When Your Name Is Proclaimed at the East Flower Gate, Your Teacher Will Perform Your Capping Ceremony

The first day of the sixth month was auspicious for capping and hairpin ceremonies, meeting friends, and presenting betrothal gifts.

That morning, the Central Gate of the Feng Residence opened again.

It was the second time that year.

But this time, it opened not to wait for someone, but to welcome guests.

The hour of the Rabbit had barely passed when the servants of the Feng Residence began bustling about.

They swept the courtyards, hung colorful drapes, arranged tables and chairs, and prepared the Flower Hall.

The steward stood before the steps, directing them until his voice grew hoarse.

Feng Yan rose earlier that day than he usually did.

His old servant helped him put on his most formal purple robe.

Not the one he wore at home, but the one he wore to court, complete with his jade belt and Gold Fish Pouch.

Once fully dressed, he stood before the bronze mirror and inspected himself.

Then he had the old servant straighten his collar before nodding in satisfaction.

"Prepare the invitations," he instructed.

A stack of invitations already lay on the table, all written by his own hand over the past few days.

There were few words on them, only a single line on each.

[On this day of this month, I shall perform the Capping Ceremony for my disciple, Wei Nisheng. Your presence is respectfully requested.]

They were signed with Feng Yan's name and stamped with his private seal.

The recipients included disciples of the Feng Faction, old acquaintances of Qin Yan, and friends from Wei Zheng's younger days.

Neither too many nor too few, just enough to fill the Flower Hall.

Feng Yan never did things extravagantly, nor did he ever leave anyone feeling neglected.

He had spent his entire life mastering the art of proper