It was dusk.
After bidding Song Yue farewell, Wei Nisheng did not return to the Small Courtyard at the Wei Residence, but went instead to the Feng Residence.
Inside the Feng Residence's study, the chill of spring had passed, yet it still seeped into old bones, worse even than winter's end.
Feng Yan sat in the Grand Tutor's Chair, a half-felt blanket draped over his knees, his expression tranquil.
Wei Nisheng sat opposite him, his back straight, leaning slightly forward.
The candlelight in the study cast master and disciple's shadows across the wall of books behind them, one tall and one short, one steady and one solemn.
"Song Yue came looking for you today?" Feng Yan asked.
"Yes." Wei Nisheng nodded slightly.
"He sought a substantive posting outside the capital as a prefectural judge for his nephew.
"What he meant was that this vacancy was already coveted by an old member of the Feng Faction. All his student needed to do was nod, and with the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of War quietly cooperating, everything would flow into place like water finding its channel.
"But that very implication made me realize he had come directly to me without first going through you, Teacher."
Feng Yan listened without committing himself, then raised his eyes to Wei Zi instead.
"In that case, how did you answer?"
"His student said it must first pass the Ministry of Personnel's merit assessment and court recommendation.
"And while examining the records at the Ministry of Personnel, I had spotted a military officer, so I proposed a trade.
"But when Grand Secretary Song heard it, his expression remained unchanged. He merely drank a cup of wine and said nothing more. I suspect he was weighing it."
Feng Yan chuckled softly.
"Zi'an, you did