Hua Wu Que’s face was heavy with concern, the old eunuch’s presence exuding a suffocating pressure. Though he appeared frail, like a flickering candle nearing its end, he seemed to blend seamlessly into the surrounding environment, making his presence almost impossible to detect.
Hearing the old eunuch’s words, Hua Wu Que replied in a deep voice, "Senior, you flatter me. I am merely acting on someone's behalf, fulfilling a duty. I haven't considered all of this." In his mind, he thought, "With my current skill, even if this old eunuch is incredibly powerful, I can still escape with my life if I fight to the death. But, if I do that, I won't be able to protect the unconscious Wen Tai."
The old eunuch ambled closer, his gaze lingering on Hua Wu Que with growing approval. Noticing Hua Wu Que’s vigilance, he chuckled and said, "咳咳, you don't need to worry. I have no ill intentions towards you. I am simply surprised to find that you possess Dragon Qi. " Pausing for a moment, he continued, "As for the fellow on your back, I have no interest in him. Even if you take him out, he won't survive more than a few days with his internal injuries and poison."
Hua Wu Que was skeptical of the old eunuch’s words but maintained his composure. "If that is the case, then I thank you for your mercy. But since there are such formidable experts like you around the Emperor Kangxi, why is he being pushed around by Aobai like this?"
The old eunuch didn't mind the delay, a slight smile playing on his lips as he replied, "When the Emperor Chongzhen committed suicide, I was outnumbered and barely managed to escape with the Ninth Princess. I thought I was mortally wounded and wouldn't live long. I preferred dying within the Forbidden City, where I had spent my entire life, rather than being left to die in the wilderness. But upon returning, I discovered that Yanjing had already fallen to the Qing. I was then surrounded by Huang Taiji and his troops. Suddenly, I noticed the Dragon Qi emanating from him could extend my life. To survive, I agreed to secretly protect his bloodline. But that was the extent of it. I had no control over the affairs of the court." As he spoke, his voice trailed off, as if lost in memories of the past.
After a long pause, he regained his composure and smiled at Hua Wu Que. "I'm getting old, I just love to bring up these trivial matters, apologies for boring you."
Hua Wu Que was secretly amazed by the old eunuch's casual recounting of the past. While he spoke lightly, during those turbulent times, he single-handedly protected the former royal bloodline, battled his way out of danger, and despite his mortal wounds, managed to secure the trust of Huang Taiji for the future. How could these events possibly be so simple as he described?
His expression turned serious, and he said respectfully, "Senior, you shouldn't be so humble. You were able to save the bloodline of your former master even when the city was falling, truly worthy of admiration. However, there is something..." He paused, his expression hesitant.
“呵呵呵, you are asking why I didn't seek out the Song Emperor to recover my injuries, seeing as I need the Dragon's energy?” The old eunuch chuckled, understanding his query. He sighed, his hands clasped behind his back. "Do you think I haven't tried? However, this Song Emperor lacks the courage and determination of those barbarians. His palace is also guarded by another old monster, so naturally he wouldn't want anything to do with a eunuch who betrayed and surrendered to the enemy!" His voice rose in anger at the end, suggesting that his humiliation in the Song Palace was far more severe than he had let on.
Hua Wu Que had clearly anticipated this, shaking his head slightly. "I apologize for the misunderstanding, Senior. Please don't take offense."
The old eunuch was surprised that Hua Wu Que hadn't attempted to defend him with lofty principles. "Don't you think it is against the laws of heaven for me to serve the barbarians?"
Hua Wu Que snorted, "When Yanjing fell, those high-minded officials and generals, where were they? None of them were as loyal to their former master as you, risking their lives to save the heir. The Manchu conquered the land, but you didn't help them slaughter the people, you simply hid in the palace. Why should I think you're against the laws of heaven?" He paused, his voice filled with bitter resentment. "It's those who speak of virtue and morality, who are even more brutal to their own people than the foreigners!"
The old eunuch burst into laughter, "I knew you were no ordinary youth! Well said! Hong Chengchou, Li Chengdong, when Emperor Chongzhen was alive, they all constantly talked about sacrificing themselves for the nation. But in the end, they slaughtered the Han people with even more cruelty than the barbarians!"
After a moment of laughter, he turned to Hua Wu Que with a serious expression. "The ragtag mob who entered the palace with you have been mostly dealt with by the guards. Their leader escaped right from the start. You don't need to worry."
He hesitated for a moment, then added, "This Emperor Kangxi is not an ordinary man. He only learned about my existence a few days ago, yet today, he used himself as bait, drawing out Aobai, the Heaven and Earth Society, and many other forces, creating a scenario where he can eliminate all potential threats to his reign with one stone. As for the fellow on your back, he knows some secrets about Prince Bao. Emperor Kangxi will never forgive him, as he wants to reclaim the power of Shengjing in the future. So he asked me to watch over him. However, his injuries are too severe, and he has been poisoned. I will allow you to leave so he can see his family and say goodbye." He folded his hands in his sleeves, turned, and hummed a Beijing opera tune as he slowly walked away.