Jinghe Year Fifteen, the sixth day of the fourth month, morning.
A slight chill lingered. Spring's grasses and trees had just awakened, and the air was fresh and moist.
Day was only beginning to break when Wei Nisheng took a carriage toward the Great Ming Gate along the long street, bringing only Cui Fu with him.
At the entrance to the Feng Residence, the gatekeeper saw him arrive and stepped aside with a bow, without even announcing him.
Wei Nisheng crossed the threshold, passed through the front courtyard, rounded the screen wall, and followed the bluestone passage toward the study.
Every servant he encountered lowered their hands and made way. None said a word more than necessary.
Ever since he and Fu Niang had set their wedding date, everyone in the Feng Residence had treated him as half a master of the house.
The door to the Feng Family's study stood half closed against the wind.
Wei Nisheng stopped outside, straightened his robes and cap, and was about to knock.
"Zi'an, come in." Feng Yan's voice came from within.
Hearing him, Wei Nisheng lowered his raised hand, pushed open the door, and stepped over the threshold.
Feng Yan sat at his desk, a walking stick beside his chair. Spring's warmth had arrived, yet he still wore his lined robe.
A volume of the Zuo Tradition lay across his knees. Half a cup of leftover tea stood beside his hand, its warmth almost gone.
When the bearer of the staff departed, he too would be gone.
The bearer of the staff was an old man.
At the sight, Wei Nisheng's throat tightened slightly.
Yet he refused to let any of it show on his face. He approached the desk and bowed.
"Your student pays his respects, Teacher."
Feng Yan