Favor from above was never obtained by begging.
It was obtained through exchange.
Deng Yi had always believed this. Whether using money or other skills, it was all exchange, not begging.
Like those officials just now talking about Chu Ling.
Everyone said Chu Ling had lost His Majesty’s favor, but no one noticed that a person who had lost His Majesty’s favor still steadily held the position of Garrison General at the border commandery fortress for over ten years.
This meant that Chu Ling’s obtaining of His Majesty’s favor wasn’t begged for—it was exchanged.
Previously, Chu Ling had exchanged his talent for meteoric rise—everyone knew that. But after that, Chu Ling committed an offense yet wasn’t punished, so there must have been some unknown exchange.
Later, when Prince Zhongshan asked him to help arrange an introduction to Chu Ling if the opportunity arose, it further confirmed his speculation.
Of course, he didn’t mind helping with this favor.
Naturally, he didn’t plan to befriend Chu Ling. Regardless of who it was, he didn’t befriend anyone—only exchanged. But to better estimate value, one needed more understanding, so he didn’t mind Chu Ling’s daughter deliberately approaching him, or rather, currying favor with him.
This girl had made no attempt to hide that she was currying favor with him, from the moment she met him.
By rights, she should indeed curry favor with him—after all, he was the one sent to arrest her. But this girl’s character didn’t seem like someone willing to curry favor with others. Even while currying favor with him, the girl’s eyes were filled with pride.
This incident further confirmed his view—facing the Third Prince, this girl actually dared not retreat in the slightest.
Bow down and apologize to the Third Prince? Seek the Third Prince’s favor? She simply refused. She would only accept battle.
Both Chu Ling and his daughter were very interesting people. Deng Yi smiled.
He had now reached the Inner Court Gate, the most important palace gate leading to where the Emperor resided. The officials before the gate saw Deng Yi and greeted him with smiles. “Lord Deng is in good spirits today!”
Deng Yi smiled. “That’s right. After we finish our shift, let’s go drink. My treat.”
The officials all laughed. “Good, good!” “Lord Deng’s wine is the best!” “The food and drink Lord Deng prepares is also excellent.”
As the group was chatting and laughing, several eunuchs came hurrying from outside. Seeing these people, the officials quickly moved aside, but Deng Yi raised his hand to block them.
The officials were startled. Before they could say anything, Deng Yi had already said to the eunuchs, “Waist token.”
The eunuchs were also startled, seeming somewhat incredulous as they looked at Deng Yi blocking their path.
“Are you blind?” the lead eunuch scolded. “Don’t you know who I am?”
An official quickly said with an apologetic smile, “Eunuch Zhu, please calm your anger. Lord Deng is new here.”
Other officials hurriedly told Deng Yi in low voices, “This is Eunuch Zhu from the Crown Prince’s service,” urging him to quickly apologize.
Deng Yi didn’t move, saying, “This official knows Eunuch Zhu, which is why I ask for the waist token.”
Eunuch Zhu and the officials’ expressions immediately became even more ugly. Everyone understood all too clearly what this meant.
“Audacious!” Eunuch Zhu’s face flushed with anger. “You dare show disrespect to the Crown Prince! The Crown Prince may freely enter and exit the palace—this is His Majesty’s decree. You, a petty official, dare to sow discord—”
Behind him, several eunuchs glared menacingly. Because the Crown Prince favored those skilled in riding, archery, and great strength, the eunuchs around him were all tall and large. They immediately rubbed their fists together, ready to tear this petty official to pieces.
If they truly tore an official to death, the Crown Prince not only wouldn’t punish them, he would praise their martial courage.
The officials didn’t dare say a word. Only Deng Yi continued, “But you are not the Crown Prince.”
Eunuch Zhu was about to strike, but fortunately laughter came from inside the palace gate.
“Why has Eunuch Zhu only just arrived?” The newcomer was also a eunuch, his hair already white, his kindly face showing some reproach. “His Majesty has already asked several times.”
Seeing this old eunuch, Eunuch Zhu restrained his ferocity, but still said indignantly, “It’s not that this servant came late, Grandfather Qi—this servant can’t get through this gate.”
The old eunuch walked over. Probably understanding what had happened, he glanced at Deng Yi and said, “Ah, there’s a new person. This Eunuch Zhu came to deliver something for the Crown Prince. His Majesty is waiting.”
Deng Yi looked at him. “Waist token.”
The old eunuch was stunned. “Oh my, you don’t even recognize me.” He shook his head with a self-deprecating smile. “Can’t blame you though. I’m old and don’t often come out to walk around.”
The officials hurriedly said, “Lord Deng, this is Eunuch Qi from His Majesty’s service, attending to His Majesty’s daily needs.” They then explained to Eunuch Qi, “He’s new here, previously worked outside the palace, at the Guards Command. He’s never come to the palace before and doesn’t understand anything.”
Eunuch Qi said, “Oh? How did they assign someone who doesn’t understand anything?” His long eyebrows rose as he sized up Deng Yi. “You offended someone, didn’t you?”
This wasn’t something people could easily respond to. They laughed awkwardly.
Deng Yi didn’t answer either, only saying, “No one is born understanding everything. One learns step by step. Next time I see you, Eunuch, I won’t fail to recognize you. However—”
Before he could finish, Eunuch Qi reached out and produced his waist token. “This is my waist token. I came specifically to receive Eunuch Zhu. Is this acceptable?”
Eunuch Zhu sneered. “Why bother saying so much to him? Just throw him out.”
Deng Yi ignored him, accepting the waist token and examining it carefully. He nodded and stepped aside. “Please proceed.”
Eunuch Zhu looked him up and down. “Deng Yi, is it? This servant will remember you.”
Deng Yi bowed, saying, “I’ve just arrived here and don’t understand any of the rules. If I’ve caused offense, please be understanding. I will learn more about the protocols here and will absolutely not delay your business in the future.” He untied a jade pendant from his waist. “This is this official’s family heirloom jade. Please accept it, Eunuch.”
What kind of person was this? Eunuch Zhu was stunned. “You, you—”
Plenty of people gave gifts to eunuchs, but this was the first time seeing someone give a gift so publicly and so brazenly.
Was this petty official mocking him?
“Who wants your thing?” Eunuch Zhu angrily swept his sleeve, knocking Deng Yi’s jade pendant to the ground. “Move aside.”
Deng Yi complied and moved aside.