That night, in the small courtyard of the Wei Residence by West Peace Gate.
The moon stood high overhead, and insects chirped.
Cui Fu was about to bar the gate when a knock came from outside.
He pulled the gate open and found a man standing there, dressed in a blue robe with a plain sash. He was around forty, lean, with a long beard, and stood straight.
While Cui Fu was still puzzling over him, the man cupped his hands and said softly, "
Please announce Xu Bingwen, Vice Director of the Jiangxi Office of Clear Governance, requesting an audience with Junior Director of Palace Affairs Wei."
(The two held the same rank, and Xu Bingwen had come to seek an audience with Wei Zi, so he addressed him by his office rather than their shared rank.
He was not close enough to use his courtesy name, either, so naturally he chose the other man's alternative official title.)
"Vice Director Xu..." Cui Fu looked him over. "Have you come on urgent business at this late hour?"
"Just announce me, please," Xu Bingwen said. "The Junior Director will understand once he sees me."
In the study, Wei Nisheng had changed into a summer light robe and was reading a volume of documents by lamplight.
When Cui Fu came to report, he set the book down, his brows lifting slightly.
"Xu Bingwen..."
"The Vice Director under Kou Yuan? Did he say what he wanted?"
"No. He only asked me to announce him," Cui Fu replied honestly.
"Shall I turn him away?"
"No." Wei Nisheng shook his head. "I only recently met with Kou Yuan, and I still need his goodwill, so..."
"Show him in."
"Yes."
Before long, Xu Bingwen entered, offered his respects, and sat down.
Wei Nisheng dispensed