After Wei Nisheng and Feng Yan walked out of the inner hall,
Feng Yan handed the Black Jade Qu Niang had brought earlier back to Wei Nisheng.
"Take it back."
"Also, I've already had Wei An sent back to the Wei Family's ancestral grounds for burial."
"Rest assured, he was buried beside Brother Wenyue, just as they were together in life."
Wei Nisheng took it and looked at Feng Yan, about to say something,
but Feng Yan waved a hand.
"Enough. It's getting late."
Wei Nisheng did not move.
"Teacher."
"Yes?"
"Has Fu Niang... come back?"
Feng Yan's hand paused, and he glanced up at Wei Nisheng.
"The people from the Grand Princess's residence brought her back. She arrived an hour ago and has already retired."
Wei Nisheng breathed a sigh of relief and bowed again.
"Then I shall take my leave."
"Go on."
Wei Nisheng turned and left the flower hall. As he reached the doorway, he suddenly heard Feng Yan's voice behind him.
"Ni Sheng."
He looked back.
Feng Yan sat in his chair, holding a teacup. The candlelight cast his shadow onto the wall, stretching it long.
"Come early tomorrow.
I'll explain the rules of the Spring Examination to you."
Warmth filled Wei Nisheng's heart. He answered, "Yes," then strode out of the flower hall.
He passed through the covered walkway, through the bamboo grove, and through the moon gate, heading toward the front hall.
When he reached the entrance to the front hall, his steps suddenly halted.
Someone stood in the Corridor.
Her hair had not been arranged into a formal bun, but simply pinned up with a plain silver hairpin.
She held a lantern in her hand, a small one.
A plum blossom branch was painted on its paper shade. Candlelight shone through it, casting