Seeing the frightened palace maid, Minghui casually waved her hand to indicate that nothing was wrong. However, when she saw her dark circles under her eyes in the mirror, her face darkened even more. She barely managed to cover them up with foundation before changing into clean clothes and going out.

At dawn, all the young ladies-in-waiting gathered at Chuxiu Palace. A kind-faced old woman and a fierce-looking old woman stood at the front, reciting the rules.

"The Qing Dynasty holds its imperial concubine selection every three years, and it is an immense honor for all of you to have passed the preliminary selection... For the next month, you must all diligently study the palace rules and etiquette..."

Qingyin stood in the crowded queue, not particularly noticeable, especially with Lin Mengya and Lin Heyu blocking her way on both sides. Very few people could see her clearly, but Guo Luoluo Minghui was clearly one of those few. She had a deep memory of her from childhood and recognized Qingyin, who was squeezed in the narrow gap with a bit of her fair chin showing, just by looking at Lin Mengya. Her eyes were extremely resentful, like a wronged woman who had been abandoned.

This glance was too shocking. Sensing something was wrong, Qingyin followed the gaze and saw Guo Luoluo Minghui, who was wearing a thick layer of foundation. She smiled slightly, but the next second, the person immediately overdid it, and her movements were indescribably flustered.

Hmm? Is her smile scary? Qingyin thought to herself, then smiled at Lin Mengya again, successfully eliciting a silly smile from Lin Mengya and jealousy from Lin Heyu. It seems it wasn't her fault; it must be that beautiful woman's fault.

Meanwhile, Guo Luoluo Minghui, who was still in shock, hadn't recovered yet. Recalling that sinister smile from just now, her ears involuntarily felt hot.

Damn it, why are you smiling so sweetly? You bad woman, you're seducing me!

However, the old woman in front of her was just getting to the point about the rules, which completely drew Qingyin's attention.

Although each small world is set in the Qing Dynasty, there are differences due to the differences between the worlds. Qingyin didn't want to cause unnecessary trouble over a matter of rules. Although it could be resolved, it was just too much trouble.

Next came the learning of rules and etiquette. The group was separated, and the nannies in front finally noticed the stunningly beautiful princess. Because of their duties, the two forced themselves to remain calm and continued teaching, while secretly testing the beautiful woman in detail.

The more they tested her, the more shocked they became. She understood the rules so quickly and acted with a certain integrity. Her eyes were calm and bright, and she was a very intelligent person. With such beauty and intelligence, the two dared not think about her future. They simply became more and more gentle towards Qingyin. The difference was obvious to all the ladies-in-waiting in the room. The key was that the ladies-in-waiting also understood the reason, since they themselves were also secretly watching.

In Yikun Palace, Consort Yi also learned of her sister Minglan's request from a letter.

"Lin Qinrou? Protect her, and then eliminate her again?" Has her sister lost her mind? Why would she suppress this daughter-in-law she has chosen? Consort Yi didn't understand, but she was greatly shocked.

“Your Majesty, perhaps Madam Xu is…” Suhe Green was clumsy with words, she really couldn’t figure out Madam Xu’s actions, and Consort Yi looked at the letter with disbelief.

He Lu was Consort Yi's personal maid, and had been with Consort Yi since she was born, so she was naturally Consort Yi's confidante.

Consort Yi, who stopped thinking about it when she couldn't figure it out, lifted her slender fingers with red nail polish, rubbed her forehead and said, "Forget it, since this is Minglan's idea, Helu, you should go to Chuxiu Palace. Just do it openly so they can take better care of you. Also, help me see what that girl looks like that Xu Yili boy likes so much."

"Yes, Your Majesty." He Lu nodded and left.

A woman dressed as a palace maid trotted in and whispered something in the ear of the kind-looking Granny Wu. Granny Wu nodded, her eyes revealing a hint of emotion, but she couldn't help but glance at Qingyin. The movement was so fleeting and quick that it was almost imperceptible.

Qingyin didn't miss this gaze. Was it related to her? It must be someone under the command of some concubine or prince. Qingyin pondered for a moment without showing any emotion.

Sure enough, news soon spread that Granny Wu was leading the young ladies on a tour of the Imperial Garden.

Qingyin was about to walk into the middle of the crowd when she was stopped by Granny Wu.

"Princess Qinrou, please stand next to me. There is something wrong with your bowing. Please stand next to me and I will explain it to you."

No way! Lin Qinrou's rules are all wrong, yet she did them so well! All the young ladies cast questioning and shocked glances at her.

Forced into the spotlight, Granny Wu had no way to express her bitterness. Even the head maid of Consort Yi had to avoid being seen by Qinrou Gege when she wanted to see her. So, Granny Wu could only find an excuse to go out and let Aunt Helu see her from a distance.

Seeing that Granny Wu's expression was becoming increasingly stiff, Qingyin nodded and walked to Granny Wu's side.

Having received Qingyin's consent, Granny Wu was visibly more relaxed and at ease, and the group headed towards the Imperial Garden in a grand procession.

Qingyin was actually tired of the scenery in the Imperial Garden. The Imperial Gardens in each small world were more or less the same. However, due to the boredom in Chuxiu Palace, the beautiful and novel flowers in the Imperial Garden still attracted her attention.

The combination of a beautiful woman and flowers is already attractive, but when you add that stunning beauty that seems to defy human limits, it's like cheating, firmly capturing everyone's attention.

He Lu, who was hiding at the corner, had no time to care about her suddenly bumped into the Ninth Prince. Her eyes were fixed on the slender figure in the distance.

"Who is that?" Yin Tang murmured, seemingly asking no one, his eyes fixed on the woman in the distance who looked like a flower come to life.

Her hair danced in the wind, her face was so fair it seemed to glow, and her eyes were brimming with autumn waves... all of these combined to create a stunning beauty that left people speechless.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!