The Winds of Tepr

Chapter 42

Yile strides through the bustling streets of the imperial city. The morning sun casts long shadows, and the air hums with activity. Yile's presence commands respect; his robes of modest, but clean and recognizable green, mark him as one of the Four Gates Eunuchs. Heads bow and whispers follow his path.

Reaching the White Gold Palace, Yile takes a moment to observe the grandeur before him. The palace, a testament to the empire's might, glistens under the sunlight, its marble walls adorned with intricate carvings and gold leaf. The steps leading to the entrance are flanked by statues of mythical beasts, their eyes seeming to watch every move.

Inside, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation. Advisors and ministers gather, their hushed conversations filling the air. They stand in clusters, waiting for their turn to present their cases to the emperor. Yile's entrance is noticed immediately. As he walks through the hall, lower ministers and advisors bow, acknowledging his rank and influence despite their seniority in years.

Yile announces his arrival with a clear, resonant voice. "Yile of the Eastern Bureau requests an audience."

He gets on his knees, a gesture of respect and protocol, then rises, keeping his head low. The other three Four Gates Eunuchs are already present. Old Ji of the Northern Bureau, with his long white beard and frail appearance, sits quietly, his eyes sharp and observant. Bimen of the Southern Bureau, younger but rotund, adjusts his robes, his fingers adorned with rings. Finally, there is Sima of the Western Bureau, Yile's greatest rival. Middle-aged, with a hawkish nose and piercing eyes, Sima's presence is formidable.

Yile joins them, sitting down with practiced grace. He brings a cup of tea to his lips, savoring the warmth and aroma, but remains silent, his eyes observing every detail of the room.

The emperor's voice booms from behind a silk screen, where he sits on a raised platform, hidden from direct view but ever-present in his power. "Proceed with your reports."

Old Ji speaks first, his voice a low rasp. "Your Majesty, the northern borders remain secure. The new fortifications have proven effective against the nomadic raids."

Bimen follows, his tone conciliatory. "In the south, the harvest has been bountiful. The surplus will ensure the capital is well-supplied through the winter."

Sima's report is succinct and pointed. "The western territories have seen unrest, but our forces have quelled the uprisings. Stability has been restored."

Yile waits, his moment approaching. When he speaks, his voice is clear and unwavering. "In the east, trade with the coastal cities flourishes. The flow of goods has strengthened our economy, and relations with foreign merchants are at an all-time high."

Everyone stays quiet, waiting for the Emperor's response. He sighs deeply, the sound echoing in the grand hall. "All ministers except the Four Gates Eunuchs, leave the palace," he commands.

The ministers and advisors comply swiftly, their whispers turning into hurried footsteps as they scramble to exit. Yile smirks, the faintest curve of his lips betraying his amusement. The room's atmosphere shifts, charged with a more profound sense of anticipation as the doors close behind the last minister.

The Emperor's voice, firm yet curious, breaks the silence. "Now, what have you truly been working on?"

Old Ji leans forward, his frail appearance belying the intensity in his eyes. The Northern Bureau's real, hidden focus is on military innovation. "We have recently taken an interest in the western advancements in fire weapons. Soon, our forces will wield unmatched power."

Bimen follows, his fingers stilling on his ornate rings. The Southern Bureau ensures the security of the treasure fleets. "The latest fleet should return in twenty-two days, laden with riches from the southwest."