Jinghe Year Fifteen, February thirteenth, that night.
The Shen Residence, the study.
Shen Duan occupied the central seat of honor, with Fang Qi to his left and Zou Mo to his right.
The others, several vice directors and censors, sat in rows on either side, all gazing intently toward the seat of honor.
The Party Faction had gathered, yet the room was silent.
Candle flames flickered, and shadows wavered on the walls like demons whispering among themselves.
"Has everyone read it?"
Shen Duan spoke without raising his voice, and the entire room grew solemn.
Only then did those seated dare begin speaking among themselves.
"Chief Minister, Wei Zi's memorial cites precedents from Emperor Taizu and Emperor Taizong. Its language is fierce."
Fang Qi spoke first. "If it receives imperial approval, the Hangzhou Guard's troops will enter Suzhou.
"With military power in his hands, Wei Zi will be like a frail man suddenly wielding a naked blade!
"When that happens, He Yanming will struggle to stop him, Li Jin certainly will not stop him, and Xiong Hui may not dare stop him either."
"Naturally, it must never be approved," Zou Mo added.
"But this memorial is watertight, claiming every advantage of moral principle and rightful authority.
"If His Majesty asks about it at morning court, how are we to refute it?"
Fang Qi glanced first at Zou Mo, then back at Shen Duan. After a moment's thought, he said,
"Refute it we must, but not head-on.
"Wei Zi cites precedents from Emperor Taizong. If we simply say, 'It must not be approved,'
"the upright officials will surely seize upon the charge of 'insulting the Late Emperor' and contest us at court!"
"In that case, Jingwen, do you have a plan?" Zou Mo asked.
Fang Qi stroked his beard in thought,