On the ninth day of the seventh month, dusk had just begun to fall.
In the small courtyard of the Wei Residence, the jujube tree wore fresh green leaves.
Wei Nisheng had returned from duty and barely changed into his everyday clothes when a clear laugh rang out beyond the courtyard gate.
"Zi'an! Wei Punctual, leaving the office at half past the Shen Hour! Of all the officials at court, you're the only one!"
Wang Kan strode into the courtyard, dressed in a blue robe and plain sash, a parcel of pastries in his hand.
Seeing Feng Shu standing before the hall, he stopped, stood respectfully, straightened his clothes and cap, and bowed deeply. "My respects, madam."
Fu Niang froze for a moment, then smiled until her eyes curved. "What a grand courtesy, Censor Wang.
"The forthright minister who removed his cap at court and remonstrated at the risk of death now bows so properly before a mere woman like me."
"Courtesy must not be neglected," Wang Kan said gravely as he straightened.
"For that bow alone, I'll add another dish to tonight's supper." Fu Niang turned away with a smile, took two steps, then looked back.
"By the way, Censor Wang, has your marriage to the Yao Family Daughter been settled?"
Wang Kan's face flushed scarlet. "...Well..."
"Zhanzheng." Wei Nisheng leaned against the doorframe, smiling at his leisure.
"Everyone at court knows Duke Yao has promised you his daughter.
"If you keep dragging your feet, the young lady won't wait for you."
"It's settled, it's settled!" Wang Kan said hastily.
"We matched our birth charts at the end of last month and chose a date..."
As he spoke, Wang Kan's voice suddenly dwindled to a mumble.
"I'll marry her at year's end."
"Year's end?" Fu Niang clapped her hands