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墨書 Inktalez
In the Qintian Observatory, the flickering candlelight cast dancing shadows, and the scent of old books filled the air. Liu Ying stood before a row of towering bookshelves, her gaze fixed upward as she searched for texts. This place housed astronomical records from various dynasties, making it her most familiar sanctuary.
"Master Liu, the Qimen Dunjia you seek is right here," an elderly clerk emerged from the depths of the shelves, cradling a yellowed tome. The characters on the cover were somewhat faded, but the four large words "Qimen Dunjia" could still be discerned.
Liu Ying accepted the book with a faint smile. "Thank you, old sir." She knew this title was somewhat flattering, but within the Qintian Observatory, everyone privately referred to her this way. It was not only due to her exceptional talents but also because of her unique insights and exquisite skills in astronomy and calendrical studies.
Just as she was about to turn the pages, she heard steady footsteps approaching from behind. Turning around, she saw Zhao Mingyuan walking toward her. His expression was as usual, as if the previous unpleasantness in the Council Hall had never occurred.
"So you are here," Zhao Mingyuan's voice broke the silence. "Lord Zhang has sent me to assist you in investigating the anomalies."
Liu Ying hesitated for a moment but then nodded. "That would be excellent. Lord Zhao is well-read and knowledgeable; surely you will uncover something." Although she had little interaction with Zhao Mingyuan in court, she had heard of his reputation.
The two began to sift through the texts, and under the candlelight, only the rustling of pages could be heard. After a while, Zhao Mingyuan suddenly spoke up. "Do you remember that similar anomalies occurred twenty years ago?"
Liu Ying paused, her fingers halting on the pages. Twenty years ago? She had not been born then; how could she know about those anomalies? She looked up at Zhao Mingyuan with confusion.
Zhao Mingyuan gestured for the clerk to bring an old volume of Qintianjian Records and pointed to a page. "That year, Tai Bai appeared during the day, and there were unusual movements in the Purple Forbidden Enclosure. Shortly after, a major case unfolded in court. However..." He looked at Liu Ying meaningfully. "These are secrets of the inner palace; it is not appropriate to speak further."
A chill ran through Liu Ying's heart. Twenty years ago was when the Xu Family Case occurred. The Xu Family were prominent officials known for their loyalty, yet they were executed overnight for alleged treason—though many rumors circulated among the public.
"How coincidental," Zhao Mingyuan continued to browse through the texts. "The official in charge of Qintian Observatory at that time was your grandfather, wasn't he?"
"Yes," Liu Ying replied calmly. "Unfortunately, I was young then, and my grandfather passed away early; he never mentioned much to me."
Zhao Mingyuan acknowledged her with a thoughtful "mm," choosing not to elaborate further. Yet Liu Ying felt a weight in her heart. Before his death, her grandfather had solemnly passed down a Bronze Mirror to her, insisting it was of great importance and that she must keep it safe. Could it be...?
Her thoughts were interrupted by hurried footsteps approaching. Lord Zhang strode in with a serious expression. "Prepare to go to the palace immediately; His Majesty summons you!"
Liu Ying exchanged glances with Zhao Mingyuan, both surprised by this sudden call. Officials from Qintian Observatory were not allowed into the palace without an edict; such an unexpected summons must signify urgent matters.
As she gathered her texts, an old note fluttered out from between the pages. Liu Ying instinctively picked it up and saw it hastily scribbled with words: "Tai Bai is noble; Zi Wei is power; when these two stars shine together, fate will reveal itself."
She wanted to examine it closely when Lord Zhang urged her on again. Liu Ying quickly tucked the note into her sleeve and hurried after him. The candlelight in the library flickered as a gust of wind blew through, casting wavering shadows on the walls.
At that very moment on the streets of the capital, a mad figure gazed up at the dimming sky, muttering strange prophecies under his breath.
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