Volume One: The Warden and the Student Chapter Eighteen: How Can Everything Go as One Wishes?

The next day, as dawn broke, Huang Jin had already left home and returned to the palace.

As a member of the imperial household, especially as a trusted attendant close to the emperor, he seldom had time to himself. Day or night, he had to be ever ready for the emperor’s summons. To have even one day each month to leave the palace and relax was a great blessing for him. Compared with eunuchs like Huang Jin, modern workers complaining about grueling schedules seem like children playing at their tasks.

Before the hour of the dragon, Huang Jin was back in the palace. After changing into his eunuch’s robes, he didn’t hurry to attend upon the emperor; instead, he sought out two young eunuchs who usually accompanied him to inquire about any unusual happenings in the palace yesterday, especially around the emperor.

He knew well that before noon, the emperor was unlikely to seek him out. First came the morning court session, then the emperor would discuss matters with important ministers, and when everything was settled, it would be lunchtime—only then would it be reasonable for him to serve.

But today’s events unfolded unexpectedly. Not long after the morning court, word came summoning Huang Jin to attend at the Hall of Martial Excellence. Though surprised, he dared not delay and set off at once.

Entering the spacious and solemn hall with care, Huang Jin immediately saw the emperor seated behind the imperial desk, before which stood several high-ranking officials. There was Yang Tinghe, chief among the cabinet ministers, several department heads, and, rare to see but equal in standing to these civil officials, the Duke of State, Xu Guangzuo.

Compared to these pillars of the court, the Commander of the Embroidered Guards, Zhu Chen, seemed insignificant. He alone, upon seeing Huang Jin enter, nodded kindly, and the two exchanged a glance. But soon, Huang Jin’s attention was caught by the conversation between the emperor and his ministers, and his heart gave a jolt as he realized why the emperor had summoned him so urgently.

He heard the young emperor, only fifteen or sixteen, speak in a mature tone: "According to the Ministry of Justice and the Embroidered Guards, this Huang Ming has indeed rendered meritorious service to the court by capturing the White Lotus cultists?"

Zhu Chen immediately stepped forward. "Your Majesty, that is correct. Therefore, I felt talent such as his should not be wasted and wish to recruit him into the Commandant’s Office of the Embroidered Guards."

Xu Guangzuo then spoke as well: "Your Majesty, I too believe this is most reasonable. It would benefit both Huang Ming and the court, for choosing the worthy is the duty of the court."

The emperor did not answer at once, but turned his gaze to another minister. "What does the Ministry of Justice think?"

At this, the Minister of Justice, Zhang Zilin, was momentarily taken aback. From his vantage at the rear, Huang Jin could clearly see Zhang’s gaze quickly fall upon the man nearest the imperial throne—Prime Minister Yang Tinghe.

The great pillar of the Ming dynasty, Yang Tinghe, appeared utterly indifferent, his eyes lowered, his face serene, as if the matter did not concern him in the slightest; not even an eyebrow moved.

While Huang Jin struggled to fathom Yang’s intentions, Zhang Zilin spoke: "Your Majesty, though Huang Ming is indeed meritorious, whether his reward should be an appointment to the Embroidered Guards remains open to discussion."

"Oh?" The young emperor murmured meaningfully, turning his gaze to Huang Jin. "This is an odd affair. The vacancy for an Embroidered Guards captain would have been filled without fuss in the past—why is it brought before me today?

"And why do the ministers raise it only after discussing state affairs, especially..." His gaze fell upon Xu Guangzuo, the implication clear though unspoken.

The Duke of State dared say no more, his heart full of doubt. He had not come for this purpose today, but was drawn into supporting it by circumstance, never expecting it would have the opposite effect.

"Perhaps it relates to Huang Ming’s background? Huang Jin..." The emperor suddenly addressed his trusted eunuch, causing him to start and step forward quickly. "Your servant is present," he said, his heart racing.

"This Huang Ming, I hear, is your son?"

"Your servant would not dare hide anything from Your Majesty. Huang Ming is the son of my elder brother, who died early; I have no family besides him. Seeing his plight and that he is my only kin, I brought him to my side...

"Being a eunuch, I cannot have heirs, so I hoped this nephew might carry on the family line. If Your Majesty believes I have erred in this, I am willing to accept punishment..."

With that, Huang Jin knelt swiftly, ready to accept any consequence.

The emperor smiled. "Such is human nature; why would I blame you? I only wish to ask—do you have any thoughts on this matter?"

"Your servant would not dare presume. Whatever little merit my son has earned is due to Your Majesty’s favor..."

Had he known things would come to this, he would have stopped the Embroidered Guards’ plan; now, fate was uncertain.

A low cough sounded as another senior minister stepped forward. "Your Majesty, I have something to say."

Huang Jin instinctively looked up and recognized him as Mao Cheng, Minister of Rites.

With the emperor’s assent, Mao Cheng spoke solemnly: "I have heard of the prison break in the capital these past days, but did not know such a young talent helped the court capture the criminals. Such men must be rewarded, regardless of their background.

"But, Your Majesty, I have several concerns—may I speak?"

"Speak freely."

"First, though we believe Huang Ming’s merit is his own, others may not. Among the common folk, rumors may spread, claiming the Embroidered Guards credited him only to promote the eunuch’s son. That would sound ill and do him no good in future.

"Second, the Embroidered Guards are not an ideal post. Since Huang Ming is talented, why consign him there and limit his prospects? Your Majesty has previously considered reducing the number of secret police; placing such talent there is not fitting."

This made Huang Jin’s heart sink, and Zhu Chen’s face darkened.

But it was the truth; none dared refute it.

Mao Cheng continued: "Third, there are other ways to promote a promising young man. If I may suggest, let him follow the proper path."

"Minister Mao, my son Huang Ming lost his father young and has barely studied. To pursue the imperial examinations..."

"That is easily solved. Our dynasty has a place for such youths—the Imperial Academy. Send him there to study; when he has mastered his lessons, he can be appointed to a suitable post."

This casual suggestion changed Huang Jin’s expression, and the emperor frowned slightly.

Then, at last, Yang Tinghe spoke: "Your Majesty, I find Minister Mao’s reasoning most sound. Let us follow this course."

With his words, the matter was decided.

What seemed a sure arrangement vanished in an instant.

Indeed, nothing ever goes entirely as one wishes...