Chi Ning was a powerful eunuch with authority over both court and state, the kind that the civil officials described as “sarcastic and strange, destined for a miserable end.” He had little ambition in life, except for one: adopting sons at a young age.
The elderly scholar who repeatedly failed exams; the impoverished, once-promising top scholar whose talent was fading; the Embroidered Uniform Guards under the control of the Two Depots—he adopted them all. Even the innocent, adorable little prince would foolishly say, “Lin Lin, consider me your father.”
Later, the scholar became wealthy beyond imagination, the top scholar became the youngest minister in the cabinet, and the little prince ascended the throne as emperor. Outsiders assumed these powerful figures must have hated this deathly eunuch who forced himself into their lives and would want him gone as soon as possible. But to everyone’s surprise… “Father, when are you retiring from the palace? I’ve built all the pavilions and towers for you.” “Father, someone insulted you in court today. Let me deal with him!” “With Lin Lin around, I can finally rest easy.”
Chi Ning, still celebrated and surrounded by descendants, one day whimsically decided he wanted a new son. But this “person” was even more whimsical—he wanted to be another father to all of Chi Ning’s sons.
