Jinghe Year Fifteen, the second day of the second month: Dragon Raises Its Head.
Within and beyond Suzhou's walls, spring banners fluttered in the wind, and the Azure Dragon first stirred awake.
The canal waters warmed, pleasure boats weaving to and fro.
At the Suzhou Prefecture Office, official and merchant met.
"Lord He..." Dressed in a stone-blue robe, Shen Mingxuan looked at He Yanming.
"At a time like this, a meeting between official and merchant is no auspicious sign."
"It is of no consequence." He Yanming sat as composed as ever.
"This meeting instead tells others that those with clean hands have nothing to fear."
"Then, my lord, why have you summoned me today..."
Halfway through, Shen Mingxuan abruptly fell silent.
He Yanming raised his eyes to meet his gaze, and each understood where the other stood.
"Owner Shen." He spoke quietly.
"How many years have you been doing business in Suzhou?"
"Three generations, my lord."
"Three generations." He Yanming repeated those two words and nodded.
"If foundations built over three generations were lost in a single morning, would that not be a pity?"
Shen Mingxuan faltered, then asked, "What do you mean, my lord?"
He Yanming lifted his teacup, then set it down again.
The bottom tapped against the desk, ringing softly like a chime stone.
"Owner Shen, we have known each other for years, so I shall speak plainly."
Shen Mingxuan bowed slightly. "Please do, my lord."
"In the few days since Wei Zi'an arrived in Suzhou, what have you seen him do?"
Shen Mingxuan paused, considered for a moment, then slowly said:
"Since Wei Zi arrived in Suzhou, only one deed has been worth noting.
"He sent his Deputy Superintendent to inspect the granaries with you.
"For the rest of his time, he has neither examined