FLASHBACK TO 25 YEARS AGO.
The moon shone brightly that night lighting up the whole courtyard. It was the Mid-Autumn festival,a time families gathered to celebrate and the Han Family wasn't an exception. On the brightly lit courtyard,large tables and several seats were set on it. Sumptuous foods , drinks and not leaving out the most important— mooncakes were laid out on the table.
The Han Family was well known family in the capital. They were popular for their unwavering loyalty towards the imperial family,their servitude as eunuchs at the palace and their strong familial bond among the members.
The Han Family members gathered at the courtyard to celebrate like any other festival.
"I feel elated to be here with you guys," Han Fu, the second eldest in the family said.
"We feel elated to be here too," one of his brother's wives said.
"Come on let's drink up," he cheered and everyone downed their liquor in one gulp.
"I wish Uncle was here with us today ," Han Lulu ,Han Fu's eldest daughter commented.
"Well, I'm sure he's celebrating at the palace," Han Fu said in a comforting tone.
"Speaking of the palace,our Feng'er is also going there soon," one of the females pointed out and everyone's attention shifted towards the eleven year old boy seated beside Han Lulu busy stuffing mooncakes in his mouth. The boy paused mid-chew when he realized everyone was staring at him. He stared back with big curious eyes.
"Let's not talk about that. Lulu I found a physician from the west. He specialises in women's fertility," Han Lulu's aunt said.
" Thank you aunt,"she said gratefully.
Han Lulu,Han Feng's elder sister had been kicked out of her previous two marriages because she was infertile. She had always been depressed about it and it became worse due to the fact that she had always yearned to have a child of her own.
After three hours of feasting,the family members finally called it a day and retired to their beds but Han Feng,the naughty boy had different plans. While everyone urged him to sleep he insisted on moon gazing but it was actually a cover to lower their guard for him to carry out his next plan smoothly.
" Han Feng,"a voice whisper-shouted.
The boy glanced sideways and spotted a boy peeking at the fence. It was his best friend and his partner in crime,Pei Lang.
Han Feng walked stealthily towards the fence checking out for any servants that might notice him sneaking out.
"My brother has agreed to take us to the lantern show," Pei Lang whispered.
"Okay I'll come with you," he whispered back.
Han Feng climbed over the walled fence easily like he had done several times before.
∆∆∆∆∆
The market was livelier than usual as a result of the festival. While others celebrated the moon's beauty with poetry and music others paraded with lanterns. The city was aglow with lanterns casting a warm xanthus hue, like liquid gold, over the festive night. Han Feng and Pei Lang trailed behind Pei Lang's elder brother Pei Xu watching the lanterns with eyes glinting with amazement.
"They look so beautiful. Brother,can we get a lantern?" Pei Lang asked expectantly turning to his brother.
" Okay,"he agreed and led them to one of the lantern stalls.
"Pick one each," the eldest urged.
Pei Lang stared at the lanterns,then reluctantly, he glanced at his brother,"I want the bunny lanterns."
"You can't get them without solving the riddles. Last year father was with us to solve them," the eldest explained.
"Just say you're dumb," Pei Lang grumbled with a pout.
"Since you're not dumb let's take you there and see if you can solve one," Pei Xu said sarcastically.
"It's just solving a riddle how hard can it be?" Pei Lang snorted and the three made a beeline for the busiest lantern stall. The stall had lanterns designed in different shapes making them appealing to customers.
A crowd gathered in front of the stall shouting their answers to the riddles.
The stall owner presented a riddle and customers took their time solving it in order to earn a lantern. The riddles kept getting complex and along the way some customers gave up and stepped aside. The trio made their way through the crowd and got to the front.
" Why don't you show us your skills then?" Pei Xu taunted.
Han Feng on the other hand,listened silently, processing his thoughts and blurted out his answer.
"Correct," the stall owner confirmed with a smile.
"Correct?" Han Feng and Pei Lang yelped out in unison.
"Pick a lantern."
Han Feng turned to his best friend and nodded.
"But you're the one who solved it," Pei Lang said hesitantly.
"I'm giving it to you. I'll try and solve another one," he said softly.
And to their surprise,the boy cracked three more riddles and won three lanterns ,one which he gifted a random girl.
After exploring the city and having fun to their fullest,the three boys finally headed back home.
"Feng'er, you're such a genius," Pei Lang complimented casually throwing his arm around the other's shoulder.
"It's just luck," the boy replied quietly .
"You're too modest."
The closer they got to their homes,the stronger the stale stench of smoke in the air became.
" What's that smell?"Pei Lang couldn't help but ask scrunching his nose.
" Look!"Pei Xu shouted pointing a finger.
There,the glorious Han residence was engulfed in flames. They couldn't believe it. Without a second thought,Han Feng rushed inside, screaming. A few servants were rushing here and there with pails full of water in attempt to quench the inferno.
" Mom,sis,dad,"Han Feng cried out running towards the buildings but Pei Xu was quick enough to hold him back.
"LET ME GO!" The boy yelled,voice raw and hoarse with pain as he tried to wriggle out of the older's grasp. Pei Xu tightened his grip, pulling him closer and engulfed his smaller frame in a hug.
Han Feng cried in his hold ,writhing and hitting him but Pei Xu held him tighter. By the time the fire was finally distinguished, the damage had already been done. The once prosperous Han Residence was now left with nothing but black residues.
Ten members of the Han Family and eight servants had succumbed to the fire. The news of the Han Family tragedy spread throughout the capital leaving people with broken hearts. The Ministry of Justice conducted an investigation and eventually it was ruled out as an accident but Han Feng didn't believe it . He knew it was arson but there was nothing he could do.
∆∆∆∆∆
"Your Majesty," Eunuch Han bowed deeply.
"You're back,"Bai Yuhuan,the empress drawled sipping her tea.
After the family tragedy,Empress granted him a two weeks mourning period. The man had served her for the last twenty years so it was natural she sympathised with him despite her cold nature.
"Yes Your Majesty," Han Ting said going down on his knees and kowtowed.
"Eunuch Han,what are you doing?" She asked curiously.
"Your Majesty," he called out in a mumbled voice.
"Raise your head and speak up," she commanded.
The man slowly raised his head looking at her meekly before lowering his gaze again.
" What is it?" She inquired.
"Your Majesty, besides me,my nephew also survived the tragedy. He's supposed to enter the palace to train as Her Highness' Eunuch. Your Majesty after that I'm afraid the Han clan will be no more," he cried out.
"Stop beating around the bush . Just get straight to the point," she said impatiently.
"Your Majesty can you spare him from castration so the Han Clan can have descendants in the future?" he pleaded, kowtowing again.
"You know all eunuchs have to go through that. It's a rule," the empress stated firmly.
"Your Majesty I'm begging you. In the future you can assign a woman to bear him children and have him castrated later," he reasoned out.
The empress was silent for a moment, contemplating about his suggestion," Fine. Considering your family has served us for decades I'll spare him and act as you suggested. However,if he goes against the rules and engages in filthy acts I'll have him beheaded. Also this matter should only be known by you and I ,"she declared with finality and the humble servant kowtowed several times, mumbling grateful praises.