Wei Shouzheng did not respond to Cui Shi's words.
When Cui Shi saw that he would not answer, she smiled again and picked up a piece of candied fruit, holding it to Wei Shoucheng's lips.
Her gaze, however, swept casually across Wei Mingde's face, as though she were making an offhand remark-or deliberately trying to stir up a subject.
"Speaking of which, Shouzheng, you've only just returned to the capital. Have you seen...
Your younger brother?
I hear he's quite something now. Not even twenty, and already Vice Director of the Selection Bureau, with a Principal Fifth Rank appointment.
He holds the promotions and transfers of officials throughout the realm in his hands. How many people at court would love to curry favor with him, yet can't even find a way?
You two are brothers, after all. Though you've separated your lineages and established yourselves independently,
You're still bound by blood in the end. If you could visit each other now and then..."
Before Cui Shi could finish, Wei Mingde raised his voice and cut her off.
"Why bring him up?!"
Wei Mingde's face flushed crimson. He slapped the table, making it rattle with a bang.
"What bond of blood? A lineage separation is a lineage separation!
He can take his broad, sunlit road, and I'll cross my single-plank bridge!
Shouzheng is my son, Wei Mingde's son! He has nothing whatsoever to do with that wretched bastard!"
Under this barrage, Cui Shi's smile stiffened, then returned to normal. Her voice softened a little.
"Why are you behaving like this, husband?"
"I only mentioned it in passing. Shouzheng has just returned. Letting the brothers meet is hardly a bad thing.
Besides, he holds power and high office now. How could outsiders be as trustworthy as his own brother? Shouzheng will need