On November eighth of the Jinghe Fourteenth Year, the skies cleared after snow.
It was Feng Yan's third day temporarily handling the Chief Minister's duties by imperial decree.
Everything in the duty room of the Hall of Literary Depths remained as before.
One Duan inkstone, two Huzhou brushes.
Only the man sitting in that chair now had silver scattered through his temples.
The senior officials of the Six Ministries came in by turns to report.
Feng Yan listened to each, approving what needed approval and questioning what needed questioning.
Several newly promoted Vice Directors were presenting official business to Feng Yan in person for the first time.
Feng Yan did not hurry them, merely waiting as they stumbled through their reports.
Then, in a few words, he pointed out the essentials and dismissed them.
Fang Qi was among the officials taking their turn.
As he entered carrying a stack of River Works reports, his eyes met Feng Yan's for an instant.
Neither showed any unnecessary expression.
Fang Qi presented the reports. Feng Yan took them, turned several pages, then looked up at him.
"Has last year's annual maintenance funding been disbursed for that stretch of embankment in Henan?"
"Yes, Grand Secretary Feng."
"How much?"
"Eighty thousand taels."
"How much went into the actual repairs?"
"Seventy-eight thousand taels." Fang Qi paused, then answered with his usual composure.
"The remaining two thousand taels covered surveying expenses. The Ministry of Works' inspection documents bear this out."
Feng Yan nodded without pursuing the matter and continued turning the pages.
Fang Qi stood there, his expression unchanged, but inwardly he knew.
That question had not been an audit. It had been a blow to the mountain to frighten the tiger.
Feng Yan knew the customary practices surrounding River Works funds better than anyone.
His silence