In a side hall of the Eastern Palace, the meal had been cleared away.
Only two celadon cups and a dish of candied fruit remained on the table, steeped in the slanting sunlight, still as amber.
The Heir Apparent wore white, like jade beside the table; the young minister wore scarlet, like a blade with its gleam concealed.
Afternoon warmth seeped through the window lattice, softening the light and shadows throughout the room.
Dust motes drifted like silent fragments of stars between the two men seated opposite each other.
"If Your Highness has something to say, please speak plainly." Wei Nisheng straightened his sleeves slightly, his voice clear and brisk.
"After lunch, I must return to duty at the Ministry of Personnel. I cannot stay long."
Jiang Heng set down his teacup, his fingertip lightly brushing its rim as he lowered his gaze.
Only after another long silence did he speak.
"Zi'an, there is something I wish to discuss with you."
Wei Nisheng raised his eyes without replying, quietly waiting for him to continue.
Jiang Heng slowly lifted his gaze and rested it on his face.
His manner was usually as gentle and lustrous as jade, yet now even his expression had grown somewhat grave.
"At the Grand Court Audience on the twenty-fifth, the foreign tributaries will all pay their respects. I must appear at court as well."
His fingertip abruptly stopped against the cup's rim.
"This is not merely a court audience. It is also a 'preview' of my leaving the study chambers and establishing my own official staff in May.
"Father wishes me to show myself before the assembled officials first, to see how the court ministers react..."
Jiang Heng paused slightly, his voice low as jade sinking into autumn waters, sounding its own quiet note.
"And