Your husband takes a staff position in Imperial HQ in the Imperial city. Life becomes easy for you. You have a fine house with many servants. You entertain often, and attend the great cultural fairs. You children have fine tutuors and will have no problem passing the examinations.

On the other hand his career stalls out. His tactical cleverness counts for nothing; words, not swords, are the weapons he must use. He is one of many able and ambitious officers seeking a higher place. All too often those above him fear competance in those beneath them. He grows resigned to being a desk warmer. Others are called to die for the Empire; most die, but some win glory. He is never called and in the end his fine career has turned to dust.