In the Heavenly Prison, Lu Haixian had struggled to sleep since the previous night. Only toward noon had he finally managed to doze off.
The sound of sliding chains startled Lu Haixian awake. He sat up abruptly on his prison bed and looked toward the door, only to find an elderly eunuch carrying a food box standing outside with the guards.
Since the Four Seas and Mountains Record had been published, Lu Haixian had been granted quite a few imperial audiences. Naturally, he recognized the visitor.
"Eunuch Zhao?"
The cell door opened. Rather than remaining outside, the jailer and guards left after unlocking it. The elderly eunuch carried the food box inside, set it on the table, and shook his head at Lu Haixian.
"Lord Lu, you had such a bright future ahead of you. Why would you deceive His Majesty?"
Lu Haixian had no time to scoff at the idea of someone in his seventies still having a bright future. He hurried off the bed and reached the table without even putting on his shoes.
"Eunuch Zhao, how would I dare deceive His Majesty? Please inform him that I am loyal to my sovereign and devoted to my country. I beg His Majesty to discern the truth!"
Eunuch Zhao opened the food box, releasing the aroma of the dishes inside. Rather than answering Lu Haixian immediately, he arranged all the food on the table.
"Lord Lu, you must be hungry. Have something to eat. His Majesty ordered these dishes prepared for you."
How could Lu Haixian have any appetite now? He merely sank dejectedly onto a stool and stared at the food.
"Eunuch Zhao, please say whatever you have come to say."
The elderly eunuch nodded.
"It seems you know perfectly well, Lord Lu!"
Lu Haixian gave a bitter