The murmur of voices died abruptly as palace attendants entered the courtyard in neat formation. A senior eunuch stepped forward, holding a jade-edged imperial decree.
"Kneel."
All scholars dropped to their knees as one.
"By the decree of His Majesty, the Son of Heaven—"
The eunuch's voice carried clearly across the courtyard.
"For unparalleled excellence in the Imperial College Examination, upright character, and profound understanding of governance—
Yue Ming, First Place, is hereby appointed Fourth Rank Official."
A pause.
Then the words that shook the crowd.
"Granted the title of
Tutor to the Second and Third Imperial Princes.
Shock rippled outward like a stone dropped into water.
"Two princes?!"
"That's unheard of!"
"Fourth Rank straight away?!"
Yue Ming stepped forward calmly, knelt, and bowed deeply.
"This subject accepts the decree and will guide the princes with loyalty and sincerity."
The eunuch nodded once, then continued.
"Yue Qiu, Second Place, for exceptional policy formulation and strategic insight, is appointed Fifth Rank Official, to serve as—"
Another deliberate pause.
"Administrative Officer under the Chancellor."
This time, the whispers were sharper.
Under the Chancellor meant stepping directly into the heart of court power—and danger.
Yue Qiu bowed, forehead touching the ground.
"This subject will serve with diligence and restraint."
The eunuch raised the jade tablet once more.
"By imperial grace, both officials are ordered to enter office after thirty days, allowing time to prepare and settle personal affairs."
Thirty days.
Not a gift.
A warning.
The Weight of the Walk Home
As Yue Ming and Yue Qiu walked back through the capital streets, the city seemed to watch them.
Shopkeepers bowed deeper. Officials smiled with careful politeness. Even passersby slowed their steps.
Yue Qiu broke the silence.
"Second and Third Prince tutor," he said. "That's not teaching. That's standing between factions."
Yue Ming replied evenly, "Which is why the Emperor chose one person."
"And under the Chancellor," Yue Qiu added. "Which means I'll be torn apart if I'm careless."
Yue Ming stopped briefly and looked at him.
"Then don't be careless."
Yue Qiu laughed softly.
"That's the plan."
Celebration That Could Not Hide Unease
That night, the Yue family residence blazed with lantern light.
Congratulations flowed endlessly. Cups were raised, laughter rang, and the family's elders beamed with pride.
"To Yue Ming—tutor to two princes!"
"To Yue Qiu—entering the Chancellor's office!"
"The Yue family's future is secured!"
Yet amid the joy, Yue Heng sat quietly, his gaze distant.
When the noise reached its peak, he stood.
"Uncle," Yue Heng said calmly.
The hall slowly quieted.
"I have decided not to pursue civil office," he continued. "I will apply to the army."
The words landed heavily.
"The army?!"
"Are you insane?!"
"You could enter office easily with this background!"
Yue Qiu rose abruptly.
"Heng, do you know how many people would kill for the chances we have?"
Yue Heng met his cousin's eyes steadily.
"I know," he said. "That's why I don't want them."
Words Sharper Than Blades
Yue Ming approached slowly.
"The battlefield is not romantic," Yue Ming said. "It devours people."
"I know," Yue Heng replied. "But borders aren't defended by essays."
An elder scoffed.
"Then what about us? Are we cowards?"
Yue Heng shook his head.
"No. You rule so the people can live. I fight so there's something left to rule."
The room fell silent.
Yue Qiu clenched his fists.
"You think you're noble?"
"No," Yue Heng answered quietly. "I think I'm necessary."
Yue Chen stood, his expression unreadable.
"The Yue family has prospered through scholarship," he said slowly. "But the empire stands on both brush and blade."
He looked directly at Yue Heng.
"If you go, there will be no family protection. No shortcuts."
Yue Heng knelt deeply.
"That is exactly why I wish to go."
After a long moment, Yue Chen nodded.
"Then go. But remember—return alive."
The household entered an uneasy calm.
Yue Ming spent his days studying past imperial tutors' records, his nights preparing lesson plans for two princes whose temperaments he did not yet know.
Yue Qiu quietly observed ministries, memorizing power structures and faces.
"They think I'm harmless," he told Yue Ming one evening.
"That illusion won't last."
Yue Ming replied, "Use it while you can."
Yue Heng trained before dawn, bloodied hands gripping spear and sword.
A soldier once asked him, "Why give up comfort?"
Yue Heng answered simply, "Because someone must stand where comfort ends."
Yue Ning read the letter slowly.
First cousin—Fourth Rank, tutor to two princes.
Second cousin—Fifth Rank, Chancellor's office.
Third cousin—army enlistment.
She folded the letter, eyes thoughtful.
"Thirty days," she murmured. "Enough time for destiny to tighten its threads."
High above, unseen, the Heavenly Dao stirred faintly—uneasy.
Three paths had been chosen.
And none could be turned back.