Shouji was now back at his dorm, sitting on hs bed as he waited for the final results of his exams. He heard footsteps coming in his direction, and assuming they belonged to someone the three men had sent to bring him to them, Shouji stood up to face the door, ready to follow that person. However, he was a bit disappointed to find that it was his older brother, Xu Shouqiang. Shouqiang was taller and wider than Shouji. His face showed Shouqiang was a strong and able person.

"Shouqiang, what are you doing here?" asked Shouji, having not expected to see his older brother at this time.

"Is that how you should receive me, Shouji?" the elder sibling asked, attempting to sound light-hearted.

"I apologized, gege." Shouji started before bowing to his brother. "However, should you not be at the palace?" Shouji inquired. Xu Shouqiang was an official at the imperial court here Chang'an. A few years earlier, he had taken the imperial civil service exams just as Shouji was doing. He had made it into the imperial court and at the suggestion of one of Shouqiang's colleagues, had married one of the Wu Zhou Dynasty princesses to secure an alliance.

"I was out on duty." Shouqiang explained. "I ran into grandfather outside and he told me you were here taking the exams. Do you mind if I ask why?"

"You should know why, gege." Shouji replied. "You should know very well why?"

The story goes back to the days of the brothers' youth. Their father, Xu Yao was a government official under Emperor Mingzong. One of Emperor Mingzong's advisors was a political rival to Xu Yao. At one point, that rival plot had plotting to get rid of Xu Yao. First by making false accusations against him, then convincing Yao's own servants to testify against. Since the Emperor was very trusting with his advisors, he had fallen for the accusations and ordered not only that Xu Yao be killed, but his wife and children as well. After the execution of Xu Yao, guards were sent to Yao's residence. However, it was empty. Shouji and Shouqiang's mother were able to learn of this and had escaped with her children to her family's home. It was only a convincing argument from one of the Emperor's consorts that the search for them was not continued. This was the true reason why Shouji wanted to take the exams. This was why he wanted to enter the imperial court.

"Yes, I remember." Shouqiang said after recalling that incident. "Even so, I told you to stay away from the court."

"And why am I not allowed to avenge father as well?" asked Shouji.

"There are things that go on within the court that I do not want you involved in, didi." Shouqiang warned, saying that with experience. It's not worth losing you."

"I am honored by gege's concern." Shouji replied. "However..."

Shouji was cut off by the presence of the obese man who had interviewed him earlier.

"Xu Shouji of Zhigu." the obese man started. "You have passed the examinations." The man then gave Shouji a large badge, which could almost cover bis whole chest. "You are now a civil official of first rank."

"Thank you." Shouji replied, bowing in respect before he took the badge. "I am honored to receive this."

"You've earned such honor." said the obese man.

Shouji then left his dorm, with Shouqiang behind him, knowing he had taken a big step in his life. What awaited him at the court was now up to him to figure out and deal with.