The revitalization of the Tang Dynasty began with the Ganlu Incident.

The sounds of string and wind instruments still lingered in the back hall.

After saying these words, Madam Xu didn't even dare to raise her head.

After all, although what she said was true, Liu Hongyi, as a eunuch, would definitely feel uncomfortable hearing it.

As expected, Liu Hongyi's expression turned noticeably unpleasant as soon as he finished speaking.

However, the expected outburst of anger did not occur.

After a moment of silence, Liu Hongyi waved his hand, dismissing the musicians and entertainers. Then he reached out and helped Madam Xu up, letting her sit beside him, and said...

"Tell me, should I not have let Xiuqi enter the palace?"

In fact, Liu Hongyi's situation is rather special.

Because in typical eunuch families, adopted sons were often chosen from young children in the palace who had already been castrated.

Firstly, this ensures there are no messy family relationships. Secondly, having served in the palace since childhood, they can be kept close to cultivate a relationship and receive guidance at any time, paving the way for them to take over the "family business" in the future.

From this perspective, these adopted sons of eunuch families, apart from having no blood relation, are quite like the servants of powerful and wealthy families in the common people.

Since these adopted sons were selected from castrated infants, there was no question of whether or not they would enter the palace.

But Liu Hongyi was different. When he adopted Liu Xiuqi, he was just a mid-level eunuch and had no background or power, so it was unlikely that he could rise to the upper echelons.

Therefore, when choosing an adopted son, he preferred those from collateral branches of the family who were related to him by blood, which provided him with some psychological comfort.

However, strictly speaking, this is against the rules.

Generally speaking, once a child from a collateral branch of a family is adopted by a eunuch, he or she is castrated as soon as possible and sent to the palace.

It was extremely rare for someone like Liu Xiuqi to remain outside the palace until he was fifteen or sixteen years old.

Once a child is past this age, the palace generally will not accept them anymore. As a eunuch who adopted a son but did not send him to the palace, Liu Hongyi himself would be punished for this.

This is also a hurdle that many families of eunuchs find difficult to overcome.

However, seeing Liu Hongyi's hesitant attitude, Madam Xu was secretly delighted.

Although Liu Xiuqi was not her biological child, she had raised him herself. If she had a choice, she would never have sent him to the palace to become a eunuch.

But how to say it requires careful consideration.

Moving closer to Liu Hongyi, Madam Xu massaged his legs as she said, "They say there are no bad parents in the world. Since Xiuqi is your son, it is his fate to serve in the palace. There is nothing to complain about."

"This child has long accepted his fate. It's just a childish matter. He'll forget about it when he gets older. You don't need to take it to heart, sir."

These words, though seemingly comforting, still touched Liu Hongyi with a hint of reluctance.

The fact that he was able to ask that question means he also had this thought in his mind.

Or perhaps, the reason he was reluctant to send Liu Xiuqi to the palace was, subconsciously, that he still held onto this sliver of hope.

However, when it came to actually making the choice, he felt conflicted.

"Actually, not entering the palace isn't necessarily a bad thing. Although eunuchs wield great power, they are ultimately people without roots. However, sitting in this position, I don't know how many people I've offended. If Xiuqi can't support this family in the future, I'm afraid all my years of hard work will be in vain."

Only Liu Hongyi himself could say these things.

At this moment, he seemed to be talking to Madam Xu, but at the same time he was actually trying to persuade his wavering self.

"The imperial examinations are so difficult now. Even if he can pass them, let alone succeed, Xiuqi comes from a family of eunuchs. Even if I asked him to take the exam and enter officialdom, I can't guarantee that he won't be looked down upon by those arrogant civil officials. If he enters the palace, I can at least take care of him. Even if he doesn't become one of the Four Nobles in the future, he won't be too bad off..."

Compared to the imposing Shence Lieutenant in the palace, Liu Hongyi at this moment had shed that powerful eunuch's appearance. He spoke somewhat incoherently, and was more like an old father worrying about his son's future.

As Madam Xu listened, she grew increasingly pleased.

The fact that Liu Hongyi could say these words shows that he had seriously considered keeping Liu Xiuqi outside the palace.

It was clear that Liu Hongyi was feeling very conflicted at that moment.

Therefore, with just one more push, she can easily tip the scales in the other person's heart completely.

But as I said before, there are some things that Liu Hongyi can say, but she can't.

If this push isn't done well, it might have the opposite effect.

After a moment of thought, Madam Xu had an idea and spoke up.

"As a mere woman, I cannot think as far ahead as you, my lord. I only wish for peace in our home and for Xiuqi and Xuyan to live smoothly. As for the future, I will leave that to you."

Upon hearing this, Liu Hongyi glanced at her, shook his head as if somewhat helpless, but his previously slightly tense body unconsciously relaxed.

Seeing this, Madam Xu continued, "Speaking of which, in a few days it will be the Duke of Qi's birthday. It is said that he has not been in good health these days. Young master, do you think we should add some rare medicinal herbs to this year's birthday gift? It would be a way for us to express our good wishes."

Liu Hongyi clearly enjoyed the casual conversation, but since he was still preoccupied with Liu Xiuqi's matter, he only spoke casually.

"It is only right. When the Duke of Qi was in the palace, he took care of me. Now that I am the Lieutenant of the Shence Army, I should return the favor. I will give you some more money later so that you can prepare a more generous birthday gift."

Upon hearing this, Madam Xu nodded, but she felt somewhat anxious.

Because Liu Hongyi clearly wasn't thinking in the direction she was looking for.

This so-called Duke of Qi, although he sounds like a high-ranking official of the court, was actually a eunuch named Ma Cunliang.

From the reign of Emperor Xianzong to Emperor Jingzong, he served as the Commandant of the Shence Army, making him a powerful eunuch who enjoyed great influence for a time.

Moreover, he was a rare eunuch among all the Shence Lieutenants who enjoyed both a high reputation and a fulfilling later life.

Although he was the Lieutenant of the Shence Army, Ma Cunliang was not arrogant or domineering. On the contrary, he repeatedly protected eunuchs and court officials who made mistakes and was kind to others. Even the ministers in the court regarded him as a rare and loyal person.

Later, when the current emperor ascended the throne, Ma Cunliang realized that the emperor was wary of the powerful eunuchs, so he wisely retired from public life. Three years ago, he took the initiative to resign and was granted the title of Duke of Qi, the title of Right General of the Imperial Guard, and a fief of three hundred households, which can be considered a glorious retirement.

When Madam Xu brought him up at this time, she hoped to dispel Liu Hongyi's concerns, but unfortunately, he didn't think about it at all.

Left with no other choice, she could only continue to sigh, "Who can argue with that? Throughout the court and the country, everyone says that the Duke of Qi and his wife are a rare family of loyalty, integrity, and kindness. The Duke of Qi has commanded the Shence Army for decades, and to have such a reputation is truly remarkable..."

This time, Liu Hongyi didn't continue to be perfunctory. Instead, he turned and gave her a deep look, which made Madam Xu's heart tighten.

However, before he could speak, a servant came in to report: "Reporting to the Lieutenant, the eunuch Ximen Jixuan, the head of the Eastern Depot, has arrived and is waiting in the outer room."

"Understood." Seeing that there was serious business ahead, Liu Hongyi immediately dropped his relaxed demeanor and stood up, saying, "Help me change my clothes, I'm going to the front hall to greet the guests..."