Since that day, Lin Zhao's situation in Storage Room C showed no visible change. He still entered at Chen hour and left at You hour daily, burying himself in old papers, as silent as a shadow. However, the frequency with which the Eastern Palace requested books increased significantly, and the contents of the lists became more and more diverse, ranging from classics, histories, and philosophical texts to geography and even occasionally one or two miscellaneous books on medicine, divination, or astrology.
Chief Eunuch Sun came each time with the same arrogant demeanor, but Ling Zhao could feel that the eunuch's cold gaze lingered on him for a fraction of a second longer. The books he delivered were inspected with extra care, especially those bearing signs of repair.
Ling Zhao remained composed, making every delivery of books impeccable. Restoration marks were perfectly blended, and registration entries were clear and accurate. When organizing a batch of former dynasty agricultural texts, he "accidentally" discovered a few scattered records regarding the dredging of old river channels in the capital region, which subtly differed from the current official hydraulic records. He meticulously copied them in small script and slipped them into a book for submission.
He was like the most patient hunter, subtly tossing out bait, waiting for the prey to confirm safety and willingly approach.
During this period, through scattered archives in the repository and occasional snippets of gossip, he gradually pieced together more information about Xiao Jin.
The "Witchcraft Scandal" three years ago erupted suddenly and fiercely, with clear targets, witnesses, and physical evidence presented. Xiao Jin's birth mother had died young, and his maternal clan was politically weak, leaving him without powerful backing in the court. After the incident, almost no one interceded for him. The emperor, in his fury, stripped him of his title and confined him to the Eastern Palace. The original officials and servants were completely purged. Now, those who remained were either implanted spies like Eunuch Sun, or insignificant fringe characters pushed in by various factions.
Xiao Jin himself had lived in seclusion since his deposition, and his health was rumored to be worsening. The Imperial Medical Office sent doctors to check his pulse every few days, bringing back boilerplate reports of "excessive worry, stagnant liver qi, requires quiet recuperation."
How could a deposed Crown Prince, under strict surveillance, frail, and isolated, orchestrate a palace coup that required mobilizing troops and coordinating forces both inside and outside the palace?
Ling Zhao did not believe the imperial physicians' diagnoses, nor the surface tranquility. Xiao Jin's ability to secretly accumulate power under these circumstances indicated a spirit of exceptional resilience and hidden means. The driving force behind all this, apart from the instinct for survival, was likely an overwhelming hatred and resentment.
This hatred bore a striking resemblance to the seemingly calm, yet inwardly destructive, rage of Prince Qin Jin after his "Star-Glow Project" achievements were plagiarized years ago.
On this day, Eunuch Sun came again, his face a few shades darker than usual. He tossed a new book list to Ling Zhao, his tone impatient: "Hurry! His Highness is waiting for these!"
Ling Zhao took the list and glanced at it, his heart stirring. This time, in addition to the standard classics, the list prominently featured several rare books from the previous dynasty concerning palace architectural regulations and the network of underground water channels. These books were highly sensitive.
"Grand Eunuch," Ling Zhao showed a hesitant expression and spoke cautiously, "These few books... involve the forbidden regulations of the former imperial court. By precedent, an official permit from the Director of the Internal Affairs Department is required for their viewing. I..."
Eunuch Sun interrupted him impatiently, lowering his voice with a hint of threat: "Just find what you are told to find! Where does all this nonsense come from! This is His Highness's order. If anything goes wrong, His Highness will bear the responsibility!" "His Highness," in his mouth, naturally referred to Xiao Jin.
Ling Zhao lowered his eyes, concealing the sharp glint within: "Yes, this humble one understands."
He spoke no more, turning to delve into the sea of books. Finding the rare volumes took some time. When he returned, carrying a stack of thick texts, Eunuch Sun was pacing anxiously.
Ling Zhao placed the books on the table and began registering them one by one. As he picked up the Records of Former Imperial Gardens, his movements paused slightly. The cover of this book seemed cleaner than the others, with less wear on the edges. He opened it non-chalantly for a quick inspection.
On a page detailing the underground dark channels beneath the Cold Pala