Someone will come and reply.

One of the managers was particularly eloquent and described the hometowns, appearances, and personalities of several outstanding individuals among the hundred-plus people with great accuracy.

Although this Steward Zhou works for the Personnel Bureau, he also frequently visits Zhaochun Palace.

After listening, Yan Nangui smiled and said, "Eunuch Zhou, you've worked hard, which has saved me a lot of trouble. Jiangxiang, quickly bring Eunuch Zhou some tea."

"Oh dear, I dare not, I dare not," Eunuch Zhou hurriedly declined, "How could I dare to trouble Miss Jiangxiang?"

"Look at what you're saying, we're all the same kind of people. Our Lady has only been in charge for a short time, and she needs your help just in time," Jiangxiang said with a smile.

“Yes, many hands make light work. Eunuch Zhou is the most capable person to get things done,” Chanyi added.

"This servant may not be good at doing things, but I am sensible. Your Highness, please sit high and do whatever this servant can do!" Steward Zhou said with a smile.

This means they surrendered.

It doesn't matter what Yan Nangui thinks in his heart; at least on the surface, he accepted it.

He was rewarded with five taels of gold.

Upon returning to the Personnel Bureau, Eunuch Fang approached and asked, "Master, you went to Zhaochun Palace again? Aren't people all going to Wanchun Palace these days?"

“I went to Wanchun Palace too,” Steward Zhou replied.

It just doesn't seem like they care much about it.

Eunuch Fang chuckled, "Master is just teasing me. How could anyone be as devoted as Consort Zhaochun? You see, Consort Xiangxian has a prince. The most esteemed prince right now. If His Majesty were to establish a crown prince, wouldn't he be thinking of it? Aren't you going?"

Steward Zhou sighed: "Just do your job. Stop thinking nonsense. What good would it do you to become the crown prince?"

"There is still a chance. If you serve them well, they might just rise to prominence," said Eunuch Fang.

Manager Zhou tapped him on the head: "Stop thinking nonsense."

However, he didn't explain why he favored Zhaochun Palace.

It's not that Wanchun Palace is necessarily bad, it's just... Zhaochun Palace is really amazing.

He's over forty, how long can he live? Once you've chosen one, get close and don't move.

Back then, Consort Chen was able to stand firm even without bearing any children, remaining steadfast for many years.

Now that we have a princess, does that mean it's not okay?

Who knows what will happen in the future? He didn't have a good opinion of Wanchun Palace.

In the imperial harem, there are many people from good families; the Su family is really nothing special.

How high can an adopted son go? If he's really capable, why did he lose the favor he used to receive after entering the palace from the mansion?

The Empress is no longer here, and Consort Jing has also passed away. Consort Xiang should be the only one of her kind.

Why is it that things are not as good as before?

Well, anyway, Zhaochun Palace has no children, so his presence there won't draw much attention. He just sees Zhaochun Palace as a good place.

Inside Zhaochun Palace, Jiang Xiang said, "Just as Steward Zhou said, these are the most outstanding ones this year. Today is the first inspection, and the list should be ready tomorrow. Dozens of them will be sent out."

Those going out now are clearly not very good.

The wild geese nodded as they returned south.

The next day, the list was indeed released, provided by the Empress. Forty-three people had left.

All the good ones from various places are still around.

Three days later, it will be time for the actual reading.

The Empress Dowager and the Empress must be present.

Three days later, on a fine day, preparations were made in the small garden behind Ruining Palace.

The Empress Dowager, the Empress, the Imperial Concubine, the Virtuous Concubine, as well as the second-rank Concubine Ke, Concubine Ning, Concubine He, and Concubine Rong, all arrived.

Several imperial concubines also came.

After Shu Chengfeng arrived, it began.

The young women, five at a time, came in groups of five, all in the prime of their lives. Each one was dressed in their finest and most radiant attire.

The steward would carry out the family history and background of the young ladies, who would then greet each other in turn.

Naturally, one should observe the rules and manners.

In the first group, the Empress Dowager took a liking to a woman surnamed Sun. His Majesty nodded in agreement and kept her on the list.

However, more than twenty people were arranged to marry off on the spot.

In the next round, Lady Yu, whom the Empress Dowager favored, finally made her appearance. She was indeed a beauty.

With her bright and clever eyes, every smile and frown is captivating.

"This Lady Yu is indeed quite beautiful," Consort Zhou said with a smile.

Another imperial concubine laughed, "Indeed, he's quite the catch. Why doesn't Your Majesty keep him? This Prefect Yu is also very capable."

Shu Chengfeng glanced at it a few times and praised it, saying, "It's really good."

The Empress then said, "I think it's good too. What do you sisters think?"

Yan Nangui smiled and said, "Yes, you are good-looking and have a good demeanor. Your Majesty, congratulations."

Shu Chengfeng chuckled: "I haven't even said anything yet, and you've already made arrangements for me?"

Yan Nangui laughed and said, "I think it's excellent. The way she looks like a lotus emerging from clear water is extremely beautiful. Not only should I keep her, but I've even thought of a title for her. How about the character 'Yue'? The ancients said, 'There is no perfect beauty in the world; anything pleasing to the eye is beautiful.' I wholeheartedly agree. I find her extremely pleasing to the eye."

Shu Chengfeng shook his head: "Enough, enough, keep it if you like. But the saying 'There is no true beauty in the world, only beauty that pleases the eye' is how I see you. However, Consort Chen is beautiful, not like ordinary people. Although you don't use the word 'pleasant,' I will keep it for you. Lady Yu will be conferred the title of Lingyi and given the title of Zhuang."

Lady Yu stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, I thank you for your great kindness."

Her feelings were truly complicated. Consort Chen's actions had made her the center of attention.

The Empress Dowager was also at a loss for words. Keeping Lady Yu was naturally something she wanted to do, but to do it so openly and ostentatiously... this Lady Yan was truly a problem.

In the end, only eight remained.

Lady Yu was granted the title of Consort Zhuang. Lady Zheng, who also came from a good family, was granted the title of Consort Hui.

Three others were left to be granted titles: Xiaoyi, Li, Lin, and Wang, but none of them received a formal title.

They then kept the Sun, Xu, and Qi families as Baolin.

None of them have been banned.

The Empress Dowager was satisfied that she had kept all the people she wanted and didn't say anything more.

As for who else among these eight people might have connections in private, no one knows for the time being.

They are currently staying in Kangning Palace. In the afternoon, Yan Nan returned to Wanchun Palace to discuss the accommodations for these people with Consort Xiangxian.

"Does Consort Zhuang Lingyi reside in Yu Cui Palace?" Consort Xiangxian asked.

“Lady Xia has schemed against me this time. My sister knows my temper,” Yan Nangui said with a smile.

Her words clearly intended to make things difficult for Consort Xia, leaving Consort Xiang with nothing to say but nodding in agreement.

Hui Lingyi stayed at Zhuyi Pavilion.

Li Xiaoyi lived in Yufu Palace. Lin Xiaoyi lived in Linhua Palace. Wang Xiaoyi lived in Yiyuan Palace.

Sun Baolin lived in Liushuang Pavilion with Lu Xiaoyi.

Xu Baolin and Qi Baolin lived in Zhishuang Pavilion.

With so many people in the imperial harem nowadays, it's practically impossible for anyone to have a nice place to live alone.

Either live in a remote area, or share a room.

The newlyweds had no objection to this, nor did they dare to.

The remaining twenty or thirty young women left the palace to go home and get married. Each of them was also given some items made by the imperial family, which was a very good thing.

After the selection process was finalized, the entire harem entered a new phase.

There will inevitably be older members trying to win over newcomers.

The new concubines haven't even had a formal audience with the emperor yet, but they're already receiving so many gifts that their hands are sore from accepting them.