Volume 2, Chapter 12: Gaoshun (1/2)

After his bath, Jinshi was slowly drinking from his wine cup. When he had thought he heard the embers popping, the outside was already covered in snow. It should be getting cold.

As he put on the outer garment that was draped over the couch, he heard a clacking sound. The sound came from the entrance, a design of this building. With that sound, you can pretty much determine who was coming in.

It was as he expected. His attendant, whose wrinkled brows cannot return to how it was before, came in.

I sent her back with no problems.

Sorry as usual.

Gaoshun was entrusted to send Maomao back when it got late. It was what he occasionally did before, but he now thought that as that weirdo could find her, it cannot be overlooked. Because of that, as if he read Jinshis expression, Gaoshun kept silent and handled the job.

He was the man who had overseen his education since Jinshi was weaned. For a period of time, they had been separated when he had another job, but he was one person who understood Jinshi the most.

Its the inner palace tomorrow.

Yes.

After escorting Maomao back, Gaoshun had headed to the medical office to pick up a certain thing that was compounded for him. It was a strange bitter liquid. Just looking at it makes me feel nauseous, he thought every time.

The medicine was portioned into two silver bowls, and Gaoshun took the first taste. Originally, it was thought it was a job that Maomao will take the initiative to try, but it was meaningless for her. Gaoshun downed it all, his brows furrowed deeply, and then waited a while.

Theres no problem. Its the usual.

Gotcha.

Jinshi picked up the bowl. He pinched his nose and drank it down in a single gulp. He wiped the liquid that was left on the side of his mouth with the back of his hand and accepted the water Suiren bought to him. He had already drunk this continuously for five years, but he still couldnt get used to it.

Pinching your nose. It would be better if you dont do that in front of others.

I get it.

You look very young from just that action.

I get it.

Jinshi, as he sulked, sat on the couch. His tone of voice, speech, walk, activity, all kinds. He had to pay attention to all those things. The eunuch called Jinshi was a twenty-four-year-old man.

He straightened his posture, tried to adopt the eunuch Jinshis face.

But the bitterness of the drug lingered and his face ended up slackening. Gaoshun frowned again.

You dont have to drink it if you dont like it.

Isnt it a distinction just in case*.

Five years, has he been in the current emperors Inner Palace. Five years, has Jinshi continued to wear that warped mask.

Like so, he had continued to drink the medicine that takes away his masculinity.

Despite what the emperor had imparted him. Do whatever you like to low-ranked consorts and under.

Youll eventually truly become impotent.

At Gaoshuns words, Jinshi spat out the cider he was drinking to remove the bad taste in his mouth. He held his mouth, looked at Gaoshun resentfully. Occasionally, Ill have to tell you this much, Gaoshun looked as if to say that.

Not like youre any different.

No, my grandchild was born last month.

Gaoshuns children were already adults. It appeared that he wanted to say that he didnt need to make any now.

How old are you?

Thirty-seven to count[note]This is the traditional East Asian age system; western age is one year younger. So by western standards, hes 36 years old.[/note].

If he remembered correctly, he heard that Gaoshun married at sixteen and that three kids consecutively from the following year.

No, Im talking about your son. He was there that time.

It was the time of the seaweed food poisoning incident the other day. The young man who accompanied Maomao that time to the officials house, that should be Gaoshuns youngest child.

He should be, eighteen. The same age as milord.

Gaoshun not using the name Jinshi, that was a point. Jinshi is twenty four years old, a man who became a eunuch five years ago.

That guys kid?

No, my eldest daughters. He should be getting around to marriageable age soon though.

Gaoshuns children were all doing well. The married daughter had also been working as a maid at the imperial court about one year ago.

He was looking like he somehow wanted to say something to Jinshi. Jinshi, with an innocent look, recrossed his legs.

Please let me hold your grandchild soon.

Ill try.

Gaoshun drank the warm tea that Suiren presented to him.

Jinshi ignored the reproachful attendants fleeting look, and gulped down the cider.