In the study of the Feng Residence, the lamplight burned no larger than a bean.
Feng Yan sat in the Grand Tutor's Chair, listening in silence as Song Yue recounted everything that had happened in the Hall of Literary Depths.
Wei Nisheng sat below the two men, his back straight. His gaze rested on Feng Yan's face, then shifted to Song Yue.
"Lord Feng, Shen Duan wrote the four words, 'Authorize investigation of Suzhou.' I added, 'Dispatch an official to handle it exclusively.'
"At the end, Kou Yuan added another line: 'Wei Nisheng, Department Secretary of the Ministry of Revenue, is fit for this assignment.'"
Song Yue set his teacup back on the desk, his voice grave.
"The drafted response will be submitted for His Majesty's review at tomorrow's morning audience.
"If His Majesty does not reject it, this decree should reach the Ministry of Revenue before long."
Feng Yan said nothing.
"Lord Feng." Song Yue waited a moment before continuing.
"That last remark of Shen Duan's was not directed at Kou Yuan."
"I know." Feng Yan finally spoke. "It was directed at you and me."
Song Yue leaned forward slightly. "Then those Ministry of War accounts..."
"The Ministry of War accounts cannot withstand scrutiny," Feng Yan cut him off, his tone still even.
"If Shen Duan dredges up those old accounts at court, I cannot escape involvement."
"That Shen Duan..." Song Yue clenched his teeth.
Feng Yan glanced at him, the corner of his mouth twitching in something that was not quite a smile.
"Chengping, there is no need to worry.
"Shen Duan is not dredging up those accounts to bring me down.
"He cannot bring me down, just as I cannot bring him down.
"He merely wants to tell me one thing:
"Touch my people, and I will