The day was calm, the sun casting long shadows across the palace grounds. Lu Chiyue stood in his study, watching the golden light filter through the lattice windows. It had been a week since he had begun guiding his sisters toward fulfilling their potential, and now, his thoughts turned to his brothers. Each one was unique, with their own strengths, weaknesses, and aspirations.
He decided it was time to discuss their futures directly. Summoning all five of his brothers to the study, he waited, his golden eyes thoughtful as he prepared for the conversation ahead.
One by one, they arrived:
Lu Jingxuan, eldest of the Jade Hall sons, moved slowly, his pale complexion accentuated by his labored breathing. His golden eyes were dull, his sharp features marred by the weariness of his condition.Lu Jianhong, eldest of the Moon Pavilion sons, followed with his usual steady gait, adjusting his monocle as he entered. His calm demeanor betrayed only a hint of nervousness.Lu Wenqing, the ambitious and fiery second son of the Moon Pavilion, strode in confidently, his presence commanding even in silence.Lu Chenhai, eldest son of the Sun Tower, entered without a word, his brooding eyes scanning the room as he settled into his seat.Lu Lingyu, the youngest, bounded in with his characteristic energy, his mischievous smile lighting up the room.
The brothers exchanged glances, curiosity etched on their faces. It wasn't often that their elder brother, the Emperor, called them all together like this.
"Thank you all for coming," Lu Chiyue began, his voice warm and steady. "I've been thinking about each of you, about your futures, and how we can build a stronger empire together. I want to hear your thoughts on what you want to do, not as princes, but as individuals."
The room fell silent as all eyes turned to Lu Jingxuan, the eldest among them. He sighed, his thin shoulders slumping as he leaned forward.
"There's little to discuss about my future," Jingxuan said quietly, his tone tinged with resignation. "I've always known my health would fail me sooner rather than later. I'm just... waiting for death."
The statement hung in the air like a heavy weight. Lu Chiyue's heart clenched, and even the more stoic brothers, Lu Chenhai and Lu Wenqing, frowned deeply.
"Elder Brother," Wenqing said, his voice unusually soft, "don't speak like that."
"You're the eldest of us all," Chenhai added, his tone as serious as ever. "You're not allowed to give up so easily."
Lu Jingxuan offered a faint, tired smile. "I appreciate your concern, but this is the reality I've come to accept."
Lu Chiyue stood and walked over to Jingxuan, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "You're not dying anytime soon, Jingxuan. And I have no intention of letting you waste away in idleness."
Jingxuan's brows furrowed. "What do you mean?"
"I want you to help in court," Lu Chiyue said, his tone gentle but firm. "You have a brilliant mind, Jingxuan. Your insights and understanding of politics are invaluable. Follow Official Ming for a time, learn from him, and take on the role of Royal Advisor."
Jingxuan blinked, caught off guard. "Royal Advisor? You think I'm capable of that?"
"I know you are," Lu Chiyue said with a small smile. "Official Ming is one of the most experienced men in court. With his guidance, you can find purpose and make a difference for DaLu."
Jingxuan hesitated, doubt clouding his features.
"Brother Jingxuan," Jianhong said suddenly, his voice steady, "we all know how sharp your mind is. You've always been the smartest among us. This role suits you perfectly."
"Exactly!" Lingyu chimed in, leaning forward with enthusiasm. "Think of it as a chance to show everyone what you're made of!"
Under the combined encouragement of his brothers, Jingxuan finally nodded, a faint glimmer of hope lighting his eyes. "Very well. I'll give it a try."
With Jingxuan settled, Lu Chiyue turned to Lu Jianhong, who was already fidgeting slightly under his elder brother's gaze.
"And you, Jianhong?" Lu Chiyue asked gently. "What are your plans for the future?"
Jianhong adjusted his monocle nervously. "I've been thinking about becoming an architect," he said hesitantly. "I've always been fascinated by the structures around us, the way they're built, the thought that goes into their design..."
Lu Chiyue smiled. "That's a wonderful goal, Jianhong. Do you have anyone in mind to learn from?"
"There's Master Bai," Jianhong said. "He's known as one of the best architects in the empire. If I could apprentice under him..."
"Then it's settled," Lu Chiyue said warmly. "I'll arrange it."
Jianhong hesitated, his gaze dropping to the floor. "Brother Emperor... I would love to help you directly, but my eyesight..." He trailed off, shaking his head. "I wouldn't want to become a burden."
Lu Chiyue chuckled, rising to place a hand on Jianhong's shoulder. "Burden? You're my treasure, Jianhong. All of you are. Never think otherwise."
Jianhong smiled shyly, relief washing over his face.
When Lu Chiyue's gaze shifted to Lu Wenqing, the second Moon Pavilion son straightened in his seat, his expression fierce and determined.
"I want to go to the border," Wenqing declared without hesitation.
The room fell silent again, the tension palpable. Even the ever-playful Lingyu stopped fidgeting, his brow furrowed in concern.
"The border?" Lu Chiyue repeated, his tone cautious. "You're serious about this?"
Wenqing nodded fiercely. "I want to serve DaLu on the front lines. That's where I belong."
"Do you understand the risks?" Lu Chiyue asked, his voice quieter now. "The border is dangerous. Life there is nothing like the palace."
"I know," Wenqing said firmly. "But this is what I want."
Lu Chiyue sighed, running a hand through his long purple hair. He could see the stubborn resolve in Wenqing's eyes, a determination that wouldn't be easily swayed.
"Fine," he said finally. "But you'll take a contingent of royal guards with you. I won't let you go unprotected."
Wenqing's face lit up with a rare smile. "Thank you, Brother Emperor." He bowed deeply, but Lu Chiyue quickly stepped forward to help him up.
"Don't bow so deeply," Lu Chiyue said with a chuckle. "You're still my brother."
Next, Lu Chenhai spoke up, his voice as calm and cold as always. "I want to train assassins."
The declaration drew sharp looks from the others, but Chenhai remained unfazed.
"Assassins?" Lu Chiyue asked, his tone neutral.
"Yes," Chenhai said. "DaLu is plagued by corruption and enemies within. A strong empire starts with a clean foundation. I want to eliminate the threats hiding in the shadows."
Lu Chiyue sighed, rubbing his temples. "Your ambitions are high, Chenhai."
"They need to be," Chenhai replied simply.
After a long pause, Lu Chiyue nodded. "Very well. But I want updates on your progress. And remember, you serve DaLu—not personal vendettas."
Chenhai inclined his head. "Understood."
Finally, all eyes turned to Lu Lingyu, who grinned mischievously. "I want to be a merchant!"
The statement was so unexpected that Lu Chiyue laughed out loud. "A merchant? Really?"
"Yes!" Lingyu said, his eyes sparkling. "I want to travel, trade, and make connections. Imagine all the exciting places I could see!"
Lu Chiyue smiled fondly. "If that's what you want, Lingyu, then I'll support you. But you'll need guidance. I'll find a mentor for you."
Lingyu's grin widened. "Thank you, Brother Emperor!"
That evening, the entire family gathered for dinner, including their mothers: Hua Ming, the elegant Jade Concubine; Ye Ai, the serene Moon Concubine; and Ji Xian, the bold Sun Concubine.
As the meal progressed, Lu Chiyue stood, raising his cup to address the room.
"I have news to share," he said, his golden eyes sweeping over his siblings and mothers. "Each of my brothers and sisters has decided on a path for their future. Qingyan and Shuyin will pursue business, Meiyu is studying medicine, and my brothers..." He paused, smiling. "...will become forces to strengthen DaLu. Together, they'll help shape a brighter future for the empire."
The mothers exchanged glances, their faces a mix of pride and apprehension.
"This is a bold decision, Your Majesty," Hua Ming said softly.
"It is," Lu Chiyue agreed. "But I believe in them. They will rise to the occasion."