Jinghe Fourteenth Year, Twelfth Month, Twenty-Sixth Day. Clear skies.
Zhang Zai had reported on his duties yesterday and only found time to spare today, while Wang Kan happened to be on leave.
Wei Nisheng therefore invited them both to his courtyard, making the occasion a welcome feast to wash away the dust of travel.
Inside the main room of the Wei Residence's small courtyard.
Several dishes Qu Niang had prepared stood on the table. A wine pot warmed in hot water, its rich fragrance wafting through the room.
"Come, Zihou. This cup is to welcome you back."
Wang Kan, broad-faced and thick-browed, raised his cup in invitation.
"Three years apart, and look how far you've come! The people of Daming Prefecture all call you 'Blue-Sky Zhang'!"
"You flatter me, Zhanzheng." Zhang Zai lifted his cup, tapped it lightly against Wang Kan's, and drained it.
"Blue sky or no blue sky, I merely did what needed doing."
"But you two..."
He set down his cup, his gaze moving between Wei Nisheng and Wang Kan, a faint smile lifting his lips.
"The Grain Reserves Memorial turned the Court upside down and brought the Chief Minister under impeachment."
Wang Kan grinned and was about to speak, but Wei Nisheng cut him off.
"Zihou, there's no need to heap praise on us."
Wei Nisheng took up a pair of chopsticks, put a slice of braised beef into his mouth, chewed twice, and said unhurriedly,
"Your achievements these past three years were fought for, blade by blade and spear by spear, too.
Otherwise, this transfer would hardly have gone so smoothly."
"Serving outside the Capital, winning the people's affection, and seeking no gain in one's own heart-that is no selfish pursuit."
Zhang Zai shook his head. "Besides..."
"Provincial officials wear themselves out running to