Chapter 86 Draft
Now that the mourning period is over, is it time for the talent show to start?
It's not just because the emperor's harem only has a few people; you have to know that ever since the late emperor stopped holding imperial concubine selections in order to "save money," it has been very troublesome for many members of the imperial clan to get married.
Therefore, this selection process was not only to add women to the imperial harem, but also to address the issue of unmarried older male members of the royal family.
"What brings Your Majesty to summon me today?"
Yunli, with a relaxed smile, sat comfortably opposite Hongli, dressed in casual clothes.
In the past, he would sit in this very spot playing chess with the late emperor, trembling with fear and caution. Now, sitting leisurely with Hongli, playing chess was truly just playing chess, and Yunli felt as if he had been transported to another world.
Hongli slowly placed a piece on the board and casually asked, "Seventeenth Uncle, the imperial concubine selection is coming up soon. Aren't you going to get married this year?"
Yunli was taken aback. He looked at Hongli's profile, blinked, and curled the corners of his mouth. "Your Majesty knows me well. I am much more at ease on my own than when I am married."
Hongli glanced at him helplessly, "Seventeenth Uncle, do you know what outsiders are saying about you these days?"
As Hongli spoke, his gaze shifted downwards from his face.
Noticing Hongli's gaze, Yunli's face turned pale and then flushed, and he slightly tightened his grip on the chess piece in his hand, emphasizing, "Your Majesty, I am perfectly normal."
"I never said you had a problem. Public opinion can be devastating, Seventeenth Uncle."
Hongli gave a teasing smile, while Yunli, both amused and exasperated, shook his head and said nonchalantly, "As long as Your Majesty doesn't misunderstand, that's fine. I don't live for the opinions of others. Let them spread rumors; it's peaceful this way, and I doubt anyone will introduce me to any potential wives."
Hongli chuckled, "I admire my seventeenth uncle's magnanimity and breadth of mind."
"If Your Majesty admires me, why not give me one of your sons to support me in my old age? Without any worries, I can live a more carefree life."
Yunli made the bold suggestion without any hesitation, and Hongli looked up at him and casually agreed: "Sure, who have you taken a fancy to?"
“Yongzhang is too young, so let’s have Yonghuang instead. He’s got a chubby face and a lively look, and I like him immediately.”
Hongli casually asked, "Why not choose Yonglian?"
"Not to mention that Yonglian is the Crown Prince," Yunli said, giving Hongli a disapproving look. "The Emperor is increasingly good at pushing things away. Look how busy Yonglian is. He's only seven years old, his schedule is packed, and he's even being ordered around by the Emperor to read memorials."
Hongli showed no embarrassment at being caught, and said matter-of-factly, "You yourself said that Yonglian is the crown prince, so I'm just training him."
"Yes, yes, His Majesty's words are all correct."
...
Only two women entered the harem during this selection process: Yehenara Yihuan, a Manchu from the Bordered Yellow Banner and daughter of Vice Minister Nalan Yongshou, and Lu Muping, a Han Chinese and daughter of Lu Shilong, Vice Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices.
Emperor Qianlong's selection of officials had a sense of fairness towards both Manchus and Han Chinese. As for the small number of people he selected? That's laughable; who would dare to mention that?
As for Mongolia, no one from Mongolia was selected, which naturally caused dissatisfaction among some. However, the journey was long, and the letter to the emperor was still on its way on horseback.
Yehenara Yihuan was granted the title of Noble Lady Shu, and Lu Muping was granted the title of Consort Qing. Shortly after entering the palace, the two, along with other concubines, came to pay their respects to the Empress Dowager.
"Your Majesty, I (the concubine) greet you. May Your Majesty be blessed with ten thousand years of happiness and peace."
"Rise, all of you. There's no need for such formalities."
Since becoming Empress Dowager, Feng Ruozhao not only lived a better life, but also experienced a second spring in her career in women's education. She was full of energy, had a rosy complexion, and looked much younger than before.
She even looks younger than one of the emperor's concubines.
Sitting at the head of the table, Feng Ruozhao noticed the two newly arrived concubines' undisguised astonished glances as they looked at her and Ruyi. Although she knew she definitely looked younger, she wasn't happy about it.
"Which two are the newly arrived concubines?"
The Empress Dowager asked a question, and Yi Huan and Lu Muping withdrew their gazes and stepped forward respectfully.
"This concubine, Yi Huan (Lu Muping), greets Your Majesty the Empress Dowager."
Feng Ruozhao looked at the two of them carefully and said gently, "Yes, they are both beautiful and talented girls. Please get up."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Seeing the two return to their seats, Feng Ruozhao continued, "Today is the first time you have come to pay your respects since the mourning period ended. I also have a few words to say: The Emperor is young but not fond of women. There are only a few of you concubines in the palace. I hope you will get along well and not cause trouble. My energy and that of the Dowager Consorts have been devoted to the girls' schools outside. Although the size of the girls' school in the palace has been reduced, you still need to pay more attention to it."
"Don't worry, Your Majesty. All the sisters have positions in the girls' school. Who wouldn't take it seriously?" Fucha Langhua replied with a smile.
Feng Ruozhao nodded. That's true. Apart from those in Yanxi Palace, which concubine in the palace isn't ambitious? Hongli is happy to see that. When the girls graduated from the academy, he even rewarded these concubines. Chunpin was promoted to Chunfei, Wan Changzai was promoted to Wanpin, and Jia Guiren was promoted to Jiapin.
Empress Fucha Langhua, Tongjia Zhilan, and Gao Xiyue, who had reached the highest possible rank, also received different rewards and commendations.
However, thinking of Hongli, Feng Ruozhao still had to fulfill her duty as Empress Dowager and say a few more words: "In addition, what is important for the royal family is to have many descendants. The continuation of offspring is a sign of prosperity. Now that the mourning period is over, you should all serve the Emperor with all your heart. Apart from Yongzhang, no other children have been born since the Emperor ascended the throne."
...
Feng Ruozhao didn't say much. The girls' school matter wasn't settled yet, and it was already a great honor to have them meet with her once. She quickly announced the end of the greetings.
The Empress and the two Imperial Concubines were left behind to hand over the matters concerning the girls' school, while the rest of the group left Cining Palace together.
Jin Yuyan sized up the two newcomers to the palace, wanting to test them. Her career was just starting out, and she didn't want two troublemakers to come in.
Then, with a big, carefree smile, he approached and said, "Hello, you two sisters."
Confused, Yi Huan and Lu Muping exchanged a glance and respectfully curtsied to her, saying, "Greetings, Consort Jia."
“No need for such formalities,” Jin Yuyan said, helping the two women up on either side with exceptional enthusiasm. “Once we’re in the palace, we’re all sisters. There’s no need for such politeness. In the girls’ school, we only focus on academics and don’t care about these rules.”
When the topic of girls' schools came up, curiosity was evident in both of their eyes, and Yi Huan was particularly interested. "I have always longed to attend girls' schools. I wonder if Consort Jia could introduce me to one?"
"Me too, Your Highness." Lu Muping nodded in agreement.
Jin Yuyan's smile widened. "Of course, why don't you two sisters come with me to Qixiang Palace? There's so much to say about the girls' school."
"Then I'll have to trouble you, sister."
"It's no bother at all. How could it be a bother? I'm happy to have someone to talk to."
Jin Yuyan smiled broadly and led the two towards Qixiang Palace.
At this moment, Ruyi and A'ruo passed by them. The lesson of observing three years of mourning was enough to make Ruyi respectful in her actions. She bowed and greeted Jin Yuyan, but her tone and demeanor were as infuriating as ever.
"Greetings, Consort Jia," Ruyi said, flicking her handkerchief. "Consort Jia is certainly kind-hearted; Qixiang Palace must be bustling with activity."
Jin Yuyan sneered, "Compared to Consort Nara, who in this palace isn't warm-hearted? And which palace isn't more lively than Yanxi Palace?"
Ruyi seemed oblivious to Jin Yuyan's sarcasm, and continued, "Yanxi Palace is only for the Emperor's enjoyment. I will not disturb Consort Jia's reception of the new concubines any longer. I will take my leave."
After Ruyi finished speaking, she turned and left. Jin Yuyan was speechless. Ruyi was as incorrigible as ever.
“Sister Jiapin,” Lu Muping said, watching Ruyi’s departing figure, and couldn’t help but ask, “How old is this Noble Lady Nara this year?”
Yi Huan put it more tactfully: "This Lady Nara's style of dress is indeed quite unique."
Jin Yuyan's face darkened. Oh no! It was Ruyi who made a fool of herself, so why did she feel ashamed as well?
Ruyi was indeed her lifelong enemy!
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