The Demon Lords-Chapter 752 - 166 Lord Pingye_1

The imperial edict-bearing eunuch from the palace had arrived, instantly disturbing the entire Quande Building.

Even in the years when Quande Building was still a property of the Sixth Prince, it had welcomed the Earl of North Border and Lord Jingnan, but never once had it been graced by an imperial edict.

Many people were now speculating: was it possible that His Majesty too had a craving for the ducks from Quande Building and had therefore sent a eunuch from the palace specifically to buy one for him to taste?

GOODNESS ME! This was unprecedented. The ducks from Quande Building might even become imperial tribute!

Of course, if Quande Building were still under the control of the Sixth Prince, he would certainly not waste this opportunity. He would undoubtedly send people to spread the news through insinuations and veiled self-promotion.

A duck, for the dignitaries of Yanjing, wasn't worth much. Selling ducks alone could hardly turn a significant profit; what truly made money were the things associated with this duck. Simply put, it was the 'face'—the prestige!

For example, the perfumes concocted by an acquaintance, a certain Mr. Zheng, were the real money-spinners.

However, back then, few people actually knew who owned Quande Building.

The palace guards cleared the way. THUMP THUMP THUMP, the edict-bearing eunuch ascended the stairs. Standing at the landing, he called out softly in a fawning, somewhat high-pitched tone, almost like a child's:

"Your Highness? Your Highness?"

At this moment, no one in the nearby private rooms dared to respond rashly. Utter so much as a 'Yes?' and one's head might roll today.

The commotion downstairs had indeed attracted attention from above. People in several private rooms opened their doors to look out.

He Chu did the same. He was sitting right behind the door, and now he opened it to peer out curiously. He then pulled his head back, covered his mouth with his hand, and whispered to Head Constable Yan and his own sister:

"That eunuch from the palace has so much powder on his face."

Eunuchs were fond of makeup. Due to their castration, many had difficulty urinating cleanly, often resulting in dribbling or leakage. This inevitably caused them to have a certain odor. However, they couldn't let this odor offend their masters, so they had to use fragrances to cover it. Since they were already using fragrances, applying powder and rouge came naturally.

The largest cosmetics shop in Yanjing even employed an old master craftsman who had been let go from the palace in his old age and subsequently hired by them. Indeed, that cosmetics shop was called Willow Flower Alley, and it too had once been one of the Sixth Prince's properties.

He Chu's little sister heard this and giggled, covering her mouth. It was both her and her brother's first visit to the capital, and their first time seeing a eunuch, so they naturally found it curious.

Head Constable Yan, upon hearing this, burst into loud laughter.

"GOODNESS!"

He Chu jumped. This brother-in-law of mine is laughing so loudly! Isn't he courting death?! That's an imperial eunuch! If we anger him, we won't get off lightly, will we?

Just then, another cry of "GOODNESS!" sounded from behind He Chu.

He Chu was so frightened he shot bolt upright, as if someone had jabbed a knife into his spine. That voice... wasn't that the eunuch?!

He Chu's little sister was also startled, looking somewhat flustered towards the doorway.

Head Constable Yan, however, remained calmly seated.

"GOODNESS ME, Your Highness the Sixth Prince, this old servant has had quite a search for you. This servant greets Your Highness the Sixth Prince. May Your Highness enjoy good fortune and health!" 𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚

The eunuch respectfully prostrated himself, kowtowing to Head Constable Yan.

He Chu was speechless. His brother-in-law's mind hadn't caught up yet. What on earth was happening?

He Chu's little sister also covered her mouth, her face a mask of disbelief.

"Tsk, what a coincidence, Old Qin," Head Constable Yan said. "I was just wondering how I'd pay for this meal. You see, it's the first time I'm bringing my new bride back home. I couldn't be too shabby, could I? So I thought I'd bring her here for some duck. Old Qin, just look at these clothes I'm wearing. You can guess what I've been up to these past six months. How could my meager salary possibly cover the bill here? It's a good thing you showed up. Come, my dear, greet him. Call him Uncle Qin."

Although He Chu's little sister was still bewildered and unsure of the situation, she instinctively followed her husband's words. When he told her to greet someone, she immediately said:

"Hello, Uncle Qin."

"AIYO! AIYO! AIYO!" Eunuch Qin immediately cried out three times, kowtowed heavily on the ground towards He Chu's little sister, and then quickly said, "How can this be, how can this be!"

His Highness's woman... isn't that a Princess Consort? A Princess Consort calling a castrato like me 'Uncle'... how could I possibly bear such an honor!

"This bill..." Head Constable Yan dragged out his words.

"Your Highness, listen to yourself!" Eunuch Qin exclaimed. "It's not the first or second time you've had this old servant treat you. This old servant understands. The bill, put it on my head."

"You're too kind," Head Constable Yan said. "Well then, what about a meeting gift?" Saying this, he gestured towards his lovely new wife. This 'Uncle' wasn't uttered for nothing, was it?

Eunuch Qin smiled and reached into his sleeve. He instinctively thought of taking out some silver taels, but then felt it wouldn't be proper enough. Instead, he unfastened a small jade pendant from his waist and presented it to He Chu's little sister with both hands:

"Your Ladyship, this is but a small token of this old servant's sincerity. Please, do me the honor of accepting it."

He Chu's little sister saw Head Constable Yan nod to her, so she obediently accepted the jade pendant and said politely:

"Thank you, Uncle Qin."

"AIYO! AIYO! AIYO!" Eunuch Qin, startled once more, promptly kowtowed again.

When he rose, he subconsciously wiped away the tears that had welled in the corners of his eyes.

Money was something these high-ranking eunuchs, who could be entrusted with delivering imperial edicts, never lacked. Nor did they lack for adopted sons and followers. What they truly lacked was respect!