Morning sunlight spread across the capital like a sheet of gold. The streets of the Great Xu Empire's Imperial Capital were already alive with activity. Merchants opened their shops, officials prepared for court, and carriages moved along the wide stone roads.
But that morning, one piece of news traveled faster than the wind.
An imperial edict had been issued.
Within a short time, officials across the capital heard the astonishing announcement:
Yue Ning of the Yue family had been granted the title of Princess Anhe.
At the same time, the emperor elevated the Yue family to a noble house, granting them the name:
The Noble House of Anhe.
The entire court was shocked.
The Yue family had always been respected for their honesty and diligence, but they had never been considered one of the powerful noble clans. Their sudden elevation immediately attracted attention from every faction in the capital.
Some were curious.
Some were suspicious.
Others quickly realized one thing:
The Yue family had just risen to a completely new level of influence.
---
At the Yue Family Residence
At the Yue residence, the family members had just gathered in the main hall after breakfast.
Grandfather Yue Shun sat at the center while Grandmother Liu Yan poured tea calmly. Around them were the entire Yue family.
First uncle Yue Jian, second uncle Yue qiang , third uncle Yue wen, fourth uncle Yue feng, along with their wives Wang Shi, Sun Shi, Li Shi, and Chen Shi were all present.
Yue Ning's father Yue Chen and mother Zhao Lan also sat nearby.
The younger generation stood or sat respectfully around the hall—Yue Ming, Yue Qiu, Yue Heng, Yue Liang, Yue Tao, Yue Jun, Yue An, Yue Rui, along with Yue Ning's brothers Yue Han and Yue Bo.
They had gathered because early that morning, palace guards had arrived outside the residence.
The sound of hooves and armor had startled everyone.
Now they waited in silence.
A servant rushed into the hall.
"Master! The imperial messenger has arrived!"
Everyone immediately stood.
Outside the gate, a palace official dressed in formal robes stood beside several imperial guards. In his hands he carried a long golden scroll.
He raised his voice.
"Imperial Edict!"
The entire Yue family immediately knelt respectfully.
The messenger slowly opened the scroll.
His voice echoed clearly across the courtyard.
"By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor of Great Xu decrees…"
He paused before continuing.
"The Yue family has served the empire with loyalty and integrity for generations. Their contributions to the stability of the realm are recognized by the throne."
Grandfather Yue Shun remained calm, though his hands tightened slightly.
The messenger continued.
"Therefore, the Yue family is hereby elevated to noble status and shall henceforth be known as the Noble House of Anhe."
A quiet wave of shock spread through the kneeling family members.
But the edict had not yet finished.
The messenger read the final part clearly.
"Furthermore, Yue Ning, daughter of the Yue family, is granted the title Princess Anhe, recognized by the imperial court for her virtue and character."
The courtyard fell completely silent.
Even the servants were stunned.
The messenger rolled up the scroll.
"Respect this decree."
Grandfather Yue Shun recovered first and bowed deeply.
"This humble family thanks His Majesty for his great grace."
The entire Yue family echoed his words.
"We thank His Majesty!"
The messenger smiled politely and handed the decree to Yue Shun before leaving with the imperial guards.
For several moments, no one spoke.
Finally, Yue Jian looked at his father.
"Father… did we hear correctly?"
Yue Wen laughed nervously.
"A noble house? We… we are now a noble family?"
Sun Shi covered her mouth in disbelief.
"And Ning'er… a princess?"
Everyone slowly turned toward Yue Ning.
She stood quietly beside her mother, looking as calm as always.
Grandmother Liu Yan narrowed her eyes slightly.
"Ning'er… what exactly did you do?"
Yue Ning blinked innocently.
"Grandmother… I don't know either."
The hall erupted with confused discussion.
Yue Heng scratched his head.
"I knew Ning'er was special, but becoming a princess overnight is too sudden."
Yue Han looked excited.
"My sister is a princess now!"
Yue Bo immediately said proudly,
"Then no one in the capital can bully our family anymore!"
Grandfather Yue Shun raised his hand.
The room became quiet again.
"No matter the reason," he said calmly, "this is the Emperor's grace."
He looked at Yue Ning gently.
"Our family must behave even more carefully from now on."
Everyone nodded seriously.
---
Within half a day, the news reached every corner of the capital.
The Yue family had become the Noble House of Anhe.
Yue Ning had become Princess Anhe.
Many officials quickly sent congratulations.
Soon the Yue residence became extremely busy.
Carriages began arriving one after another.
Servants ran back and forth carrying gift boxes.
A servant hurried into the hall.
"Master! The Minister of Works has sent gifts!"
Another followed immediately.
"The Zhao merchant guild has sent congratulatory presents!"
Then another.
"The Lin family has also sent gifts!"
Yue Jian frowned slightly at that name.
But he said nothing.
Soon the courtyard filled with stacked gift boxes.
Silk.
Jade ornaments.
Rare teas.
Fine porcelain.
Gold and silver decorations.
Merchant families, noble houses, and officials all sent their congratulations.
Even distant acquaintances suddenly appeared with smiles.
Yue Wen whispered quietly,
"I didn't know we had so many friends."
Yue qiang laughed dryly.
"Neither did I."
Meanwhile, Yue Ning sat calmly beside her grandmother while watching the busy courtyard.
Grandmother Liu Yan glanced at her quietly.
"Ning'er."
"Yes, Grandmother?"
"You are not surprised at all."
Yue Ning smiled softly.
"I was surprised at first."
Liu Yan studied her face carefully but said nothing further.
At that moment, Yue Han ran inside excitedly.
"Sister! More carriages have arrived!"
Yue Bo followed.
"And they brought huge gift boxes!"
Yue Ning chuckled softly.
"It seems we will be busy accepting gifts for several days."
Grandfather Yue Shun sighed with mixed emotions.
"Our peaceful days may have just ended."
But even he could not hide the pride in his eyes.
Outside the Yue residence, more carriages lined up along the street.
The once quiet household had suddenly become one of the most talked-about places in the entire capital.
And far away on the northern battlefield, the Crown Prince still knew nothing about the storm his father's edict had created.