Fabre in Sacheon’s Tang Novel - Chapter 334

Chapter 334
“Hmm. No… this simply won’t do.”
General Meng’s son had assisted me into the Golden Guard armor, then shook his head in disapproval.
To any observer, it was clear the outfit did not belong to me; it hung off my frame like a borrowed costume.
The chest plate was much too wide, and the sword fastened to my hip dragged along the ground.
My youthful, underdeveloped physique was ill-suited to impersonate a member of the elite Golden Guard.
My plan required getting near the Emperor, which meant I needed a convincing disguise.
Becoming a Golden Guard, however, was not a viable option.
No available armor fit me correctly, and every real guard possessed a muscular build that I could not hope to match.
Approaching the Emperor in this state would alert even the most simple-minded observer.
Just as General Meng’s son was frowning in concern, another voice interjected.
“Then fetch a eunuch’s uniform. There are young eunuchs serving as well, after all.”
“…Pardon?”
Without any warning, Eunuch Wi Chung-heon proposed I try on the robes of a eunuch.
The mere suggestion of impersonating one sent an involuntary, unsettling chill through me.
Before I could voice a single objection, Eunuch Wi Chung-heon commanded the eunuch accompanying him.
“Go and retrieve the official robes for a junior eunuch.”
“At once, sir!”
After a brief delay, the eunuch’s garments were brought in.
A green robe and a simple, wingless headpiece.
It was an outfit I had seen countless times before.
As I stared at the clothes in stunned silence, Wi Chung-heon inquired, his tone pointed.
“Is there a problem? Do you object to wearing a eunuch’s robes?”
I immediately shook my head in response to his question.
A strong instinct warned me that a wrong answer might offend him.
There’s a saying about not belittling those who have nothing left to lose.
An individual with nothing to lose is the most fearsome kind.
“N-not at all! Eunuchs are, of course, officials of high standing! I was merely surprised, as I’ve never worn such clothing before.”
“Precisely. You understand the way of things. It is no small achievement to become an official eunuch.”
Wi Chung-heon seemed very satisfied with my reply, though General Meng and his son muffled their laughter behind their hands as I changed into the eunuch’s attire.
The sight of a man wearing a eunuch’s robe was apparently humorous in itself.
‘For heaven’s sake.’
Complaining to myself, I had just finished putting on the eunuch’s outfit when another comment was made.
“Hmmm…”
“This also appears rather strange, doesn’t it?”
“Your bone structure is quite fine; it resembles a young woman wearing men’s clothing.”
Puzzled by their words, I turned to study my reflection in a bronze mirror.
‘How can they say So-ryong looks like a girl? What is wrong with these people?!’
I secured my hair neatly beneath the headpiece and took a good look at the overall effect.
The strong, masculine So-ryong was absent; in his place was a delicate, almost feminine youth dressed as a eunuch.
‘Just who… are you supposed to be?’
Ever since I’d consumed that Woongjang, my skin had become clearer and my features somewhat softer—perhaps that was the cause.
When I had disguised myself as a woman at Mount Putuo, where the Princess stayed, no one had questioned it. This must be why.
“You have an unusually elegant appearance, in fact.”
“Truly, you do…”
As they spoke, a sense of foreboding made the hairs on my arms stand on end.
‘Wait a minute… this feeling…?’
A powerful sense of déjà vu washed over me from their reactions, and just as I feared, the predictable conversation began.
“In that case, maybe we should…”
“General Meng, were you thinking what I was thinking?”
“Yes. We should attempt it. It would provide easier access than a Golden Guard or a eunuch.”
“This plan does require a palace maid to succeed. This could be ideal. I will find a discreet girl from among the maids.
Why are you all just standing there? Go and find someone capable. It must be a person who can approach the Emperor’s living quarters without drawing attention.”
“Yes, sir!”
I was going to have to dress as a woman again.
‘I had a feeling this would happen.’
***

Roughly two hours later, the two eunuchs attending Wi Chung-heon returned.
Following the eunuchs of the Eastern Chamber was an anxious palace maid, holding a bundle tightly against her chest as she entered our room in the Golden Guard prison.
Having been brought to this secret location under the escort of the Eastern Chamber eunuchs, she was visibly nervous.
Her hands would not stop shaking.
“Well, who is this young woman?”
“I-I am assigned to the Supervisor of Attire.”
“The Supervisor of Attire manages the Emperor’s clothing—so you work under that eunuch. It seems no suitable maids were found among the consorts’ retinues.
Indeed, for sheer proximity, a maid from the Supervisor of Attire would be the most practical choice.”
Noting my confused expression at her answer, Wi Chung-heon offered a smile and an explanation.
Once I nodded in understanding, he turned his attention back to the maid and addressed her in a stern, cold tone.
“From this moment forward, you will remember my words. You have seen nothing and heard nothing. Is that clear? If you speak a word of this to anyone, you will cease to exist in this world. Do you understand?”

Thud.
The maid dropped to her knees.
Tears brimmed in her eyes as she responded.
“I-I do not know what this is about… but if this act would bring danger to the Emperor, then I would rather die than participate. Please, end my life now!”
Though she trembled, her words were filled with fierce loyalty, and the soldiers and eunuchs present exchanged glances of respect.
In a situation where most would be terrified—taken to a hidden prison by powerful eunuchs—she held to her principles, even welcoming death.
Wi Chung-heon gazed at her with profound approval.
“Well, now. Who would have expected such deep devotion to the Emperor from a humble maid. What is your name?”
“U-… Unmirang, sir.”
“I cannot share all the details, but set your heart at ease—this is not a wicked deed. It will not bring harm to the Emperor; on the contrary, it is for his benefit.”
“For the Emperor’s benefit?”
“Yes. Therefore, simply do as you are instructed, and speak of this to no one. That is all.”
The eunuch spoke with a gentle smile, and the maid, after a moment of consideration, finally nodded.
“V-very well. But… if you have deceived me, I vow to return as a vengeful spirit and torment you all.”
At her earnest, almost charming threat, General Meng and Wi Tae-heon looked at her in astonishment.
“You found a girl with quite a temper.”
“Ha… I never imagined encountering a palace maid who would address us in such a manner.”
“She is certainly entertaining.”
As everyone reacted with amused interest to her boldness, Wi Tae-heon issued his instructions.
“Very well, then. I will tell you what must be done. First, you will help that young man into the garments you brought and assist him in disguising himself as a woman.”
“I beg your pardon?!”
The girl looked from me to Wi Tae-heon and back again after his command.
Her expression plainly asked—how could dressing a man as a woman possibly aid the Emperor?
She was practically shouting it with her eyes.
‘To be fair… I would be skeptical too.’
***

“Exquisite. So delicate. If I were told you were a girl, I would believe it. No—what girl could compare to this? I have never in my life witnessed such beauty. You still appear somewhat young, but if I were to present such a vision to the Emperor, you would be showered with wealth and favor immediately. Hahaha.”
“Hoho, merely take care not to let His Majesty see your face too clearly. He might command your presence in his chambers tonight.”
Wi Tae-heon and General Meng chuckled as they looked me over.
Their words sounded complimentary, but the sentiment felt otherwise.
Even the maid who had dressed me in the palace maid’s attire stared in stunned silence, her hand over her mouth.
I let out a deep sigh and spoke to General Meng and Eunuch Wi.
“Haah… please, enough of the jests. Let us concentrate on ensuring everything is in order.”
“Of course. Do not worry. You, come with me for a moment. I will explain your role.”
“Yes, sir.”

With that, Wi Tae-heon led the girl away to brief her on her part.
She followed him with newfound determination.
“I will return completely prepared!”
Her sudden eagerness stemmed from agreeing to assist us once she learned the full story.
She had demanded to know how disguising me as a maid would help the Emperor, ultimately forcing us to reveal the entire situation to her.
Her resolve was so firm that she would not have cooperated without a full explanation.
Normally, such audacity would have seen her dismissed, but her display of loyalty had impressed the senior figures, and she was allowed into our confidence.
Once she understood we were acting to expose Eunuch Heo, a potential threat to the Emperor’s safety, she became a willing participant in the scheme.
By nightfall, the Golden Guards, the eunuchs, and the palace maid had all returned—everything was set.
The preparations were clearly complete.
Eunuch Wi updated me on the final arrangements.
“Now then. This evening, all personnel near the Emperor’s chambers have been substituted with loyalists from our two factions. Who could have predicted the Eastern Chamber and the Golden Guards would ever collaborate in this manner?”
“Life is indeed full of strange twists. Very well, we are relying on you, young master.”
“I understand, sirs.”
Under the watchful eyes of the three men, I first accompanied the Golden Guards into the inner palace.
With their aid, I passed the initial security points without any issue.
I then proceeded deeper into the palace, guided by the eunuchs. After a walk of approximately thirty minutes, we reached our goal.
‘Why does this palace have to be so impossibly vast?’
Just as I was beginning to feel weary, a voice sounded in my ear.
[That is the rear garden behind the Emperor’s personal quarters. You must follow her now.]
[Understood.]
[This way, young master.]
We moved toward the rear garden situated behind the Emperor’s chambers.
Upon arrival, the palace maid concealed me behind a thick cluster of peony bushes and whispered urgently.
[This is the route His Majesty always walks. Even if he deviates, the attendant from the Supervisor of Attire will guide him here. Remain concealed and reveal ‘that’ when the moment is right.]
[I understand. I will rely on you for the rest.]
[You need not worry.]
She hurried away.
After her departure, the guards making their rounds near the peonies cast subtle, knowing glances in my direction as they passed.
There were guards from both the Eastern Chamber and the Golden Guards.
It appeared the two rival factions were cooperating to safeguard the Emperor.
Under normal circumstances, hiding within the inner palace was unthinkable—not a single insect could go unnoticed—but owing to General Meng and the coordinated efforts of trusted men from both sides, it was achievable tonight.
Every guard was deliberately looking the other way.
I remained hidden within the bushes, and after a considerable wait, the sun descended. True to the maid’s word, the Emperor commenced his post-dinner walk in the garden.
He was approaching the peonies—coming straight toward me.
The time for action had arrived.
‘Alright… it begins.’
***

Having finished his meal, the Emperor again ventured out for a walk in the rear garden.
His reason was not his usual loneliness for the absent Empress or Princess.
Tonight, he walked to settle his stomach—and to quiet his unsettled thoughts.
The source of his agitation?
Baek Mi-in, a woman who bore a striking resemblance to the Empress in her younger days.
She had been a comfort to his solitude, but now, a report concerning her adoptive father, Eunuch Heo, had thrown his mind into confusion.
Initially, he believed the report was motivated by envy.
Perhaps the other consorts and their supporting officials had fabricated accusations against Eunuch Heo out of spite for Baek Mi-in’s rising status.
Such internal scheming had not occurred while the Empress lived, but in her absence, these courtly struggles had evidently begun.
“What? Ak Bulgun?”
But when he learned the report had been filed by Ak Bulgun, an officer of the Imperial Guard, the Emperor was taken aback.
The Ak family had a long history of unwavering loyalty to the throne.
They had never involved themselves in the petty conspiracies of the inner palace or the royal court.
They were celebrated as a paragon of faithful service.
The Emperor weighed his options—if the report proved accurate, he stood to lose Baek Mi-in, whom he held dear. Therefore, he resolved to offer her a chance.
Before authorizing a full investigation, he would give her an opportunity to confess.
“They allege that Eunuch Heo, whom you regard as a father, belongs to a malicious sect called the Five Venoms Clan—an ally of the Blood Cult that assaulted the Princess. Is this true?”
“It is impossible that our adoptive father would be associated with such an evil organization! I beg you to believe in his innocence… sob…”
Her reply was nothing but a desperate denial, followed by a weeping supplication as she fell at his feet.
To proceed with caution, the Emperor commanded his two most trusted bodies—the Golden Guards and the Eastern Chamber—to conduct separate inquiries.
As they were natural rivals, he would compare their findings and render a verdict.
However, when the Eastern Chamber reported back, they verified Ak Bulgun’s suspicions.
They declared that Eunuch Heo was indeed a member of the Five Venoms Clan—a martial arts society allied with the Blood Cult, which had attacked the Princess.
Even the Golden Guards, perpetual adversaries of the Eastern Chamber, concurred with their conclusion.
Though it pained him, the Emperor had little choice but to commence a formal interrogation.
If he were to ignore justice for the sake of a woman, who would ever again trust the Emperor’s judgment?
“Begin the interrogation!”
But just as the interrogation was to start, the leader of the Blood Cult—a vital witness—was discovered dead.
The death of such a key witness implied one of two things: either Eunuch Heo had killed her to conceal his guilt, or the Eastern Chamber had murdered her to hide their own deception in presenting a false witness.
The Emperor’s heart was heavy with uncertainty.
Had they confirmed Eunuch Heo and Baek Mi-in’s alliance with the sinister group through the Blood Cult leader, he could have punished them with a heavy heart, upholding justice despite his personal sorrow.
But this new development introduced doubt, and that sliver of possibility gave him pause.
Perhaps the Eastern Chamber had manufactured the witness and then eliminated her to avoid exposure.
Perhaps Eunuch Heo was truly guilty and had her killed to conceal it.
In the court, officials had already fractured into two factions, debating heatedly.
As the Emperor wandered the rear garden, searching for a resolution to the dilemma—
Abruptly, a sharp cry came from behind him.
“Ah! L-look over there!”
Startled by the palace maid’s alarm, the Emperor turned to where she pointed—and witnessed something incredible.
“Are those… centipedes?!”
Illuminated by the lanterns of the palace maids, directly before his prized peony bushes…
A seething multitude of centipedes had congregated in a squirming heap.
To witness such a swarm within the Emperor’s own garden was profoundly unnatural.
“Your Majesty, please move back! They could be dangerous!”
The Golden Guards surged forward, forming a protective shield around the Emperor.
Then, another sharp cry rang out.
“T-the centipedes! They are shaping into characters!”
The Emperor looked again at the peonies. Just as the maid had declared, under the lantern light, the centipedes were indeed arranging themselves into written words.
The characters spelled out:
Beware of Heo.
It was a dire warning.
“This—?!”
“Th-the heavens must be using the lowliest of creatures to voice their warning, out of care for the Empire…”
At this murmured observation, the Emperor’s eyes widened in astonishment. A moment later, his voice rang out through the garden, filled with newfound resolution.
“Arrest Eunuch Heo immediately!”
It was as if the heavens themselves had offered counsel to an Emperor trapped in doubt.