The Yue residence was still filled with excitement after the announcement of the Imperial Examination results.
Servants moved quickly through the courtyards, hanging lanterns and preparing celebratory meals. News had already spread through the capital that six sons of the Yue family had passed the examination in the same year.
Inside the main hall, the entire family had gathered.
At the head seat sat Grandfather Yue Shun, his posture straight and dignified. Beside him were his five sons and daughter in laws , while the ten brothers stood respectfully before them. Yue Ning sat beside her mother, smiling softly as she watched her brothers.
Grandfather Yue looked at the six newly qualified scholars.
"You have all brought honor to the Yue family."
"But passing the imperial examination is only the first step."
"You must now decide how you will serve the empire."
The brothers exchanged glances.
Finally, seventh brother Yue An (23) stepped forward.
"Grandfather, Uncle… I have something to say."
Yue Chen nodded.
"Speak freely."
Yue An bowed respectfully.
"I do not wish to pursue a career in court."
Several brothers looked surprised.
"You passed the imperial examination and don't want to become an official?" Yue Jun asked.
Yue An smiled calmly.
"I wish to pursue commerce and trade."
The hall became quiet.
Fourth brother raised an eyebrow.
"You want to become a merchant?"
Yue An nodded.
"Our empire's trade routes grow stronger every year."
"Merchants move goods between provinces, and foreign caravans bring wealth from distant lands."
"If someone from our family understands trade, we can strengthen both our household and the empire."
Grandfather Yue stroked his beard thoughtfully.
"A scholar who understands commerce…"
"That is not a bad idea."
Yue Chen nodded slowly.
"Very well. If you wish to walk the path of business, you may do so."
Yue An bowed deeply.
"Thank you, Uncle."
---
Then ninth brother Yue Han (20) stepped forward.
"I… also have something to say."
Everyone turned toward him.
Yue Han had always been gentle and quiet.
"I wish to pursue medicine."
Yue Ning blinked in surprise.
"Medicine?"
Yue Han nodded.
"When I studied the classics, I often read medical texts as well."
"I realized how many lives could be saved by skilled physicians."
His voice softened.
"I want to help people who suffer from illness and injury."
Mother Zhao Lan smiled warmly.
"You always had a kind heart."
Grandfather Yue nodded with approval.
"The empire needs physicians just as much as it needs officials."
"Follow that path with dedication."
Yue Han bowed respectfully.
"I will not disappoint the family."
---
The remaining brothers intended to serve in government.
Especially sixth brother Yue Jun and fifth brother Yue Tao, who had ranked highest in the examination.
As they continued discussing their futures, a servant suddenly rushed into the hall.
"Master! An imperial envoy has arrived with a decree!"
The entire family immediately stood.
An imperial messenger wearing official robes entered the courtyard holding a golden scroll.
Everyone gathered respectfully as the envoy opened the decree.
He began reading in a loud voice.
"By the command of His Imperial Majesty…"
"The results of the Imperial Examination have been reviewed, and the most outstanding scholars are to be appointed to serve the empire."
The envoy continued.
"Yue Jun, who achieved Second Rank in the Imperial Examination, is hereby appointed Assistant Compiler of the Hanlin Academy (Hanlin Yuan Bianxiu)."
"This position holds the sixth official rank, serving directly under the imperial court in drafting state documents and scholarly works."
Yue Jun stepped forward and bowed deeply.
"This humble servant thanks His Majesty for his trust."
The envoy then continued.
"Yue Tao, who achieved Third Rank in the Imperial Examination, is hereby appointed Vice Director in the Ministry of Rites (Libu Yuanwailang)."
"This position holds the fifth official rank, responsible for assisting with court ceremonies, rituals, and diplomatic affairs."
The Yue family looked proud.
Yue Tao bowed respectfully.
"I will faithfully serve the empire."
The envoy concluded the decree.
"The remaining Yue brothers who passed the examination shall receive appropriate appointments in the future according to their abilities."
He rolled up the scroll and handed it to Yue Chen before leaving the residence.
---
After the envoy departed, the hall remained silent for a moment.
Then Yue Rui laughed loudly.
"Second rank scholar in the Hanlin Academy and third rank official in the Ministry of Rites."
"Our family's reputation will soar even higher."
Yue Jun crossed his arms proudly.
"Well, someone has to help the emperor run the empire."
Yue Tao shook his head with a faint smile.
"You sound arrogant."
Yue Ning laughed softly.
"My brothers are incredible."
Grandfather Yue looked at his grandchildren with deep pride.
"One son will enter the Hanlin Academy."
"One will serve in the Ministry of Rites."
"One will build trade across the empire."
"One will heal the sick."
"And the rest will rise in their own paths."
He nodded slowly.
"The Yue family will stand strong for generations."
Far away in the palace, when Crown Prince Xu Chen heard of the Yue brothers' appointments and their chosen paths, a faint smile appeared on his face.
Because every achievement of the Yue family strengthened the woman who would soon stand beside him—
The future Crown Princess Yue Ning.