At the Gate of the Shen Residence, the snow had long since melted.
The watermarks on the stone steps had yet to dry, and plain-colored lanterns hung beneath the eaves.
Since Fang Qi's death, no red lanterns had hung before this Chief Minister's residence.
Shen Yi had been waiting at the gate in a plain robe. Seeing the visitor arrive, he descended the steps and cupped his hands. "Dao'an, it has been a long time."
Xie Lin nodded and returned the greeting. "How is Chancellor Shen?"
"A little better," Shen Yi said. "Grandfather said that if Dao'an entered the city, this would surely be the first place he visited."
Xie Lin paused, then smiled wryly. "Chancellor Shen is still the same, worrying over everything."
With that, the two were about to enter when the sound of another carriage rose behind them.
A carriage stopped at the Gate of the Shen Residence. Its curtain lifted, and Zou Mo, Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, stepped down.
Yet he had clearly come in haste today. Still wearing his court robe, he cupped his hands as soon as he entered, his face brimming with concern.
"Wenhao, I heard the Chancellor's illness had flared up again, so I came especially to visit him."
At those words, Shen Yi's brows drew together slightly.
Zou Mo had followed his grandfather for many years, but over these past few months, his visits could be counted on one hand.
Today, Xie Lin had barely stepped inside before he arrived on his heels.
"How thoughtful of you, Uncle Zou." Shen Yi betrayed nothing as he extended a hand. "Please."
Outside the Shen Residence's Warm Pavilion, a low table, two chairs, and a pot of hot tea had already been set beneath the corridor's roof.
Shen Yi