Silence fell over the hall.
Beyond the eaves, a crabapple petal occasionally left its branch, whirled gently down, and touched the ground without a sound.
"Wenhao." Fang Qi finally spoke, voicing the question on his mind.
"Did you come today to ask for my recommendation, or to place a piece on Chancellor Shen's behalf?"
Shen Yi smiled faintly, set down his teacup, rose, straightened his sleeves, and bowed deeply to Fang Qi again.
"I would not dare deceive you, Uncle."
"I can only say: both."
"First, I am nearing thirty, yet I have been trapped in the Ministry of Justice for three years without a single achievement to my name.
A posting to Suzhou would let me serve the court in a public capacity and secure a future for myself in a private one.
These words come from the bottom of my heart. If you believe them false, Uncle, I have nothing more to say."
"Second..." Shen Yi raised his head, his gaze candid.
"Grandfather stands at court, and a towering tree draws the wind.
On this journey south, Wei Nisheng has drawn blood with every stroke, pressing closer with every step.
If I sat by and did nothing, I would be unworthy of being his grandson.
I am going to Suzhou not to contend with Wei Zi,
but to let him know that the Shen Family still has someone who can play this game in Suzhou."
After hearing him out, Fang Qi could not help sighing.
The young man before him spoke earnestly without losing his edge. In the way he advanced and retreated, he already showed something of his grandfather's bearing.
"Wenhao." Fang Qi rose as well.
"You said just now that Wei Zi had won over the 'affairs,' but not the 'people.'
Then do you know...