Qin Yan, Director of Studies at the Imperial College, was a man of lofty virtue and great renown, whose learning encompassed heaven and humanity.
He entered official service early and served through three reigns.
He expounded the classics in the eastern halls, and scholars looked up to him as a model.
His nature was upright without lacking warmth; his learning was broad and profound, with particular regard for honor and integrity.
Now, honoring our ancestors' intent to conciliate distant peoples, and considering the frequent passage of foreign envoys,
We hereby promote you to Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites, concurrently Academician of the Hanlin Academy and Superintendent of the Institute of Foreign Languages, at the Principal Third Rank.
You shall oversee the reception and departure of foreign envoys, ceremonial observances at court audiences, and the translation of documents and verification of authorization tokens.
The truth or falsehood of foreign affairs, the dignity or abasement of the state, and all additions or reductions to ceremonial observances shall be yours to determine.
We entrust this charge to you alone. Apply yourself diligently!
The matter of Suzhou's silver reached no resolution.
Instead, on the grounds that foreign affairs demanded magnanimity in a great nation's diplomacy, Qin Yan was recalled to the capital from his travels and studies abroad.
The bell dismissing court had not yet ceased reverberating when the officials began filing out of the Hall of Heavenly Favor.
Purple, scarlet, blue, and green robes descended along the Vermilion Steps, flowing slowly toward the Meridian Gate.
Wei Nisheng walked at the rear of the Ministry of Revenue's ranks, a Court Tablet in his hand, his expression calm.
Those speeches the Upright Officials had made in the hall-every word, every phrase, a blade coated in honey...
Having considered them, Wei