In the following days, Xiu Ning followed her three female masters to learn skills, and also went to the main courtyard to learn housekeeping from Fucha Shi. Occasionally, she would chat with her maid Chunyu about gossip that Chunyu had specially inquired about. She lived a very relaxed and comfortable life.
September of the fourth year of the Kangxi reign.
When Emperor Kangxi was twelve years old, he married Hesheli, the granddaughter of one of the regent ministers, Sony, as his empress. In the same year, Niohuru, the daughter of Ebilun, one of the four regent ministers, entered the palace as a concubine and was given the title of Shu.
The marriage of the emperor and empress signifies that Kangxi can personally handle state affairs, and the power that was originally in the hands of others will be consolidated.
That year, the still vacant harem gradually began to be filled with many concubines, such as Zhang, Nara, and Majia, who all served Emperor Kangxi as concubines.
However, at this time, the harem was still managed by the Empress Dowager. The emperor was not yet powerful enough, and there were various strict rules to limit who he could favor. The lives of the concubines were not as carefree and easy as they would be later.
However, none of this mattered to Xiuning outside the palace. At this time, Xiuning was only twelve years old, but she was already showing signs of becoming a graceful young lady.
Over the course of two years, Xiu Ning's face became increasingly beautiful as she matured. To put it another way, her face was still the same, and one could still see the shadows of Xitala Debao and Fucha in her appearance. However, Xiu Ning's inner qualities and temperament made her stand out even more, making her a walking spotlight.
Lady Fucha had already realized Xiuning's difference, and at the same time, she became even more determined to keep Xiuning from showing herself in public as much as possible.
Fortunately, Xiuning herself is a homebody, and there's really nothing to do outside these days, so spending her days hiding in the mansion listening to gossip is quite leisurely.
"Princess, Madam requests your presence in the main courtyard."
Chunyu came in through the door and took small, quick steps to Xiuning's side.
"Did Mother mention anything?"
I went there this morning. Logically speaking, Lady Fucha shouldn't call her at a time like this.
"The lady didn't say, but the wife of the clan chief of the Hitara clan just left the main courtyard. Perhaps something happened in the clan."
Chunyu and Xiuning have become quite familiar with each other after spending many years together, and now they've completely opened up and are willing to say anything.
"Let's go take a look."
Thinking to themselves, they wondered what important matter could have happened to the clan that hadn't visited their Xitala clan residence for a year or two. Could it be that the emperor and empress had just gotten married and they were already preparing for the next imperial concubine selection?
With wild guesses running through her mind, Xiu Ning put on a thick cloak and followed Chun Yu to the main courtyard.
It was already late November, almost the end of the year. Not only was it cold, but it had also snowed heavily a couple of days ago, leaving the ground covered in a blanket of white. It certainly had a literary and artistic feel to it, but only those who truly lived in this era could understand the pain of not having an advanced way of keeping warm.
She first shook off the snow at the door, then took off her cloak and handed it to the maid beside her to put away. Xiu Ning handed the hand warmer to Chun Yu and walked into the house through the lifted curtain.
A warm, cozy feeling wafted over. To keep warm and for the sake of the children who had come over, Fucha's house was usually heated by burning several pots of charcoal.
“Come quickly,” Fucha clapped her hands and said to Xiuning with a smile, “The clan chief’s wife came here today to deliver New Year’s gifts. Try them.”
Xiu Ning smiled and nodded upon hearing this. Her gaze swept over the various accounts and plates of exquisite and delicious pastries spread out on the small square table on the couch. Xiu Ning reached out, picked up a piece, and put it in her mouth to chew slowly.
Hmm, it tastes good.
"Mother, did the clan chief's wife send all of these?"
There seemed to be quite a few. Xiuning looked at Fucha and felt that her mother probably hadn't finished speaking.
“These are all,” Fucha Shi gestured briefly with her hands before continuing, “The clan chief’s wife also came to inquire about the arrangements for you.”
“Mother, my mind is made up, please grant my wish,” Xiu Ning said with a smile, her gaze piercing through the transparent fabric as she looked out the window. “No matter where I marry, I will be competing with a group of women. In that case, why don’t I go and fight for the most prestigious place?” If she wins, she can get several times the points in this mission world.
"The richness and honor in the palace are good, but it is also extremely cruel. Your mother can't help you, and I'm even more worried about you going in," Empress Fucha had expected this, but she still felt a little reluctant when she heard her daughter make the explicit suggestion. The palace, ah, how many young women's lives have been buried there.
“Mother, please believe me,” Xiuning said, holding Fucha’s hand tightly. “My decision to go is not a spur-of-the-moment thing, but something I have been planning for a long time.”
The emperor has only recently ascended the throne and his main focus is on consolidating the court. Even if the imperial concubine selection is held as scheduled three years later, there will be no general election.
Considering the Empress and Consort Shu, the families of the girls to be selected for the next palace selection will not be of high status. My daughter will have a very high chance of entering the palace based on her looks and family background.
Upon hearing this, Lady Fucha smiled bitterly, "You see things very clearly."
Your father mentioned sending you to the palace back then, but it's a pity that you're the one saying it now.
This is related to Fucha's upbringing. Because Fucha was not outstanding, her upbringing focused on being steady and conservative.
But Xiuning is different. Xiuning came with a mission and has the system as her backer, so it's certain that she will enter the palace.
“Mother, the clan chief’s wife was mainly testing the waters with Father, right?” After all, Xiu Ning wasn’t the only legitimate daughter in the clan. Such a grand selection event was related to the interests of the entire clan.
Therefore, the clan chief's wife would only gather all the girls who were to enter the palace according to the clan chief's wishes, and then adopt a key training model to try to send the most outstanding one into the palace with the support of the whole clan.
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