Jinghe Year Sixteen, third month, the Capital.
Along the Qinhuai River, the willows had turned a lush green.
The spring waters had begun to rise. Painted pleasure boats passed to and fro, and the boatwomen's songs drifted from midstream to shore, softening the breeze.
The city's taverns had hung out fresh banners. A little flower seller carried a bamboo basket and called out in front of a teahouse, "Tuberoses, winter jasmine~"
Outside the city, the wheat in the fields had greened again. Farmers called to their oxen, their voices slow and unhurried.
Spring among the common folk was bustling; a realm at peace basked in warmth.
"The Grand Secretary has gone to the Palace."
"The Grand Secretary is unwell and is receiving no visitors."
"My apologies, Vice Minister Zou! The Grand Secretary said he would see no one these next few days."
Zou Mo stood outside the Kou Residence. He watched the gatekeeper turn back, then remained before the two tightly shut vermilion gates for a long time.
"A fine bird, startled by the mere twang of a bow."
With his hands behind his back, Zou Mo did not leave. He simply stood there, speaking to himself-or perhaps to those behind the gates:
"When Luo Wenjin fell, you were the first to leap out and 'sacrifice kin for righteousness.' Your performance won applause from the entire Court.
"But when the play was over and you turned around, everyone in your courtyard had become a ghost."
"Now everyone looks like a ghost to you, and you dare see no one.
"You shut your gates and hide at home, counting those upright officials of yours who fill half the Court.
"But count them carefully. Do they still dare come near you?"
"Who would dare tuck his head beneath the wings of