Jinghe Year Fifteen, the twenty-second day of the first month, night.
Toward evening, fine snow began drifting down again.
Wei Zi Wei had taken no carriage or horse. Carrying only an umbrella against the snow, he walked slowly along the long street toward the Feng Residence.
After the decree was proclaimed at the grand court assembly on the twentieth, he should have called on his teacher, Feng Yan, the following day to discuss it.
But Feng Yan had been listless, drowsing in bed all day, so he had waited until today.
The study at the Feng Residence.
Feng Yan sat in the Grand Tutor's Chair, wearing a padded robe with a wide-sleeved cloak wrapped over it.
An old felt blanket lay across his knees. Beside his hand, steam curled from a bowl of medicinal broth, lingering before it dispersed.
The Elderly Person sat steady as a bell. Even plain cloth could not conceal the bearing of his former days.
Seventy-six years of wind and frost were carved into that gaunt face.
Looking at him, Wei Nisheng felt a faint ache in his heart and was about to ask after his health.
"Teacher, your health..."
"Zi'an, there is no need to ask."
Feng Yan waved a hand and smiled faintly.
"The Elderly Person is simply what old age looks like."
"Do not remain standing."
Feng Yan raised his chin slightly and indicated the chair opposite.
"Sit down, and we shall talk."
Wei Nisheng sat as instructed, his back straight and both hands resting on his knees.
"You leave tomorrow?"
"Yes."
"Have you finished packing?"
"Everything is packed."
"And Zhang Zai?"
"Everything is ready on Zihou's side as well."
"Good that it is ready. Good..."
Feng Yan nodded, lifted his cup for a sip of medicine, then set it back on