The Small Courtyard of the Wei Residence, after noon.
Wei Nisheng and Zhang Zai sat facing each other. The teapot had been refilled three times, and the brew within was as pale as clear water.
Zhang Zai raised his cup, watched the tea stems bobbing within it, and said quietly,
"Zi'an, have you heard what happened at court today?
He Yanming submitted a Request for Release from Office. Neither the Shen Faction nor the Upright Officials would draw their blades, and His Majesty swept out of court in anger."
Wei Nisheng's expression did not change. His gaze turned toward the old jujube tree in the courtyard.
"This move of He Yanming's bears Xie Lin's hand."
He lifted his tea cup and sipped the cold tea, his voice quiet and steady.
"Request for Release from Office, retreating in order to advance."
If it is granted, he leaves office with dignity, carrying his Ten-Thousand-People Umbrella, and Shen Duan simply puts another money bag in his place.
If it is refused, he remains in Suzhou to 'cooperate' with my investigation. I will be unable to move an inch and will ultimately uncover nothing.
With this single move, he has placed himself beyond defeat-and driven me into a corner first."
"Then what do you intend to do?" Zhang Zai asked.
"I haven't decided yet." Wei Nisheng shook his head.
"Have you truly given it no thought?" Zhang Zai plainly did not believe him. His voice even turned cold.
"Before we have so much as reached Suzhou, Xie Lin has made this move expressly to humiliate us!"
"Zihou." Wei Nisheng smiled. "The minister does not move because his ruler has yet to speak."
At those words, Zhang Zai's expression froze.
Wei Nisheng turned back, his gaze as calm as water, and looked him straight in