On the thirtieth day of the twelfth month in the Jinghe Fourteenth Year, the grand court assembly resumed its deliberations.
The atmosphere that day differed from usual.
At the court deliberation two days earlier, He Yanming's memorial requesting a Request for Release from Office
had left the ministers deadlocked, unable to reach an immediate decision.
At today's grand assembly, the matter would have to be settled before the court.
Inside the waiting chamber, Shen Duan sat at the head of the civil officials, his expression unchanged, his hands tucked into his sleeves as he rested with his eyes closed.
"Chief Minister." Fang Qi leaned toward him and murmured,
"His Majesty specially summoned Wang Kan to join today's deliberation. I fear..."
"Fear what?" Shen Duan did not open his eyes.
"A matter none of the Upright Officials would touch, and he is merely a Sixth Rank official!
Does His Majesty mean to shake both factions with this single stone?
Unless Wang Kan no longer wishes to keep his footing among the Upright Officials!"
On the other side of the waiting chamber, Kou Yuan and Song Jing sat shoulder to shoulder.
"Zhiyuan, that boy Wang Kan." Kou Yuan cradled his teacup, took a small sip, and asked quietly,
"His Majesty specially ordered him to attend court today. Did you give him any advice?"
"He came to see me last night, and I did offer him a few words." Song Jing smiled faintly.
"He said, 'Heaven, Earth, Ruler, Parents, and Teacher.' Still as plainspoken as ever.
As I see it, this special summons today is probably no more than Wei Zi'an going with the current and helping him along toward an opportunity!"
When a disciple received imperial favor, his teacher naturally had reason to rejoice.
Thus, seeing Song Jing's smile, Kou Yuan