Dusk had already crept over the palace walls.
Wei Nisheng emerged from the Hall of Literary Splendor and descended the Vermilion Steps, step by step.
Behind him, the crimson walls dimmed, and the hall's shadows deepened.
Before him, the lamps along Imperial Street were lighting up, one after another.
A breeze swept in from outside the palace, stirring his scarlet robe with a faint chill.
Just as he was about to leave the palace, a voice rang out from the gate:
"Zi'an!"
Wei Nisheng looked up and saw Shen Yi.
Shen Yi jogged over to greet him. "Grandfather is in the carriage. He asked me to wait here for you, Zi'an.
"He said that once you left the palace, if you had time, he would like you to come over for a talk."
Wei Nisheng followed his gaze.
Outside the palace gate stood a Blue-Curtained Carriage.
Its curtain was half rolled up, revealing a corner of the Wooden Wheelchair.
"When Grand Secretary Shen summons me, how could I presume to have time or not?" Wei Nisheng said. "Please lead the way."
The Shen Residence, by the Great Ming Gate.
The chief minister's residence remained as it had always been.
Only, with its master ill these past hundred days, every lamp in the residence seemed three shades dimmer than before.
Wei Nisheng followed Shen Yi through two courtyards and into the study.
The scent of medicine still lingered inside.
Shen Duan reclined on a cushioned couch, a somewhat worn brocade quilt draped over him.
Seeing Wei Nisheng enter, he merely raised a hand. "Sit."
"Thank you, Grand Secretary." Wei Nisheng took a seat below him, sitting perfectly upright.
"Yi'er, serve tea," Shen Duan told Shen Yi.
Shen Yi hurried to brew the tea and presented it with both hands. Then,