The old minister gained honors, the new grandee entered the Grand Secretariat, and the Chief Minister received the seal.
He who gained honors was soon to pass.
He who entered the Grand Secretariat was soon to grow old.
He who received the seal only then understood its weight lay not upon his palm, but within the game.
On the twenty-seventh day of the seventh month of Jinghe Year Fifteen, the emperor presided in the Hall of Supreme Harmony. Wang Cheng held his fly whisk and proclaimed three edicts.
Feng Yan, Grand Tutor, was a Three-Dynasty Veteran and the emperor's revered teacher.
He was further invested as Grand Preceptor, Specially Advanced, Supreme Pillar of the State, and Founding Commandery Duke, with revenues from fifteen hundred households. His name need not be called during ceremonial salutations, he need not hasten his steps when entering court, and he might enter the palace in a sedan chair.
Every honor accorded an eminent minister was bestowed upon him.
Chief Minister Shen Duan was transferred from Minister of Rites to Minister of Personnel.
Qin Yan, Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites, was promoted to Minister of Rites, appointed Grand Secretary of the Hall of Literary Splendor, and admitted to the Grand Secretariat to participate in governance.
As the edicts were proclaimed, the hall first fell silent, then erupted into murmurs.
The entire court understood Lord Feng's honors. The position of Grand Preceptor was reserved for those soon to depart this world.
For a moment, many old ministers lowered their eyes upon hearing the edict, sighing that an era was drawing to a close.
Shen Duan stepped out of the ranks to give thanks, and every official's gaze fell upon him.
With the Chief Minister concurrently presiding over the Heavenly Offices, his authority had