Xiuning is a woman, and although she is not yet an adult, she cannot linger in the front yard for too long.
After exchanging a few words with Xitala Debao to ensure that the father and daughter shared the same goal, Xiuning turned and went back to the courtyard.
In the days that followed, Xiuning remained oblivious to everything else, focusing solely on her own work, leaving all the remaining trivial matters to Xitala Debao and Fucha Shi.
The fifth year of Kangxi's reign passed quietly like this. Xiu Ning grew another year older, and the clan leader of the Xitala clan also received definite news that the clan would concentrate most of its resources on Xiu Ning during the imperial concubine selection two years later.
“Mother, once this news comes out, the remaining two Xitala clan ladies will not be willing to accept it.” Xiu Ning could easily understand with her fingers what kind of mentality those who had not received strong support from the clan would have.
However, such matters really depend on each person's qualifications. Xiu Ning is impeccable in both family background and appearance. Even though one of the candidates is the clan leader's niece, the clan leader's wife cannot interfere too much.
“Everyone feels resentful, but you don’t need to be afraid. They fear the power of the clan and rely on the clan leaders,” Fucha smiled slightly. Her own Fucha clan was like that back then. “No need to pay attention to them.” At most, they might say some sarcastic things, but to Xiuning, that would be nothing more than a tickle.
“My daughter is naturally not afraid,” for with great power comes great responsibility.
Xiu Ning proudly held her head high, like a fearless little peacock, thinking to herself that there were only two imperial concubines. According to the future template she was creating for herself, when she entered the palace to participate in the imperial concubine selection two years later, her opponents would be the entire Manchu Banner Army.
Sometimes, one has to admit that a superior appearance can indeed make one stand out in a crowd, and Xiuning has this tendency.
Although Xiu Ning understood that being too outstanding would easily attract attention, how could she possibly continue her life in the harem if she couldn't be noticed at a glance? She couldn't really expect to just hide and develop her strength until the very end.
"So sometimes people still have to fight," because it's a matter of life and death for survival.
Back in the courtyard, Xiuning sat in a chair, flipping through books filled with Mongolian script while complaining to the system in her head.
"Host, the world consciousness has detected two stowaways entering this mission world," the system's mechanical voice said, as always, without any inflection. "One good news and one bad news."
The good news is that a smuggler has successfully entered Kangxi's harem, and you will meet again in less than two years.
The bad news is that another illegal immigrant is living right next to you and harbors ill intentions towards you.
The system's words carried a hint of schadenfreude. Even though the tone of its voice was flat, Xiu Ning could still hear the system's happiness.
Heh~
Unable to suppress a curse under her breath, Xiu Ning smiled slightly, seemingly unconcerned. "Most of the people around me who harbor ill will towards me are my father's concubines and illegitimate daughters. After all, their interests are somewhat at odds with mine."
Since you've said that, you're most likely one of my half-sisters.
Xiu Ning touched her chin and didn't let the system directly announce the person's name. Instead, she quickly went through the names of the people in the mansion and then selected the most suspicious one.
"It is Xitala Ruojin, Aunt Qin's eldest daughter, who is half a year younger than me."
Xiuning spoke with certainty, seemingly without the slightest doubt.
The system froze after listening to the whole thing. "How did the host find out the other party's identity?" It hadn't said anything, nor had it revealed any incriminating evidence. Besides, the other party had been unusually calm since smuggling himself in, and hadn't even spoken a word to Xiuning.
“Her eyes,” Xiu Ning shook her head helplessly, “The way she looks at me is different from how she looks at others.”
It was the haughty look that stowaways had, like a self-important spectator.
Of course, such a gaze becomes terrifying after the other party learns of their identity and the vastly different gap between them and what they had in mind.
Although Xiuning hadn't spoken to this adopted second sister, Ruojin's ever-present glare was something Xiuning couldn't ignore.
"Well, to be honest, as a transmigrator, I understand her quite well." She thought she could change her fate through hard work, but she found that the real ancient times were not like modern novels at all. The feudal dregs in them were impossible to get rid of. How could she not feel jealousy and resentment?
"So, does the host want to help them?" the system asked directly, since Xiuning had briefly cooperated with some illegal immigrants during previous missions.
"It's not worth it in the long run. The illegal immigrants here have already been marked by the world's consciousness." If that's the case, why should she go through all that trouble for nothing? Why try to turn the tide when she can win?
"Host, how do you deal with this opponent? Based on their current psychological state, they will soon make their move against you."
The reason is quite simple. It's not that only legitimate daughters can participate in the selection. They're using a scheme to trick Xiu Ning into falling ill and dying, turning their own illegitimate daughter into a legitimate one, and forcing Fucha to compromise and accept her fate, just like in some novels.
"Let her do it," Xiu Ning said noncommittally, thinking to herself that if it were that simple, why would the wives of officials in this world be able to live so peacefully? Those who treat novels as truth would be taught a lesson by society. "It's just an extra bit of fun when you're bored," she thought. Even Fucha would applaud and let Xiu Ning do as she pleased, treating it as a daily rehearsal. After all, the daily routine after entering the palace was all about framing and being framed.
Xiuning ignored Ruojin and focused on learning skills and maintaining her health. In July of the fifth year of the Kangxi Emperor's reign, the family went with Fucha to a temple outside the city to offer incense. Ruojin seized the opportunity and began her plan.
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