Prefect Liu sought out a modest, unassuming scribe.

However, his trusted aide was no longer part of the government office.

Confident that an honest individual would readily divulge information, Prefect Liu approached Scribe Hao, leaving the latter baffled and bewildered by the unexpected attention from a former superior with whom he had no prior dealings.

Realizing Prefect Liu’s new role as an imperial envoy to the Second Prince, Scribe Hao surmised the reason behind the inquiries. He cautiously shared what he knew, keeping his responses deliberately vague.

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As a minor figure in the bureaucratic landscape, Scribe Hao doubted the depth of his insights.

Prefect Liu, too, seemed aware of this, focusing his questions on routine matters: Lord Shao’s edicts, public sentiment, bureaucratic performance, Madam Shao’s character, provincial supplies, commercial prosperity, and market prices…

Ultimately, Prefect Liu broached the topic of Lord Shao’s health, his attending physician, and his current whereabouts.

Scribe Hao’s pulse quickened. He sensed the gravity of the situation.

Indeed, Lord Shao had not been ailing until yesterday afternoon when rumors began to circulate.

By morning, word had spread that Lord Shao’s illness stemmed from overexertion. Despite enduring for several days, he had finally succumbed, seeking respite outside the city’s confines. His privacy was sacrosanct, with strict instructions against disturbance.

Initially baffled by their lord’s sudden illness, the junior scribes remained puzzled.

“Lord Shao’s indisposed, you say?”

“Yes, indeed.”

“And his condition?”

“I’m uncertain. As a humble scribe, I’m privy to little. Our lord has retreated beyond the city’s walls for recovery. My station affords me no insights into such matters.”

“Which physician tends to him?”

“I… cannot say. It escaped my notice.”

“And when did Lord Shao depart?”

Scribe Hao paused, a knowing smile gracing his lips. “I’m not certain. It behooves me not to delve too deeply into matters of leadership…”

Prefect Liu’s impatience was evident as he chided Scribe Hao for his apparent carelessness. “Your lack of attention could cost you recognition, even if the leader sought to commend you!”

Scribe Hao maintained a placating smile, though any trace of irritation eluded him.

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Unperturbed by Hao’s demeanor, Prefect Liu pressed on with a few more inquiries before departing dissatisfied.

Once Liu had left, Scribe Hao breathed a sigh of relief.

Ambitions for advancement were not on his agenda; he understood his position well at his stage of life. Promotion wasn’t a guarantee for everyone.

Besides, under Lord Shao’s governance, conditions had markedly improved in Huaixi province. Salary increments and additional perks were more than satisfactory.

Prefect Liu’s fruitless probing left him pondering the futility of the exercise. Reporting back to Lord Yang would prove challenging. Resolving to gather more substantial information, Liu sought out two additional sources.