The young ladies have learned the proper etiquette, and today is the official selection day. Those who remain will be given flowers, and in three days, an imperial decree will be issued, after which they will officially enter the palace. Those who are eliminated will be given sachets and will be allowed to return home and marry as normal people.
Nan Zhiyun had originally planned to sleep in, but upon hearing that there was a talent show today, she got up early without hesitation to join the fun. It wasn't that she was curious; she had simply heard that Yu Jingchen was also going.
"Consort Chen Shu has arrived!"
When Nan Zhiyun arrived, Yu Jingchen was somewhat surprised. Was this girl not sleeping in today? Her arrival immediately attracted everyone's attention.
"Your Majesty!" Nan Zhiyun bowed.
"Why did you come here? Are you awake? Come on up, come to me." Yu Jingchen's tone was much gentler.
Ignoring the gazes of others, Nan Zhiyun walked straight to Yu Jingchen's side. Yu Jingchen half-embraced her and sat down beside him.
Today, almost all the concubines in the harem came over. Seeing this scene, they felt extremely jealous, but no one dared to say anything.
"Everyone has come over, so I've come to take a look as well. Shall we begin now?" Nan Zhiyun replied.
"It'll be here soon. You've arrived just in time." Yu Jingchen saw through her intentions but didn't say anything. This girl cared about her image, so he couldn't expose her now. He then ordered the men to begin.
There are quite a few candidates this time, but it's uncertain how many will ultimately remain. Nan Zhiyun felt somewhat uncomfortable looking at the colorful crowd below. She secretly glanced at Yu Jingchen's expression, only to be caught red-handed.
Seeing Yu Jingchen's teasing expression, Nan Zhiyun blushed, but pretended to be calm as she looked at the young women below. The better their family background and the more outstanding they were, the closer they were to the front of the table.
The first batch included Bai Yusheng and Yu Yan, among others. Nan Zhiyun doesn't have a good impression of Yu Yan right now.
"Yu Yan of the Prince Yu's Mansion, Bai Yi's daughter Bai Yusheng, would Your Majesty like to keep her here?" the Imperial Concubine asked from the side.
"Hmm," Yu Jingchen replied, not particularly concerned.
"Yes," the Imperial Concubine replied, and then had flowers bestowed upon Bai Yusheng and Yuyan. This was all expected and nothing surprising.
His Majesty isn't actually that obsessed with matters of the harem. Compared to the late Emperor, Yu Jingchen's harem is quite sparse. Even now, there are fewer than twenty women in the harem, and even fewer who have received his favor. Especially recently, His Majesty hasn't visited anyone except Consort Shu's palace.
Even though many people were envious, they dared not act rashly because of His Majesty's presence. But this time, with the arrival of new people, things are different.
Nan Zhiyun had nothing to do in Yu Jingchen's arms. She hadn't expected the talent show to be so boring, and she was almost asleep. Yu Jingchen found it somewhat amusing to see Nan Zhiyun like this. Just as he was about to coax her to sleep, he suddenly heard a sound from below.
"This humble woman, Su Qianyan, daughter of the Left Prime Minister, greets Your Majesty and all the empresses." A gentle yet cool voice rang out, and Yu Jingchen paused slightly upon hearing it before looking over.
Su Qianyan... the eldest daughter of the Left Prime Minister's family, but she was only born out of wedlock. However, even as an illegitimate daughter, she stood among the crowd below with composure, confidence, and poise, in no way inferior to these legitimate daughters.
The Imperial Concubine naturally noticed Yu Jingchen's changes. She looked at Su Qianyan below again, a thoughtful look flashing in her eyes.
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