Purple-and-scarlet robes contended in the hall; candle wick flowers fell beside the window.
Jinghe Year Fifteen, the twenty-fifth day of the seventh month, regular court audience.
Nothing momentous happened that day.
The Directorate of Transmission announced the date of Qi Zhao's banishment: the third day of the eighth month, to Guizhou.
Kou Yuan's memorial was submitted to the imperial presence, requesting a confrontation with Qi Zhao in court to verify the testimony. The emperor gave no approval, retaining it without issuing a response.
The court was filled with purple-and-scarlet robes, every man holding his breath.
When court adjourned, Wang Kan and Wei Nisheng walked out of the hall shoulder to shoulder.
"Zi'an, these past few days have been so quiet it's made my heart quake."
"Quiet is good." Wei Nisheng gazed at the sky.
"Before the wind rises, everyone ought to be still."
"You certainly can keep your composure." Wang Kan glanced at him, then added,
"The Yao Family has set the wedding date. The end of the year.
As for your contribution to the bridal gifts, I'll leave that to you."
"I'll give you a discipline ruler," Wei Nisheng said mildly.
"A discipline ruler?" Wang Kan froze. "What for?"
"If the Yao Family Daughter finds you too talkative, she'll have something handy."
Wang Kan: "..."
"Wei Zi'an!" Wang Kan swept away in a huff.
"Tomorrow I'll submit a memorial impeaching you for using objects to deliver veiled admonitions!"
Wei Nisheng chuckled, then turned toward the Ministry of Personnel Office.
Before long, it was Shen Hour, time to leave work.
Cui Fu had long been waiting outside the Meridian Gate. Seeing him approach, he grinned. "Young master, home?"
"Take a detour outside the Qinhuai Banks."
"Iced cheese?"
"Mm."
The carriage rumbled through the long street.
The late