
“Since you plead for them, then spare them from death.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty!”
Jingzhe was overjoyed, quickly kowtowing to thank him.
“However,” Emperor Jingyuan changed the subject, “Capital punishment can be exempted, but punishment cannot be escaped. Let them be flogged fifty times and expelled from the palace.”
“Yes!”
Jingzhe accepted the order and retreated.
Watching Jingzhe’s departing figure, a meaningful smile appeared on Emperor Jingyuan’s face.
“Kindheartedness…”
He murmured to himself, “I hope you can keep it up.”
In this cannibalistic palace, kindheartedness was often the most fatal weakness.
…
The next day, the news of Liu Fu being executed spread throughout the palace.
Everyone was shocked by Jingzhe’s lightning methods.
Who would have thought that the usually gentle and refined Manager Jingzhe could be so ruthless when he started.
Liu Fu’s death also sounded a warning to others.
Those who originally had designs on the position of Manager all restrained their thoughts and didn’t dare to act rashly again.
Jingzhe completely stabilized his position in the Directorate of Palace Maintenance.
However, he was not complacent because of this.
He knew that there were still many hidden dangers in the Directorate of Palace Maintenance.
For example, the corruption problem in the warehouse, the chaotic management of personnel, etc.
These problems all needed to be solved by him one by one.
Jingzhe began to drastically reorganize the Directorate of Palace Maintenance.
He formulated strict rules and regulations, strengthened the management of the warehouse, and severely cracked down on corruption.
At the same time, he also selected a group of capable and trustworthy people to take on important positions.
Under his rectification, the atmosphere of the Directorate of Palace Maintenance took on a new look.
Everyone worked conscientiously and dared not slack off anymore.
Jingzhe’s ability was also recognized by the Palm Print Eunuch.
“Jingzhe, you did a good job.”
The Palm Print Eunuch praised, “I didn’t misjudge you.”
“Thank you for the praise, Palm Print.”
Jingzhe said humbly.
“However, you also have to be careful.”
The Palm Print Eunuch reminded, “The water in the palace is deep, you must be cautious in everything.”
“I understand.”
Jingzhe nodded.
He knew the Palm Print Eunuch was reminding him to watch out for villains.
Although Liu Fu was dead, his cronies were still there.
Moreover, there were other forces watching him covetously.
He must be careful at all times to survive in this palace.
…
Time flew, and in a blink of an eye, it was the New Year.
The palace was decorated with lanterns and colored streamers, full of joy.
The Directorate of Palace Maintenance was also busy preparing for the New Year.
Jingzhe personally supervised everyone’s work to ensure nothing went wrong.
“Manager, these lanterns are broken, should we buy new ones?”
A young eunuch asked, holding a few broken lanterns.
“Let me see.”
Jingzhe took the lanterns and examined them.
“They can be repaired, no need to buy new ones.”
He said, “Go find some paper and paste, I’ll teach you how to fix them.”
“Yes.”
The young eunuch happily ran off.
Jingzhe watched his retreating figure, a smile appearing on his face.
Although life in the palace was hard, there were also warm moments.
He hoped he could protect this warmth and let everyone live a good life.
…
New Year’s Eve.
A grand banquet was held in the palace.
Emperor Jingyuan feasted the officials, celebrating with the whole nation.
Jingzhe, as the Manager of the Directorate of Palace Maintenance, was also invited to the banquet.
He sat in the corner, quietly watching the lively scene in the hall.
Everyone had smiles on their faces, toasting and changing cups, enjoying themselves.
Only Emperor Jingyuan sat high on the throne, looking indifferent, seemingly out of tune with this excitement.
Jingzhe looked at him, feeling an inexplicable ache in his heart.
He knew that under Emperor Jingyuan’s cold appearance, there was a lonely heart hidden.
He longed to be understood, longed to be cared for.
But his identity destined him to be lonely.
Jingzhe sighed silently, picked up the wine cup, and drank it down.
“Manager Jingzhe, why are you drinking alone?”
A voice sounded in his ear.
Jingzhe turned his head and saw a young official walking over with a wine cup.
“Lord Li.”
Jingzhe stood up and bowed.
“Manager Jingzhe doesn’t need to be polite.”
Lord Li smiled, “I’ve long heard of Manager Jingzhe’s great name, seeing you today, you are indeed extraordinary.”
“Lord Li overpraises.”
Jingzhe said modestly.
“Come, let me toast Manager Jingzhe.”
Lord Li raised his glass.
“Please.”
Jingzhe also raised his glass and clinked with him.
The two chatted happily.
Lord Li was knowledgeable and humorous, leaving a good impression on Jingzhe.
Unknowingly, the banquet was coming to an end.
Emperor Jingyuan stood up and announced the end of the banquet.
Everyone knelt to see him off.
Jingzhe also knelt on the ground, watching Emperor Jingyuan leave.
Just as Emperor Jingyuan walked past him, he suddenly stopped.
“Jingzhe.”
He called out softly.
“Your servant is here.”
Jingzhe quickly replied.
“Come to Qianming Palace later.”
Emperor Jingyuan left a sentence and strode away.
Jingzhe was stunned, not understanding what Emperor Jingyuan meant.
Why did he call him to Qianming Palace so late?
Could there be something important?
With doubts, Jingzhe came to Qianming Palace.
“Your servant pays respects to Your Majesty.”
“Come in.”
Emperor Jingyuan’s voice came from inside.
Jingzhe walked in and saw Emperor Jingyuan sitting in front of the window, looking at the moon outside.
“Your Majesty…”
“Come here.”
Emperor Jingyuan waved his hand.
Jingzhe walked over carefully and stood beside him.
“Look at this moon, isn’t it beautiful?”
Emperor Jingyuan pointed at the bright moon in the sky and asked.
“Beautiful.”
Jingzhe nodded.
“But it’s so lonely.”
Emperor Jingyuan sighed softly, “Hanging high in the sky alone, with no one to accompany it.”
Jingzhe’s heart moved, knowing he was lamenting his own loneliness.
“Your Majesty, you still have us.”
Jingzhe said softly.
“You?”
Emperor Jingyuan turned his head, looking at him with a mocking smile.
“Are you sincere?”
“Your servant is absolutely sincere!”
Jingzhe knelt on the ground, kowtowing.
“Get up.”
Emperor Jingyuan helped him up, looking into his eyes.
“Jingzhe, do you know?”
“What?”
“Actually, I’ve been watching you.”
Emperor Jingyuan said slowly, “From the moment you entered the palace, I noticed you.”
Jingzhe was shocked, looking at him in disbelief.
“Your Majesty…”
“You are different from the others.”
Emperor Jingyuan reached out and gently stroked his cheek.
“There is a light in your eyes that others don’t have.”
“Light?”
“Yes, a light of hope.”
Emperor Jingyuan smiled, “It is this light that attracts me.”
Jingzhe’s face turned red, his heart pounding.
He didn’t expect Emperor Jingyuan to say such things to him.
“Jingzhe, are you willing to stay by my side?”
Emperor Jingyuan asked softly.
“Stay by… Your Majesty’s side?”
Jingzhe was stunned.
“Yes, accompany me, don’t let me be alone anymore.”
Emperor Jingyuan’s eyes were filled with expectation.
Jingzhe looked at him, his heart full of struggle.
He knew that staying by the Emperor’s side meant endless danger and calculation.
But seeing Emperor Jingyuan’s lonely eyes, he couldn’t refuse.
“I am willing.”
He finally nodded.
Emperor Jingyuan smiled, smiling so happily.
He pulled Jingzhe into his arms and hugged him tightly.
“Jingzhe, thank you.”
Jingzhe leaned in his arms, feeling his warmth, his heart filled with peace.
Perhaps this was his destiny.
…
From that day on, Jingzhe became the person beside Emperor Jingyuan.
He accompanied Emperor Jingyuan to review memorials, handle state affairs, and enjoy the flowers and moon.
Emperor Jingyuan also doted on him, giving him endless glory and favor.
However, Jingzhe never got lost in it.
He knew that all this was given by the Emperor and could be taken back at any time.
He must always maintain a clear head and be cautious in everything.
Under Jingzhe’s accompaniment, Emperor Jingyuan’s temper gradually became milder.
He was no longer as moody and bloodthirsty as before.
The atmosphere in the palace also became harmonious.
Everyone said that Manager Jingzhe was the lucky star of the palace.
Jingzhe just smiled faintly at this.
He knew he was just doing what he should do.
…
Spring went and autumn came, and another year passed.
Jingzhe’s position in the palace became more and more consolidated, and he became the chief eunuch trusted by the Emperor.
However, he never forgot his original intention.
He still treated people kindly and did his best to help those in need.
He used his influence to do many good deeds for the people in the palace.
Improving their living conditions, reducing their workload, and pleading for those who were wrongly punished.
His kindness and benevolence won everyone’s respect and love.
People affectionately called him “Living Bodhisattva”.
Hearing this title, Jingzhe just shook his head and smiled.
“I am not a Bodhisattva, I am just an ordinary person.”
He said.
“I just hope everyone can live a little better.”
This simple wish supported him to go further and further in the palace.
…
One day, Emperor Jingyuan suddenly fell ill.
The imperial physicians were helpless and could only shake their heads and sigh.
Jingzhe stayed by Emperor Jingyuan’s bed day and night, taking care of him without rest.
“Jingzhe…”
Emperor Jingyuan called his name weakly.
“Your servant is here.”
Jingzhe held his hand, tears streaming down his face.
“Don’t cry…”
Emperor Jingyuan smiled with difficulty, “Birth, aging, sickness, and death are human nature…”
“Your Majesty, you will get better! You will definitely get better!”
Jingzhe choked with sobs.
“I know my own body…”
Emperor Jingyuan shook his head, “I’m afraid I won’t last much longer…”
“Your Majesty…”
“Jingzhe, promise me one thing…”
“Your Majesty, please speak! I will promise you anything!”
“After I die… you leave the palace…”
“Leave the palace?”
Jingzhe was stunned.
“Yes… leave this cage… go live a free life…”
Emperor Jingyuan looked at him, his eyes full of reluctance and blessing.
“Find a place where no one knows you… live a good life…”
“Your Majesty!”
Jingzhe cried bitterly, “I won’t leave! I want to accompany you!”
“Silly child…”
Emperor Jingyuan stroked his hair, “I am dying… what’s the use of you staying here…”
“I…”
“Listen to me… leave here…”
Emperor Jingyuan’s voice became weaker and weaker.
“This is my last… decree…”
“Your Majesty!”
Jingzhe cried out in grief, throwing himself onto Emperor Jingyuan.
However, Emperor Jingyuan had already closed his eyes forever.
A generation of emperors fell just like that.
Jingzhe cried until he fainted.
…
After Emperor Jingyuan’s funeral, Jingzhe left the palace according to his last wish.
He came to a small town in the south of the Yangtze River and lived in seclusion.
He bought a small courtyard and planted some flowers and plants, living a peaceful life.
Occasionally, he would recall the days in the palace and that lonely Emperor.
“Your Majesty, are you doing well there?”
He looked at the moon in the sky and murmured.
A breeze blew, as if answering him.
Jingzhe smiled, turned and walked into the room.
Life still had to go on.
He would carry Emperor Jingyuan’s blessing and live well.
(End of Chapter)