From Eunuch to Emperor

"Is this one dead?"
"No, still breathing."
"Should we cut or not?"
"Once you're in the purification chamber, there's no avoiding it. Where's your professional integrity?"
"Fine, Old Wu, this tender chicken is yours. I'm off for a drink."

Long Chen lay on a plank, the dim light around him barely illuminating the room. Hearing the voices, he forced his eyelids open and realized a chill was seeping into his body from below.

Splash!

A ladle of hot water was thrown over him, jolting Long Chen awake with a shudder.

"Where is this? Who tied my hands and feet?"

He struggled, discovering his wrists and ankles were secured by four iron rings.

"Stop struggling. You've been sold here. We paid six taels of silver for you—you're palace property now."

"My knife is quick. It won't hurt much."

Long Chen lifted his head to see a burly, clean-shaven man standing before him, holding a small sickle-shaped blade. The man approached, ready to bring the knife down.

"A knife craftsman? Are you from the purification chamber?"

Having read about ancient history, Long Chen instantly understood his predicament: this was the purification chamber, where eunuchs were made for the palace.

"Oh? You finally get it? Don't be afraid. Better to be a eunuch in the palace than starve to death outside."

With that, the knife craftsman prepared to do his work. <