The only sun in Huayu

Chapter 82 A young man enters the deep palace, his robes trailing and staining the blue clouds (7k8)

The late autumn wind carried the chill of early winter, biting coldly against my face.

Guo Fan wrapped his thick coat tighter around himself. He had just founded an advertising company in Beijing, Gonghe Culture Media, and had arranged to meet a friend early in the morning to support "The Imperial Censor".

I'll contribute to the box office of domestic films and also do my part in helping Shen Shandeng fight against traitors.

The controversy surrounding "The Sin" has been widespread, with media reports consistently focusing on the subject.

In the last few days, the situation has taken a sharp turn for the worse, with public opinion overwhelmingly criticizing "The Sinner".

This outcome is inseparable from Shen Shandeng's courageous speech at the premiere.

It takes immense courage for a new director to expose the "Emperor's New Clothes" created by an internationally renowned director!

Guo Fan even praised Shen Shandeng's statement about taking over the schedule!
Although some voices questioned what qualifications Shen Shandeng had to represent Chinese filmmakers and the new generation of Chinese directors, who can say that Shen Shandeng was not qualified?
The Republic has given everyone equal human dignity.

So what if he's an international director? Does that mean I can't question him?!
There is no such truth!
Judging from its momentum, "The Eunuch" has the strength to do so. These days, 500 copies is already a large distribution volume. In terms of distribution scale, it is enough to take over the release schedule.

Quite coincidentally, "The Sinner" was released on November 1st. Small and medium-sized films avoided "The Sinner," leaving "The Eunuch" with almost no competitors at the same time.

The movie "Ratatouille," which was rumored to be released on November 9, has been moved to next Friday to compete with "Die Hard 4."

It just so happens that two Hollywood movies are going head-to-head, so let's see who comes out on top.

Stepping into the movie theater, a wave of warmth from the heating system hits you, dispelling the chill outside.

On a weekday morning, Guo Fan was surprised to find that there were quite a few people.

The poster for "The Eunuch" occupies the most prominent position. Chen Kun plays a character dressed in a gorgeous crimson robe with a gold python sash, his eyes cold as knives, against a background of firelight and the glint of swords.

The poster for "The Creation" next to it hasn't been taken down yet, and it's a bit of an eyesore to have it there.

Guo Fan found a seat and sat down, noticing that the theater was already quite full, with about 40 or 50 people already in the early morning.

As the lights dimmed, the dragon emblem appeared.

The logos of major producers such as China Film Group and Shandeng Culture, as well as co-producers such as Bona Film Group and Enlight Media, all appeared.

Then the screen lit up.

Outside Juyong Pass, within the territory of Huailai Guard, lies a treacherous mountain road.

The sky was azure, the sun blazed fiercely, the mountains rose in layers, and the vegetation was lush and verdant.

A dusty official road winds its way between cliffs and deep valleys.

A timeline is shown on the left side of the screen.

In July of the eighth year of the Jiajing reign (1529), the date of the Christian calendar was also given.

Along the rugged official road, a caravan of about a hundred people traveled in a continuous line, with several horse-drawn carriages in the middle. Their banners fluttered as they moved along the narrow mountain path, but in this desolate and treacherous place, they appeared small.

Accompanied by slightly stirring and powerful background music, the camera pans to the outer perimeter, where thirty Imperial Guards dressed in flying fish robes and carrying embroidered spring knives at their waists, led by several junior and senior officers, vigilantly patrol the cliffs on both sides.

Behind the procession were carriages belonging to clerks from the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of War, as well as mule carts carrying supplies and archives.

The scene cuts to a close-up, showing the central carriage surrounded by twenty elite soldiers from the Tengxiang Fourth Guard Battalion, each clad in iron armor and armed with long spears and muskets. They are clearly very well-trained.

Several elite guards stood on an open cart, holding muskets and aiming in all directions.

The camera focuses on the blue carriage in the very center, a spacious and sturdy four-wheeled carriage. The first thing you notice about the interior is the swaying, indicating that the road is very rough and bumpy, and the journey is difficult.

The dilapidated state road also serves as an indication that the imperial court's power in this area is not strong.

The first close-up shot is of Lu Bing, played by Wu Jing, sitting opposite him in the carriage, dressed in a black flying fish robe.

The young and dashing Lu Bing frowned slightly, glancing out the car window from time to time. His hand unconsciously brushed against the embroidered spring knife at his waist, and then he looked ahead with a hint of tension.

Following Lu Bing's gaze, the camera focused on a slender, slightly pale but well-defined hand, which was slowly and meticulously slicing a plump pear with a small, exquisite silver knife.

The chopped pear pieces were evenly swirled and scattered on the silver tray, arranged in an umbrella shape.

Only then is a close-up shot given of the owner of this hand, Chen Mo, played by Chen Kun.

Chen Mo was dressed in a blue evening gown, typical of a mid-level eunuch. The fabric was crisp, and the subtle patterns were faintly visible in the light shining through the car window.

He wore a plain, gilded wide leather belt around his waist, from which hung an ivory plaque representing his status as the Junior Supervisor of the Imperial Horse Administration and a deep red brocade purse.

His official hat was worn straight, reflecting a faint light.

He looked calm, even a little languid from the journey, focused on the pear in his hand.

"Now that we've reached this 'no man's land,' where the roads are no longer under our control, and you're all silent. What, is Tumu Fort so terrifying?"

"Hey, Qingluan, aren't you allowed to speak?"

Chen Mo's joking remark indicated that he was not the sinister eunuch in the traditional sense.

The camera focused on Yang Mi's character, Lu Qingluan, who appeared quirky and mischievous.

"of course can."

After Lu Qingluan finished speaking, she sat up straight and looked at her brother.

Chen Mo smiled and said, "So you're afraid of me, this eunuch?"

The tone wasn't cold; it was clearly a self-deprecating joke.

At this moment, Lu Bing said, "Junior Supervisor, this place is dangerous. The recent defeat at Tumu Fort is a stark reminder of our past mistakes. We should be cautious."

His sharp gaze swept once again toward the steep mountainside outside the car window.

Chen Mo shook his head: "Commander Lu, it's one thing for a grown man like you to be so cold and aloof, but why do you also tell your little sister, a young girl, to be so unsmiling?"

"I am a female member of the Embroidered Uniform Guard appointed by His Majesty. I am first and foremost a member of the Embroidered Uniform Guard," Lu Qingluan corrected.

Chen Mo gently brushed his hand across the silver plate, and a flash of light appeared on his palm. The pear was covered with a layer of white frost, demonstrating his powerful internal energy cultivation.

"Your Excellency, we will have to rely on you a lot on this trip. We need someone who can lower the enemy's guard to conduct investigations."

Lu Qingluan couldn't help but say proudly, "That's right, I have received rigorous training from the Embroidered Uniform Guard."

Chen Mo elegantly cut the translucent pear flesh into small pieces, picked up a piece with a silver skewer, and gave it to Lu Qingluan.

"So refreshing! It's so cool without ice!" Lu Qingluan exclaimed.

Chen Mo laughed and said, "It's good to smile. Why be so nervous in this life?"

talking.

He handed the silver tray to Lu Bing, who shook his head and refused, saying, "Thank you, Junior Supervisor, but I do not like sweets."

Lu Qingluan, however, became more open: "Young Master, are you truly a cultivation genius that the Imperial Stables finds only once every two hundred years?"

Chen Mo began to think.

Lu Bing couldn't help but look over out of curiosity.

"Two hundred years is not quite accurate, more like a little over a hundred years. And it's not just the Imperial Horse Administration, but also the Twelve Administrations, Eight Bureaus, Four Departments, and Twenty-Four Offices. In history, I am one of the top two."

Lu Qingluan praised him, and Lu Bing couldn't help but smile.

Chen Mo asked, "Any more questions?"

Lu Qingluan said, "I've wanted to say this for a long time! This lousy road is so bumpy it feels like your bones are going to fall apart. Eunuch Chen, as the imperial envoy, you should definitely report them to the authorities! They even embezzled the money for road repairs; have they lost their conscience?"

As the atmosphere became more relaxed.

"call out--!"

A piercing, ear-piercing whistle shattered the tranquility of the valley!

Then came the snapping of the bowstring as it pierced the air!
Bang bang bang!
The sound of muskets firing could be heard.

"Fizz!"

The horses in Chen Mo's carriage were startled and suddenly convulsed!
The sturdy horses pulling the cart were driven into a frenzy by the sudden attack and the flying arrows!
Inside the carriage, the heavy four-wheeled carriage, dragged by the out-of-control horses and jolted by the mountain road, suddenly tilted to one side!

Lu Qingluan's exclamation was drowned out by the violent rolling!
Lu Bing reacted extremely quickly, lunging at Chen Mo in an attempt to protect him!

However, Chen Mo was faster than him!

His gaze shifted from languid to icy sharp in an instant, and a piercing buzzing sound emanated from the Hidden Scale Sword in Chen Mo's hand.

The final shot.

It was Chen Mo's icy gaze piercing the screen, and the sharp, mournful sound of a sword.

Followed by.

The two large, gold-red characters “督公” (Du Gong, meaning "Supervisor") leaped onto the screen.

Then came the seven powerful black characters: "Director Shen Shandeng's work".

Guo Fan's attention was already captivated by the opening scene.

The eighth year of the Jiajing reign, Tumu Fortress, new defeat, imperial envoy, blue internal energy.
This three-minute interlude provides a wealth of information and leaves many questions unanswered.

The movie begins.

【A storm raged】

November of the fifteenth year of Zhengde.

The year 1520 in the Christian calendar.

A world of ice and snow, withered trees and crows at dusk.

The magnificent palace carriages came to a stop.

The car window rolled down, and a well-maintained hand offered a snow-white, rough steamed bun.

This shot lasts only five seconds.

The film doesn't show the young Chen Mo, but it directly states that 13-year-old Chen Mo was discovered by a passing palace eunuch who was buying supplies for the imperial court because his hometown was hit by a disaster, his parents died, and he was unlikely to survive the winter.

He chose to be castrated because "entering the palace would mean having food to eat".

[The testicles are gone]

The camera flashes across busy figures, like an operating table, with a large number of instruments, hooks, and knives.

Then there are herbs and wood ash everywhere, keeping the whole room dry.

A tray was placed on a table, and on the tray were several oval-shaped, egg-like objects.

"you're awake."

Young Chen Mo opened his eyes and heard an unfamiliar voice.

There are no close-up shots of young Chen Mo; the story is told only from his perspective.

Several eunuchs, some old and some young, appeared before me.

"The operation was successful."

An old eunuch said, "Stand up and walk around; it will help you recover faster."

The camera panned to another boy, who glanced at himself and groaned.

"Waaaaah, my balls are gone."

The old eunuch chuckled strangely.

The camera cuts to the first appearance of young Chen Mo, who is holding a steamed bun with a satisfied smile.

"The white steamed buns are delicious and sweet."

Even when they were able to survive, they wouldn't eat white flour steamed buns even once a year.

For Chen Mo, entering the palace not only saved him from a life-or-death crisis, but also represented a leap in social class.

The white steamed bun was like a ray of light shining into Chen Mo's heart.

Therefore, compared to those who voluntarily castrate themselves to seek wealth and status, Chen Mo was quite content.

[Court Life: Rules and Atmosphere]

Fast montage.

It showcases the vibrant life of the Ming court.

The first issue is housing.

The palace had strict rules. Eunuchs and palace maids worked in the palace during the day, and once the palace gates were locked at night, those who did not live in the imperial city had to go back to their residences outside the imperial city.

Palace maids were also assigned to other positions, but the management was stricter, and they were provided with communal dormitories. Eunuchs, on the other hand, were allowed to rent rooms outside.

Highly capable eunuchs were no less powerful than civil officials and nobles; they had prestige and could enter and exit the palace on horseback or in sedan chairs.

Ordinary eunuchs could only rely on their own two legs to walk to work every day, rain or shine, and commuting early in the morning for those with long distances was the norm.

Food was also a big problem. White flour steamed buns were delicious, but they were the only kind of food available.

It's impossible to get a hot meal, so in the palace, being good at cooking is worse than being skilled in martial arts.

For food, palace maids and eunuchs would do anything; they were a bunch of gluttonous girls and boys.

The lower-ranking eunuchs and palace maids went to great lengths and showed incredible audacity in their pursuit of meat.

The eunuchs loved to secretly raise chickens and ducks in the West Garden, where the land was large, there were few people and few patrols, making it particularly suitable for raising chickens.

Some people were even bolder and went straight for the royal animals, such as the koi carp that the emperor kept in Taiye Pond, which they would catch, roast, and eat.

Therefore, eunuchs who could cook were the most outstanding, able to take on side jobs and curry favor with their superiors.

They are also very competitive in the "marriage and dating" market.

Yes, even eunuchs and palace maids discriminated against single people.

Although becoming a palace maid or eunuch meant remaining unmarried and childless, it didn't mean not looking for a partner.

Living together as a couple is still necessary, which means sharing meals.

Even eunuchs and palace maids humiliated single men and women; if they couldn't find a partner, they would be ridiculed.

Pairing up not only relieves loneliness, but also improves resilience. Palace maids can help eunuchs mend clothes, and eunuchs can help palace maids buy things when they leave the palace.

Not only do they offer food, but they also bring betrothal gifts.

Well-connected eunuchs would "betroth" palace maids by giving them gold bracelets, silks, and even promising to buy them a small courtyard to live in after they were transferred to other posts.

Capable palace maids would also prepare a "dowry" for themselves, or at least give back hand-embroidered purses, shoes and socks.

Besides food, palace maids and eunuchs also had their own spiritual lives.

Many palace maids enjoyed playing mahjong. They would hide in the corner of the duty room, take out leaf tiles, and use pastries, rouge, and powder as stakes to start playing.

In addition to entertainment, you can also relax, chat about gossip, and eat sunflower seeds.

These influential people are aware of this, but unless it's very serious, they often choose to turn a blind eye.

High-ranking eunuchs and palace maids were truly impressive.

High-ranking palace maids were female officials, and some of them were eligible to marry.

As for high-ranking eunuchs, the standard equipment was to carry an expensive birdcage and stroll around listening to music, just like the Eight Banners later on.

Some eunuchs were cultured, collecting books and famous paintings, and even engraving and publishing their own books.

The film uses a rapid 30-second montage to depict scenes of life in the Ming Dynasty court.

Eunuchs and palace maids were certainly tools, but that doesn't mean they had no life, nor does it mean they wore the label of "tool" on their faces.

In reality, people won't obey just because you have a high-ranking title.

Even Zhu Yuanzhang, who had a verifiable record of executing corrupt officials daily, would still treat his cooks with great respect.

If the people who serve you are all cold and indifferent, the master will not be able to sleep.

Of course, all of this had nothing to do with Chen Mo, who had just lost his testicles, and he didn't feel any sense of loss in his life.

On the contrary, they are very motivated!
Once I've recovered enough, I'll start learning etiquette.

Inside the ceremonial room.

The learning environment is not gloomy; it is similar to employee training and does not create a dark or frightening atmosphere.

The old eunuch Gu An, dressed in a simple old python-patterned robe, imparted the rules of conduct.

It was emphasized repeatedly.

"The first requirement for a eunuch is loyalty to the emperor and love for his country!"

"The most important thing is to serve the country and repay the emperor's kindness!"

The Emperor's kindness can never be repaid!

Inside the ceremonial room, one can see portraits and stories of Yue Fei, Guan Yu, and the eunuch Sanbao.

Gu An then explained the rules of etiquette, how to greet concubines and princes, how to greet civil officials, some tips on greeting, and taboos within the palace.

The most important thing is to teach martial arts.

"Within the palace, third-rate people are everywhere, second-rate people are as common as dogs, and anyone you meet could be a first-rate person."

Occasionally, a young eunuch would slack off, and the board would whistle down.

Sometimes Gu An would sit still, not wanting to move, and would flick a soybean with his finger to remind the little eunuch not to be sneaky.

The dialogue and camera language provide preliminary information about the film's martial arts settings.

Five realms.

A skilled martial artist, a third-rate figure, a second-rate master, a first-rate expert of the time, a grandmaster.

Young Chen Mo diligently learned the rules, and he was very satisfied.

The camera zooms in on the "Quiet Candle" footwork, showing the silent lifting of the foot and the coordination of breathing.

Quiet room.

Chen Mo sat cross-legged, and his dantian stirred with a sense of excitement, which filled him with delight.

Feel the Qi!

One day, I sensed his talent! He's a genius!

During his studies, Chen Mo learned quickly and had a good personality.

Gu An saw this and nodded slightly.

[Humiliated]

A trend of adopting godfathers emerged among eunuchs.

A junior eunuch must recognize a senior and powerful eunuch, such as a high-ranking official in one of the Twenty-Four Offices, or even a high-ranking official in the Twelve Directorates, as his "godfather." The godfather provides protection, guidance, and opportunities for advancement, while the godson must be absolutely loyal, diligent, and act as his eyes and ears and henchmen.

Little Fangzi became the godfather of the Grand Eunuch Ma Cheng and started acting all high and mighty.

One day, at the errand office.

They led a group to shove and push Chen Mo.

"Go away!"

If you tell me to get out, then Chen Mo will get out!
He bowed his head and backed down, but his fist clenched secretly in his sleeve, and his eyes grew cold.

The palace is, after all, the palace. Eunuchs and palace maids will inevitably have psychological issues to some extent, and it is common for them to fawn over the powerful and belittle the weak.

"Become stronger!"

For the first time, Chen Mo, who had always been content, felt dissatisfied.

Life Mentor

On a certain day in February of the sixteenth year of Zhengde (1512).

Quiet room.

"Breakthrough!"

In just over two months, Chen Mo's martial arts skills improved rapidly, breaking through the three stages of sensing qi, condensing qi, and strengthening qi.

His internal energy continued to grow, making him a skilled martial artist.

However, the atmosphere inside the palace became tense, and outside the Leopard Chamber, the atmosphere was grim.

The Imperial Guards were being mobilized unusually frequently, and high-ranking eunuchs such as Gu Dayong and Zhang Yong were in a hurry and looked nervous.

Various rumors circulated.

It seems that Emperor Zhengde is nearing his end.

Although Chen Mo was only on the periphery of Emperor Wuzong's death, he deeply felt the chaos and grim atmosphere before Emperor Wuzong's passing.

Seeing Chen Mo's unease, and out of his appreciation for Chen Mo, Gu An imparted some principles of life to him.

"Fame and fortune are like a mirage, fleeting and unattainable. Only by standing firm and steadfast in our actions, with ambition in our hearts, can we overcome adversity and hardship. With unwavering faith, even the darkest night will eventually give way to dawn!"

Gu An's image as a selfless teacher once again brought a glimmer of light into Chen Mo's heart.

This prevented Chen Mo from getting caught up in the simple pursuit of power, and instead encouraged him to try to control his own power.

This laid the foundation for Chen Mo's character: content but not satisfied, pursuing without being extravagant, and possessing a strong inner strength.

[Jiajing Emperor Ascends the Throne]

Outside Liangxiang, outside Beijing, on the day the succeeding Emperor Zhu Houcong visited the palace.

Huang Xiaoming plays Zhu Houcong, dressed in plain clothes with a black winged crown.

This was the first conflict in the Grand Etiquette.

Grand Secretary Yang Tinghe and others requested that Zhu Houcong follow the rites provided by the officials in charge of rites, move into the Wenhua Hall through the Dong'an Gate, and ascend the throne on a chosen day, but Zhu Houcong disagreed.

His advisors advised him.

Zhu Houcong remained unmoved, simply saying, "How can the clamor of wind and rain defy the solemn principles of human ethics and filial piety? Though I am young, I still possess some ambition!"

Neither side is willing to compromise.

The enthronement scene was shown only briefly, merely to mark this historical juncture.

[Adult Chen Mo (Chen Kun) makes his appearance]

After learning the rules and martial arts, Chen Mo was assigned to work under Chen Hong of the Imperial Horse Administration.

Three years passed in a flash.

Emperor Jiajing gained the upper hand in the Grand Rites Contest, and the atmosphere among the palace eunuchs became lively.

Preparations have begun for the next "Eunuch Grand Competition".

Because of the custom of being promoted every three years, Chen Mo rose from a minor official to a high-ranking official, but still remained a lowly subordinate.

The passageway between the walls of the Forbidden City, noon.

This is the most inconspicuous corner of the imperial kitchen, a spacious and oppressive space, and also the place where palace servants who have made mistakes are punished.

Fan Bingbing plays Xu Zhicui, who is harassed and insulted by other palace maids.

The young Chen Mo exits the stage, and the adult Chen Mo, played by Chen Kun, enters.

There are no close-up shots of faces, only shots of people walking.

stamp.

Chen Mo observed and sensed the resilient glimmer within Xu Zhicui before deciding to help her.

The first thing to appear is the sound.

"Your knees are quite stiff; we usually put a cotton pad underneath."

Xu Zhicui was initially angry, but after a conversation, she stopped crying and started laughing.

The "rescue the cat" action is complete.

This is the climax of the plot, which is why they gave the adult Chen Mo a close-up shot.

Focusing on the principle of "spiritual resemblance over physical resemblance," we examine Chen Kun, the actor who plays the adult Chen Mo.

The audience can see a glimpse of his younger self in the expression in Chen Kun's eyes.

When Chen Kun first appeared, he retained his hairstyle and clothing elements from his teenage years. Light and shadow were used to compress the sense of age, and his facial contours were photographed with side-backlighting to soften the angularity of adulthood. Close-up shots showed the same details of what he wore.

Moreover, the opening flashback, besides setting the stage, also carries another layer of meaning.

From the very beginning, it was clear that the audience's first impression was that Chen Mo was played by Chen Kun, so the appearance of the adult Chen Kun was a natural progression.

So far, the movie is only ten minutes long.

Every shot contains information.

Act One

[In its first major competition, Xiyuan University gained widespread fame.]

Xiyuan Martial Arts Ground.

Banners fluttered in the wind, and the imperial guards stood at attention.

High platform.

The officials of the Directorate of Ceremonial and the Directorate of Imperial Horse Administration sat upright.

Chen Hong, Junior Supervisor of the Imperial Horse Administration, wore a blue robe with a python pattern, the golden python pattern just beginning to appear, and his face was displeased.

The competition was fierce.

However, Chen Hong's men suffered a series of crushing defeats!
Ma Cheng, a junior supervisor from Wei Bin's faction, sneered and mocked, "Are all of Junior Supervisor Chen's men good-for-nothings?"

Chen Hong's face turned ashen.

The godson lost everything.

At this moment, Xiao Fangzi, who had humiliated Chen Mo years ago, jumped off the stage, wanting to show his face.

One finger pointed at Chen Mo.

"Useless trash! Do you dare to embarrass your godfather?"

The whole audience burst into laughter.

Chen Mo stood there like a lackey, looking at Chen Hong.

He knew that the opportunity Gu An had been waiting for—to work diligently—had arrived.

Outside of their duty hours, the palace maids who had come to watch the commotion were buzzing with discussion.

Xu Zhicui was extremely worried.

A palace maid openly mocked Xu Zhicui, saying that she herself was useless and that her lover was also useless.

There was a great deal of competition between eunuchs and palace maids. Those who didn't have a romantic partner would be ridiculed, and they would also compare their partners' wealth and status.

Chen Hong was even more furious when Xiao Fangzi publicly humiliated him.

What kind of brat dares to be so insolent!

He looked at Chen Mo.

"go with!"

[Completely crushes the small recipe!]

Xiao Fangzi used every ruthless trick in the book.

He was also constantly rude and foul-mouthed.

Chen Mojing dodged with lightning speed, like a ghost or a phantom.

Three strokes!

Little Fangzi knelt down with a thud!
The whole place was silent!

If you want to show your face, you'll show your butt instead!

All the eunuchs were shocked!
The palace maids were also shocked!

Only Xu Zhicui was pleasantly surprised!
[Three consecutive defeats!]

Wei Bin was dissatisfied and challenged three others.

They were all skilled martial artists who had mastered the art of condensing and strengthening Qi.

Chen Mo's footwork was faster, and he struck joints and acupoints with precision.

The three men collapsed to the ground, groaning in pain!
When facing the last enemy, a flash of blue internal energy passed through Chen Mo's palm. The Taiyin internal energy surged through his meridians and palm, making his palm appear to grow larger.

His internal energy expands his blood vessels, bones, and flesh, thereby unleashing even greater power.

Some people realized that Chen Mo had already reached the third level of skill, and exclamations arose everywhere.

"Qi flows throughout the body, only lacking the breakthrough of the twelve meridians!"

In just three years since entering the palace, Chen Mo has almost reached the third-rate cultivation level, which is terrifying!
[Defeat is still honorable!]

Wei Bin, a top-tier third-rate expert, has fallen from grace.

This time, we'll use weapons!

The sword moved with agility, its scales shimmering with a ghostly light!
Chen Mo fought fiercely for more than ten moves, his skills were in no way inferior, but his internal strength was slightly weaker. He was knocked back three steps, but managed to stabilize himself by touching the ground with the tip of his sword.

His opponent, slightly out of breath, praised him instead, saying, "Good lad!"

Chen Mo sheathed his sword and clasped his hands in a fist salute: "You flatter me."

Although defeated!

Our momentum remains undiminished!

[A distinguished person recognizes your talent! Your status rises!]

Chen Hong laughed and stood up, personally helping Chen Mo to his feet.

"Alright! From this day forward, you are our family's godson!"

Everyone was in an uproar!

This is instant success!
Chen Mo bowed in gratitude. This opportunity to show his face made him realize that as long as he persevered and worked diligently, he would eventually have his day.

Working honestly and diligently brought positive feedback to Chen Mo, further building his strong inner self.

[Transition]

Several years have passed in a flash, and Chen Mo's identity has undergone tremendous changes.

The passageways between the walls of the Forbidden City were bright with midday light.

Chen Mo had shed his dark, inconspicuous low-ranking eunuch's everyday clothes.

At this moment, he was dressed in brand-new green casual clothes for a mid-to-low-ranking eunuch.

Although it is still the same style as the traditional drape, the fabric is noticeably crisper and brighter in color, no longer the dull dark blue.

He wore an ordinary leather belt around his waist, from which hung a white jade ivory plaque representing his status as an imperial attendant.

His official hat also looked even shinier.

He was no longer alone, or as inconspicuous as he had been in the crowd.

Two junior fire servants followed behind him, about the same age as when he first entered the palace. They wore the lowest-ranking dark military uniforms, their heads bowed, following closely behind.

One person was holding Chen Mo's sword, an ordinary Hidden Scale Sword, while the other was carrying a small wooden box containing some miscellaneous items.

Although the number of people was small, this marked that Chen Mo had officially broken away from the bottom and started to have his own people.

Chen Mo walked steadily down the middle of the alley, his steps bearing a resemblance to his former cautious self, now carrying an unnoticed air of confidence.

Occasionally, when a low-ranking eunuch or palace maid he knew walked by, he would subconsciously step aside, bow slightly, and address him as "Chen Fengyu".

Chen Mo simply nodded slightly, his eyes calm, but the upturned corners of his mouth revealed his secret delight.

[Improved skills!]

Inside the secret room, Chen Mo sat cross-legged, his breath surging like a tide!
Promoted to third-rate!

[A joyous occasion in life]

Chen Mo resolves a major life event!

Chen Mo asked someone to send "betrothal gifts" to Xu Zhicui.

A pair of heavy gold bracelets, several bolts of fine silk, and a promise.

"Once you're transferred to another area, I'll get you a small courtyard."

For a time, Xu Zhicui was the envy of everyone among the palace maids.

Xu Zhicui blushed and returned the favor by giving Chen Mo a deep red brocade purse that she had embroidered herself, which she then hung on Chen Mo's waist.

A dual satisfaction of material and emotional needs!

After settling his major life event, Chen Mo thought he should have a small get-together and invited the old eunuch.

Chen Mo is a grateful person.

Over the years, he has never forgotten the old eunuch, sending him gifts every now and then. But before, he didn't have enough status, and now that he has some status, he wants to repay him.

[Gratitude and Repayment! Plus a Shocking Mentor!]

During a small gathering, his subordinates suggested inviting the old eunuch to the temple, but Chen Mo chose to go there himself.

The old eunuch Gu An suffered a miserable old age!
The temple administrators noticed that he didn't form cliques, had no nephews, and no godsons, and their attitude towards him worsened.

I've been humiliated!
The current situation is tragic!

He was verbally abused by the monks at the temple.

This, in turn, negates the significance of the old eunuch's life.

Finally, they resorted to fists and kicks!
An old, frail eunuch is no match for a monk who is skilled in martial arts.

Just when all hope seemed lost, Chen Mo appeared.

He took the initiative to help out of the predicament, and was immediately proven wrong!
Chen Mo repays the old eunuch's kindness, thus completing a character loop.

[Suppression! The Hero's Confusion!]

Simultaneously.

Seeing the old eunuch's miserable state, it seemed that good intentions had no reward.

Chen Mo was also confused about his identity. What was the meaning of being a eunuch?
Being a eunuch without children, one is likely to suffer a miserable old age.

Patriotism and gratitude to the emperor?
That's too grandiose.

The image of that once powerful and mysterious mentor has crumbled.

Chen Mo knew that his godfather Chen Hong was a very respectable figure, but the other party was pragmatic and utilitarian. Chen Mo knew that they were just using each other and there was no affection between them, so he could not be a role model for Chen Mo.

With these doubts in mind, Chen Mo continued with his life.

The scene in the imperial court is anchored to specific time points.

After winning the Grand Rites Contest, Jiajing became increasingly determined.

The reforms are continuing to deepen.

"Empty talk harms the country, while hard work builds it! Even with countless difficulties and a torrent of criticism, taking one step at a time is better than a thousand grand words."

The seventh year of the Jiajing reign.

Despite his confusion, Chen Mo continued his cultivation.

All twelve meridians are fully open!

Half-baked, second-rate!

The eighth year of the Jiajing reign.

Opening up the eight extraordinary meridians, second-rate!

Chen Mo's status also steadily improved.

He became the Director of the Imperial Horse Stables, wearing a robe with python patterns, carrying a hidden scale sword, and wielding the firearm Nine Yin Lotus Platform Gun.

Status upgrade!

Chen Mo's clothes changed to blue casual clothes, and the number of people always around him increased to more than a dozen.

The eighth year of the Jiajing reign.

In June of that year, the Jiajing Emperor decided to confront the tougher opponent.

"The shame of the Tumu Crisis is a lesson not to be forgotten! Now the enemy has breached their fort again, and the defending officials have fled at the mere sight of them. This is not a natural disaster, but a man-made one! How could the military preparedness of Xuanfu have deteriorated to this extent? It must be due to the serious corruption of the garrison administration, the displacement of soldiers, and the lack of defenses!"

(End of this chapter)