Chapter 82: Beyond the Palace Gates

A nation’s ancestral shrine does not lie in mere flourishing, but in enduring permanence. The chosen site must face water with a mountain at its back, guarded on both sides, with a spacious main hall. The water should emerge from an auspicious direction, its mouth gathering vital energy, embracing yin while nurturing yang. Moreover, the terrain must be solid and steadfast—Liao Chen could never bear the thought that this grand national shrine might one day be swallowed by an earthquake or a mudslide.

The place Liao Chen selected was called Jade Spring Mountain, named after its springs, and it was not far from Beijing. Among the less prominent locations, this one stood out. Its shape resembled a saddle, fitting perfectly with the spiritual essence of a sacrificial site.

Liao Chen wandered about, occasionally scooping up handfuls of soil to observe and sniff the air. By the time he buried a copper coin to mark the spot, the sky had brightened fully. He let out a long breath and turned back toward the capital.

Though Liao Chen had been to the Forbidden City before, he had never visited the exclusive zoo of Emperor Zhengde, known as the “Leopard House.” In truth, the Leopard House was not an invention of Emperor Zhengde’s; the imperial family had long maintained special enclosures for animals. It was just that Zhengde was flamboyant enough to live in the zoo itself, building a grand residence within and making the animal park his home.

When Liao Chen arrived at the front gate of the Leopard House, the area had already been thoroughly cleaned. The recent commotion at the palace gates was completely absent, but the guards outside were noticeably more vigilant.

Throughout history, the palace gates were guarded not only by soldiers but also by eunuchs and commanders on duty. Anyone wishing to enter the palace had to be verified by the gate guards before a eunuch could relay the request for an audience with the emperor. Except for a few veteran ministers with imperial passes, no civil or military official could enter without permission.

“Blessings of the Infinite Heavenly Exalted One!” Liao Chen, dressed plainly in a blue robe with a wooden hairpin, showed no sign of wealth or status. Yet, standing before the palace gate, he bowed deeply to the commanding officer and said, “This humble Daoist Liao Chen wishes to pay respects to His Majesty. Please convey my request.”

The commander on duty was clearly a temporary guard from the Imperial Horse Office, not a regular gate sentinel. He was startled; he had never seen Liao Chen before. Though he found the Daoist somewhat odd, he could not imagine the emperor granting an audience to a man whose robe was simple cotton. He waved dismissively, “Who’s this wild Daoist? Go! Go! Go! If you want alms, try elsewhere. His Majesty does not see just anyone!”

Liao Chen was taken aback. Were palace gate guards really so unwelcoming? Not even asking for credentials before turning someone away? This was clearly an insult, or perhaps a prelude to trouble.

He produced a yellow official permit. “I am Liao Chen of the Xuanguang Temple on Qingcheng Mountain, wishing to see His Majesty. Please convey my request.”

Liao Chen was at a loss for words when the commander took the permit and, without even looking at it, tossed it on the ground. “I can’t read, and you’re no official. Why seek an audience with His Majesty?”

With a sigh, Liao Chen beckoned with his finger. The permit, as if drawn by an invisible force, flew back into his sleeve. The guards and the commander at the gate stared, eyes wide with disbelief.

“I am from Qingcheng Mountain’s Xuanguang Temple. I seek an audience with His Majesty. Regardless of who ordered you to block entry, you should relay my request immediately!” Liao Chen’s heart stirred; now he understood the reason for the commander’s behavior.

Liu Jin had specifically ordered that no civil or military officials be allowed inside. But he had never said to block Daoists from sending messages. Was this man trying to doom his own master, the eunuch Liu?

The commander’s expression shifted uneasily. Who exactly was this Daoist? As he scrutinized Liao Chen once more, a small eunuch appeared behind the gate, running up with sweat pouring down his face. Upon seeing Liao Chen, he immediately knelt. “Your servant pays respects to the Protector of the Realm! May your immortal blessings and golden peace endure.”

Liao Chen was unpretentious. He helped the small eunuch up. “I am but a humble outsider; such formalities are unnecessary. Please relay my wish to see His Majesty at once. And tell your master that such tricks may delay for a time but cannot last forever. To offend the sovereign and alienate the officials is a grave mistake. Whoever suggested this course surely never read history.”

The eunuch’s face paled, uncertain how to reply. Liao Chen then pointed to the commander. “This fool is unfit to guard the palace gates. He only invites disaster. He should return whence he came.”

Though harsh, Liao Chen sincerely worried for the commander. Such arrogance could provoke the ire of a powerful minister. Unlike Liao Chen’s generosity, others would not be so forgiving. This fool might not even know how he would meet his end.

The eunuch wiped his brow and hurried away. “Yes! Yes! I will carry your words, Master. Please wait here; I will report immediately.” Like a gust of wind, he vanished toward the inner palace. Whether he went first to Liu Jin or directly to the emperor, Liao Chen did not concern himself.

Liao Chen needed Liu Jin to keep the officials restrained in court. Without Liu’s dominating presence drawing enemies’ hatred, Li Dongyang would not have been so accommodating the day before. Liao Chen still remembered vividly Li Dongyang’s lofty scorn upon their first meeting.

As the eunuch left, the guards’ eyes shifted from indifferent to filled with surprise and awe—except for the commander, whose glare burned with anger and resentment. Liao Chen shook his head, ignoring him. How had such a fool become an officer? Was it merely because of his imposing physique?

The Leopard House was small, much smaller than the Forbidden City. Soon, a crowd arrived at the gate, led by eunuch Liu Jin and his six loyal men.

Why were so many of Zhengde’s trusted eunuchs gathered here today? Weren’t they all assigned duties elsewhere? Could this be the origin of the ban on officials?

“Your servant pays respects, Master!” Liu Jin had clearly gained weight since their last meeting, likely enjoying comfort and power these days. Upon seeing Liao Chen, he showed no pretense, kneeling with his men to welcome him as if he were family.

“Rise! Rise!” Liao Chen hastily pulled them up. “I am but a rustic Daoist; no need for such grand ceremonies.”

The eunuchs stood, eyes full of reverence, rushing forward as if genuinely pleased.

Liao Chen always clashed with the civil officials but strangely won favor with eunuchs. He wondered if history would one day brand him as part of the “eunuch faction,” tarnishing his name forever.

“Master, His Majesty is delighted by your visit and has sent us to greet you. His Majesty awaits just outside the Third Gate,” Liu Jin announced. The other eunuchs remained silent; without Zhang Yong present, the remaining six deferred to Liu Jin alone.

As they entered the Leopard House, Liao Chen realized it was far less grand than he had imagined. Not to mention the grand Old Summer Palace of the Great Qing, even a typical prince’s mansion in the Qing court surpassed this place. He wondered how Emperor Zhengde had spent so much money on what was essentially a large but ordinary residence.

“How many animals are kept in the Leopard House?” Liao Chen asked Liu Jin as they walked.

“Uh…” Liu Jin fell silent. As the Supervisor of the Imperial Household Department, he was not in charge of the Leopard House and cared little about its inhabitants.

“Actually, the Leopard House is quite good. Some animals could be relocated to a new park outside the Leopard House, open to the common people. It would give the people of the Ming a place to enjoy and broaden their horizons. Charging admission could also generate income to support the Leopard House,” Liao Chen mused. For some reason, he thought of the panda cubs and decided that if a “Ming Zoo” ever opened, next time he would capture a few pandas for Emperor Zhengde. After all, Sichuan had plenty.

Indeed.