The Eunuch in Chains

A flirtatious, hollow-hearted heartthrob eunuch bottom who has no idea how alluring he is x a younger, loyal-dog top who steals his lord's beloved

Everyone at court knows that after ascending the throne, Emperor Jiang Hanqi's first act was to capture the traitorous Yun Zhinian, castrate him, and demote him to a lowly eunuch whom anyone in the palace could kick around.

In truth, besides conspiring with a prince from another domain to rebel, Yun Zhinian had also personally killed his own twin brother, Yun Shijing, Jiang Hanqi's beloved, during that horrific palace coup years ago, hoping to take his place.

Even so, Jiang Hanqi didn't kill him. He only castrated him, imprisoned him, and kept him by his side.

Ministers often urged the emperor to get rid of this vicious, disastrous menace once and for all. Jiang Hanqi merely smiled and said, "He is no menace. He is a good dog who takes whatever comes his way."

What Jiang Hanqi never expected was that one day this dog would find a new master and bite him until he bled.

*

Everyone also knows that Pei San, a rising star in the Great Jin, comes from the powerful Pei clan, a family that has produced three generals in one generation. He is exceptionally gifted and handsome, too. Every faction scrambles to win him over, sparking one fierce clash after another. Yet this young menace refuses to follow the path his family has paved for him or take up the prestigious post of military governor. Time and again, he plunges into dangerous situations without a care.

What no one knows is that Pei Xuanji first came to the capital and met Yun Zhinian.

The second time he came to the capital, it was for Yun Zhinian.

The third time, he came to take Yun Zhinian away.

Facing the ruler, who was distraught and begging Yun Zhinian to return, Pei Xuanji was utterly unafraid. He stood firm, arm around his beloved, and stared Jiang Hanqi down as he declared, each word deliberate:

"Yun Zhinian is mine.

As long as I live, no one in this world will ever hurt him again."

*

Everyone loves Yun Zhinian.

But Yun Zhinian seems to love no one.

*

In the military camp, lamps glowed bright.

A blade slit open his lapel and traced down his chest, but its wielder clearly didn't dare press hard.

In the end, the man could only toss away the dagger and grumble in frustration.

"Nian'er, sometimes I really want to cut open your chest and see if there's anything inside at all."

Yun Zhinian was held captive in the man's arms. In an instant, a fierce kiss stole every last breath from him.

He wanted to say that he did have a heart.

He had two.

One was a sincere heart, devoted to repaying a debt of gratitude, willing to carry a jade-inlaid sword into battle and face death without regret.

And the other...

Yun Zhinian lowered his voice. "It's for you."

My heart had long since withered. It was only because of you that flesh and blood grew around it again.

Reader's guide:

1. There is angst. The story is steeped in old-school melodrama! [Change of Top] The bottom is not a virgin, and the main love story takes time to develop.

2. The bottom is a heartthrob, and some disturbing characters appear. There are mild noncon elements, so please don't complain if that's not your thing.

3. The bottom is ruthless to others and even harsher to himself. He is not a perfect character. The person he repays is not his scumbag ex.

4. Lots of original worldbuilding, not much political intrigue, and it mainly serves the plot.

Theme: Even in hardship, be self-reliant and face difficulties bravely.