The night was quiet in the capital.
Most people believed the Yue residence had already settled into peace after a year of success and growth.
But inside the Yue family, some decisions required careful handling.
In a private study, Yue Ming and Yue Heng sat together discussing an important matter.
Yue Ming spoke first.
"The Shadow Guard is already formed."
"Twenty men, well trained and loyal."
Yue Heng nodded.
"And they are improving every day."
He paused for a moment before continuing.
"But this is exactly why we must act carefully."
Yue Ming understood immediately.
In the empire, a powerful family secretly maintaining a private elite force could easily be misunderstood.
If the emperor heard about the Yue Shadow Guard from another source, suspicion might arise.
Even the most loyal family could be accused of preparing rebellion.
Yue Ming leaned forward slightly.
"That is why we should tell His Majesty ourselves."
Yue Heng looked at him.
"You want to report it directly to the emperor?"
"Yes."
Yue Ming nodded firmly.
"If we hide it, it may look suspicious later."
"But if we tell him openly, it will show our loyalty."
After a moment of silence, Yue Heng smiled slightly.
"You really do think like the eldest of the cousins."
The decision was made that night.
---
A Secret Meeting at the Palace
Two days later, before dawn, Yue Ming and Yue Heng quietly entered the imperial palace.
Because of the Yue family's reputation and Yue Heng's military position, their request for a private audience was quickly delivered to the emperor.
Inside a small private hall of the palace, the Emperor sat calmly while the two young men knelt before him.
"Rise," the emperor said.
Both men stood respectfully.
The emperor looked at them with interest.
"It is rare for members of the Yue family to request a private audience."
Yue Ming bowed slightly.
"Your Majesty, we came because there is something important we must report."
The emperor leaned back slightly.
"Speak."
Yue Ming took a calm breath.
"Your Majesty… the Yue family has recently formed a small private guard force."
The emperor's expression remained calm, but his eyes sharpened slightly.
"A private guard?"
Yue Heng stepped forward respectfully.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"It is called the Yue Shadow Guard."
The hall fell quiet.
For a moment, the emperor simply watched them carefully.
Then he asked calmly,
"And why was this force created?"
Yue Heng answered honestly.
"Our family's influence has grown quickly in the past year."
"This naturally attracts attention from other noble families."
Yue Ming continued the explanation.
"We feared that enemies might attempt to harm members of our household."
"So we formed a small guard unit for protection."
The emperor said nothing.
But Yue Ming continued speaking.
"However, Your Majesty, we understand that a noble family secretly maintaining such a force could appear suspicious."
"That is why we came to report it directly."
Yue Heng added firmly,
"The Yue family has no intention of rebellion."
"This Shadow Guard exists only to protect the family."
Yue Ming bowed deeply.
"And if Your Majesty wishes…"
"The Shadow Guard can also serve the empire."
The emperor raised an eyebrow.
"Serve the empire?"
Yue Heng nodded.
"If anyone in the future attempts rebellion or threatens the stability of the throne…"
"The Shadow Guard will report it directly to Your Majesty."
The emperor studied them for a long moment.
The hall remained completely silent.
Finally, he spoke.
"You came here yourselves… before anyone else could report this to me."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Yue Ming replied.
"We believed that if the throne learned of the Shadow Guard from another source, it might appear that we were hiding something."
Yue Heng added respectfully,
"We would never allow the Yue family to be suspected of disloyalty."
The emperor suddenly laughed softly.
"You two are quite straightforward."
He stood and walked slowly toward them.
"Many noble families would hide such a thing."
"But you came to tell me personally."
The emperor looked directly at Yue Heng.
"You are a military commander."
"And you," he turned to Yue Ming, "are the eldest among your cousins."
"You understand responsibility."
Yue Ming bowed.
"We only wish to serve the empire faithfully."
After a moment, the emperor nodded.
"Very well."
"You may keep the Yue Shadow Guard."
Both men looked up slightly.
The emperor continued calmly.
"But remember one thing."
"Their loyalty must always belong to the empire first."
Yue Heng immediately bowed deeply.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The emperor smiled slightly.
"In fact…"
"Having another pair of loyal eyes watching the capital might not be a bad thing."
Yue Ming and Yue Heng both felt relieved.
Their decision had been correct.
Before leaving the hall, Yue Ming spoke again.
"Thank you for trusting the Yue family, Your Majesty."
The emperor waved his hand lightly.
"Go back and continue your duties."
"And train your Shadow Guard well."
---
Returning to the Yue Residence
When Yue Ming and Yue Heng left the palace, the morning sun was already rising over the capital.
Yue Heng let out a small breath.
"Well… that went better than I expected."
Yue Ming smiled slightly.
"Honesty was the best choice."
Yue Heng nodded.
"And now the Shadow Guard can exist openly without suspicion."
Both men returned to the Yue residence with calm hearts.
The Yue Shadow Guard had not only been accepted by the emperor…
It had also become a silent protector of the empire itself.