Shen Xiuming was stunned—was Moxun truly a miracle doctor?
Moxun’s eyes curved with amusement as he clasped his hands in greeting to Zhao Yang Princess, his voice clear and bright. "It’s been five years, Your Highness. Your radiance remains unchanged."
Zhao Yang exclaimed excitedly, "Divine Physician Moxun, I can never repay your life-saving grace! Since you’ve come to Yanjing City, you must stay at the princess’s residence for a few days. I will ensure you are well taken care of."
Moxun entered the room and took a seat.
After sipping the rich spring tea, he retrieved a letter from his sleeve and got straight to the point. "My visit today is at the behest of the Emperor of Yue Kingdom. I bring a letter for Zhao Yang Princess."
A strange feeling stirred in Zhao Yang’s heart. The new emperor of Yue Kingdom was a stranger to her—why would he write her a letter?
She accepted the letter and opened it in front of him.
The Yue Emperor’s handwriting was impeccable, each stroke neat and deliberate, without a trace of haste.
Zhao Yang read slowly, word by word, each line brimming with sincerity.
"He rewrote this letter ten times," Moxun remarked casually. "He wanted to ensure there were no mistakes, that every character was perfect before sending it to you."
The meditation room was silent. Sunlight streamed through the open window, casting golden reflections on Zhao Yang’s gilded gown.
When she finished reading, she carefully returned the letter to its envelope.
Emotions surged within her. Never could she have imagined that the woodcutter she had once saved during a hunt on Donghua Mountain would become Tuoba Hongchuan, the new emperor of Yue Kingdom.
After a long pause, Zhao Yang finally spoke. "Thank you, Divine Physician Moxun, for delivering this letter."
Moxun clasped his hands. "No need for thanks. The day grows late, and I still have a drinking engagement with Magistrate Shen. I must take my leave."
Shen Xiuming hastily protested, "I have a banquet at the palace tonight—I can’t drink beforehand!"
But Moxun grabbed his sleeve and dragged him away.
Zhao Yang personally escorted Moxun out of Anguo Temple.
Standing on the temple’s high stone steps, she tucked the Yue Emperor’s letter into her robes and instructed Yun'er, "Return to the princess’s residence. We must prepare for tonight’s palace banquet."
...
...
Night fell, and lanterns illuminated the palace gates.
One after another, carriages of officials arrived in the square outside the palace. Tonight, the emperor was hosting a banquet in Qinghua Hall to welcome Shen Mieyue and the envoys from Yue Kingdom. All high-ranking court officials were expected to attend.
The Duke of Lu’s carriage arrived.
His daughter, Consort Lu Xuan, assisted the empress in managing the imperial harem and had borne the emperor a son, earning her great favor and a lofty position in the palace.
As soon as the Duke of Lu’s carriage stopped, palace eunuchs hurried to receive them. The Duke stepped down, followed closely by his younger daughter, Lu Yun.
Lu Yun was exquisitely dressed tonight, as delicate as a lotus flower. Her beautiful eyes swept over the majestic palace, flickering with envy.
Such a magnificent imperial city—her sister lived here like a phoenix. How she longed to serve the emperor as well.
Trailing behind her father, Lu Yun asked eagerly, "Father, will my seat be close to His Majesty tonight?"
The Duke of Lu frowned. "Why ask such things? Once inside, mind your words and conduct."
Lu Yun pouted in disdain.
"Your Grace! How have you been?" A shrill voice called out. Eunuch Zhou, the chief palace eunuch, approached with a few attendants, smiling as he greeted them.
The Duke of Lu despised eunuchs.
Men without roots always carried a foul odor, no matter how heavily they perfumed themselves.
But Eunuch Zhou held great power and the emperor’s trust. Forcing a smile, the Duke replied, "Eunuch Zhou, it’s been too long. You must visit my estate for a drink when you have time."
Eunuch Zhou chuckled. "Your Grace is too kind, but this servant is always at His Majesty’s beck and call. There’s little time to leave the palace."
Lu Yun, standing beside her father, wrinkled her nose and covered it with a silk handkerchief. The old eunuch reeked—a nauseating mix of perfume and something far worse.
Eunuch Zhou, sharp as ever, noticed her disgust.
After exchanging a few more pleasantries, the Duke of Lu led Lu Yun away. Once they turned a corner, Lu Yun whined, "Father, that eunuch stinks!"
The Duke sighed. "Eunuchs lack certain… parts. Their bodies carry odors. Just keep your distance in the future."
Unbeknownst to them, Eunuch Zhou’s hearing was keen despite his age. Every word they said pierced his ears like needles.
His face darkened with fury.
Eunuchs guarded their dignity fiercely. To be mocked behind his back by these two—it was infuriating.
Suppressing his rage, he continued toward the imperial kitchens with his attendants. Along the way, he encountered Shen Mieyue and Shen Xiuming.
"Eunuch Zhou!" Shen Xiuming recognized him at once.
Eunuch Zhou bowed slightly. "General Shen, Magistrate Shen."
Shen Xiuming grinned and turned to his brother. "Elder Brother, this is the eunuch who saved me. Three years ago, when Third Sister was sent to Donghua Mountain, I begged the emperor for mercy. He ordered me beaten with ten rods. But Eunuch Zhou told the guards to go easy—otherwise, I wouldn’t have survived."
Shen Mieyue’s stern expression softened with respect. He clasped his hands toward Eunuch Zhou. "This general owes you his gratitude."
Eunuch Zhou studied him discreetly. Most military officers, especially those who prided themselves on their masculinity, scorned eunuchs.
Yet this famed General Shen showed not a trace of disdain—only genuine courtesy.
Eunuch Zhou’s opinion of him soared.
A rare warrior who didn’t look down on eunuchs—this Shen Mieyue was truly extraordinary.
"A small favor, General. No need for thanks. The hour grows late—this servant must attend to the kitchens. Farewell."
As Eunuch Zhou departed, Shen Mieyue watched him go.
Sun Qingmei was right—not all eunuchs were wicked.
Turning to Shen Xiuming, he said, "Now that you’re back in the capital, visit Eunuch Zhou with gifts to express our gratitude."
Shen Xiuming nodded. "Don’t worry, Elder Brother. I’ll go tomorrow."
Secretly, he thought that befriending Eunuch Zhou might also improve his poor sister’s plight in the palace.
The brothers continued their conversation as they walked.
Eunuch Zhou overheard snippets and smiled in satisfaction.
Consort Chen was generous and kind-hearted—her brothers were no less remarkable.
The Shen family’s rise was unstoppable.
...
As the night deepened, the princess’s carriage finally arrived at the palace gates.
Zhao Yang descended in resplendent attire, assisted by her maids. Just as she was about to enter, a voice—familiar yet distant—called out behind her.
"Zhao Yang!"
She froze, then turned slowly.
Beneath the glow of palace lanterns, Yan Yunting stood in his crimson official robes.
His gaze was tender as he murmured, "It’s been so long."
