The fifteenth day of the eleventh month, Jinghe Fourteenth Year.
Wei Nisheng had been waiting outside Chongzheng Hall for more than half an hour.
Tomorrow was the day he would enter the Ministry of Revenue's Revenue and Expenditure Bureau. By customary practice,
newly appointed officials of Department Secretary rank or above in the Six Ministries were not entitled to an imperial audience before taking office.
Yet last night, the Directorate of Ceremonial had sent word that His Majesty had arranged to summon him today.
Though he did not know what it was about, among all the civil and military officials at court who had enjoyed such exceptional treatment,
he, Wei Zi'an, was the first.
Before long, the eunuch on duty at Chongzheng Hall emerged from within with quick, mincing steps.
"Director Wei."
"Eunuch." Wei Nisheng inclined his head slightly, his expression composed.
Seeing how courteous Wei Nisheng was, the eunuch paused in surprise, and his tone softened at once.
"Director Wei, His Majesty will receive you in the Imperial Study. Please follow me."
"Sorry for the trouble." Wei Nisheng clasped his hands and bowed.
"Oh, I could never presume to accept such a bow from the Top Graduate!"
The eunuch hurriedly bent his waist even lower, his words growing more deferential.
Indeed, as he turned to lead the way to the Imperial Study, he even offered a quiet word.
"Have no worries. His Majesty is not displeased today."
A small kindness had brought him a word of reassurance.
Wei Nisheng straightened his robes and headwear, then stepped through the hall doors.
The moment he entered, warmth and the fragrance of ambergris brushed his face, as though he had crossed into another world.
"Your servant, Wei Nisheng, Department Secretary of the Ministry of Revenue's Revenue and Expenditure Bureau..."
Wei