With the autumn examination near, a teacher offered earnest counsel; in the still of night, an old servant bared his heart

Wei Nisheng had been back at the residence for barely the time it took to drink a cup of tea. Before he had even warmed his seat, a letter arrived from the Feng Residence.

That was only to be expected, given the commotion he had caused on West Street today.

Every word he had spoken was justified, but the affair involved the Heir of Prince Ning, after all.

West Street was not far from the Examination Hall, and the afternoon crowds had been thick. Who knew how many scholars from Yingtian Prefecture had witnessed it?

There was no hiding this, nor any need to hide it. Since Feng Yan had heard, being summoned for questions was inevitable.

By the time Cui Fu brought the carriage to a stop outside the Feng Residence, night had fallen completely.

The pavilion in the Feng Residence's rear garden was brightly lit.

Feng Yan sat alone at a stone table, with a pot of tea and two plates of pastries before him. Several memorials lay spread across the table as well.

"Teacher." Wei Nisheng entered the pavilion and bowed respectfully.

Feng Yan did not look up. He raised his cup, took a sip, and said unhurriedly, "Sit."

"Yes." Wei Nisheng sat as instructed.

"Do you know why I summoned you?" Feng Yan set down his cup and looked up at him.

"Yes." Wei Nisheng nodded. "What happened on West Street."

"You!" Looking at Wei Nisheng, Feng Yan shook his head, his tone betraying neither approval nor resignation.

"Let me ask you. When you said those things in the street, did you consider this?

"Though Prince Ning stands accused, he is still flesh and blood of the imperial family, is he not?

"You, a young commoner without rank, declared before an entire street that a