The Imperial Study.
Emperor Jing of Zhou had changed into everyday clothes and sat behind the Imperial Desk.
The Scarlet Official Robe remained utterly still despite the bitter wind outside the hall.
"Come in."
Wei Nisheng entered with quick steps.
Reaching the Imperial Desk, he straightened his sleeves, composed his expression, clasped his hands, and bowed deeply.
"Your minister, Wei Nisheng, pays his respects to Your Majesty."
"Rise."
Wei Nisheng straightened and stood respectfully with his hands lowered.
The young man stood tall and slender before the Imperial Desk, like pine and bamboo, neither servile nor arrogant.
Emperor Jing of Zhou did not look at him immediately. His gaze rested on the imperial decree, and only after a long silence did he slowly speak.
"Once this decree is issued, you will have no way back."
"I understand."
"What do you understand?" Emperor Jing of Zhou raised his eyes, his gaze sharp as a blade.
"I know there is a tiger on the mountain, yet I choose to climb that very mountain."
"But before I depart south, there is one more matter Your Majesty must know."
"What is it?"
Wei Nisheng slowly drew a memorial draft from his sleeve and raised it above his head with both hands.
"Your Majesty, I have a memorial to present before my departure. I humbly ask that you read it."
Emperor Jing of Zhou's gaze settled on the memorial draft. After a moment's consideration, he gave Wang Cheng a slight nod.
Wang Cheng hurried forward, received it with both hands, and presented it at the Imperial Desk.
Emperor Jing of Zhou unrolled it, his gaze passing over the first line.
[Memorial on Gansu and Liaodong Border Affairs]
The emperor said nothing and lowered his eyes to read closely.
Silence filled the Imperial Study.
Only the