The Twelve Imperial Supervisors, Four Divisions, and eight stores, altogether known as the twenty-four inner court offices.
The Ritual Supervision ranked first among these twenty-four government offices, controlled by the Chief Eunuch, whose power in the Inner Court was almost absolute.
Emperor Ning, devoted to his religious practices, had not attended court or managed state affairs for many years. Even the memorials submitted by the outer court officials were to be endorsed by the Ritual Supervision on his behalf.
Because the Chief Eunuch managed all affairs so efficiently, Emperor Ning specially bestowed him a building named "Jiefan" to commend the Ritual Supervision's contributions.
At noon, Wu Xiu, respectfully bowing, backed out from the shadows of the Covered Building.
Only when sunlight fell on him did the red python embroidered on his robe vividly reappear.
He slowly exhaled, straightened up, and strode towards the pigeon house.
