Sovereign and Subject

Xin'an City, Zhuang Royal Palace.

Footsteps fell on the brick floor in a steady rhythm.

They revealed their owner's extraordinary composure and will.

Lin Zhengren entered through the distant palace gate and came closer. He bowed respectfully. "Greetings, State Chancellor."

Du Ruhui, his black hair pinned up in a Daoist knot, gave a slight nod. "His Majesty is inside."

Neither distant nor familiar.

From the corner of his eye, Lin Zhengren noticed the tall, lean Fu Baosong standing to the side. He had probably been speaking with Du Ruhui earlier. He stood perfectly straight.

"A lone pine, upright and unbending"—that was how the head of Wangjiang City Daoist Academy had described him.

Lin Zhengren felt a little uncomfortable.

In his view, Fu Baosong had mediocre talent and a rigid disposition. He had neither great merit nor rendered great service. Yet he was always full of himself, acting as though the whole world was muddy and he alone remained pure. Lin Zhengren had no idea what luck had brought him first the position of National Academy Libationer, then the favor of State Chancellor Du Ruhui, as though they had lined up to show him special regard.

But none of that discomfort showed on his face. He even turned and gave Fu Baosong a warm smile.

Fu Baosong lowered his head in return, saying nothing.

Courtesy came from etiquette; distance came from the heart.

The man had yet to learn the outward polish of his senior brother Lin. Though he had never spoken ill of Lin Zhengren behind his back, he still could not bring himself to act familiar with him to his face.

Lin Zhengren continued inside. He happened to catch Du Ruhui's calm yet profound gaze, then quickly looked away to show his respect.

But in his heart, he wondered—