The year continued quietly in the capital, but within those quiet months the influence of the Yue family continued to grow.
While the Yue Shadow Guard strengthened silently in the background, several important changes happened in the imperial court.
The next three months would bring great progress for two of the Yue cousins.
---
Seventh Month – Yue Jun's Promotion
During the seventh month, the Hanlin Academy was assigned an important task.
The emperor had ordered a review of several provincial administration reports. Many regions had submitted complicated taxation records and governance documents that required careful evaluation.
Senior scholars worked for days analyzing the reports.
But it was Yue Jun who noticed something unusual.
While studying the documents late one night, he discovered inconsistencies in the grain taxation records from two provinces.
The numbers appeared normal on the surface.
But when Yue Jun compared them with transportation records and harvest reports, he realized something important.
"Someone is manipulating the tax numbers," he said quietly.
The next morning he presented his findings to the senior scholars.
His explanation was clear and supported by evidence.
After further investigation, the corruption was confirmed.
Several corrupt local officials were exposed.
The emperor was impressed when the report reached him.
A few days later, an imperial decree was issued.
Yue Jun was promoted from Assistant Compiler (Sixth Rank) to Compiler of the Hanlin Academy (Fifth Rank Official).
This promotion shocked many court officials.
Some senior scholars had worked years to receive such recognition.
Yet Yue Jun had achieved it within a short time.
When the news reached the Yue residence, the family gathered happily.
Yue Rui immediately laughed.
"Our scholar cousin is climbing the ranks faster than a racing horse."
Yue Jun simply shook his head.
"It only means I have more work now."
Grandfather Yue smiled proudly.
"Hard work always brings reward."
---
Eighth Month – Yue Tao's Promotion
While Yue Jun was gaining recognition among scholars, Yue Tao was also proving his abilities in the Ministry of Rites.
That month, the empire prepared for a major autumn diplomatic ceremony involving several visiting envoys.
The arrangements were complex.
The ceremonies required perfect coordination of court protocol, guest accommodations, and ritual traditions.
Several officials struggled to organize everything smoothly.
Yue Tao carefully reviewed the ceremonial schedules and historical ritual records.
After several nights of work, he proposed a new ceremonial structure that simplified many procedures without violating tradition.
When the ceremony was held, everything proceeded flawlessly.
The visiting envoys praised the empire's elegance and organization.
The Minister of Rites personally reported Yue Tao's work to the emperor.
Soon afterward, another imperial decree was issued.
Yue Tao was promoted from Fifth Rank Vice Director to Fourth Rank Deputy Minister of Rites.
This was an extremely rapid rise for someone his age.
When Yue Tao returned home with the news, the family gathered again.
Yue An grinned.
"At this rate, you and Yue Jun will soon run the entire court."
Yue Tao laughed.
"Please don't say such dangerous things."
---
Ninth Month – The Family Learns of the Shadow Guard
Although the Yue cousins had already formed the Yue Shadow Guard, most of the elders in the family had not yet been fully informed.
Yue Ming believed the time had come.
One evening, he gathered the entire Yue family in the main hall.
Grandfather Yue, Yue Chen, the uncles, and the aunts all sat together.
Yue Ming stepped forward respectfully.
"Grandfather… there is something important we must explain."
Grandfather Yue looked curious.
"What is it?"
Yue Heng then spoke calmly.
"A few months ago, we created a small private guard force."
The elders immediately looked surprised.
"A guard force?" one uncle asked.
"Yes," Yue Heng said.
"We call them the Yue Shadow Guard."
The room became quiet.
Yue Chen frowned slightly.
"Why would you create such a force?"
Yue Ming explained carefully.
"Our family's influence has grown rapidly."
"This attracts both allies and enemies."
"The Shadow Guard exists only to protect the family and observe potential threats."
Grandfather Yue remained silent for a moment.
Then he asked a serious question.
"Does the emperor know about this?"
Yue Heng nodded immediately.
"Yes."
"We personally reported it to His Majesty."
"And he allowed us to keep it."
This answer visibly relaxed the elders.
Yue Chen let out a slow breath.
"That was the correct decision."
Second Uncle Yue Qiang nodded approvingly.
"If the emperor had heard of it from someone else, it could have caused suspicion."
Grandfather Yue looked thoughtfully at the young men before him.
"You handled this matter wisely."
He slowly smiled.
"It seems the younger generation of the Yue family has grown very capable."
Nearby, Yue Ning, who had been listening quietly, looked at her brothers with admiration.
Her family was growing stronger in every direction.
Scholars.
Officials.
Merchants.
Physicians.
And now even a hidden guard protecting them all.
---
As the meeting ended, Yue Ming stepped outside into the courtyard.
Yue Heng joined him.
"You were worried about their reaction," Yue Heng said.
Yue Ming nodded slightly.
"But Grandfather understands."
Yue Heng looked up at the night sky.
"Our family is stronger than ever."
Yue Ming replied quietly,
"Yes."
"But strength always attracts storms."
Neither of them knew yet…
That somewhere in the capital, General Lin Zhiyuan was already beginning to make his next move.