Shen Yian, the junior minister of the Central Judicial Office, and Xu Zizhou, the Deputy Governor of Jingzhao, both followed a similar path, entering the imperial service through the imperial examinations. One a Top Scholar and the other a runner-up, they relied on their talent to catch the Emperor's attention, coinciding with the Emperor's break from tradition in appointments. Together, they rose to prominence and became the most sought-after close ministers of the Emperor in the Capital City.
The Crown Prince wanted to win them over, but he didn't dare compete with His Majesty for talents. The court officials desired them for their daughters, but having missed the opportunity to secure such promising son-in-laws right after the exams, they now found both remained unwed. Although matchmakers wore out their doorsteps, the two showed no interest in marrying early.
