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.
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…
