Held in the Lonely Castle Chapter 01

Palace Gate

The severe consequences of opening the palace gates at night were something I learned upon first entering the palace.

I was eight years old when my clan managed to secure my entry into the palace as a young eunuch. My father had passed away, my mother had remarried, and no one in the clan was willing to take me in. Thus, this was my only option.

Along with thirty or forty other boys, I received instruction in court etiquette and regulations. For crucial matters, the eunuch in charge of our training, Liang Quanyi, would invite senior eunuchs to elaborate.

"All imperial gates must be closed at nightfall and cannot be opened before sunrise," said Zhang Maoze, the eunuch in charge of the inner east gate. The inner east gate was a vital passage in and out of the inner palace, making his position significant. He was only in his twenties at the time—an unusually young age for such a role—yet his demeanor was calm and unassuming, his tone gentle. I also noticed that among the eunuchs who came to teach that day, his robes were the most worn, as if they had seen many years, yet they were impeccably clean.

"If urgent matters necessitate opening the gates at night, a written imperial order with a fish tally is required," Zhang Maoze continued, explaining the procedure. "The recipient must first record the time, detailed reason, name of the gate to be opened, and the identities and number of people entering or exiting, then submit it to the Secretariat-Chancellery. From the gate commander down, all relevant guards must review the request, report to the emperor for approval, and only then summon the eunuch in charge of the keys to open the gate."

Ren Shouzhong, the highest-ranking eunuch in the palace, had no obligation to teach but happened to pass by and decided to observe. Hearing Zhang Maoze's explanation, he nodded and scanned us. "Pay close attention. There are further protocols for opening the gates."

I listened intently as Zhang Maoze continued. "Before opening, the gate guards and the eunuch with the keys must verify the copper fish tallies." Zhang Maoze held up a pair of fish tallies for us to see. "The copper tallies are engraved with fish patterns and the gate's name. Each fish tally is split into left and right halves, held separately by the guards and the eunuch. When opening the gate, the gate commander must prepare guards and torches, lining them up inside and outside the gate. Only after thorough verification can the gate be opened. If the tallies match but the commander fails to verify, or if they don't match but the gate is opened anyway, or if the gate is opened without an imperial order, those responsible will face severe punishment under the law."

"Remember this?" Ren Shouzhong interjected. We all bowed in assent. He pointed to the young eunuch nearest him and ordered, "You, repeat it."

The boy was slow, stammering out only a few sentences after much thought, some of them incorrect.

Ren Shouzhong rapped his head angrily. "If you can't remember even this, how will you serve in the palace? Some of you may end up in charge of the palace gates. A mistake there could cost you your head!"

Zhang Maoze added, "Unauthorized entry or exit could lead to exile or, in severe cases, execution."

Most of the young eunuchs gasped, exchanging glances.

"Go kneel in the courtyard and reflect. No dinner tonight," Ren Shouzhong declared, then scanned the room and selected me. "Do you remember everything?"

I stood and bowed, affirming that I did, reciting Zhang Maoze's words verbatim: "All imperial gates must be closed at nightfall and cannot be opened before sunrise. If urgent matters necessitate opening the gates at night, a written imperial order with a fish tally is required... Unauthorized entry or exit could lead to exile or, in severe cases, execution."

Not a word amiss. Zhang Maoze and the other eunuchs nodded approvingly.

Ren Shouzhong was also pleased, asking amiably, "What's your name?"

"Liang Yuanheng," I replied, then added, "Yuanheng as in 'Yuan, Heng, Li, Zhen.'"

This was a grave mistake. The moment the words left my mouth, the room fell silent. Ren Shouzhong strode over and slapped me across the face. "Impudent brat! Don't you know to avoid the imperial taboo?"

I vaguely recalled my father explaining my name and warning me never to mention the character "Zhen" in public, as it was part of Emperor Renzong's personal name and thus taboo.

I froze, unsure how to respond, standing silently with downcast eyes.

Ren Shouzhong ordered his attendants, "Lock him up. I'll consult His Majesty before deciding his punishment."

I spent two or three days in a dark cell, lying listlessly, barely eating. Several times, drifting into unconsciousness, I thought I might die.

Finally, someone opened the door. The blinding light stung my eyes.

When I could see again, I recognized the kindly face of my teacher, Liang Quanyi. Perhaps because we shared a surname, he had always been kind to me.

"Come," he said. Seeing me too weak to walk, he crouched and carried me out on his back.

My uncontrollable tears dripped onto his neck, but he acted as if nothing were amiss, offering no comfort as he walked. "Be more careful in the future. Taboo violations might be overlooked outside, but in the palace, the slightest misstep can be fatal. It was Master Zhang who begged the empress to intercede with His Majesty on your behalf. Remember that..."

I would remember. When Zhang Maoze returned to teach, I followed him out, knelt before him, and kowtowed in gratitude.

He smiled faintly. "Child, your name too easily invokes taboo characters. Best to change it."

I agreed and humbly asked him to rename me.

After a moment's thought, he said, "From now on, you shall be called Liang Huaiji."

I thanked him earnestly. He then asked, "Have you studied before?"

"I learned a few characters from my father at home," I replied.

He nodded, studying me intently before leaving.

(To be continued)

CHAPTER 02