Terrifying Power

On the 17th of the fourth lunar month at Deer Villa...

The sunlight was so radiant and enchanting that it was a bit too dazzling. The sounds of birds chirping and insects in Deer Villa made the whole area seem secluded and peaceful. The luxuriant pear tree in Eunuch Liu's courtyard provided ample cool shade...

After Eunuch Liu had lunch, he proceeded to lie down on a lounging chair under the pear tree and took a nap. Meanwhile, he was served by two other eunuchs that fanned him at the side. Eunuch Liu's nap was the same as usual — it lasted for about two hours. He only woke up when it was nearly quarter past two o'clock.

When the eunuchs saw Eunuch Liu waking up, they quickly passed a towel to him, served him a cup of hot tea, and gave him a bowl of lukewarm bird's nest soup...