It was the fifth day of the third month, four days before the Provincial Examination.
Spring in the Capital was like a lazy cat, stretching once before curling back up.
The last few days had been pleasantly warm, but today had suddenly turned cold again.
A charcoal brazier burned in the Feng Residence's study, its fine charcoal glowing red.
Every so often, a crackle sent a few sparks flying.
Wei Nisheng sat at the desk with a copy of Mencius open before him.
He had turned halfway through the book without taking in a single word.
He was waiting.
Waiting for Feng Yan to return from the Ministry of Personnel.
Over the past six months, Feng Yan had grown increasingly busy.
Previously, he had lived at home in retirement, nominally "returned to Court to oversee affairs."
But he had not needed to attend Court every day. Every few days, he would visit the Grand Secretariat, put in an appearance, and return.
Ever since the turmoil last eighth month, however, he had been so busy his feet hardly touched the ground.
Sometimes he left before dawn and did not return until well after dark.
Even then, he plunged straight into the study to confer with his disciples, doors and windows tightly shut. Not even Wei Nisheng was allowed inside.
Wei Nisheng knew what was keeping Feng Yan busy.
There were things he could guess even without Feng Yan telling him.
Last year, in the Hall of Supreme Harmony, Prince Ning had been convicted, Li Yuanzhen had been imprisoned, and the post of Shaanxi Governor had fallen vacant.
That position had been the Feng Faction's most important chess piece in the northwest. Once lost, it was gone for good.
The emperor had sent his men, and Shen Duan had seized the opportunity