He had merely asked for books. Even if this were reported to the emperor, it would not be enough to convict Prince Dai. But why did Prince Dai want so many books?
Even if these books were not gold, silver, or jewels, and were worth little, carting back so many every time he dealt with a Divine Shrine would surely invite gossip.
Did Prince Dai love books that much?
Ma Shunde frowned, doubts clouding his heart, yet no answer came to him.
Prince Dai's Residence · Library
Though dawn light shone, fine rain fell, lending the place a faint autumnal air of emptiness and solitude. Only a few people hurried inside, carrying stack after stack of documents.
The library was a spacious hall connected to several other rooms, with brick floors and row upon row of shelves packed with books, the different categories marked with labels. The moment one entered, the fragrance of ink filled the room. For anyone who loved books, being here was truly a pleasure.
A separate room had also been partitioned off to one side, furnished with tables, chairs, basins of ice, and tea and refreshments. Even in summer, copying books here was hardly an ordeal.
Besides, the library itself stood in a cool spot free of damp, offering welcome relief from the summer heat.
Dressed in Daoist robes, Hui Dao directed people copying Daoist texts in the side room. Now and then, he had them sort the books or went into the library to consult a volume. Though not exactly busy, he was far from idle.
The fragrance of ink permeated the side room, mingling with the distinctive scent of books until, after a while, the two became almost indistinguishable.
Then footsteps approached from outside, and the library door was pushed open. A cool breeze