It was that same night.
The Qiu Residence in the south of the city had a modest entrance and low-hanging eaves.
Once the carriage stopped, Cui Fu jumped down from the shaft and went forward to knock.
Before long, footsteps sounded inside, and an old servant poked his head out.
Seeing strangers, he was about to question them when Cui Fu handed over a visiting card.
"My young master has come to call on Officer Qiu."
At the name, the old servant frowned.
"Your young master?"
"Wei Nisheng, the current Vice Director of the Selection Bureau."
Hearing this, the old servant hastily stepped aside, ushered them into the front hall, then hurried to the rear courtyard to announce the visitor.
The Qiu Residence's front hall was small and simply furnished. An "Autumn Waters, Returning Boat" hung on the wall, its brushwork spare and delicate.
It was utterly unlike the Selection Bureau, with its atmosphere of tangled paperwork.
Wei Nisheng stood before the painting with his hands behind his back, studying it closely to pass the time as he waited.
Before long, footsteps sounded from the rear hall.
Qiu Heng stepped over the threshold, neatly dressed in a casual robe.
"I had no idea Lord Wei would visit tonight. Forgive me for failing to come out and welcome you."
Qiu Heng cupped his hands, his tone warm and his courtesy impeccable.
"My lord, please, take the seat of honor.
Someone, bring fresh tea."
Wei Nisheng turned and returned the greeting. "No need for ceremony, Qiu Yuanlang. It was presumptuous of me to disturb you so late."
As Wei Nisheng spoke, he took his seat, then returned his gaze to Qiu Heng's face and opened the conversation himself.
"This 'Autumn Waters, Returning Boat' of yours has such spare brushwork and far-reaching