Wei Nisheng took his seat at the command, composed his expression, settled his knees, and raised his eyes toward the Heir Apparent.
Jiang Heng sat upright behind the desk, dressed in a plain brocade robe, with a gold crown and jade hairpin.
His bearing was serene; without ornament or flourish, his radiance shone of its own accord.
It inevitably reminded Wei Nisheng of Princess Luyang's assessment:
"Dull."
Only now, seeing him, did he understand that this "dullness" was not dreariness, but quiet depth.
The fellowship of gentlemen was like water.
That was precisely how Jiang Heng received others: no ripples at first, but with time, one saw its clarity.
Wei Nisheng sat upright without speaking, while his thoughts raced like lightning.
His impression of the words "Crown Prince" came from the histories.
Chengqian of Tang and Crown Prince Li of Han had both suffered unforeseen calamities despite the exalted status of their succession.
The heirs apparent of every dynasty had either acted too hastily or fallen victim to others' schemes.
In short, not one of them had enjoyed peace!
So, did this Crown Prince of Great Zhou intend to discuss politics with him?
Once he discussed politics with an heir apparent who had not yet begun receiving formal instruction outside the palace, it would constitute cultivating ties with an outside official...
The ancestral institutions stood stern and forbidding; a single ill-chosen word could become a weapon against him.
Just as Wei Nisheng was weighing how to phrase his response, Jiang Heng spoke.
His voice was gentle, with the clear brightness peculiar to youth:
"Zi'an, you needn't be nervous.
"I won't discuss current affairs with you."
Wei Nisheng raised his eyes.
Now, hold on, Your Highness.
Calling me 'Zi'an' doesn't leave me feeling 'at peace' in the slightest.
Jiang