The palace loomed in dignified silence as Yue Ming approached, official tablet in hand.
"Fourth Rank Tutor Yue Ming," the guard announced.
The gates opened.
Inside, the weight of authority settled naturally upon him. Unlike his first visit years ago, there was no hesitation now—only calm acceptance.
An attendant bowed.
"My lord, the princes await you."
"Lead the way."
The Eastern Learning Hall
Inside the hall, two boys stood apart in posture and spirit.
Xu Zeyan, composed, hands folded, eyes sharp with intelligence far beyond his years.
Xu Zelin, leaning against a desk, already impatient.
Xu Zeyan bowed correctly.
"Xu Zeyan greets Lord Yue."
Xu Zelin blinked.
"You're the new teacher?"
Yue Ming bowed in return.
"This official greets the princes."
Xu Zelin squinted.
"You look old."
The attendant stiffened.
Xu Zeyan whispered urgently,
"Zelin!"
Yue Ming smiled calmly.
"To a child of seven, everyone over twenty is old."
Xu Zelin laughed.
"Then how old are you?"
"Old enough to know when someone is avoiding his studies."
Xu Zelin froze.
Xu Zeyan hid a smile.
Yue Ming seated himself.
"Tell me," he said, "why do you think princes must study?"
Xu Zelin answered immediately.
"So Father won't scold us."
Xu Zeyan replied after a pause.
"So we won't embarrass the throne."
Yue Ming nodded.
"Honest answers. But incomplete."
Xu Zelin groaned.
"Everything's incomplete with adults."
"A prince," Yue Ming continued, "must study so he understands the weight of his words."
Xu Zeyan's eyes sharpened.
"Because words can move people."
"Or destroy them," Yue Ming said calmly.
Xu Zelin shifted.
"That sounds scary."
"It should," Yue Ming replied.
Xu Zelin suddenly asked,
"Why aren't you married?"
The hall went silent.
Xu Zeyan stared at his brother in horror.
"You can't ask that!"
Yue Ming paused… then answered evenly.
"Because no woman has yet defeated me in debate."
Xu Zelin's eyes lit up.
"Can I try?"
Xu Zeyan sighed.
"I apologize on his behalf."
Yue Ming smiled.
"Let him try."
Xu Zelin thought hard.
"If books are so important, why don't they talk back?"
"Because," Yue Ming replied, "they are waiting for you to ask better questions."
Xu Zelin stared.
"…That's unfair."
Xu Zeyan laughed softly.
Xu Zeyan studied Yue Ming carefully.
"Lord Yue," he asked quietly, "do you want to teach us?"
Yue Ming met his gaze.
"Yes."
"Why?"
"Because one day," Yue Ming said, "you will make decisions others cannot refuse."
Xu Zelin blinked.
"Even you?"
Yue Ming nodded.
"Especially me."
Xu Zeyan bowed deeply.
"Then I will listen."
As the lesson ended, Xu Zelin tugged Yue Ming's sleeve.
"Will you come again tomorrow?"
"Yes."
Xu Zeyan bowed properly.
"We will prepare better."
Yue Ming returned the bow.
"That," he said, "is all I ask."
As he left the Eastern Learning Hall, his expression remained calm—but deep within, something stirred.
Not ambition.
Not fear.
Responsibility.
Threads unseen tightened quietly, stretching across bloodlines, destinies, and ages yet to come.
At twenty-five, Yue Ming had already passed the age where excuses were accepted.
Within the Yue family's inner hall, incense burned low as elders sat in quiet formation. The atmosphere was calm—but only on the surface.
Wang Shi broke the silence first.
"Ming'er," she said gently, "you returned from the palace late again."
Yue Ming bowed slightly.
"The princes required extra guidance today."
Yue Jian frowned.
"They are seven."
Yue Chen, seated to the side, chuckled.
"And already more troublesome than half the court."
Zhao Lan smiled but added,
"Even so, your mother speaks with concern.
Twenty-five is no small age."
Yue Ming remained composed.
"Aunt, my duties—"
"—do not replace a wife," Zhao Lan finished smoothly.
Yue Jian sighed deeply.
"Your uncle and aunt have already helped inquire. There are daughters of respectable families—pure background, gentle temperament."
Yue Ming lowered his gaze.
"I am grateful."
Yue Chen narrowed his eyes.
"You say that every time."
Wang Shi reached out, touching her son's sleeve.
"Ming'er, your father and I are not pressing you without reason. Your position is now firm. A Fourth Rank Palace Tutor, title Gentleman Instructor of the Eastern Study. This is the perfect time."
Yue Ming stood and bowed.
"Mother. Father. Uncle. Aunt. Allow me to fulfill my duty first."
Zhao Lan sighed softly.
"Duty again."
Yue Chen waved a hand.
"Let him go. Scholars like him—if you tie them down too early, they wilt."
Yue Jian shot him a look.
"You speak as if he were a potted plant."
Yue Chen grinned.
"At least he'd finally stay home."
Yue Ming smiled faintly, bowed once more, and withdrew.
In a distant hall, Yue Chen paused during court discussion.
"…Interesting," he murmured.
An official asked,
"Minister Yue?"
Yue Chen shook his head.
"Nothing. Just thinking… my nephew may have found a more troublesome duty than marriage."