March 12, the rest day after the second session of the Spring Examination.
The gatekeeper of the Feng Residence was huddled in the gateway, dozing, when he suddenly heard horses and carriages approaching.
Opening his eyes, he saw a small sedan chair settle steadily before the gates.
The curtain lifted, and a man stepped out.
A purple robe, a jade belt, a Gold Fish Pouch.
His half-gray hair was impeccably groomed, his face lean, his cheekbones slightly prominent.
"G-Grand Secretary Shen?!"
The gatekeeper froze for a moment, then hurried inside to announce him.
Shen Duan was in no hurry. He simply stood at the entrance, hands behind his back, studying the plaque above the gates of the Feng Residence.
Before long, the gatekeeper came running back out and bowed.
"Grand Secretary Shen, my master invites you to take tea in the Main Hall."
Shen Duan nodded and stepped across the threshold.
He walked slowly, looking around as he went.
He had visited the Feng Residence many times, but none of those visits could ever compare with his first.
Back then, he had still been a lowly official toiling away at the Hanlin Academy, accompanying his superior to pay a New Year's visit to the Feng Residence.
He had stood at the very back of the crowd, without even the standing to exchange a word with Feng Yan.
Now he wore a purple robe with a Gold Fish Pouch hanging at his waist, holding all the dignity of the Chief Minister.
The affairs of the world were like a game of chess. Who could say how they would turn out?
Through the front hall and around the covered corridor, the Main Hall came into view.
Feng Yan stood at its entrance, neither coming out to greet him nor returning to his