Upon hearing the Imprisonment Department, the faces of the palace maids and eunuchs below turned deathly pale.
In the palace, there were too many instances of losing one's life without understanding why. In front of the concubines, it was somewhat better; concubines couldn't physically punish palace maids. Of course, being tormented by masters' various methods was already grueling enough, but the most dangerous was serving before the Emperor. There was a saying in the palace: every servant would make mistakes, except those serving at the Imperial Court.
The Emperor's face showed displeasure; offending His Majesty was a capital offense.
Dragged away for a vicious beating, one could only endure the fear, and should never utter words of pleading, for fear it would bring disaster to one's family.
"Observe for a while, see who serves you best, and I will promote him to Chief Eunuch."
"This servant thanks the Emperor for his grace."
The people below responded in unison.
