The Passage of Time

As they settled into a secluded corner of the servant quarter, Zhang Wei leaned in, his eyes intent on Eunuch Jin's face.

"Tell me, Eunuch Jin," he urged softly. "What has changed since I've been gone?"

Eunuch Jin sighed, his gaze distant as he pondered Zhang Wei's question.

"To be honest, not much has changed," he admitted, his voice tinged with resignation. "The palace remains a labyrinth of intrigue and deception, with shifting allegiances and hidden agendas at every turn."

Zhang Wei frowned, his brow furrowing with concern.

"Surely there must have been some developments," he pressed, unwilling to accept that everything had remained stagnant during his absence.

"Of course, there have been minor shifts in power and influence," Eunuch Jin conceded, his tone growing more animated as he delved into the complexities of palace politics. "But for the most part, the same faces still hold sway, and the same tensions simmer beneath the surface."

As Eunuch Jin spoke, Zhang Wei couldn't help but feel a sense of frustration gnawing at him. He had hoped that his return would herald a new era of change and progress, but the palace seemed trapped in a never-ending cycle of stagnation.

"And what of the empire's stance on the Mongol?" Zhang Wei inquired, adjusting his approach to the sensitive topic. "Have there been more expeditions or notable movements?"

Eunuch Jin shook his head, his expression reflecting the weight of the situation.

"No, there haven't been any significant actions taken by the empire against the Mongols since the large-scale expedition you mentioned," he replied solemnly. "It seems the empire has diverted its attention elsewhere for the time being."

Sensing an opportunity to provide clarity, Zhang Wei leaned forward, his voice tinged with conviction.

"There's a reason for that," he explained, his gaze locking with Eunuch Jin's. "A civil war has engulfed the Mongol ranks, between Erdene and her brother, Sartak."

Eunuch Jin listened intently as Zhang Wei unravelled the intricate web of betrayal and revenge that had defined the relationship between the empire and the Mongols. With each revelation, the pieces of the puzzle began to fall into place, illuminating the true nature of the conflict.

"But now, Erdene leads the Mongols," Zhang Wei continued, his tone firm. "Under her command, they are united and focused on seeking justice for past wrongs, not indiscriminate violence."

Eunuch Jin raised an eyebrow, a hint of scepticism in his expression.

"Yet, there have been reports of raids and atrocities committed by the Mongols," he countered, his voice laced with doubt.

Zhang Wei nodded, acknowledging the validity of Eunuch Jin's concerns.

"Those incidents occurred under the rule of Sartak, not Erdene," he clarified, his resolve unwavering. "Now that Erdene is in power, we can trust that the Mongols will honour their agreements and seek a peaceful resolution."

As the night wore on, Zhang Wei and Eunuch Jin delved deeper into their conversation, forging a bond forged by mutual understanding and trust. In the face of uncertainty and looming threats, they found solace in each other's company, united in their determination to navigate the treacherous waters of palace intrigue.

Zhang Wei leaned forward, his gaze unwavering as he locked eyes with Eunuch Jin.

"All I ask is that you stand with me," he implored, his voice tinged with urgency. "The Mongol army is already en route, and there's no stopping their advance now. And once they're here, we have the chance to rid this empire of corruption once and for all. With your help and cooperation, we can ensure a smooth infiltration and pave the way for a new era of justice and integrity."

Eunuch Jin's expression remained inscrutable momentarily, his thoughts racing as he weighed the gravity of Zhang Wei's words. Despite his allegiance to the empire, he was no stranger to the dark underbelly of corruption that plagued its halls of power. The promise of a brighter future, free from tyranny and deceit, held a powerful allure.

After a tense silence, Eunuch Jin finally spoke, his voice resolute.

"I will stand with you," he declared, his tone unwavering. "For the good of this nation, for the sake of its people, I will do whatever it takes to bring about the change we so desperately need."

Zhang Wei nodded, a sense of relief washing over him as he realised he had gained a valuable ally in his quest for justice. With Eunuch Jin's support, their chances of success had increased exponentially, and together, they would face whatever challenges lay ahead with unwavering resolve.

Just suddenly, Zhang Wei began to ask a new question.

"Is there any way for me to slip out of the palace right now?" he inquired, his voice low with urgency.

Eunuch Jin hesitated for a moment, his brow furrowing in thought.

"Nighttime is not the best time," he replied after a pause, his tone measured. "Entering the palace may be easier under the cover of darkness, but leaving as a single target would immediately raise suspicion. The gatekeepers would likely stop you for questioning. Morning would be a better time when the influx of people entering and leaving the palace will distract the guards. You'll have a better chance of slipping out unnoticed then."

Zhang Wei nodded thoughtfully, understanding the logic behind Eunuch Jin's explanation.

"I see," he murmured, mentally adjusting his plans to accommodate the new information. "In that case, where can I stay until morning?"

Eunuch Jin glanced around the dimly lit alleyway, his eyes narrowing in thought.

"Right here. The servant quarters would be your safest option," he suggested, gesturing toward the nearby building. "Most of the servants keep to themselves, and at this hour, the quarters should be relatively quiet. You can find a secluded corner to rest until morning."

Zhang Wei nodded in agreement, appreciating the practicality of Eunuch Jin's suggestion.

"Thank you," he said sincerely, a sense of gratitude washing over him. Despite the precariousness of their situation, he felt a glimmer of hope knowing that he had someone he could trust by his side.

As they made their way from this secluded corner, Zhang Wei couldn't shake the feeling of anticipation that coursed through him. Tomorrow would bring new challenges and uncertainties, but for now, he allowed himself to focus on the present moment, finding solace in the quiet camaraderie he shared with Eunuch Jin. Together, they would weather the storm that lay ahead, united in their shared mission to bring about change and redemption in a world plagued by darkness.

As Eunuch Jin bid him farewell and disappeared into the shadows of the palace, Zhang Wei found himself alone in the dimly lit servant quarters. Casting a cautious glance around, he sought out the most secluded corner where he could hide himself away until morning. After a brief search, he settled on a spot nestled between a stack of crates and a tall cupboard, hidden from view by the darkness that enveloped the room.

With a weary sigh, Zhang Wei sank onto the hard floor, his muscles protesting the exertion of the night's events. The weight of exhaustion settled over him like a heavy blanket, pulling at his eyelids and clouding his thoughts. Despite the adrenaline that had fueled him earlier, he now felt the full extent of his fatigue washing over him in waves.

Closing his eyes, Zhang Wei allowed himself to succumb to the weariness that threatened to overwhelm him. The events of the night replayed in his mind like a series of vivid snapshots, each moment etched into his memory with startling clarity. From his tense encounter with the patrolling soldiers to the unexpected reunion with Eunuch Jin, it had been a night fraught with danger and uncertainty.

But amidst the chaos and turmoil, there had also been moments of hope and camaraderie. Eunuch Jin's unwavering support and willingness to aid him in his mission had given Zhang Wei a renewed sense of purpose and determination. With his help, the odds of their plan succeeding had grown exponentially, and Zhang Wei felt a flicker of optimism ignite within him.

As he lay there in the darkness, Zhang Wei allowed himself to dream of a future where corruption and tyranny no longer held sway over the land. He envisioned a world where justice and righteousness reigned supreme, and where the people were free to live without fear of oppression or persecution. It was a lofty goal, fraught with challenges and obstacles, but Zhang Wei was determined to see it through to the end.

With a final, weary sigh, Zhang Wei drifted off into a fitful sleep, his mind awash with visions of a brighter tomorrow. In the quiet solitude of the servant quarters, he found a moment of respite amidst the chaos of his reality, a fleeting glimpse of the peace he longed to bring to his troubled homeland.

And as he slept, the promise of a new dawn beckoned on the horizon, a beacon of hope in the darkness that surrounded him. For Zhang Wei, the journey was far from over, but with each passing moment, he drew closer to his ultimate goal of redemption and liberation.