The morning of the twelfth of July.
In the rear courtyard of the Feng Residence, Feng Ci held a bowl of warm medicine and gently pushed open the door.
His grandfather sat as before, leaning back in the chair by the window, a blanket draped over his knees, utterly still.
His grandfather had been like this for days.
He recognized no one and said nothing. When he occasionally murmured a few words, he called Grandmother's name, or spoke of other things from his youth...
Feng Ci approached, about to change his medicine, when Feng Yan slowly turned his head. His clouded gaze settled on Feng Ci's face.
"Is that Ci'er?"
Feng Ci's hand trembled, and the medicine bowl nearly slipped from his grasp.
He crouched down, his voice tight. "Grandpa? You recognize me?"
"I do." Feng Yan looked at him, the corners of his mouth twitching as though he wanted to smile.
Feng Ci sprang to his feet. "I'll fetch Mother! Wait here, Grandpa..."
"Stop." Feng Yan cut him off.
"If you bring everyone here, this little clarity I have may scatter again."
Feng Ci froze in the doorway and looked back at him.
"Ci'er, come and sit," Feng Yan said.
"I don't know how long I can stay lucid.
Sit down and tell me what has happened lately."
Feng Ci returned and sat beside the couch. Holding his grandfather's thin, withered hand, he was silent for a moment before speaking.
"His Highness the Crown Prince left his secluded studies in May. He's already attending court assemblies.
Zi'an... Zi'an was given the title of adviser to the Crown Prince. He's also Junior Director of Palace Affairs in the Director of Palace Affairs Office, and he heads the Selection Bureau."
Feng Yan lowered his eyes and gave a quiet hum of