When Tian Tian entered this body, she found herself lying on a bed, feeling utterly famished. Hunger blurred her thoughts and left her limbs weak.

The dim light of the candle illuminated the room faintly, allowing her to discern the light blue canopy above her.

Glancing around, she noted the classical and elegant furnishings. The room was silent—no one else was there—except for the occasional crackle of the burning candle.

Propping herself up with effort, Tian Tian quickly sorted through her thoughts.

She was now in the Da Chu dynasty, inhabiting the body of a girl named Jiang Chan. Jiang Chan was a musician from a brothel who had been redeemed by the Minister of Works at the age of twelve due to her exceptional beauty. Now, at seventeen, she was in the bloom of youth, with skin as flawless as porcelain. The Minister of Works had originally intended to take her as a concubine, but when the notorious eunuch Gao Heng expressed a preference for fair-skinned beauties, the Minister adopted Jiang Chan as his foster daughter and sent her to Gao Palace as an offering.

Gao Heng was a eunuch who wielded immense power. The current emperor, a foolish and self-indulgent man, spent most of his time in his pleasure palaces, obsessed with sculptures and an enchanting wet nurse, leaving all state affairs in Gao Heng’s hands. Gao Heng’s power grew unchecked, earning him the nickname “Nine Thousand Years”—a title only a step below the emperor’s “Ten Thousand Years.”

(TL/N: “Nine Thousand Years” in a Chinese historical or cultural setting would likely represent a symbol of eternal power, imperial longevity, or an idealized reign that transcends time, and it may echo traditional hopes for a stable, prosperous, and enduring empire.

and “Ten Thousand Years” (万岁) in Chinese history and culture is an expression that symbolizes wishes for the emperor’s long life, the eternity of the empire, and the continuity of imperial power)

The wet nurse, Gao Heng’s co-conspirator, was also from their shared hometown. She had once been a prostitute, skilled in seduction. After a failed marriage and financial ruin, she joined the palace as a wet nurse, leaving behind her newborn son. At just sixteen years old, she quickly captivated the emperor. Now, seventeen years later, she was thirty-three, still in her prime, and deeply favored by the emperor.

Gao Heng’s charm and cunning had won her favor, securing his dominance over court affairs. He even constructed the sprawling Gao Palace near the imperial palace itself, filling it with fair-skinned beauties for his amusement. Though many officials initially protested, they were swiftly eliminated. Somehow, Gao Heng even convinced the emperor to permit it, explaining that he had lost a bet with Gao Heng and was simply honoring his word.

Jiang Chan’s mission, as far as Tian Tian could gather, was to reform Gao Heng.

According to Jiang Chan’s memories, Gao Heng was a man of extreme ruthlessness. To maintain his power, he killed without hesitation, following the principle of “better to kill a hundred than let one go.” His ultimate ambition was to claim the throne. In her past life, the emperor’s health deteriorated after years of debauchery, and he passed away prematurely. The ambitious Prince Ning rose in rebellion, clashing with Gao Heng for over a decade. Eventually, Prince Ning triumphed, and Gao Heng was executed.

Although Gao Heng met his end, his rule left the kingdom devastated, with countless lives lost to famine, war, and tyranny.

Moved by compassion, the Buddha sent Tian Tian to this world to guide Gao Heng onto a righteous path.

Jiang Chan’s current predicament was less than ideal. She was one of the countless women in Gao Heng’s palace, chosen for her beauty and pale skin. While she had briefly caught his attention, she harbored deep disdain for the eunuch. When Prince Ning secretly promised her the title of consort in exchange for her cooperation, she conspired with him and attempted to poison Gao Heng.

The plan failed, leading to her horrific execution—her skin flayed to create parchment, her flesh used to craft a grotesque painting of a beauty.

Thinking of Jiang Chan’s grim fate, Tian Tian shuddered, goosebumps spreading across her skin.

When Tian Tian took over, Jiang Chan had already been in Gao Palace for some time. Gao Heng was currently preoccupied and had not summoned her.

The palace’s most favored woman was Lady Liu. Each day, all the women had to pay their respects to her. Jiang Chan’s humble origins as a brothel musician marked her as an outsider. Most of the other women were daughters of noble families or, at the very least, peasant girls. As the sole woman with a brothel background, Jiang Chan faced universal disdain.

Lady Liu, though initially wary of Jiang Chan’s beauty, grew increasingly hostile as time passed and Gao Heng continued to ignore her. Just the day before, Jiang Chan had been humiliated during her visit to pay respects and, unable to hold back her anger, had talked back. Lady Liu, incensed, decreed that Jiang Chan be starved for three days.

Not only that, but her maid, Qiu Ju, had been severely punished with thirty lashes and was now bedridden.

Staring at her empty stomach, Tian Tian sighed helplessly. If she didn’t eat soon, she might very well starve to death.

She decided to check on Qiu Ju first. Borrowing the dim candlelight, she made her way to the servant quarters.

The room reeked of blood and medicine. Tian Tian frowned as the stench assaulted her nose.

Hearing someone enter, Qiu Ju, despite her injuries, struggled to sit up.

“Stay still,” Tian Tian urged. “You’ll tear your wounds open.”

“Madam, why are you here at this hour?” Qiu Ju asked weakly. In Gao Palace, all the women were addressed as “Madam,” regardless of status.

“I came to see you. How are your injuries?” Tian Tian asked.

“I’m fine. The medicine is helping.” Qiu Ju’s voice was frail, but she still tried to reassure her mistress.

“Tomorrow, I’ll find a way to summon a physician for you.”

Qiu Ju was horrified. “Madam, how can you trouble yourself over a lowly servant like me? My life isn’t worth it.”

“Never say that again,” Tian Tian said firmly. “Rest well. I’ll visit you tomorrow.”

Jiang Chan’s family had provided her with a substantial sum of silver before sending her to Gao Palace. Tian Tian planned to use it to bribe the court physicians. After all, money could solve most problems. Moreover, a loyal maid was invaluable in a place like this. Tian Tian was determined to win Qiu Ju’s unwavering allegiance.

After leaving Qiu Ju, Tian Tian’s hunger became unbearable. She took fifty taels of silver and decided to sneak into the kitchen. She hoped that if anyone caught her, the money would buy their silence.

Gao Palace was enormous, more akin to a secondary imperial palace. Guard patrols were frequent, and security was tight.

Tian Tian avoided the guards as best as she could, knowing her silver wouldn’t suffice for serious bribes. Fortunately, she managed to evade detection.

However, the palace’s vastness soon left her hopelessly lost. The eerie silence and absence of guards unnerved her. The only sound was the gentle ripple of water from a nearby pond.

Drawn to the sound, Tian Tian spotted a man bathing in the moonlit waters.

In Gao Heng’s palace, where no other men were permitted, the sight of a male bather was shocking.

The man, appearing around twenty-seven or twenty-eight, had a chiseled physique, his well-defined muscles glistening under the moonlight. He resembled a god descending to earth.

Despite her worldly experiences, Tian Tian couldn’t help but be momentarily captivated.

Realizing she had no business ogling, she turned to leave quietly.

But the man’s sharp instincts betrayed her presence. “Who’s there?” he barked.

Startled, Tian Tian froze as the man emerged from the water, sword in hand, his killing intent palpable.

Fearing for her life, she stammered, “I’m one of Nine Thousand Years’ women! I mean no harm!”

The man hesitated, lowering his blade slightly.

Though his weapon didn’t strike, its edge lingered dangerously close to her neck. Tian Tian didn’t dare move, her heart pounding.

Now closer, she saw his face clearly. Handsome yet fierce, his expression was ambitious and dangerous—a man destined for power.

“Are you really one of Nine Thousand Years’ women?” he asked coldly.

“Yes,” Tian Tian replied hurriedly.

“Wandering the palace alone at night, even as his woman, is highly suspicious,” he said, his blade still threatening.

Tian Tian’s mind raced. Desperately, she bluffed, “I am his most favored woman! Harm me, and you’ll face his wrath!”

The man paused, his interest piqued. “His most favored woman? I’ve never seen you before.”

Feigning confidence, Tian Tian smirked. “I’m new, but I’m destined to be his favorite. No one understands him better than I do. Once he meets me, I’ll be unrivaled.”

Her bold declaration surprised even herself, but it seemed to intrigue the man further.

“How could I possibly be a lust-driven fool?”

“You say you’re his confidant. Go ahead, explain how. Why would Nine Thousand Years favor you the most?”

Tian Tian cleared her throat. “Could you move the blade away first? It’s hard to talk with it so close.”

The man didn’t budge, his cold voice commanding, “Speak.”

Realizing there was no room for negotiation, Tian Tian relented. “Nine Thousand Years didn’t get to where he is by sheer luck. The entire Da Chu dynasty might resent him, but to me, he’s someone to admire, to look up to, even to revere. He rose from the lowest ranks of eunuchdom to become the Nine Thousand Years, a man of unparalleled status. He shattered the chains of fate and now commands his own destiny.”

With a tone tinged in sorrow, Tian Tian continued, “You might not know my true background, but I was sold to a brothel as a child. Because of my looks, the Minister of Works redeemed me, initially intending to take me as a concubine. However, upon learning Nine Thousand Years favors fair-skinned beauties, he claimed me as his foster daughter and sent me to Gao Palace as a gift.

“I’m seventeen now, almost eighteen, but not a single moment of my life has been my own. I’ve been passed from one hand to another—sold by my parents, sold to customers—I’ve never had control over my life. When I found out I was being sent to Gao Palace, I was thrilled. I admire Nine Thousand Years, envy him even. To be by his side is a blessing I must have earned in a past life.”

To save herself, Tian Tian spared no effort in flattering Nine Thousand Years. She knew this “guard” was fiercely loyal and would enjoy hearing praises of his master.

The man’s expression grew complicated as he listened.

Throughout Da Chu, no one truly respected eunuchs. Even as Nine Thousand Years, people obeyed Gao Heng out of fear rather than admiration. In secret, they despised him. Even the favored Lady Liu was rumored to wash her hands obsessively after leaving his chambers.

Yet here was this woman, trespassing into his private space, speaking words that struck a chord within him.

Once, Gao Heng had been the son of a modestly wealthy family. After his father was cheated and driven into ruin, his parents died in despair, and he, left with no options, entered the palace as a eunuch. The bitterness of those early days had driven his hunger for power and his desire for absolute control.

As Tian Tian spoke, her words resonated with the memories of his own struggles.

However, Tian Tian, her neck still under the blade, dared not relax. She held her breath, terrified that any sudden movement would provoke him to end her life.

Finally, the man looked at her with a mix of emotions and asked, “Why are you out so late?”

Not daring to hide the truth, Tian Tian confessed, “I offended Lady Liu, and she punished me with three days without food. I couldn’t bear the hunger, so I sneaked out to find something to eat. But Gao Palace is enormous, and I’m still unfamiliar with it. I got lost in the dark.”

Gao Heng found her pitiful.

Afraid he wouldn’t believe her and would suspect her of ulterior motives, Tian Tian quickly pulled out the fifty taels of silver hidden in her robes. “I was really heading to the kitchen to find food. This silver is for bribing the staff. If I encountered servants on the way or in the kitchen, I planned to use this to smooth things over.”

She extended the silver toward him with a forced smile. “Would you like it all as a token of respect, Guard?”

Gao Heng didn’t take the silver. Fifty taels was meaningless to him.

Tian Tian’s eyes welled with tears. “Please, Guard, let me go back. I swear I won’t try for the kitchen again.”

Gao Heng had encountered countless people in his time and could discern the truth in her words. Deciding she wasn’t a threat, he finally sheathed his blade.

Tian Tian’s eyes sparkled with hope, and she quickly replaced her expression with a fawning smile.

The moonlight bathed her in a soft glow, highlighting her flawless skin and delicate features. Her figure was graceful, her curves perfectly proportioned. Truly, a woman of extraordinary beauty.

The Minister of Works had chosen well.

Yet it wasn’t her appearance that caught Gao Heng’s attention. Her wit, vitality, and boldness intrigued him. This “confidant” of his had a charm that was refreshingly different from the women he usually encountered.

Gao Heng threw on his clothes and glanced at her. “Come.”

Tian Tian beamed. “Thank you, Guard, but I can find my way back alone.”

“Do you know the way to the kitchen?” he asked.

Tian Tian hesitated. “I’m not going to the kitchen. I’ll head straight back to Taihe Palace.”

Taihe Palace was the name of her residence. Gao Heng had named the buildings in Gao Palace after imperial structures, a brazen reflection of his ambition.

“You’re not hungry anymore?” Gao Heng’s gaze lingered on her stomach.

Tian Tian shook her head quickly. “Not at all. I’d rather just return to Taihe Palace.”

Gao Heng’s lips twitched. “We’ll go to the kitchen first. Then I’ll take you back.”

The sudden change in tone made Tian Tian uneasy. Why was this guard suddenly so considerate? But when he cast her a sharp glance, she meekly followed him.

Gao Heng navigated the palace with ease, leading her through winding paths that avoided patrols entirely.

Tian Tian marveled at his knowledge of the layout. With a guide, everything was so much easier.

The kitchen was locked. Without hesitation, Gao Heng pried open a window and ushered Tian Tian inside.

This was the first time Tian Tian had ever done something so illicit. Her nerves were on edge, and she trembled from head to toe.

“Guard, I’ve never done anything like this before,” she explained, her voice quivering.

Gao Heng found her absurd. “You had the guts to trespass into a restricted area, yet you’re scared of sneaking into the kitchen?”

Tian Tian nodded earnestly. “That was different.”

“Stop wasting time. Find something to eat.”

Tian Tian fumbled in the dark, unable to see anything. “It’s too dark. I can’t find anything.”

Impatient, Gao Heng stepped forward. “What do you want? I’ll find it for you.”

“Meat,” Tian Tian replied without hesitation. “Anything with meat.”

Gao Heng chuckled softly. He’d never encountered a woman so openly fixated on food. Within moments, he located a boiled and seasoned chicken, tossing it into her arms.

The weight of the chicken startled Tian Tian. Its rich aroma made her mouth water.

“Anything else?” Gao Heng asked.

“No, this is enough. Thank you, Guard.”

“Then let’s go.” Gao Heng reopened the window and helped her climb out.

As they walked back, Gao Heng occasionally glanced at her. She was hugging the chicken tightly, her flushed cheeks glowing in the moonlight. Her eyes darted nervously, scanning for patrols, making her look utterly endearing.

For the first time in years, Gao Heng smiled.

Noticing the lack of patrols, Tian Tian grew bolder and caught up to him. Smiling brightly, she tried to make conversation. “Guard, where do you work in Gao Palace?”

Gao Heng smirked. “Do I really look like a guard?”

Tian Tian studied him seriously. His strong physique and martial skills were undeniable. “You don’t look like an ordinary guard,” she admitted.

“Perhaps I’m your confidant,” Gao Heng teased.

Tian Tian immediately shook her head. “Impossible.”

After all, the real Gao Heng was nothing like this rugged and masculine figure.

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