The servant brought tea again, replenishing both men's cups.
Wei Nisheng raised his cup and blew gently across it, saying no more.
His throat truly was dry, but more importantly...
He had to give Shen Duan room to think for himself.
Shen Duan's brow was furrowed in thought, and he too remained silent.
Every word Wei Nisheng had spoken pierced like a needle into the marrow.
The tiger still prowled the forest, but the forest was about to fall.
How could he fail to understand?
Precisely because he understood all too well, a foul breath churned in his chest and lodged in his throat, impossible to spit out or swallow.
"So this is why you seek the post of Vice Director of the Selection Bureau?" Shen Duan asked, his expression earnest.
"You need an ally, Grand Secretary." Wei Nisheng placed particular emphasis on "ally."
"Someone who can restrain the Upright Officials without depending entirely on you.
Someone who will speak for you when the Upright Officials attack you.
Someone capable of defending you when the Son of Heaven grows suspicious."
"Heh..." Shen Duan chuckled, likewise raising his cup for a small sip.
"Feng Yan's pupil, the Son of Heaven's Disciple.
Every word points back to yourself..."
"And this person..." Shen Duan lifted his eyes and looked straight at Wei Nisheng.
"Is none other than myself."
Wei Nisheng met his gaze openly and spoke with even composure. His voice rose and fell little, but his meaning was razor-sharp.
"If I gain a seat in the Selection Bureau, I will have the backbone to stand at Court.
When the Upright Officials attack you, I will place the authority over appointments on the scales...
I need only say, 'How can the power to appoint officials be entrusted to a single household?'
His Majesty