Chapter Twenty-Six: The Auspicious Hour Approaches
“Your servant greets the Empress Dowager.”
“There’s no need for such formality.”
The Empress Dowager Chen turned around and saw the ‘young eunuch’ still bowing deeply in salute. She said, “Raise your head and let me have a good look at you.”
Xu Boqing obeyed, lifting his head to meet the Empress Dowager’s gaze. Her eyes were as sharp as a hawk’s, her presence overwhelmingly forceful, causing his heart to pound uncontrollably.
In his previous life, he had never believed in the existence of an ‘aura.’ He thought it nothing more than an excuse for one’s own inferiority—fear arising from the heart, a sense of being beneath others...
Yet now, perhaps due to the keen perception granted by his ‘Celestial Sight,’ he could distinctly sense that so-called aura!
It was something rarely seen in ordinary people...
Still, no matter how imposing the Empress Dowager’s presence, not a hint of fear showed on his face.
After all, upon his arrival, he had already witnessed the existence of a serpent demon; how could he possibly fear a mere human empress of a mortal dynasty?
The Empress Dowager noticed that, though his expression was taut, he remained calm and unflustered. Unlike most who stood before her, he showed none of the usual unease. She nodded slightly and asked, “You’re not afraid of me?”
“I was, at first.”
Xu Boqing nodded, answering honestly, “Your Majesty is blessed with the nation’s fortune, while I am but a lowly servant. Our statuses are worlds apart; naturally, I felt fear at first sight.”
“Oh?” The Empress Dowager sounded intrigued. Over the years, she had heard many explanations for fear, but never one involving the nation’s fortune. This was novel and rather amusing.
“So you were afraid at first. Does that mean you’re no longer afraid now?”
“I still am,” Xu Boqing replied with a bashful smile. “Though my status is humble, I know Your Majesty possesses a kind and gentle heart. Thinking thus, my fear lessens somewhat...”
“You are clever indeed...” The Empress Dowager couldn’t help but smile. “What is your name?”
“My surname is Xu, given name Boqing.”
No sooner had Xu Boqing answered than Chief Steward Huang stepped up to the Empress Dowager’s side, quietly relating all he knew of Xu Boqing’s identity, origins, and his possession of unusual abilities.
“Oh?” The Empress Dowager raised her brows in surprise, glancing at Xu Boqing with renewed interest.
She then looked to Chief Steward Huang. Their eyes met; seeing him nod subtly, she hesitated for a moment before nodding as well.
Turning back, she gracefully scattered a handful of fish food into the pond, attracting a flurry of darting fish. “You may go now. I am weary.”
“Your servant takes his leave.”
The two bowed and withdrew from the pavilion by the stream, walking in silence.
When they returned to the study, Chief Steward Huang gave Xu Boqing a stern glance. “I have already informed the Empress Dowager of your special abilities. Tonight, at the hour of the Dog, you are to proceed to her chamber. I trust you need no further instruction?”
“I understand. Thank you, Chief Steward, for your guidance.”
Xu Boqing’s gratitude was heartfelt, free of any pretense. Such a rare opportunity was entirely thanks to the Chief Steward’s efforts. If the steward were willing, he would gladly call him ‘foster father’!
Chief Steward Huang nodded. As if recalling something, he suddenly asked, “Are you still a virgin?”
“Ah, well...” Xu Boqing was momentarily taken aback before realizing the reason behind the question. Eunuchs serving in the royal household not only attended to daily needs but, upon coming of age, were also expected to receive certain forms of ‘enlightenment’ regarding matters between men and women.
Was the steward worried he would embarrass himself? No, more likely he feared the Empress Dowager would be displeased.
After a moment’s hesitation, Xu Boqing replied, “No.”
Chief Steward Huang’s expression darkened. “This concerns your very life. You had better be certain before you answer.”
“Truly, I am not...” Xu Boqing’s toes curled with embarrassment, his scalp tingling. He knew the steward meant well, but being asked such a question by an elderly eunuch—especially one who wore a look of ‘if you’re inexperienced, just say so, I’ll teach you’—made it all the more awkward.
The body’s previous owner had never married or fathered children, but as a man of letters with some family wealth, he had frequented pleasure houses often enough. His practical experience was not lacking.
As for his past life... best not to mention it.
“Good. That’s best,” Chief Steward Huang said, nodding. In this world, men and women married and bore children early on. Xu Boqing was of age; had he still been untouched, the steward would have found it odd.
He rummaged through the bookshelf, found several illustrated enlightenment manuals, and handed them to Xu Boqing. “Study these carefully when you return. Embarrassment is a small matter, but do not risk your life.”
“Thank you for your care, Chief Steward.” Xu Boqing’s eyes lit up as he accepted the volumes. He longed to open them and ‘critique’ them on the spot, but with the steward still present, he restrained himself and tucked them carefully inside his robe.
After all, these were rare, royal editions and deserved to be treasured.
“That will do.”
Seeing Xu Boqing’s eager appearance, Chief Steward Huang nearly laughed aloud. Waving his hand, he said, “Take them and study well. And don’t forget what I told you.”
Xu Boqing raised an eyebrow, smiling. “Rest assured, Chief Steward. Even if it cost me my life, I would not forget.”
“Go on, then. Prepare yourself.”
“Your servant takes his leave.”
Xu Boqing hurried back to his quarters, shut the door, and latched the window like a thief.
Once certain no detail had been overlooked, he drew out the ‘royal illustrated enlightenment manuals’ from his robe, full of anticipation and ready to ‘critique’ their contents.
As time passed, however, his excitement and hope gradually faded, giving way to disappointment and resignation, and finally to utter boredom and a touch of disdain.
Having been exposed in his previous life to certain foreign industries, he prided himself on his theoretical knowledge in these matters.
He had thought these ‘royal illustrated manuals’ would contain advanced teachings, perhaps some refined royal techniques worth learning. To his dismay, the contents were nothing but simple, tedious illustrations and descriptions.
There was not the slightest trace of the myriad innovations found in modern foreign works; even the cheap pamphlets sold at roadside stalls in his previous life were a hundred times more engaging.
But then, the Great Liang was a feudal kingdom with an unawakened populace. People were reserved, and their repertoire limited.
As for the royal family, standing atop the pyramid of worldly power, each member was worth a fortune. Their only concern was their own comfort; there was no need to exert themselves, and the consorts were expected to perform with enthusiasm regardless.
Tedious, utterly tedious...
With a curl of his lip, Xu Boqing put away the ‘royal illustrated enlightenment manuals,’ resolving that, should the opportunity arise, he would one day show the people of this world what true variety meant.
No, wait...
The opportunity would come tonight...
A slow smile spread across his lips, anticipation blazing in his heart. After bathing and perfuming himself, he waited quietly in his room, pondering how best to conduct himself to win favor when the time came to seize his shortcut to success.
He wasn’t exactly nervous, but there was some tension.
After all, the other party was none other than the Empress Dowager herself—if the dog Emperor were to find out, extermination of his clan would be the least of his worries...
Moreover, he had a mission to fulfill; he could not afford to focus solely on his own pleasure, but must ensure the Empress Dowager’s happiness as well.
Fortunately, his assets were more than sufficient...
As the endless wait dragged on, the sun gradually set and dusk enveloped the world.
The hour of the Dog was nearly upon him.