The ornate lamps had just been lit. The banquet ended, and the guests dispersed.
Master and disciple walked one behind the other, through the hall, around the covered corridor, and into the rear garden of the Feng Residence.
The moon was lovely that night, its clear radiance spilling like water over the bluestone path, casting swaying bamboo shadows on either side.
Flowers and trees flourished in the garden, their subtle fragrance drifting through the air. In the distance, a small pavilion stood half-hidden among the blossoms.
A tea service had already been laid out on the pavilion's stone table. The stove burned brightly, and steam curled into the air.
Feng Yan walked slowly into the pavilion, lifted his robe, and sat down. He picked up the kettle from the stove and poured two cups of tea himself.
He pushed one across the table, motioning for Wei Nisheng to sit, before speaking.
"You did very well today."
Feng Yan came straight to the point. His gaze settled on Wei Nisheng's face, his voice calm but approving. "Especially when everyone present was a protégé of the Feng Residence.
"You knew perfectly well that everyone filling that hall in purple-and-scarlet robes was one of my people.
"Before them, you could not lose-and you could not afford to lose."
Wei Nisheng sat upright opposite him and bowed his head. "Because I represented you, Master.
"Had I retreated even half a step today, I would have lost not only my own dignity, but yours as well."
Feng Yan nodded, a flicker of satisfaction passing through his eyes. But he did not leave it there. Instead, he suddenly asked,
"What do you think of Shen Duan?"
"Unbridled in his temper, utterly without method."
After a moment's thought, Wei Nisheng replied, "A Chief Minister, yet he stepped