The Feng Residence.
Cui Fu knelt outside the study door, with Qu Niang kneeling half a step behind him.
Both were travel-worn, tears still streaking their faces.
Inside the study, Feng Yan sat upright behind his desk, holding the piece of Black Jade and turning it over three times.
The jade remained, but where was the boy?
Silence lay all around.
Only the candle in the lantern crackled, as though wagging its tongue.
Outside the window, the autumn wind swept past the eaves, sobbing and sighing.
"That foolish child." Feng Yan suddenly spoke, his voice so soft he seemed to be talking to himself.
"He thought everything would be fine if he shouldered it alone?
He thought his death would put an end to this?
He thought that old dog Prince Ning would spare him if he severed every tie?"
Feng Yan opened his eyes, his gaze dark. It was hard to tell whether his smile was bitter or cold.
"Making decisions for others at thirteen. Heh. A true disciple of mine."
Feng Yan rose, took a purple robe from the wall, draped it over himself, and straightened his ceremonial hat.
"Master, are you truly going to..." The steward of the Feng Residence trembled as he spoke.
"To the palace," Feng Yan said coldly.
"Master, it's already dark. The palace gates..."
"If the palace gates are closed, have them opened." Feng Yan finished adjusting his hat and fixed the steward with a cold stare.
"In over forty years at court, no palace gate has ever dared bar my way."
With that, he pushed open the door and stepped out of the study, glancing at Cui Fu and Qu Niang kneeling on the ground.
"Get up. Your young master will be safe."
Cui Fu raised his head, his eyes red. "Lord