That afternoon, outside the Hall of Nurturing Life, an autumn wind swept beneath the eaves.
Wei Nisheng arrived at the imperial summons. As he reached the foot of the steps, he happened to see someone approaching along the eastern corridor.
It was Crown Prince Jiang Heng, dressed in plain robes, his steps steady and measured.
The two met before the steps.
Jiang Heng stopped first. "Zi'an."
Wei Nisheng stepped half a pace back, straightened his clothes, and bowed low:
"Your subject Wei Nisheng pays his respects to Your Highness."
"Zi'an, must you stand on such ceremony with me?" Jiang Heng looked at him with gentle eyes.
Then he suddenly stepped forward, clasped Wei Zi by both shoulders, and gave them a squeeze.
"Zi'an, you have grown thinner. I, too, grieve over what happened to the Grand Tutor. Please take care in your sorrow."
"Thank you for your concern, Your Highness." Wei Nisheng lowered his eyes. "Please go ahead, Your Highness."
"As Junior Director of Palace Affairs, you are also my teacher, Zi'an. You should go first."
Each yielded to the other again and again. In the end, the Crown Prince went half a step ahead, with Wei Nisheng following at a distance of precisely three paces.
One was the Heir Apparent; the other, a subject.
Their observance of etiquette was impeccable.
At the entrance to the Hall of Nurturing Life, Wang Cheng greeted them with a bow.
"Your Highness, Vice Director Wei, His Majesty bids you enter."
Inside, Empress Zhou had already left.
The charcoal fire gave off a gentle warmth. Only Wang Cheng attended at the emperor's side.
The Crown Prince entered the hall, approached the imperial presence, lifted his robe, and knelt with utmost reverence. "Your son pays his respects to Imperial Father."
Then he advanced on