In the Capital, beside the Great Ming Gate, clustered the residences of officials in purple and scarlet.
Outside the Feng Residence, the snowfall had eased a little.
Feng Guan lifted the curtain and stepped down from the carriage. Standing before the steps, he looked up at the red gate, a tangle of emotions churning within him.
He had not returned for years, yet every brick and tile here looked just as it had before.
"Father, let's go inside."
Feng Ci stood behind him and urged him softly.
Feng Guan gathered himself, nodded, and stepped over the threshold.
In the main hall of the Feng Residence, the charcoal fire blazed.
Feng Yan sat in the seat of honor, holding a cup of hot tea. His expression was composed, but his gaze never strayed from the doorway.
He was just about to send the steward to inquire when voices reached him from outside.
Feng Guan stepped into the main hall and immediately saw his aged father's lined face and white hair.
His nose stung. He hurried forward, lifted his robe, and dropped to his knees, bowing to the floor as he choked out:
"Father, your unfilial son has returned."
Jiang Shi followed close behind, gathered her skirts, and bowed down as well.
Feng Ci knelt behind his parents, perfectly proper, not daring to raise his head.
Looking at his kneeling son, Feng Yan shifted slightly, as though about to rise.
But the moment he lifted himself from his seat, he forced himself back down and merely said:
"Get up. The floor is cold."
Feng Guan rose, but did not dare sit. He stood in the middle of the hall with his hands at his sides.
After rising, Jiang Shi lowered her eyes and withdrew meekly to one side.
Feng Ci