At the start of the Shen Hour, the spring sun already slanted westward.
In the courtyard of the Northern Guesthouse, several Khitan guards lounged beneath the covered walkway, chatting in their native tongue. Laughter and curses echoed through the empty courtyard before fading away; the solemnity of midday was gone.
Outside the main hall, Liu Min stood before the steps with his hands behind his back.
Dressed in a scarlet robe with a plain sash, he wore the mild smile customary to a Hall Official of the Ministry of Rites-neither too warm nor too cool, but perfectly measured.
"I really cannot get used to that strange smell..."
While he was pondering this, boots clattered at the courtyard gate.
Liu Min glanced sideways and saw a figure in a scarlet robe stepping over the threshold.
Two attendants followed behind, their steps unhurried and their expressions grave.
"Hah, what is he doing here?"
Naturally, Liu Min recognized the man.
Qi Zhao, Right Vice Minister of Ministry of Revenue, was Kou Yuan's most capable subordinate.
Before long, the two met. Their eyes connected, and polite smiles rose on their faces almost in unison.
Qi Zhao cupped his hands first. "Vice Minister Liu, what a coincidence."
"What makes it a coincidence?" Liu Min returned the greeting, his smile undiminished.
"Vice Minister Qi, why have you left the Ministry of Revenue's Duty Room to visit the Northern Guesthouse at your leisure?"
He paused briefly, swept a glance over the men behind Qi Zhao, then looked back at his face.
"Could you be checking the foreign envoys' Tribute Lists for Grand Secretary Kou?"
"You jest, Vice Minister Liu." Qi Zhao did not take the bait, merely replying with a smile.
"The Ministry of Revenue accounts for all the realm's tax grain and silver. Since the foreign