The Eastern Depot Needs Talents Like You

Chi Ning is a powerful eunuch in the Great Qi dynasty, serving as a Commander of the Jiangzuo Garrison and an official of the Eastern Depot. Orphaned and selected for the inner court due to his appearance, he rose rapidly through the ranks under the mentorship of Eunuch Zhang Jingzhong. After his master fell from grace, Chi Ning was exiled to Jiangzuo but was urgently recalled to the capital by the new emperor. He travels back with a prized piece of ebony wood, known as Yuan Jun, which possesses supernatural abilities and speaks to him telepathically. Upon arriving at Zhenjing Temple, Chi Ning encounters Wen Shibao, a reckless nobleman who attempts to extort the wood. Chi Ning effortlessly humiliates him and uses the Eastern Depot's authority to arrest Wen Shibao and his companions, including a woman named Huang Sanniang, who is revealed to be a wanted criminal linked to a rival eunuch faction.

Chi Ning’s return to the capital is driven by political ambition and a desire to reclaim his status. He seeks to enter the Directorate of Ceremonial, the most powerful eunuch institution, to wield greater influence. His adopted son, Xia Shaocheng, assists him in executing arrests and managing Eastern Depot affairs. Chi Ning also reconnects with Su Lu, a Hanlin Academy compiler and his former godson, who is suffering from a mysterious curse manifested as an emotional attachment. Chi Ning uses Yuan Jun’s power to relieve Su Lu’s affliction, strengthening their bond and demonstrating his protective nature toward those he considers family. The ebony wood feeds on these emotional attachments, growing stronger with each interaction.

The political landscape is tense following the death of the previous emperor. The new ruler, Wen Ke, ascended the throne despite Chi Ning’s earlier support for the late emperor’s young son, Wen Chen. Chi Ning navigates these treacherous waters by submitting memorials that are deliberately suppressed by rival eunuchs, a move he anticipates to portray himself as a loyal servant enduring unjust persecution. During his journey to the palace, he avoids an ambush arranged by his enemies, showcasing his caution and strategic mind. He enters the palace alone, seeking an audience with the emperor while concealing his true intentions.

A critical turning point occurs when Chi Ning discovers the young crown prince, Wen Chen, hiding behind a water jar, suffering from a high fever and delirium. The boy, who remembers Chi Ning as his protector, clings to him and addresses him as "Father." Chi Ning, moved by the child’s vulnerability, uses Yuan Jun’s dark power to suppress the curse affecting the prince, stabilizing his condition. This act deepens the bond between them and places Chi Ning in a precarious position, as the young emperor’s loyalty is now tied to him. Grand Eunuch Wang Fugui, a loyal servant of the Empress Dowager, arrives to retrieve the prince, highlighting the complex web of alliances within the court.

Chi Ning’s path is fraught with danger from rival eunuch factions, particularly those aligned with Eunuch Ma, who vie for control of the Eastern Depot. Despite these threats, Chi Ning remains confident, relying on Yuan Jun’s guidance and his own political acumen. He plans to use the marriage negotiations for Prince Jing’s heir as a stepping stone to gain favor with both the Empress Dowager and the new emperor. His ultimate goal is to secure a position of supreme authority within the inner court, leveraging his relationships with key figures like the young prince and his adopted sons. The story unfolds as a intricate tale of power, loyalty, and supernatural intrigue within the imperial palace.