"Xiuning, come here quickly."
Lady Fucha smiled and waved her hand, then quickly walked over to Xiuning and pulled her to sit down on the couch.
"Today is the day you enter the palace to participate in the preliminary selection. Are you nervous?"
As she spoke, Lady Fucha kept glancing at Xiuning's face and expression. She was especially relieved when she noticed that Xiuning looked rosy and not tired at all. Thank goodness, otherwise today would have been a difficult day.
After all, there are quite a few people participating in the preliminary selection. Once they enter the palace, it will probably take up a whole day. At that time, they can neither eat nor drink. Most people can't stand it, let alone those who are already not getting enough rest.
You should know that in every imperial concubine selection, there would be unlucky ones who would faint and be sent out of the palace, which was even worse than those who were not selected later.
"Mother, don't worry, I'm not afraid. I'll be fine going to the palace to participate in the selection today."
Xiu Ning gently comforted Fucha, who was clearly more nervous than herself.
Fucha nodded upon hearing this, "It's good that you understand. It's just the preliminary selection. Your mother and father have already taken care of things in the palace, so they definitely won't make things difficult for you in this regard."
Xiu Ning raised her eyebrows, answered "Yes," and then became obedient again.
She was also surprised that Fucha and Xitala Debao had found someone during the preliminary selection.
However, she could understand.
Although the selection of imperial concubines in the Qing Dynasty generally valued family background more than appearance, as long as the family background was strong enough, even an ugly woman could become empress (as can be seen from the selection of concubines in the late Qing Dynasty), Xiu Ning not only had a strong family background, but also had outstanding appearance. If she couldn't even pass the preliminary selection, that would be a miracle.
The only thing Xiuning needs to pay attention to right now is the period after the preliminary selection and before the final selection, during which she will be learning the rules of the palace.
When the original owner failed the selection and returned home, she accidentally got caught up in the struggle among the candidates in the last two days, and she didn't even know who the culprit was.
This time, if given the chance, Xiu Ning wouldn't mind avenging the original owner's past life's grudges (although she probably wouldn't have been selected even though she wasn't involved in the past life).
Before getting into the carriage and leaving, Lady Fucha couldn't help but pull Xiuning aside for a few more words of advice.
Xiuning listened to the content that had been repeated several times without any dissatisfaction. Instead, she carefully remembered it before bidding farewell to Lady Fucha and turning to get into the carriage that was parked in front of her house to go to the palace.
The carriage was driven by a trusted confidant specially chosen by Xitala Debao, who escorted Xiuning to the Forbidden City throughout the journey.
The carriage stopped at the gate of the Forbidden City, but Xiuning did not get off immediately. Instead, she waited for Xitala Debao's confidant to help her register and hand over a green plaque bearing Xiuning's identity before getting off the carriage.
"Princess, your servant will be waiting outside the door."
The confidant bowed deeply, speaking with exceptional respect.
Xiuning nodded. "There are many important people outside, so be careful."
Turning around, Xiu Ning walked directly into the crowd, clutching the green plaque in her hand.
Because the place she went to was a gathering place for Manchu Eight Banners imperial concubines, there were quite a few people there, bustling and noisy like a market.
Fearing trouble, Xiuning didn't go inside, but instead found a quiet corner to wait.
Soon, more and more carriages arrived at the palace gate, and more and more young women carrying wooden plaques stepped off the carriages.
Xiu Ning kept a close eye on her surroundings, and naturally she saw many of the young ladies coming and going.
Well, the Han and Mongol banners don't gather here, but judging from the colors of the Manchu banner girls, her appearance is still the best.
With a satisfied sigh, Xiu Ning quickly hung the wooden plaque in her hand around her neck.
…………
The primary selection process was relatively simple, but the hierarchical order of the feudal class was also clearly reflected.
All the princesses of higher status than Xiuning were lined up in front of her. By the time this round was over, it would probably be noon by the time it was Xiuning's turn.
"Fortunately, the people behind me probably won't be able to start until the afternoon."
There are always people worse off than herself, Xiuning was very optimistic. After lining up, they followed the palace servants leading the way and walked towards the passageway ahead.
The crowd was vast and orderly, with people walking one after another. The wooden signs hanging around their necks jingled, and the logos of various people were clearly visible to Xiuning.
They got up before dawn, set off at sunrise, and didn't get into the palace until the sun rose.
Xiuning lowered her head and calculated the time spent on the journey in her mind, finally coming to the conclusion, "Feudal society is truly a killer."
system:……
Unfortunately, the preliminary rounds are just the beginning; the real challenge is yet to come.
Xiuning didn't expect the system to speak; she was using the corner of her eye to survey her surroundings.
In just a short while, they had successfully entered the inner palace under the guidance of the palace servants.
Because the main hall for the preliminary selection was in front, and there were many of them, they could temporarily go to a side hall to rest and wait.
It was still early when it was Xiuning's turn, so she simply found a chair and sat down.
The system spoke up, "Aren't you nervous, host?"
"What's there to be nervous about? It's just a formality," Xiu Ning said, resting her chin on her hand, her expression calm and unwavering. "This is Chuxiu Palace; I'm afraid the second round after the preliminary selection will also be held here."
Of course, one palace was not enough for the young ladies to live in, and the neighboring Xianfu Palace would most likely be requisitioned as well.
Nowadays, there are not many concubines in Kangxi's harem, and most of them are unranked concubines. Several people can be crammed into one palace. Since they all go to the Qianqing Palace to serve the emperor, there is no need to worry about Kangxi not having a place to stay when he comes.
'System, recall the owners of those pairs of eyes that have been fixed on me since I entered.'
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