Chapter Nineteen: The Inquiry

“Earlier, this old servant once had some dealings with Young Master Lu Jue, and in my heart I found him to be quite a decent person. Just now, when I heard Your Majesty mention that Young Master Lu is still unwell, I couldn't help but feel concerned,” Eunuch Mingde said with a smile, though he made no mention of the previous encounter with Lu Jue. After all, although he had saved Lu Jue that day and spared him the agony of the rod, his years in the palace had taught him the dangers of rumors and miscommunication. Should he speak of what happened and Han Yue misrepresent it even slightly, Feng Yewu could easily misunderstand. In this palace, one’s merits could sometimes become a burden, and a single misstep could cost one’s life.

“I did not expect the eunuch to show such care for us mere servants. Truly, you have a kind heart,” Han Yue replied, not pressing the matter further. She was, after all, only Feng Yewu’s personal maid, and she knew better than to provoke these seasoned old eunuchs of the court.

“You jest, Miss Han Yue. We are all the same, serving our masters to the best of our abilities for our own purposes. In the end, we are all but servants,” Eunuch Mingde replied, his words so tactful that even Han Yue found them admirable.

Before long, the two of them, along with their attendants, arrived at Lu Jue’s residence.

“Miss Han Yue?” Lu Jue emerged from within, his manner preoccupied, as though something weighed on his mind. Looking up, he was surprised to see Han Yue and Eunuch Mingde approaching, and could not help but call out to her.

Yet when it came to Eunuch Mingde, Lu Jue acted as if he had not seen him at all. In front of so many attendants, Lu Jue’s blatant disregard for the eunuch astonished even the servants. However, Eunuch Mingde merely smiled, appearing wholly unconcerned with Lu Jue’s attitude.

“Young Master Lu, has your health improved?” Before Han Yue could speak, Eunuch Mingde inquired with such warmth and earnestness that one might have thought the two were old friends.

Lu Jue had not expected such enthusiasm in return for his indifference. For a moment, he felt awkward pretending not to notice, so he quickly bowed and replied, “Thank you, Eunuch Mingde, for your concern. My body is much recovered now. I appreciate your care.”

“Enough, there’s no need for you two to exchange pleasantries here.” Han Yue smiled slightly at the pair, then swiftly explained her purpose. “I come at His Majesty’s bidding. After court was dismissed, you were nowhere to be found, so His Majesty sent me to check on you.”

Upon hearing Feng Yewu’s name, Lu Jue’s eyelids quivered slightly, as if the mention had struck a chord. Yet the change in his expression was fleeting, and most would not have noticed. He bowed and replied, “Your servant is grateful for His Majesty’s concern,” and said nothing more.

Observing Lu Jue’s reaction, Han Yue guessed he had left early and likely knew nothing of what occurred after. Her eyes flickered, and she continued speaking with feigned concern, “Young Master Lu, your injuries must have left you weak. You should rest well for a few days. Wait until you’ve recovered before attending upon His Majesty again.”

Lu Jue merely remained silent at her words, offering neither refusal nor assent.

As Han Yue spoke, she began to touch on court matters. “Technically, as palace servants, we shouldn’t discuss affairs of state. But Young Master Lu, you’ve been absent lately and cannot know how angry His Majesty has been.”

Lu Jue had not expected her to change the topic so abruptly, drawing him into official matters, but his curiosity was piqued. “His Majesty has been angry? Why?”

Hearing his question, Han Yue, with her back to Lu Jue, concealed a quick smile behind her hand before turning around, her face full of righteous indignation as she recounted, “You’re unaware, but the current Minister of Revenue spends his days neglecting his duties, his mind filled only with thoughts of the imperial harem. He infuriated His Majesty, so His Majesty decided to let him manage the affairs of the inner palace properly.”

At this, Lu Jue could not help but be startled.

“Young Master Lu, His Majesty’s actions surely have their reasons,” interjected Eunuch Mingde, who had been silent until now, seizing the opportunity as Lu Jue and Han Yue conversed.

“Naturally, I understand His Majesty’s decisions are well considered,” Lu Jue replied with a nod.

Yet in Eunuch Mingde’s heart, a storm was brewing. Han Yue’s words echoed his own astonishment. That day, had he not protected Lu Jue, the fate that befell the Minister of Revenue might well have included him too. At the thought, Eunuch Mingde’s gaze toward Lu Jue softened with even more warmth, tinged now with a trace of deference.

“Young Master Lu, in recent days this old servant’s words and actions may have been improper. I hope you will forgive me,” Eunuch Mingde declared, dropping all pretense and apologizing directly.