Chapter 121: Entering the Palace

Entering the palace to pay respects to the emperor? That was simply going to see the emperor in person. At this moment, Gou Ye’s heart was like a storm-tossed sea. Although he often saw the so-called emperor on television, facing the reality made him shudder with fear. This was not a TV show—one wrong word could cost his head. As the saying went, the emperor’s wrath was unfathomable. If the emperor had a temper like Zhu Yuanzhang, who killed on a whim, then this visit could very well end in disaster.

Seeing that no one moved, the official whispered, “Respond! Who is Gou Ye? Step forward to receive the imperial edict!”

Laifu, standing beside Gou Ye, quickly nudged him. Gou Ye snapped back to attention and promptly replied, “Gou Ye, receiving the edict!”

“Then let’s go. What are you waiting for? Don’t keep His Majesty waiting—he doesn’t take kindly to delays.” Hearing the official’s hushed tone, Gou Ye was certain this was one of those eunuchs he had seen on television, though seeing one in person for the first time felt strange indeed.

Jia Zhengyi, however, understood the situation well. He called the eunuch over, and the two stepped aside. Jia then discreetly pulled out a pouch of silver and slipped it into the eunuch’s hand. “Gou Ye is new here and unfamiliar with the customs. I hope you will guide him kindly.”

“Well said, well said.” The eunuch’s face immediately blossomed into a smile. He turned to Gou Ye and said, “Let’s go.”

At this point, there was no room for refusal. Gou Ye turned to Yun Niang and said, “Don’t worry, I’ll be back soon.” Then he turned to Jia Zhengyi: “Please take care of my family. I will follow the eunuch into the palace now.”

Jia Zhengyi was a man of the world and showed no worry. Instead, his face was alight with smiles as he waved his hand. “Go, Young Master Gou. Don’t be afraid. If anything arises, the eunuch will guide you.”

Following the eunuch out the door, Gou Ye listened as he said, “Just call me Eunuch Bai.”

“Very well, Eunuch Bai. I hope you will kindly instruct me. May I ask, what business does His Majesty have with me today?” Gou Ye said politely, imitating Jia Zhengyi’s manner as he slipped a few more silver ingots into Bai’s sleeve.

Seeing Gou Ye’s tact, Eunuch Bai’s tone grew more amiable. “His Majesty has read your poetry and praised you as a talented young man. He wished to meet you in person. Remember this: when you meet His Majesty, remove your shoes before entering, keep your head lowered, maintain a distance of three meters, kneel on the ground, and do not raise your head unless His Majesty permits. Speak only when spoken to, and say only what must be said. When it’s time to leave, I will accompany you out.”

“Thank you for your guidance, Eunuch Bai,” Gou Ye responded courteously.

Before long, Gou Ye followed Eunuch Bai to a grand red gate. He never imagined that the mysterious palace he had pondered over just days ago would soon be beneath his feet. Entering the palace, he was dumbfounded. The sheer number of halls exceeded all his expectations. The interior resembled the Forbidden City in Beijing, but here, the atmosphere was even more imposing.

Throughout the journey, Eunuch Bai said nothing, leading Gou Ye through corridor after corridor, past one side hall after another. Rather than taking him to the grand hall where the emperor met his court, Bai stopped before a small room. Gou Ye guessed this was the ancient imperial study where the emperor reviewed memorials and conducted official business.

Eunuch Bai instructed Gou Ye to wait outside while he entered alone. Not long after, the door opened. “Come in. His Majesty wishes to see you.”

As Gou Ye took a step forward, Bai frowned and gave him a warning glance. Gou Ye immediately understood and, remembering Bai’s instructions, quickly removed his shoes and lowered his head as he entered. But with his head bent, he couldn’t gauge the distance properly. Unsure, he took small, cautious steps until he heard Bai clear his throat. Gou Ye promptly knelt down.

For a moment, Gou Ye was overwhelmed, wondering what to say. Should he proclaim, “Long live the Emperor,” or “I, Gou Ye, respectfully greet Your Majesty,” or perhaps “May Your Majesty reign forever and ever”? Lost in thought, a deep, resonant voice cut through the silence: “Since you have come before me, why do you not speak?”

Gou Ye prostrated himself and replied, “Your Majesty, I do not know what to say. I have never been inside the palace and do not know whether to say ‘Long live the Emperor’ or simply offer my respects.”

A hearty laugh followed. “Enough. Raise your head and look at me.”

Still wary, Gou Ye slowly lifted his gaze and saw the man seated behind the desk. This was the reigning Son of Heaven, the emperor of the great Ming Empire, revered by all. His bright yellow robe was embroidered with a soaring dragon over the vast ocean, the golden waves radiating majestic authority. His eyes, as black as polished jade, seemed to pierce straight into one’s soul, inspiring awe and fear. This was innate heavenly power, the regal aura only an emperor possessed.

Yet, the emperor smiled gently at Gou Ye and said, “Gou Ye, even before you arrived in the capital, I had heard of you. It was Minister Hai Rui who informed me. Your handling of the affairs in Zheng’an County was commendable. Minister Hai Rui praised you highly. When I heard that a poet prodigy had emerged in the scholar circle recently, my curiosity was piqued—and that was you.”

“I merely composed a few verses at the Moonlight Pavilion by chance; I had no intention of making it known. I never imagined it would disturb Your Majesty,” Gou Ye replied carefully, recalling Eunuch Bai’s advice to speak little. As the saying went, misfortune often arose from careless words. Too much boasting was never wise.

“Indeed. I have read your poem. From it alone, you deserve the title. However, I have heard you come from a humble background, have no formal teacher, and have been ill for many years, bedridden at home. I am curious—how did you compose such poetry? Tell me honestly, did you write it yourself?”

At these words, cold sweat broke out on Gou Ye’s forehead, and a chill ran down his spine. This was more than a question; it was a revelation. Even before he arrived, the emperor already knew everything about him—his childhood illness, his struggles, all laid bare. In His Majesty’s presence, Gou Ye felt transparent, as if standing naked before him with no secrets left to hide. And that was a feeling he detested above all.