Nothing much ever happened in the Imperial Capital.
Someone's daughter tripping on the road or someone's husband twisting his ankle while shopping could all become topics for neighborhood gossip.
Of course, the biggest topic lately concerned two young men.
Minister Lin's son, Lin Ke of servile status!
Minister Qi's son, Qi Ye of the noble registry!
Leaving the two young men aside for the moment, their fathers were among the most powerful people under heaven, second only to the Sage Emperor.
Yet their names alone showed just how little favor they enjoyed with their fathers.
Ke meant the wooden handle of an ax-a piece of rotten wood.
Ye meant the wilderness, the opposite of the imperial court.
Lin Ke and Qi Ye-neither was favored by his father.
Then there were the other considerations.
Minister Qi's political views had always clashed with Minister Lin's. Minister Qi came from the Martial Path, while Minister Lin came from the traditional Confucian Path.
Their sons, however, had gone in the opposite direction.
Minister Qi's son had studied the Martial Path since childhood, yet grew up with a special fondness for the Confucian Path.
Minister Lin's son had studied the Confucian Path since childhood-or so most people believed.
And what had come of that?
He had ended up standing with those of servile status?
Of course, compared with Qi Ye, Lin Ke at least had never said he particularly loved or loathed any one path.
Of these two, one had already made quite a name for himself in the Capital City several years ago, while the other had composed a poem that earned imperial approval.
These two were bound to clash like a dragon and a tiger!
All sorts of reports began flying throughout the Imperial Capital.
One moment, people claimed Qi Ye actually had