Late at night, in Funing Hall within the imperial palace.
The lamps in the hall still burned.
Crown Prince Jiang Heng came from the Eastern Palace, his footsteps light all the way.
Upon entering, he saw the emperor half-reclining on his couch, still awake, gazing absently at a bowl of medicine that had gone cold on the desk.
"Your son pays his respects, Father." Jiang Heng knelt.
"Heng'er, you're here." Emperor Jing of Zhou shifted his gaze from the medicine bowl to his beloved son.
"I heard all about the uproar at court today."
"Your son... was just about to report it to you."
In a low voice, Jiang Heng recounted everything that had happened that day.
When he came to Wei Nisheng kneeling beneath the imperial steps to request his commission, the Crown Prince's voice fell:
"Father... I don't want Zi'an to go."
"I know he is going to attend to important affairs."
"But the Northwest is dangerous... I cannot bear to let him go."
Emperor Jing of Zhou listened, then remained silent for a long while.
"Heng'er," the emperor said slowly.
"Do you know who sent Wei Nisheng to the Northwest?"
"Zou Mo forced his hand, and he volunteered..."
"No." The emperor slowly shook his head. "I sent him."
Jiang Heng's head snapped up.
"Father?!"
"I permitted him to bear the imperial credentials, granted him military farmland, and allowed him half a year," the emperor said.
"Everyone at court thinks Wei Nisheng volunteered, and Zou Mo merely pushed the boat along with the current.
"But they do not know that I saw this coming long ago, and had already given my tacit consent."
"Father... why?"
"Because I want to leave you something," the emperor said gravely.
"A favor."
"A favor?" Jiang Heng froze.
"Heng'er, let me ask you,"