The small courtyard of the Wei Residence.
In the courtyard, Qu Niang had already boiled hot water, and a bowl of red jujube porridge sat warming on the stove.
Wei Nisheng took off his cloak and handed it to her, then entered the study and sat quietly for a while.
He warmed his hands around hot tea, his gaze settling on the neatly folded scarlet robe on the desk.
An imperially bestowed scarlet robe, the color worn by officials of the Fifth Rank.
Seventeen years old, and already Subordinate Fifth Rank.
Since the dynasty's founding, he was the first, apart from sons granted office through hereditary privilege.
Qu Niang gently smoothed the imperially bestowed scarlet robe and asked softly,
"Young master, will you wear this robe, or shall I put it away for now? When you go to the Ministry of Revenue tomorrow..."
"I'll wear it tomorrow." With that, Wei Nisheng rose and lightly tapped her forehead.
"Sorry for the trouble, but please straighten it out. Don't let it crease."
"Yes." Qu Niang gave him a reproachful glance at the tap, then asked,
"Are you going out again, young master?"
"His Majesty summoned me, so he must have some instructions in mind.
I need to visit my teacher's residence."
Wei Nisheng set down his teacup, stood, and called out,
"Cui Fu, ready the carriage!"
The Feng Residence.
Feng Yan was warming himself by the fire in his study.
Only after Wei Nisheng had recounted every detail of his audience with His Majesty that day did Feng Yan slowly speak.
"I have stood at Court for more than forty years and seen countless ministers answer questions in the Imperial Presence."
"Some answered too artfully and earned His Majesty's displeasure.
Others answered too honestly and were dismissed by His Majesty as