Fucha knew her daughter was intelligent, so she thought it was normal that Xiuning could guess the clan chief's wife's intentions.
"That's right. The Hitara clan was just a small clan, certainly not comparable to large clans like the Hesheli and Niohuru clans, but it was still quite a large clan."
The clan chief's wife came this time for two reasons: first, to find out your father's opinion, and second, to let you know that in the selection of women for the imperial concubines three years from now, the Hitara clan has three eligible young women, and they will all participate in that selection.
Even if they had no intention of entering the palace, in order to be able to marry normally later, Manchu princesses like them had to participate in the imperial concubine selection, a rule that existed after the establishment of the Qing Dynasty.
Of course, this rule only restricts women from the Manchu, Mongol, and Han banners. For example, her father's several illegitimate daughters would not participate in the selection because of their birth mothers.
Because these illegitimate daughters are different from the imperial concubines. Even if Ebilun's daughters were born out of wedlock, they were born to concubines of prominent Manchu families. However, Xiuning's several half-sisters were born to slave maids. Wouldn't it be a slap in the face to the emperor if they entered the palace for the imperial concubine selection? It was simply impossible.
"Three?" That's a bit few. Xiuning thought that with the surname Xitala, there would be at least five or eight.
"That's already quite a lot. Most of the girls haven't grown up yet. Xiuning, the seven-year selection process was just an appetizer. The rest are the real challenge."
The big bets aren't made by just one person, but by diversified investments.
In other words, if their daughter's performance in the palace during her three years in the harem was not very good, then in the tenth or even thirteenth year of Kangxi's reign, the Hitara clan would definitely cultivate another daughter to enter the palace and fight for the family's interests.
This is normal practice for all clan-based societies, and Xiuning naturally understood this; otherwise, there wouldn't have been the story of Kangxi taking four pairs of sisters as concubines.
These people were able to enter the palace with some political significance, some for the purpose of having children, some for the purpose of having someone in their clan, and so on.
After a brief conversation with Lady Fucha, Xiuning left the main courtyard once again. This time, however, she did not return to the small courtyard but went to the front courtyard where Xitala Debao was located.
Today, after court, Xitala Debao did not go out to socialize. When Xiuning came looking for someone, she easily found Xitala Debao sitting in his study working.
"Xiuning is here."
"Ama"
"Please sit down," Xitaladebao said, putting down the book in his hand and looking at Xiuning who had just entered. "Did you come here for something?"
"Today, the clan chief's wife met with my mother and they discussed the imperial concubine selection three years from now. There are three members of the Xitala clan participating in the selection."
My daughter may not be very talented, but she wants to give it her best.
Xiuning came to formally express her stance to Xitala Debao; she wanted to compete with the other two for the family's support.
Otherwise, if Xiu Ning enters the palace alone without any help, how can she compete with the others?
Xiuning also planned to give birth to a child as soon as possible to solidify her position. If there were no resources in the palace, her initial investment would be enormous.
“With such ambition, Father will not object,” unlike Fucha’s maternal affection, Xitala Debao valued future benefits more and fully supported Xiuning’s plan to enter the palace, which was more beneficial than harmful. “As for the clan chief, Father will arrange everything.”
Although Hittara Debao was only a fourth-rank official, he was considered one of the most outstanding figures in the entire Hittara clan. After all, the highest rank the clan could attain was only third-rank, and he was old and about to retire. The clan would have to rely on Hittara Debao in the future.
In other words, as long as Xiuning isn't too ugly and is successfully selected for the harem, the Hitara clan will definitely take special care of her with the full strength of their clan.
Of course, there is a difference between rising to power through one's father and rising to power on one's own merits. Even if Xiuning wants the help of the Hitara clan, she must convince them of her worth. This way, when she enters the palace in the future, they will do their best instead of just going through the motions and not offering any help.
"Thank you, Father."
“We’re father and daughter, there’s no need for this,” Hitara Debao waved his hand, and then spoke more with Xiu Ning about the affairs of the previous dynasty, “…Although the emperor is young, his demeanor is dignified, and he is a rare emperor.”
Although Emperor Kangxi still has several regents in his hands today, their skillful maneuvering and strategic maneuvering tell us that the power of the court will inevitably fall into the hands of this emperor in the future.
If such an emperor's daughter were to enter the palace, it's hard to say whether it would be a blessing or a curse.
If Xiuning knew about Xitaladebao's subtle concerns, she would surely laugh out loud, which would be a relief.
If the emperor is rational, it means that while he shows favoritism, he won't be without limits. This kind of emperor is good for Xiuning, since Xiuning won't fall in love with him. It's a win-win situation where everyone uses each other.
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