After saying this, a hint of melancholy flashed across Yiyun's face, and because it disappeared so perfectly, it made people believe her words even more.
...
Two days later, just as Irgen Gioro Yiyun had said, the palace maids of Cining Palace came to invite people again.
This time, Xiu Ning, Dong E Jing Xin, and Shu Mu Lu Yi Xuan were all included.
"Please make your preparations, Your Highnesses. We will now proceed to Cining Palace to meet the Empress Dowager."
The palace maid who delivered the message appeared very composed. After bowing and exchanging greetings, she slowly revealed the purpose of her visit.
Upon hearing that it was the Empress Dowager who had summoned them, each of the three had their own reaction.
Dong E Jingxin's reaction was the most genuine, Shu Mu Lu Yixuan's was the most exaggerated, while Xiu Ning remained calm, though her progress as she turned to go back to her room appeared 'panicked'.
Opening her luggage, Xiuning took out a plain-colored cheongsam with light-colored petals.
During the Qing Dynasty, the qipao worn by women were not fitted or waist-cinching styles; they were more like straight tubes that looked rather loose on the body.
Originally, Xiu Ning had prepared simple, waist-cinching designs for the qipao she had chosen for the talent show.
But for now, Xiu Ning decided to keep a low profile and save money where possible. After all, her face was already very eye-catching, and if she were to expose her figure's advantages, it would be pointless to make enemies (although keeping a low profile wouldn't stop her from having more enemies).
After quickly changing her clothes, Xiu Ning sat in front of the dressing table and began to work on her face in front of the bronze mirror.
I definitely won't wear any makeup, but I still need to do some simple moisturizing skincare.
After thinking for a moment, she took out a few jade hairpins from the dressing box to replace the gold hairpin hair ornament in her hair. Xiu Ning did not forget to simply fix the stray hairs on both sides of her temples.
earrings?
Never mind.
She removed the two pearl earrings and the jade bracelet from her wrist.
Xiuning looked at herself in the bronze mirror from left to right, and then stopped when she was satisfied.
'Host, don't you think it's too plain?'
The system couldn't help but speak up. It had secretly observed Dong E Jingxin and Shu Mu Lu Yixuan, and their outfits were more and more exaggerated than the other. Even if the host relied on his looks, he might not be able to outdo them.
'Plain appearance isn't good enough; the harem is full of red flowers, only then can my green leaf stand out.'
As she finished adjusting her sleeves, Xiuning spoke casually.
'Was the host doing this on purpose?'
The system reacted, and its flat, mechanical voice couldn't help but rise in pitch.
No.
Seeing that there was still time, Xiuning explained to the system in her mind, 'We haven't figured out the situation in the harem yet, so keeping a low profile is the safest and most secure option.'
While being low-key may mean not standing out, it also means you won't make mistakes easily.
Now that she's reached the second round of selection, and is facing one of the most powerful and well-known figures in the harem, Xiu Ning can't be too careful.
'Furthermore, I still feel that what Yiergenjueluo Yiyun said the other day was not right.'
The Grand Empress Dowager and the Empress Dowager's personalities don't seem to suggest they would be interested in such trivial matters.
Music, chess, calligraphy, needlework, and household management—which of these qualities is appropriate for a concubine?
'Does the host suspect that Irgen Gioro Yiyun is trying to harm you?'
The system asked a question, realizing that such practices seemed quite common in palace dramas.
'It's better to be safe than sorry; regardless of the outcome, always prepare for the worst.'
Xiuning got up, walked around the screen, and came to the door.
At this moment, Dong E Jingxin and Shu Mu Lu Yixuan had both finished dressing up.
Compared to Xiu Ning, who was as plain as can be, these two were more extravagant than the other, especially Dong E Jing Xin, who looked like a mobile jewelry display stand, glittering with gold from head to toe and incredibly eye-catching.
In comparison, Shu Mulu Yixuan, dressed in a pink cheongsam and adorned with every hairpin and pearl ornament, looked much more normal.
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