On the tenth day of the sixth month, the decree arrived.
Wei Nisheng had risen early that day. He had only just picked up his bowl when hurried footsteps sounded outside the courtyard gate.
"Is Master Wei home? A decree from the Ministry of Personnel!"
Cui Fu's hand trembled at the voice, and he nearly lost his grip as he drew back the gate bar.
The gate opened to reveal three men, led by a ceremonial official in a scarlet robe.
He held a Yellow Silk Decree, with two clerks following behind him.
One carried a brocade box, the other a tray.
Red silk covered the tray, hiding whatever lay beneath.
"Is this the residence of Master Wei Nisheng?" the ceremonial official asked.
Cui Fu swallowed and nodded repeatedly. "Yes, yes, yes! It is! I'll go announce you!"
He turned and ran, then doubled back after two steps, scrambling out of the way.
"Please come in, sir, please! Have some tea in the hall!"
The ceremonial official waved a hand and remained outside, waiting at the gate.
Wei Nisheng had already risen from beneath the jujube tree.
He set down his bowl of porridge, straightened his clothes and headwear, and strode to the gate.
He glanced first at the Yellow Silk Decree, then at the ceremonial official.
His expression was calm, but an indescribable feeling stirred within him.
It was not nervousness, but the grounded relief of something finally arriving after far too long a wait.
"Your subject, Wei Nisheng, respectfully receives the decree." Wei Nisheng bowed.
Since this was an appointment decree from the Ministry of Personnel rather than an imperial edict personally written by the emperor, elaborate formalities were unnecessary.
Cui Fu and Qu Niang, however, knelt behind him.
The ceremonial official unrolled the Yellow Silk Decree, his