Yue Heng's Military Achievements
The first letter from the northern frontier arrived on a cold morning.
Li shi unfolded it with trembling hands while Yue Wen stood beside her, his expression calm but his eyes sharp.
"It's from Heng," Li Shi said softly.
Yue Wen nodded. "Read it."
She did not finish before the next messenger arrived.
Within a single year, Yue Heng, the third brother of the Yue family, had risen faster than anyone expected.
He entered the army as a low-ranked officer, assigned to supply escort duty. During a sudden ambush in the Black Pine Pass, Yue Heng noticed enemy tracks circling behind the convoy.
He disobeyed standard formation.
Instead, he led a small unit through a narrow ravine, cutting off the enemy commander and collapsing the ambush before it could fully form.
For that battle, he was promoted to:
Rank: Sixth Rank Officer
Title: Deputy Battalion Commander of the Northern Vanguard
When the news reached the Yue residence, Yue Ning had clapped her hands excitedly.
"Third Brother is amazing!"
Yue Ming smiled faintly. "He always had sharp instincts."
But Yue Heng did not stop there.
Six months later, during the Battle of Iron Ridge, the main force was delayed by heavy snow. Yue Heng volunteered to hold the eastern flank with only half a battalion.
For three days and two nights, they did not retreat.
When reinforcements arrived, the enemy line had already broken.
This time, the emperor personally approved the promotion.
Yue Heng was elevated to:
Rank: Fifth Rank Officer
Title: Vanguard Battalion Commander
Honorary Name: Iron Banner Commander
At the victory banquet, his general laughed loudly.
"You fight like a madman."
Yue Heng answered calmly, "I fight to return home alive."
When the letter describing this moment arrived, Li Shi pressed it to her chest.
"Our son," she whispered, "has truly grown."
Time Skip: One Year and Two Months Later
Yue Ning Turns Ten
Spring sunlight poured through the Yue residence, painting the stone paths in gold.
Red silk ribbons hung from every beam.
Yue Ning sat cross-legged on a silk cushion, counting silently.
"Ten," she muttered. "I am finally ten."
Zhao Lan adjusted her hair ornament. "And still impatient."
Yue Chen chuckled. "She gets that from you."
The main hall soon filled with laughter and footsteps.
Gifts from the Grandparents
Grandfather Yue entered first, leaning lightly on his cane.
"Ning girl," he said warmly, "come here."
He placed a polished jade pendant into her hands.
"This was carved when I was young. Wear it for peace and long life."
Grandmother Yue followed, holding a folded robe.
"This is made from the softest silk," she said. "Even in winter, it will keep you warm."
Yue Ning bowed deeply.
"Thank you, Grandfather. Thank you, Grandmother. I will treasure them."
Gifts from the Four Uncles and Aunts
First Uncle Yue Jian and Wife
Yue Jian smiled gently. "Ning, you like reading."
He handed her a wooden box containing fine writing brushes and ink.
"Use them well."
His wife added, "And do not forget to rest your eyes."
Second Uncle Yue Qiang and Wife
Yue Qiang laughed loudly.
"A girl should never lack silver."
He presented a small chest filled with silver notes and coins.
His wife leaned closer to Yue Ning. "Spend wisely, but happily."
Yue Ning's eyes sparkled. "I will!"
Third Uncle Yue Wen and Wife
Yue Wen placed a stringed instrument before her.
"Music sharpens the mind."
His wife added a box of calming incense.
"For peaceful nights."
Fourth Uncle Yue Feng and Wife
Yue Feng knelt slightly.
"This world is wide."
He gifted a hand-painted map of the kingdom.
His wife placed a stitched pouch beside it. "For safety."
Eldest Cousin and His Wife
Yue Ming entered with his wife, Shen Yao.
Her belly was round, her movements careful.
Yue Ning rushed forward. "Sister-in-law!"
Shen Yao laughed softly. "Careful, little one."
She handed Yue Ning a pair of jade bracelets.
"These were blessed by my grandmother."
Yue Ming added, "And this."
He gave her a sealed letter.
"Open it when you are older."
Yue Ning nodded solemnly. "I promise."
Second Brother and His Wife
Yue Qui scratched his head. "I had help choosing."
His wife smiled and handed Yue Ning a box.
Inside were two sets of silk dresses, one for daily wear, one for ceremonies.
"And," Yue Qui added, "something alive."
A small white kitten peeked out.
Yue Ning gasped. "It is real!"
Zhao Lan sighed. "You spoil her."
Gifts from Five Cousins
The Four cousins stepped forward together.
Fourth gave her hand-painted lanterns.
Fifth gifted sweets from the southern markets.
The sixth presented a calligraphy scroll written in his own careful hand.
The seventh offered a carved wooden puzzle.
The eighth shyly gave her a beaded bracelet.
Yue Ning thanked each one seriously.
Gifts from Two Brothers
Yue Han grinned. "Open mine later."
Inside was a silver whistle.
"For emergencies."
Yue Bo handed her a small practice bow.
"Strength comes with skill."
Zhao Lan raised an eyebrow. "She is ten."
Yue Bo laughed. "Exactly."
As the celebration continued, Yue Ning slipped outside.
She sat beneath the blooming tree, gifts spread around her.
"I am lucky," she whispered.
Unseen, a gentle ripple spread through the courtyard.
No light.
No sound.
Only warmth.
Inside, Yue Chen raised his cup.
"To our family."
Laughter followed.
Above them all, the heavens remained silent.