Li Wei moved to the scattered scrolls and began gathering them from the floor. His fingers brushed against aged parchment, smoothing curled edges as he stacked them atop the table.
The emperor watched him for a moment before crouching to retrieve those nearest his feet.
They worked in silence, the two men began restoring order to a room that had witnessed chaos moments before.
Hui Tong picked up the fallen dart between thumb and forefinger, holding it to the lamplight.
The tip still glistened with whatever mixture it carried.
He turned it slowly, examining the craftsmanship.
They were thin grooves that ran along the shaft, likely channels meant to carry the poison deeper once the metal pierced flesh.
"Undoubtably Councilor Wei's work," he said quietly. "I recognize the design and contours. He favored these during his younger days, long before he ascended to the parliamentary seat currently bestowed to him."
Li Wei placed the last scroll on the table and approached.
