The Imperial Palace was vast, but when it came to the Empress Dowager, the highest-ranking official, matters were handled much more efficiently. Within an hour, four of the five people on the list had arrived. The one who hadn't come was elderly and in poor health, having been granted leave of absence last year. In a hurry, they might not be able to find him.
When the Empress Dowager met these four people, she couldn't help feeling a little disappointed.
She thought that someone who was once so high-spirited should still have some integrity. However, the four people before her were all gray-haired and beardless, and they looked very old, with cloudy eyes and no ambition or spirit left.
Can such a person still be used?
But she still patiently asked these four people about their experiences over the years.
The first three had clearly lived in a state of confusion, and one of them even spoke incoherently, which had chilled the Empress Dowager's heart. However, when it came to the last one, he did not recount his experiences in detail, but instead pulled out a book from his bosom and said, "My life's work is all contained in this book, and I wish to present it to the Empress Dowager for your perusal."
Not only the Empress Dowager, but everyone in the hall couldn't help but feel a little surprised.
This man looked the most destitute, the most unkempt, and the least valued of the four, which was why the Empress Dowager had ranked him last. But who knew he would act out of the ordinary and immediately capture everyone's attention.
From the book he took out, it was obvious that the paper was carefully cared for and there was not a single wrinkle on it, which was completely different from his appearance.
The Empress Dowager nodded slightly and said, "Present it."
Huang Xiu personally walked over to take the book, turned around and presented it on the table, letting the Empress Dowager take a look.
This seemingly sturdy book meticulously chronicles the lives of the emperor, his concubines, and the eunuchs and maids at court from the reign of Emperor Hui to Emperor Xian. Its breadth of coverage and comprehensiveness of content are truly remarkable. The writing is lively and the narrative is engaging. As a participant in this court life, the Empress Dowager smiled knowingly several times after reading only the opening pages, finding them quite captivating.
But now was not the time to read. She nodded slightly, closed the book for the time being, and looked up at the person kneeling below her. Her attitude was no longer as nonchalant as before, and she asked seriously, "What's your name?"
"Why shouldn't I be fair?"
"Get up." The Grand Empress Dowager waved her hand. "This book is quite interesting, showing your dedication. From now on, you will stay by my side and serve me. Huang Xiu, take him down and settle him down. You will start your duties today."
"Yes." Huang Xiu sighed inwardly and stepped out to answer. His gaze towards He Buping was extremely complicated.
Among the eunuchs who served their masters closely, most were literate. After all, they sometimes had to organize documents or even write for them. If they didn't know how to do these things, how could they serve their masters? However, there had never been anyone who wrote such a book.
I think he wrote this book not for his own amusement, but because he had already made up his mind to use it to make a comeback.
It's just that I never got the chance before, after all, those two masters didn't like these things. Now that I have caught the Empress Dowager's liking and have been granted the grace to stay by her side, I have to be on guard.
He personally sent He Buping to his residence and asked someone to deliver the things in the package. After comforting him, Huang Xiu turned around and left, leaving him to clean up here by himself.
Although the Empress Dowager had kept him, she hadn't given him a specific position or rank, clearly wanting to see what he could do. If he left him alone, perhaps soon he would have no place in Ziping Palace or Yangshou Palace.
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