June 11. Clear skies, a little warm.
Wei Nisheng rose early and dressed in his official robes with Qu Niang's help.
The green robes brought out his youth. Studying himself in the mirror, Wei Nisheng felt he looked a little more composed.
Fresh green spring robes brushed the willows by the offices; a young man soared straight into the blue clouds.
Outside the courtyard gate, Cui Fu had already harnessed the carriage and stood waiting in a somewhat worn indigo tunic of coarse cloth.
His eyes lit up when Wei Nisheng emerged. He broke into a grin, then hastily checked himself and put on a solemn expression.
"Young master, to the Hanlin Academy?"
"To the Hanlin Academy."
The carriage rattled down the long street.
Dawn came early to the Capital in June.
A few officials waiting to attend court stood by the roadside in their official robes, yawning, each holding two copper coins.
The Hanlin Academy stood to the east beyond the Great Ming Gate, a compound with three successive courtyards.
Gray walls, black tiles, and a plaque over the entrance bearing the words "Hanlin Academy."
It had neither the grandeur of the Qionglin Banquet gardens nor the profound air of the Hall of Literary Depths. It was simply an ordinary government office.
Wei Nisheng straightened his robes and cap, then climbed the steps.
An elderly clerk stood at the entrance. At the sight of him, the clerk hurriedly cupped his hands in greeting.
"Would you be Lord Wei, the new Top Graduate?"
"Indeed. I've come to report for duty today."
"Yes, sir, I know," the old clerk replied.
"The Academy Director left instructions. Once you arrived, Lord Wei, you were to go straight to the main hall in the third courtyard. The Academy Director wishes to see you."