The procession announcing the results was still filling the streets with the thunder of gongs and drums.
Big White Goose Zhang naturally had to write a letter and send it racing home to Xi'an Prefecture.
Though the local magistrate would also send word,
this was Zhang Zai's first personal letter since entering the capital, and he was determined to deliver the good news himself.
And so the three parted ways.
"To the Feng Residence," Wei Nisheng told Cui Fu after returning to the carriage with Fu Niang.
Cui Fu froze at those words.
"Young Master, aren't we going home?"
"To the Feng Residence first."
Cui Fu acknowledged him and turned the horse around. The chestnut horse broke into a run, carrying them down the long street toward the Great Ming Gate.
Inside the carriage, Fu Niang sat beside Wei Nisheng, her eyes and the tip of her nose red.
"The first thing you're doing is going to see Grandpa?" she asked.
"Yes."
Fu Niang smiled with her lips pressed together. She said nothing more, only gently rested her head on Wei Nisheng's shoulder.
The carriage swayed, and her head slipped, then settled back against him, snug and steady.
Wei Nisheng neither pulled away nor moved. He leaned against the carriage wall, his eyes closed.
The Fish Bag was still there, and so were the words "Rank-Promoting Grace."
His Majesty had taken back the National Auspice Jade Seal.
But he felt that before long, he would reclaim it with his own hands.
The carriage stopped outside the Feng Residence.
Wei Nisheng jumped down, straightened his clothes and headwear, then climbed the steps.
Fu Niang followed behind him, jogging a couple of steps to catch up.
"If Grandpa puts on a stern face, don't be scared."
As she spoke, Fu