By the time Fang Qi left through the Shen Residence's back gate, darkness had fallen completely.
He bent down and slipped into a small sedan chair covered in blue cloth. Its curtain dropped, concealing his face entirely.
The bearers had already received their instructions: avoid the main thoroughfares and take only secluded lanes and side streets.
They traveled without a sound and soon vanished into the depths of the night.
Meanwhile, the lamp in the Shen Residence's study still burned.
Shen Duan sat behind his desk. The anger he had shown while berating Fang Qi had disappeared, replaced by a quiet composure.
He reached out and tugged the bronze bell at the corner of his desk. Its chime rang clear.
Within a few breaths, the steward pushed open the door and entered, bowing his head as he awaited instructions.
"Go fetch Wu Daoqing." Shen Duan did not look at him, his tone flat.
"Use the west corner gate. No lanterns, and do not alert anyone."
The steward accepted the order and left.
Shen Duan rose and paced over to the charcoal brazier. Taking up the tongs, he unhurriedly stirred the glowing coals.
He was waiting.
Waiting for Wu Daoqing, the Ministry of Revenue Vice Director whom he had personally brought from Guilin to the Capital and promoted from Department Secretary to Vice Director.
Wu Daoqing arrived swiftly.
In less than an hour, soft footsteps sounded outside the study, followed by three exceedingly light knocks.
"Come in."
The door opened, and Wu Daoqing entered with a bow.
He was in his early thirties, lean and fair-skinned, with refined features and a pair of small eyes.
He must have only recently finished his duties, for he still wore his scarlet robe, though he had removed his official hat and held