July twelfth, dusk.
Outside East Flower Gate, the first lamps were being lit at the Wei Residence.
When Wei Shouzheng stepped through the courtyard gate, dinner was already laid out in the main hall.
There were the usual four dishes and a soup, prepared by Cui Shi herself, with an extra plate of soy-braised duck.
The extravagance of earlier years had often left the Wei Residence spending beyond its means.
These past few days, the household had been cutting expenses and had even dismissed many servants, so the soy-braised duck was a rare treat.
"Shouzheng, you're home." Cui Shi came forward and took his official hat.
"Go wash your hands. We were just waiting for you."
Wei Mingde was already seated at the head of the table, holding a cup of warm wine. His eyes lit up as his son entered.
"You're just in time."
"Something ridiculous happened at the Construction and Repairs Office today...
"Guess what? That new Department Secretary held the Palace wall plans upside down.
"The craftsmen worked from them for three days and built a screen wall facing inward. Bureau Director Liu was so furious his beard practically stood on end! Hahahaha!"
Wei Shouzheng washed his hands and sat down, smiling too. "Father, what happened to the screen wall afterward?"
"What else could happen? They tore it down and rebuilt it.
"Our Construction and Repairs Office just patches things up around the Palace. An easy life-and an easy life is a good thing."
As Wei Mingde spoke, he placed a morsel of food in his son's bowl.
"Here, eat. Shouzheng, did anything interesting happen at the Ministry of Rites today?"
"Today... nothing particularly interesting.
"Just the usual official paperwork." Wei Shouzheng lifted his bowl and spoke softly.
"Father, you should eat too."
Wei Mingde sipped his