On the last day of July, Year 41 of the Zhongmiao era, a long-lasting reign came to an end. The Emperor of the Great Chu Empire, after many years of tortuous illness, finally passed away in the night. Having lived for 58 years and having sat on the throne for 41 years, he was granted the posthumous title of Emperor Wu, the Martial Emperor. The 33 year-old crown prince sat by his father’s deathbed; before him knelt the Five Trusted Officials selected by the late Emperor, with tens of imperial guards kneeling by his sides.

One month later, the Martial Emperor was entombed, and the new Emperor was enthroned. As was done for past Emperors, a phrase was selected from the Dao De Jing to be the new era name — “Xianghe”.

According to precedent, the new era name would only come into effect on the first month of the new year, and thus the few months left to the year still belonged to the old Emperor resting in his tomb. Yet the new Emperor brook no delay in restoring order to the realm, repealing a large number of decrees, granting amnesty to hordes of prisoners, denouncing crafty sycophants, and acquitting and promoting loyal officials who had been maligned.

Of course, the Chu Empire was founded on principles of filial piety, hence every official edict by the new Emperor would praise the merits of the Martial Emperor extensively and profusely, before pointing out some minor, meager, miniscule flaw that needed to be amended with great humility and trepidation.

When the Martial Emperor sat on the throne, the Chu Empire reached a golden age — no one could deny this. Only that this golden age seemed to last too long. It was like an opulent feast where its guests could indulge in every desire, and when the euphoria wore off and the exhaustion set in, no one could raise any interest in the face of yet more wine or women, and everyone only wished to sleep soundly in bed.

But the new Emperor had no time to sleep soundly. He had patiently waited for too long, and wanted to act quickly to put the chaotic realm back in order.

Unfortunately, Heaven did not abide by the wishes of man. After granting Chu an Emperor of 41 years and an unprecedented golden age, it too had fallen into a slumber and omitted to grant its blessings and protection to the new Emperor.

On the last day of September, Year 3 of the Xianghe era, the new Emperor passed away at the mere age of 36. He was granted the posthumous title of Emperor Huan, the Graceful Emperor, and left behind young sons, lonely widows, and an Imperial Court in its infancy. It would not be overmuch to call it a true mess.

As a bit of luck would have it despite the unfortunate circumstances, the Graceful Emperor left behind a Crown Prince borne of his principal wife. The line of succession was clear and undisputed, and the Five Trusted Officials selected by the Martial Emperor were still around to maintain order in the Imperial Court.

The young Emperor was 15 years old. From a young age, he had received love and favor from his grandfather, the Martial Emperor, and his father, the Graceful Emperor. He also received an education from the most renown and learned Confucian scholars. When he ascended to the throne, he had the support of the senior officials in the Imperial Court, and the protection of his mother, the Empress Dowager, in the inner Imperial Palace. He was poised to be yet another great Emperor who would usher in yet another golden age.

But the Heavens had not awakened from its slumber. Just five months later, in February of Year 1 of the Gongcheng era, just as the spring breeze was starting to rise and the winter snow was starting to melt, the young Emperor fell seriously ill. Three nights later, he followed his father and left behind no issue.

Within less than four years, three emperors had met their demise.

Around midnight, just an hour after the young Emperor had passed away, Palace Attendant Yang Feng stumbled hurriedly out of the Emperor’s palace-chambers. He ran alone through the long alleyways of the palace grounds, his heart pounding, his body sweating, his mouth gasping — it was as though the old man in his fifties was running for his life.

Yang Feng’s destination was the Empress Dowager’s palace-chambers. News of the Emperor’s death had already spread, so he was not going there to pass on the message. He had other plans, and he regretted setting out too late, but it was imperative that he perform his final act of loyalty for the Emperor whom he had personally raised.

Yang Feng was one of the very few who was at liberty to run around in the Imperial Palace. He soon reached the Empress Dowager’s palace-chambers. The few eunuchs guarding the doors looked on as he ran into the palace — no one stopped him. But there were more than ten eunuchs in the courtyard who were not so courteous and they rushed at Yang Feng upon seeing him, grabbing his arms and pushing him away.

Yang Feng shouted at the top of his lungs. “Empress Dowager! Disaster looms ahead! Disaster looms ahead…”

One of the eunuchs pulled out a pouch, and stuffed it in its entirety into Yang Feng’s mouth.

Yang Feng was heavily outnumbered, but just as he was about to be dragged out of the Empress Dowager’s palace chambers, a man walked out of the eastern wing. “Stop”, he said. His voice was not very loud, but it was very effective. The eunuchs who had hands on Yang Feng halted in their tracks and slowly placed Yang Feng on the ground.

Yang Feng spat out the thing in his mouth, and pushed the people around him aside. Ignoring his aches and pains, he walked stridently into the eastern wing, his heart full of disdain and fighting spirit.

The one who spoke under the veranda was a young eunuch. Just over twenty, he wore the azure robe and hat commonly seen within the palace, but his attire was well-fitted, evidently having been meticulously tailored. A trace of sadness could be discerned from his face, which only served to accentuate his elegant handsomeness.

This man was named Zuo Ji, just a minor eunuch of the Empress Dowager’s palace-chambers. Yang Feng did not wish to speculate casually, but he truly wished he could spot a few strands of facial hair from Zuo Ji’s face.

Yang Feng stared at Zuo Ji’s chin and said stiffly, “I must see the Empress Dowager immediately on a matter of great importance.”

Zuo Ji smiled and said, “Come. We have been waiting for Lord Yang for a long time.”Yang Feng took a deep breath as a slight smile emerged on his face. “Oh? It seems that I am late, then.”

To Yang Feng’s eyes, Zuo Ji was but a cultured mongrel —a pillow with an embroidered case who was an embarrassment to all palace eunuchs. But other than being contemptible, he posed no great threat. Yang Feng’s true opponent lay within the chambers.

Zuo Ji suddenly moved two steps forward. He grabbed Yang Feng’s arms and whispered, “You were always by His Majesty’s side. Did he say anything to you?”

Yang Feng took his measure and said, “His Majesty was unconscious for some time… What did you think His Majesty would say?”

Zuo Ji let go of his hands and laughed, but quickly realized it was inappropriate and reverted to an aggrieved expression. “I thought… His Majesty would mention the Empress Dowager”.

Yang Feng shoved Zuo Ji aside. Some matters had priority over others; he did not wish to voice any suspicions.

The Director of Palace Attendants, Jing Yao, stood in the room, waiting for Yang Feng.

Jing Yao was the highest ranking eunuch in the Imperial Palace. He was a few years older than Yang Feng, had served three emperors, and would soon welcome the fourth.

For the past decade or so, Yang Feng had served the Imperial Grandson wholeheartedly. He had watched with his very own eyes as his master grew to become the Imperial Crown Prince, then Emperor. And he was also there at his final moments, holding his hands as both warmth and power slipped away forever.

“Attendant Yang, you should not have come here.” Jing Yao was a short and stubby person who had an amiable face. If he was not wearing the eunuch’s uniform, one might mistake him for a kind grandma.

“These are extraordinary times, so we cannot stick to all the rules. I have come to save everyone’s lives.” Yang Feng was not willing to bow to this man who was his superior.

Jing Yao’s smile made him look like a yawning lion which had just swallowed a goat — fierce but sincere. “Barging into the Empress Dowager’s chambers without leave. Lord Yang, that is a crime punishable by death.”

Zuo Ji stood by the door and sighed soundlessly. His position was secure, so he had no need to fight for power like a rabid dog.

Yang Feng looked around. “Where is the Empress Dowager?”

Jing Yao showed a sorrowful expression. “His Majesty has met with misfortune. The Empress Dowager is beside herself with grief. Lord Yang, should you not be by His Majesty’s side at this time?”

Yang Feng ignored Jing Yao and turned to face Zuo Ji. He knew that this man was the only bridge between him and the Empress Dowager. “Has the Empress Dowager decided which prince shall succeed to the throne?”

The words had just left Yang Feng’s mouth when the amiable expression on Jing Yao’s face was wiped out. He rushed in front of Yang Feng and said harshly, “Insolent servant! Is this something that you should be talking about?”

Yang Feng turned his body to face Zuo Ji again. “The Empress Dowager is beset by dangers and the Imperial Court is about to fall into chaos. Lord Zuo, as the Empress Dowager’s attendant, you bear the weight of the world on your shoulders. Are you willing to listen to unpleasant but candid advice?”

Zuo Ji appeared to be rather shocked, as though he did not expect to be put at the centre of attention. Hesitatingly, he said, “Given the circumstances… the Empress Dowager should indeed listen to candid advice.”

Jing Yao moved aside, his hostile gaze looking to the ground before shooting back to Yang Feng.

Yang Feng calmly took a breath. If barging into the Empress Dowager’s chambers was a crime punishable by death, then what he was about to say would be sufficient for entire clans to be exterminated. “The Emperor has two younger brothers who were sent out of the Imperial Palace three years ago. Has anyone gone to escort them to the palace?”

Jing Yao interjected. “I thought it would be some amazing ‘candid advice’, yet it was merely thus. I have already made arrangements. The two princes will be escorted first thing tomorrow morning.”

“That would be too late!” Yang Feng raised his voice. “The senior officials of the Imperial Court would be one step ahead, choosing one of the princes to be the new Emperor. The Empress Dowager would be left with an empty title and no power. As for the three of us, we would be detestable and repugnant eunuchs who must be killed to appease the world.”Jing Yao harrumphed. “His Majesty passed away less than an hour ago. It is impossible for the senior officials of the court to take action so quickly.”

Indeed, His Majesty was ill for not more than three days. Even the most skilled imperial doctors would not have expected his condition to worsen so quickly.

Yang Feng lowered his voice and said to Zuo Ji, “Does the Empress Dowager trust every single person by her side?”

The color on Zuo Ji’s face changed slightly. “Lord Yang, what do you mean?”

“Eunuchs cannot be trusted.” Yang Feng himself was a eunuch, but he still said what he said. “We are like vines, born to twine around great trees. When one tree falls, we must find another. I believe there are those who have already leaked the news to the officials outside of the palace.”

Jing Yao shook his head. “Impossible. No one would dare. And the palace is heavily guarded.”

Zuo Ji was not so assured. He had never experienced such a serious matter. “I… I shall go to the Empress Dowager.”

Zuo Ji left hurriedly. Jing Yao’s amiable face was now bursting with rage. He growled, “Your tree has fallen. It is too late to look for a new one.”

Yang Feng stared coldly at Jing Yao. “You should be thanking me.”

“Thank you? Just because of your superfluous advice? The senior officials of the Imperial Court are disunited like loose sand. They do not dare to unilaterally establish a new sovereign. Your alarmist words are but an attempt to gain the Empress Dowager’s trust.”

“The senior officials of the court are not always disunited, especially when it comes to dealing with people like us. Lord Jing, you should read more history books.”

Jing Yao’s pale face rapidly grew red. After a pause, he said, “Lord Yang must have read many books. Can you predict how you are going to meet your demise?”

The two eunuchs glared at each other like swordsmen preparing to duel.

Zuo Ji returned quickly. With him was Lady Shang-guan, the Grand Consort. Her appearance diffused the tension in the room.

Lady Shang-guan was the Empress Dowager’s younger sister by blood. Her presence could be taken to represent the Empress Dowager herself. She sat on the couch without saying a single word, with no servant-girls by her side. After accepting the kowtows of the three eunuchs, she paused to think distractedly. She took a note from her sleeves and said, “The Empress Dowager’s written permit. You shall go fetch the two princes to the palace immediately.”

Jing Yao wanted to speak, but he swallowed back his words.

Grand Consort Shang-guan thought for a while, then continued to assign tasks. “Lord Jing, please go fetch Prince Donghai. Lord Yang —”

Yang Feng stood up immediately. “I am willing to remain in the palace to run the necessary errands for the Empress Dowager. Moreover, I have some things to say to the Empress Dowager in person.

Grand Consort Shang-guan shook her head. “Other matters can wait. Lord Yang, please go fetch the other prince.”

Yang Feng was stunned. He had just won a battle, but in a quick turn of events he was met with defeat. The situation was precarious and being by the Empress Dowager’s side was the best choice, but that place could only belong to Zuo Ji. The next best option was to fetch Prince Donghai, but he was assigned to the other prince — that prince who did not even have any title yet.

Yang Feng had no choice but to respectfully receive his orders.

The two eunuchs had begun their contest, and Yang Feng ran out of the palace chambers. Jing Yao called for his men in the courtyard. Half an hour later, Yang Feng had gathered his followers and met with Jing Yao and his men at the Dongqing Gate of the Imperial Palace. The palace guards evidently had some sense of what had happened within the palace, and they nervously checked the Empress Dowager’s written permit that would allow the eunuchs to leave the palace.

Jing Yao walked to Yang Feng’s side and said quietly, “Congratulations, Lord Yang. Receiving Ruzi into the palace, what meritorious service.”

When he said the words “Ruzi”, Jing Yao accentuated his tone. That was the nickname of the other prince. It meant “child”.

“You really should read more history books.” Yang Feng said coldly. As long as he remained alive, he would not admit defeat. Regardless of the hand he was dealt, he would make full use of what was available to him.