The Shen Residence.
Shen Duan had just finished dinner and was sitting in the Flower Hall, drinking tea.
It was a cup of Pre-Rain Longjing, the water just warm enough, the tea clear and bright.
He held his tea cup and slowly blew at the floating foam, looking thoroughly at ease.
He had been in a good mood these past few days.
Li Yuanzhen had been implicated, the court was embroiled in furious arguments, and Feng Yan's granddaughter had been detained in the Palace by the Grand Princess.
The post of Shaanxi Governor was about to come loose and fall into his hands.
Just as Shen Duan was enjoying his ease, the Shen Residence's steward came scrambling in.
"Master, Master!"
Shen Duan frowned and set down his tea cup. "What has you so alarmed?"
"The Young Master just came back in a daze and said... said..."
"Said what?"
"The... the Wei family son... killed the Heir of Prince Ning!"
Shen Duan's hand froze.
"Killed him?"
"Killed him! A sword through the chest! He died on the spot!"
"I was right about him after all. A fellow like that is ruthless." Shen Duan wiped his forehead.
Then he drew a deep breath, forcing himself to remain calm.
"Master, you... aren't worried?" the steward asked, watching his reaction.
"What is there to worry about?" Shen Duan said unhurriedly. "The man is already dead."
The steward opened his mouth but dared not answer.
"Besides, the Wei family son killed the Heir of Prince Ning, not The Art of War."
"He has committed murder. The law of the realm will not tolerate it."
The steward ventured a cautious reminder. "But Master, Prince Ning..."
"What about Prince Ning?" Shen Duan turned around.
"With his heir dead, Prince Ning will only hate Feng Yan and Wei