That afternoon, in the Duty Room of the Shaanxi Office of Clear Accounts at the Ministry of Revenue.
After the morning's dressing-down, the afternoon proved much quieter, and work felt altogether more pleasant.
Three stacks of documents lay on the desk, with subordinate clerks standing beside it.
Vermilion Brush in hand, Zhang Zai approved them one by one...
For those approved for action, the clerks made copies, affixed seals, and filed them away.
Those with questionable points he marked with the Vermilion Brush and set aside.
Under Zhou regulations, every exchange of documents between government offices followed a prescribed order. Not the slightest disorder was permitted.
Zhang Zai was reviewing a Border Reserve ledger when the door curtain lifted. A junior clerk hurried in and bowed.
"Vice Director Zhang, the Department Hall requests your presence."
"Lord Kou awaits you in his Duty Room. Please come across to speak with him."
Zhang Zai frowned at the news.
"Are all the gentlemen in this office mere children? Running to their teacher like schoolboys?"
Having voiced his complaint, Zhang Zai set down the Vermilion Brush, straightened his cap and robes, and rose. "Understood."
Ah, what was bound to come had come.
The Minister of Revenue's Duty Room.
Kou Yuan sat behind his desk. At the sight of Zhang Zai, genial warmth spread across his face, and he made a faint gesture to forestall his bow.
"Vice Director Zhang, you're here? Sit, sit. There's no need for empty formalities with me."
Zhang Zai thanked him and sat to one side.
"Tea," Kou Yuan instructed the junior clerk, then turned back to Zhang Zai with a smile.
"I've heard all about what happened this morning."
"Those good-for-nothings..." Kou Yuan shook his head. "I've already reprimanded them."
"If the winter pay documents ought to be