Outside the Meridian Gate, the sunlight blazed.
The officials filed out, in twos and threes, each making his way home.
Wei Nisheng and Wang Kan walked side by side below the Vermilion Steps, one in a scarlet robe, the other in green, their pace neither hurried nor slow.
"Zi'an, after this half-day court session, my belly is already empty."
Wang Kan turned his head, a rare hint of ease in the eyes beneath his thick brows.
"A new eatery opened in the east of the city. It's called Sister Song's Fish Soup.
I hear they make an excellent broth. Shall we go?"
"Zhanzheng, are we to celebrate our promotions with nothing but fish soup?"
"Hahaha! Zi'an, are you after my salary?"
"Are you unwilling, Zhanzheng?"
"To celebrate today's promotions, I ought to empty my purse and get thoroughly drunk with you!
Don't worry. There's also Wei Broadsword's cooked meat next door to Sister Song's!"
Wei Nisheng was about to reply when, from the corner of his eye, he spotted a figure approaching from nearby.
Clad in a purple robe and jade belt, the man walked with steady steps and stopped squarely in his path.
Kou Yuan halted before Wei Nisheng, no more than three paces away.
The sunlight shone from behind him, stretching the shadow of his purple robe until it fell precisely across the tips of Wei Nisheng's boots.
Wei Nisheng did not retreat, but Wang Kan shifted slightly to one side and glanced at Kou Yuan.
Kou Yuan did not look at him. He gazed only at Wei Nisheng.
"Wang Zhanzheng, I have a few words to say to Wei Nisheng."
Wang Kan's brows stirred, and he turned to look at Wei Nisheng.
Wei Nisheng gave a slight nod. Wang Kan said nothing more, nodded back, and turned