"There are many, but the loyalties he holds are shaky, often bought by lies or fear. I managed to reveal many of his worst crimes, but the opinions are split as to whether those crimes are real, and even if they are, there's not enough certainty to unseat him. What he wants most is power and security." Huaisang's almost rambling, hoping that an idea will come as he speaks, or that Doul will draw his requested pearl out of his words.

"Perhaps you're the better one to name a pearl, at least when it comes to his books. My actual preferences in books are pornography, poetry, and romantic adventures. I acquire books because they have value and because I often need to research these things, but the books you named?" Huaisang shakes his head. "I have no interest in reading them. Is there a book that we could tempt him with, from your threads of connection?"