Zeng Xiwen was overjoyed and knelt down to express her gratitude. The other young ladies-in-waiting behind her exchanged envious glances. Although the Seventh Prince's legitimate son was only thirteen years old, Zeng Xiwen's status in marriage was not that of a princess, but that of a primary consort! This was far better than entering the palace. Many young ladies-in-waiting did not even hope to enter the palace; they only hoped to be assigned to a member of the imperial family or a prince.

Zeng Xiwen suppressed her excitement and cautiously retreated, winking at Gao Xiyue. Gao Xiyue pouted, as if to say to Zeng Xiwen, "Don't be so smug."

Seeing that both Sister Su and Zeng Xiwen had been betrothed to princes as they had wished, she felt somewhat uneasy. Gao Xiyue was outstanding in appearance, tall, and from a good family, so she was unlikely to be rejected, but Gao Xiyue's biggest worry was that the Emperor would keep her.

Just then, the eunuch in charge of ceremonies called out Gao Xiyue's name, "Gao Xiyue, the eldest daughter of the Gao family of Shandong, is fifteen years old." Gao Xiyue excitedly stepped forward, bowed gracefully, and said with her head bowed, "This humble daughter, Gao Xiyue, greets Your Majesty. May Your Majesty live a thousand years and enjoy good health and blessings."

Gao Xiyue was naturally lively, and her words were full of spirit, quite different from the other quiet young ladies-in-waiting. Several ladies-in-waiting were drawn to her and glanced at her a few more times. Lady Geng asked softly, "Your name is Gao Xiyue?"

Gao Xiyue bowed slightly and replied, "The warm sun shines brightly, and I observe the universe in the vast marshland. The sun rises majestically over the North Sea. My father has high hopes for me and calls me Xiyue."

Sure enough, Madam Song clapped her hands and laughed, "You are quite knowledgeable in poetry and literature, and the name Xiyue suits you very well!"

Lanqin sat up straight, her tone quite interested: "Have you ever studied any books?"

Gao Xiyue boldly raised her head, her smile as bright as a flower, and said confidently, "My father treats me like his own son. I have been learning from my brothers since I was a child and have some knowledge of poetry..."

Upon hearing this, Madam Song turned to Lanqin and smiled gently, saying, "Young ladies are usually skilled in needlework and embroidery. It's already very good that she can recognize a few characters. To understand poetry is even more remarkable..."

"That's very good. Although it's said that a woman's virtue lies in her lack of talent, a talented woman is even rarer." Lanqin looked at Madam Song and said with a smile, seemingly unintentionally, "This year's candidates for the imperial concubine selection are all unique. It's a blessing for the Qing Dynasty and a blessing for the Emperor!"

Gao Xiyue did not dare to show too much joy upon hearing this, but still raised her head and smiled, "Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty."

Upon hearing Lanqin's words, Lady Geng looked Gao Xiyue up and down, growing more and more fond of her. Finally, she couldn't resist rising and bowing to Lanqin: "Your Majesty, Your Highness, I think this Gao Xiyue is very good. She is knowledgeable in poetry and clever. Why not bestow her upon Hongzhou as a concubine..."

“That’s not appropriate. Hongzhou is naturally unruly, so it would be better if the people around him were gentler and more demure. Gao Xiyue is good, but she’s a bit flamboyant and not a good match for Hongzhou!” Lanqin’s tone left no room for argument. Geng Shi hadn’t expected Lanqin to refuse her request, so she could only silently retreat.

Gao Xiyue looked uneasy and could only lower her head, her face burning hot, probably as red as a rosy cloud, so she remained silent. She felt that all she could see was the flickering golden candlelight, and the uncertainty about the future made Gao Xiyue feel quite lost.

The Noble Consort Xi doesn't like me!

Gao Xiyue's heart raced; she realized she was about to be rejected!

Seeing that Geng had retreated in disappointment, Wu covered her mouth and laughed, "I really have no children, but I also think this child is quite good. Although he is a bit flamboyant, he still has the demeanor of a lady from a respectable family."