It was mid-afternoon by the time Ning Chen came out of the palace.

There was nothing to be done about it. His Majesty's word was an edict... This year's spring examination was his to run.

He rode Diaochan, hooves clopping, all the way to the Inspectorate.

He made one circuit of the Inspectorate, handed out a few dozen taels of silver, and only then went home.

Back home he called everyone together and they talked the wedding over!

Everybody was very happy for Ning Chen.

If ever a good thing had come slowly, it was his match with the Ninth Princess. The marriage had been put off and put off, and now at last the two of them were to be husband and wife!

The work was divided up and everyone got to it.

Time was short. At the very most there were eight days.

In fetching a princess home there is no room for the smallest slip.

The next morning Ning Chen was still sound asleep, his arms around the soft bodies of Yudie and Zisu.

"My lord prince, the Minister of Rites, Lord Feng, begs an audience!"

Ning Chen opened his eyes. Feng Gaojie had certainly come about the wedding.

He got up, let Yudie and Zisu dress him, washed, and came out to the front hall.

The courtyard of the front hall was crowded with people.

Ning Chen walked into the main hall.

"Presenting myself to my lord prince!"

Feng Gaojie was drinking tea. When he saw Ning Chen he got up in a hurry and made his bow.

They had met before, but had never had much to do with each other.

Ning Chen said, smiling, "No need to stand on ceremony!"

"They tell me it was in good part Lord Feng's doing that this prince was given the eastern campaign against the rebellion. That you argued down a hall of scholars over it in open court?"

Feng Gaojie's face was piled high with smiles. "This official would not dare claim the credit. My lord prince is accomplished in both letters and arms, and skilled in…