After saying "Good" three times in succession, Shen Duan swept his sleeve and returned to his seat, his face dark as stagnant water. He said nothing more.
Though the guests gradually resumed their conversation and laughter, the tension of drawn swords and bent bows never truly dissipated.
After three rounds of wine and several more dishes, Shen Duan grew increasingly stifled in his seat.
Just as he was about to rise and take his leave, a soft chuckle came from the seat of honor.
Feng Yan set down his teacup and spoke unhurriedly. "Grand Secretary Shen, leaving already?"
Shen Duan replied coldly, "Official business keeps me busy. I dare not linger."
"Busy with official business..." Feng Yan nodded, watching him. "You attend to countless affairs each day, Grand Secretary Shen. I would not dare insist that you stay."
"But this banquet at the Feng Residence..." Feng Yan shifted the conversation, his gaze settling on Wei Nisheng as his smile deepened.
"Is a banquet to celebrate my taking a disciple. I am already deeply grateful that you honored us with your presence, Grand Secretary Shen.
"But as an elder, and the current Chief Minister besides, surely you have a greeting gift for this new disciple of mine?"
At these words, every gaze in the hall swung toward Shen Duan.
Shen Duan froze, his expression shifting slightly.
He had come today to disrupt the occasion. Why would he have prepared a gift?
Yet Feng Yan's words were watertight.
An elder meeting a junior, a Chief Minister meeting a young boy-and at a Discipleship Banquet, no less. If he left empty-handed...
It would offend propriety and common decency alike. Once word spread, people would say, "Grand Secretary Shen is narrow-minded enough to hold a grudge against a child."
*Trapped between advancing and retreating.