When Shen Duan challenged Feng Yan, he had mentioned two things: [Director Wei of the Ministry of Works' Imperial Parks Bureau was transferred laterally from the Construction and Repairs Office to the Imperial Parks Bureau.]
[A judicial officer from Taiyuan Prefecture was transferred to Nanchang Prefecture.]
The two remarks corresponded to the Wei and Cui families.
Yet Wei Mingde, a mere Principal Sixth Rank director in the Ministry of Works, had been so terrified to hear he had become a grindstone between powerful men that his fear showed in his face and speech.
Cui Shi, on the other hand, came from the family of a minor, unranked official, yet her expression had not changed!
When a small fry dared impeach a powerful superior, barring personal insanity, there was only one conclusion: someone had instructed them!
Shen Duan had come prepared, Cui Shi had someone to rely on, and Wei Mingde was a pawn without even knowing it!
"The show is about to begin." Wei Nisheng slowly lowered his teacup.
Meanwhile, seeing Wei Mingde waver, Cui Shi's eyes flashed with a glimmer of light, which she promptly concealed.
Then she rose, straightened Wei Mingde's collar, and smoothed the creases at the hem of his robe.
"Go, husband. When you speak, do not mention Lord Feng or Ni Sheng. Simply say you have long admired Grand Secretary Shen, and meeting him today is a blessing earned over three lifetimes."
Looking at Cui Shi, Wei Mingde nodded, drew a deep breath, picked up his wine cup, and walked toward Shen Duan.
But this was a banquet at the Feng Residence, after all, so his steps were somewhat unsteady. Fortunately, his back remained perfectly straight.
Wei Shouzheng watched blankly as his father approached the purple-robed elder, step by step. Puzzled, he asked, "Mother,