Lu Chiyue reclined on the chaise in his private dining chamber, a servant presenting a steaming tray of delicacies. He'd barely picked up his chopsticks when a sudden realization struck him.
I have a family now.
It was a simple thought, but one that sent a wave of emotion surging through him. The Lu family was no longer just words on a page or characters in a book. They were real people—his people. And for the first time in his life, he wasn't eating alone.
"Wait," he said, lowering his chopsticks and looking at the nearest servant. "Tell the kitchens to prepare a banquet. I want my family to join me for lunch."
The servant hesitated, bowing deeply before speaking. "Your Majesty, the royal family is... large. Would you prefer to dine with specific members?"
Lu Chiyue frowned, momentarily thrown. In the novel, he'd read about the sprawling royal household, but now that he was here, it hadn't fully sunk in just how many relatives he had.
"Call all of them," he decided with a wave of his hand.
The servant's eyes widened slightly. "All of them, Your Majesty?"
"Yes, every one. From the Jade Hall, the Moon Pavilion, and the Sun Tower. I wish to dine with my entire family today," he said, his voice firm. The royal household was divided across three residences based on the late emperor's concubines, but Lu Chiyue had no intention of playing favorites.
The servant bowed again. "As you command, Your Majesty."
By the time the dining hall was set for the banquet, Lu Chiyue had reviewed a family registry brought by one of his aides. It was daunting, seeing the names of his stepmothers and siblings neatly listed, but also exhilarating.
Hua Ming, the Jade Concubine, was the most powerful of the late emperor's concubines. She had given birth to four children:
Lu Jingxuan (20, eldest son from the Jade Hall) – Intelligent and cunning, but his health was delicate due to chronic lung issues that left him prone to fatigue.Lu Qingyan (19, eldest daughter from the Jade Hall) – Quiet and reserved, with a talent for calligraphy and painting.Lu Shuyin (17, second son from the Jade Hall) – A cheerful, athletic youth with a sharp mind but a weak left leg from a childhood injury.Lu Meiyu (16, youngest daughter from the Jade Hall) – Bubbly and curious, though her frail immune system made her prone to falling ill.
Ye Ai, the Moon Concubine, was known for her serene beauty and calm demeanor. She had two sons:
Lu Jianhong (19, eldest son from the Moon Pavilion) – Steady and dependable, though he was born with poor eyesight that required him to carry a monocle.
Lu Wenqing (18, second son from the Moon Pavilion) – A charming and ambitious young man with a flair for swordsmanship.
Ji Xian, the Sun Concubine, was a bold and spirited woman. She had three children:
Lu Xiuying (18, eldest daughter from the Sun Tower) – Vibrant and outspoken, known for her fiery temper and sharp tongue.
Lu Chenhai (17, eldest son from the Sun Tower) – Quiet and brooding, but a skilled strategist.
Lu Lingyu (16, youngest son from the Sun Tower) – A mischievous prankster who loved to play tricks on everyone.
Finally, there was Lu Chiyue himself, the eldest son and crown prince at twenty-one years old.
The royal dining hall was abuzz with activity as the siblings filed in, one by one, each dressed in their finest attire. The servants scurried about, ensuring everything was perfect. Lu Chiyue sat at the head of the long table, a small smile playing on his lips as he watched his siblings gather.
It was surreal, seeing them in person. Each one matched their descriptions from the novel, yet they felt more vibrant, more alive.
"Brother Chiyue!" cried Lu Meiyu, her eyes sparkling as she skipped over to him. Her bright smile was infectious, though Lu Chiyue couldn't help but notice the faint pallor of her cheeks.
"Meiyu," he greeted warmly, patting her on the head.
"Your Majesty," said Lu Jingxuan, bowing gracefully. His refined features were marred only by the slight flush of exertion, as though the simple act of walking had winded him. "It's an honor to dine with you."
"None of that formality," Lu Chiyue said with a dismissive wave. "We're family."
The rest of the siblings greeted him in turn, each displaying their unique personalities. Lu Qingyan offered a shy curtsy, her hands clasped tightly together. Lu Jianhong smiled warmly, though his monocle glinted as he adjusted it. Lu Xiuying, ever the bold one, flopped into her chair without ceremony, earning a disapproving glance from the servants.
As the meal began, Lu Chiyue observed his family closely.
Lu Chiyue's gaze lingered on Lu Jingxuan, who was carefully avoiding the spiced dishes. His elder brother's condition was as described in the novel—a fragile constitution that made him vulnerable to illness.
"Jingxuan," Lu Chiyue said, gesturing to a bowl of mild soup. "You should eat this. It's easier on the stomach."
Jingxuan looked surprised but nodded. "Thank you, Brother."
Nearby, Lu Shuyin leaned over to crack a joke, his cheerful voice filling the room. But when he shifted his weight, Lu Chiyue noticed the subtle wince as he adjusted his position. His brother's limp was slight but noticeable, a reminder of the accident that had left him with a weak leg.
As the meal progressed, Lu Meiyu's laughter rang out, but she paused often to cough delicately into her hand. Lu Chiyue made a mental note to ask the palace physicians to check on her.
The conversation flowed easily, laughter and chatter filling the air. Lu Lingyu, true to his reputation, attempted to slip a piece of spice-covered chicken onto Lu Qingyan's plate, only to be caught by Lu Jianhong's sharp glare.
"Lingyu," Jianhong said, his tone reproachful. "You should behave better in front of His Majesty."
"Brother Chiyue said no formalities," Lingyu retorted, grinning cheekily.
"Within reason," Jianhong shot back, adjusting his monocle.
Lu Chiyue couldn't help but laugh. It was a far cry from the loneliness of his old life. He raised his cup, drawing everyone's attention.
"To family," he said simply.
"To family," they echoed, lifting their cups in unison.
As the banquet wound down, Lu Chiyue sat back, watching his siblings interact. They were flawed, yes, but they were also loyal and vibrant in their own ways.
In the novel, this family had been torn apart, their bonds shattered by betrayal and ambition. But now that he was here, Lu Chiyue was determined to change that.
"We will stay together," he thought, his golden eyes glinting with resolve. "No matter what."
Later that evening, as Lu Chiyue returned to his chambers, he found himself smiling.