Lu Chiyue sat at his desk, a soft glow from the nearby lantern illuminating the neat stacks of bamboo slips and paper files. The room was silent, save for the occasional rustle of documents as he read through yet another report. The study was an island of stillness in the bustling palace, but his mind was anything but calm.
Each slip he read painted the same disheartening picture: corruption. The DaLu Dynasty was riddled with it, from minor officials skimming tax revenue to larger factions exploiting their positions to fill their coffers. Even among the highest ranks, those with integrity were few and far between, their voices drowned by the tide of avarice.
He sighed, setting down a particularly egregious file about a regional magistrate who had embezzled funds meant for disaster relief. "This dynasty," he murmured to himself, "is rotting from within."
It was no wonder the Lu family faced so many challenges. While they ruled with divine right and power, the foundation of their empire was crumbling under the weight of corruption and inefficiency. If things continued this way, the dynasty would fall—not from outside invasion, but from its own internal decay.
But Lu Chiyue wasn't one to sit idly by.
"I'll start small," he thought, his golden eyes glinting in the dim light. "The larger corrupt officials are too entrenched, but the minor ones can be replaced with loyal, competent men. If I make changes bit by bit, the empire might stand a chance."
The day stretched on as he worked tirelessly, sorting through the records of officials, comparing reports, and cross-referencing complaints from citizens. His brow furrowed with such intensity that his usually radiant face grew pale under the strain.
It was late in the evening when a sudden thud startled him. He looked up, his eyes narrowing.
"Who's there?"
A familiar voice rang out, playful and formal at once. "Long live, Brother Emperor!"
Lu Chiyue blinked, watching in stunned silence as Lu Xiuying, his fiery younger sister, climbed through the window with an impish grin. Her crimson dress fluttered as she landed lightly on the floor, brushing imaginary dust from her hands.
"Xiuying," he said slowly, setting down the slip he was reading. "What are you doing here? And more importantly, how did you get in?"
She pointed toward the open window with a proud smile. "The window, obviously. It wasn't locked."
For a moment, Lu Chiyue was too stunned to respond. His study was supposed to be one of the most secure places in the palace, guarded day and night by elite soldiers.
He rose from his seat and strode to the door, opening it abruptly to face the startled guards outside. "How did someone manage to enter my study unnoticed?" he demanded, his voice sharp.
The guards exchanged uneasy glances. "Your Majesty, it was... the princess," one of them said hesitantly. "She is family. We didn't think it was a breach of security."
Lu Chiyue's mouth fell open in disbelief. "So, if anyone claims to be family, they can waltz into the emperor's private study?"
"N-no, Your Majesty," the guard stammered. "It's just... the princess has always... been persuasive."
Persuasive? Lu Chiyue shook his head, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Out. All of you. Go reevaluate what it means to protect your emperor."
"Yes, Your Majesty!" The guards bowed deeply and hurried away, clearly relieved to escape his growing irritation.
Lu Chiyue closed the door and turned to face his sister, who was watching the entire scene with an amused expression.
"You," he said, pointing at her. "Sit."
Lu Xiuying plopped herself into the chair opposite him, her mischievous grin never faltering.
"Well?" Lu Chiyue asked, crossing his arms. "To what do I owe this unorthodox visit?"
Lu Xiuying cleared her throat, her expression turning uncharacteristically serious. "I have a request, Brother Emperor."
He raised an eyebrow, motioning for her to continue.
She hesitated, fidgeting with a loose thread on her sleeve. "I... I want to become a general."
The words hung in the air for a moment, and Lu Chiyue stared at her, blinking in surprise. Of all the things she could have asked for, this was the last thing he'd expected.
"A general?" he repeated, just to make sure he'd heard correctly.
"Yes," she said firmly, her eyes blazing with determination. "I've been practicing swordsmanship and combat techniques since I was young. I'm good—better than some of the soldiers I've seen in training."
Lu Chiyue tilted his head, a small smile tugging at his lips. "I don't doubt your skills, Xiuying. But does Mother Ji Xian know about this?"
Xiuying's confident demeanor faltered. She looked away, her voice dropping to a sheepish murmur. "Not exactly."
Lu Chiyue chuckled. "Ah, now I see why you came to me."
"Mother wants to find a husband for me," Xiuying said, her tone frustrated. "But I'm not ready for that. I don't want to spend my life embroidering and hosting banquets. I want to serve DaLu, to protect our people. Please, Brother Emperor, talk to her. Convince her to let me train with the guards."
Lu Chiyue's smile softened. In his eyes, Xiuying was still just a young girl, full of fire and ambition. But he understood her frustration. He had come from a modern world where women could pursue their dreams freely, and it warmed his heart to see her striving for something greater than what society expected of her.
"Very well," he said, his voice gentle. "I'll speak to Mother Ji Xian."
Xiuying's face lit up with a radiant smile. "Thank you, Brother Emperor! You're the best!"
"But," he added, his tone teasing, "if you want to join the military, you'll have to prove yourself. I'll arrange for you to train with the palace guards. No special treatment."
"I wouldn't want it any other way," she said proudly.
Lu Chiyue shook his head in amusement. "Now, get out of here before you cause any more trouble."
Xiuying grinned and turned toward the window.
"Stop," Lu Chiyue said, pointing toward the door. "You came in like a thief. Leave like a proper princess."
Xiuying flushed, clearly embarrassed, but she nodded. "Goodnight, Brother Emperor," she said, bowing dramatically before slipping out the door.
The next morning, Lu Chiyue made his way to the Sun Tower, where Ji Xian resided. The concubine greeted him warmly, though her sharp eyes suggested she was already aware of the reason for his visit.
"Your Majesty," Ji Xian said, bowing deeply. "What brings you here today?"
Lu Chiyue smiled politely. "Mother Ji Xian, I've come to discuss Xiuying."
Her expression immediately grew wary. "What has that girl done now?"
"Nothing improper," Lu Chiyue assured her. "She simply came to me with a request. She wishes to pursue a career in the military."
Ji Xian's brows shot up, and she let out a disbelieving laugh. "Xiuying? A general? Your Majesty, surely you're joking."
"I'm not," Lu Chiyue said, his tone firm. "I've seen her determination. She's skilled, and she's serious about this."
Ji Xian folded her arms, her expression hardening. "She's eighteen, Your Majesty. It's time for her to marry, not to play with swords."
"Mother," Lu Chiyue said gently, "times are changing. Xiuying has the potential to make a name for herself, to bring honor to our family in a way few women can. Shouldn't we support her dreams?"
Ji Xian's lips pressed into a thin line. "And what of her future? A woman without a husband will face countless challenges."
"She has me," Lu Chiyue said, his golden eyes gleaming. "As long as I'm emperor, Xiuying will never lack for protection or opportunity. I give you my word."
Ji Xian hesitated, the tension in her posture slowly easing. She let out a reluctant sigh. "Very well. If Your Majesty believes in her, I will support her decision."
Lu Chiyue smiled, bowing his head in gratitude. "Thank you, Mother Ji Xian. I knew you would understand."
That evening, Lu Chiyue returned to his study, feeling a sense of accomplishment. The road ahead was still long, both for Xiuying's dreams and the reforms he planned for the empire, but he was making progress.
As he settled into his chair, a soft knock on the door interrupted his thoughts.
"Come in," he called.
The door creaked open, and Xiuying peeked inside, her eyes hopeful. "Did you talk to Mother?"
Lu Chiyue grinned. "I did. She's agreed to let you train with the guards."
Xiuying let out a squeal of delight, rushing forward to hug him tightly. "Thank you, Brother Emperor! You're the best!"
"Just don't make me regret it," he said with a chuckle.
"I won't," she promised, her voice brimming with excitement.