Draft
"I'm afraid there will be a newcomer to our family in this year's draft."
In October, when Princess Xuan was paying her respects to the emperor, she revealed this news to everyone in the backyard. Everyone felt as if they were facing a great enemy, but they were not surprised.
After all, the last time a new person entered the mansion was six years ago. In the blink of an eye, six years had passed, and the newcomers, Concubine Yang, Concubine Liu, and Concubine Zhang, had now become veterans of the mansion, not to mention the others who had been there even longer.
In fact, it was only in recent years that children had been born in Prince Xuan's mansion, otherwise there would have been new people entering the mansion long ago. But now, no matter how many children they had, it couldn't stop the arrival of new people. After all, people in their twenties were already considered "old and faded", and naturally could not compare to those teenage girls who were more delicate than flowers.
"It's just that there's only one concubine position left in our house, so if more sisters come, we'll have to bear with it."
The person who spoke was Madam Wan. Not long after Concubine Yang was confined to her room, her share had been raised by Prince Xuan. Although she was still Madam in title, she had long enjoyed the treatment of a Concubine, sitting second only to Concubine Li.
Although Mrs. Wan said this in a gloating tone, it was indeed true.
In the Prince's Palace, there were a total of one principal consort, two concubines, two wives, and four concubines. Once every position was filled, there were no more. Currently, only one wife remained, and any more could only be concubines in title. Even if Prince Xuan could increase their share in the future, their titles would remain unchanged. Without a rank, they couldn't even be included in the imperial family register, and they weren't considered proper imperial daughters-in-law. They couldn't even register their children and raise them personally. Furthermore, the girls selected through the imperial selection were somewhat different. It was frustrating to think that they would be placed on equal footing with Wu and Ding, two maids-in-law who had been promoted from concubines.
"I just don't know which girl will stand out from the crowd and get the last good position in our house." Zhang also sneered with her handkerchief covering her mouth.
Zhao also said, "When the new sisters come into the mansion, it will be even more lively. I just don't know how many sisters there will be this time."
Liu was always silent in the mansion. Whenever she came to pay her respects, she was always the most marginal figure. Even now, she didn't say much, just saying, "Sister Zhao, don't worry. We'll know after the selection is over next year."
This seemed to indicate how much she was looking forward to the new arrival. Zhao's face froze, and she could hear Concubine Li above her scoffing, as if enjoying a good show: "Madam Zhao, are you remembering the time when Sisters Liu and Zhang came into the mansion? It's been a while since you've seen new people. No wonder you're so anxious."
After so many years, Concubine Li still doesn't get along with Zhao, and she always has to say something whenever she has the chance.
Zhao Shi didn't dare to confront Concubine Li, so she just said with a smile, "Of course I'm looking forward to the arrival of my new sister."
Princess Xuan was sitting at the head of the table, smiling. She hadn't spoken since dropping her bombshell. Now, seeing that things were almost over, she simply said, "Alright, when new sisters enter the mansion, the most important thing is for everyone to get along harmoniously and continue the lineage for the prince. As for those extraneous thoughts, I'm sure everyone has seen what happened to Yang. I don't want another Yang to appear in our mansion either."
When Concubine Yang was mentioned, Madam Wan and the others all shut up silently.
Forget it. Honestly, they now have a child, and they've been with Prince Xuan for years. They have some kind of relationship with him, and they have the experience and support. Those newcomers who haven't even appeared yet can't catch up. If they really act like Concubine Yang and completely tire of the prince, that would be a real loss.
Thinking of this, everyone's expressions brightened and they began to talk about the latest popular jewelry materials, completely forgetting about the talent show for the time being.
After paying their respects, Princess Xuan asked Li Qingping to stay alone, and the two of them wanted to discuss the matter concerning Yu Jin.
Prince Xuan had previously secretly considered several potential candidates. Although the Emperor had told him there was no rush, he couldn't stop looking. He showed the list to both Princess Xuan and Li Qingping, hoping to settle the marriage as soon as possible, completing all the pre-marriage procedures by the time she reached the age of marriage. After that, no matter how old Yu Jin was, she would be able to get married.
In fact, Prince Xuan only favored three young men.
One is Duan Nanhe, the son of Marquis Wenshan.
It's fair to say that Marquis Wenshan had somehow managed to connect with the imperial family. Marquis Wenshan's grandfather married Taizu's daughter, Princess Yiping, and until his death, he had only four sons and a daughter, born to the princess. The current Marquis Wenshan is the eldest son of the princess's eldest son, and Duan Nanhe is Marquis Wenshan's eldest son, making him the great-grandson of Princess Yiping. While four generations have passed since Duan Nanhe's birth, and his ties to the royal family are extremely distant, this doesn't change the fact that all descendants of the Duan family share royal blood. Furthermore, Marquis Wenshan has been favored by the emperor for many years, reaching the rank of second-rank official. With his title, this makes it more than enough for a princely princess to marry a son of this family. Duan Nanhe himself possesses both talent and beauty.
The only bad thing is that Duan Nanhe is already fifteen years old this year, four years older than Yu Jin. If Yu Jin waits until she is seventeen or eighteen to get married, Duan Nanhe will be in his twenties. Not only is he old, but it is also unclear whether he can wait until then for Yu Jin.
The second is Zhao Fengming, the youngest son of King Qin.
The King of Qin is one of only three kings of a different surname remaining in the Great Qi. Emperor Taizu was accompanied by five generals during his conquests, all of whom were later granted the title of king of a different surname, a title they inherited without demotion. Such a figure would have been well-suited to marrying a princess, but unfortunately, the lives of kings of different surnames have become increasingly difficult over the past two dynasties. The emperors, in their quest for power, have constantly suppressed them, leaving two already wiped out. The remaining three families now live in fear, hoping that the higher-ups won't get angry and eliminate them as well. After all, it was their ancestors, not them, who had a life-and-death relationship with the imperial family. For the sake of their families and future generations' prosperity, they would do well not to oppose imperial power.
In recent years, several princesses from the imperial clan have married into these families. This is actually a win-win situation. A prince of a different surname marries a princess from the imperial clan to show loyalty and respect to the royal family, which eases the emperor's mind. Furthermore, a princess from the imperial clan is not marrying down, and can enjoy the same wealth and splendor as before, so many members of the imperial clan are happy to accept this. Furthermore, Zhao Fengming himself, while said to be a bit dull, is honest and respectful, and also has a good appearance.
The Qin Palace was, after all, a family of military commanders, so their tradition was… a bit sturdy. Although he himself was a martial arts expert, Prince Xuan was always worried that his eldest daughter, a daughter of a wealthy family, would not be able to adapt to the situation. He heard that Zhao Fengming was born with supernatural powers. What if he accidentally injured Yu Jin?
The last Prince Xuan was very conflicted. He was Wan Anzhi, the son of the Longguan Wan family.
The Longguan Wan family is a well-known and prestigious family, and Madam Wan in the backyard is from this family. Although Madam Wan's branch is not out of the five generations of mourning, it is not close to the main branch, otherwise she would have been a concubine when she entered the palace. Wan Anzhi is from the main branch, and his mother is Princess Huayun, a daughter of the royal family. The marriage relationship between the aristocratic families is complicated and has many rules. Even the daughter of a prince may not be very noble when marrying into the family. Princess Huayun is an example. Prince Xuan only saw this family because he was on good terms with Princess Huayun and her husband, and he was familiar with their behavior and felt at ease. Wan Anzhi was taught by them to be well-educated and gentle. But no matter how good Wan Anzhi is, it would not be good if he could not protect Yu Jin in a large family like the Wan family.
"Your Highness is undecided. He wants to let Yujin meet these gentlemen. Let Yujin decide for herself which one she likes."
Li Qingping asked curiously, "Meet? How?"
Princess Xuan: "I heard that the Seventh Prince had the urge to hold a horse race and invited many noble men. Isn't our Yu Jin good friends with the Eleventh Princess? The Prince is thinking of asking these two girls to watch from afar."
The Seventh Prince and the Eleventh Princess are brothers from the same mother, so it seems normal for the elder brother to organize a horse race and for the Eleventh Princess to join in the fun.
"Besides, aren't the Sixth and Seventh Princesses both coming of age this year? It's time for their marriages to be put on the agenda. Two of the princesses already have chosen their consorts, and they're also letting the princesses and their consorts meet before their wedding. Yu Jin will go along and take a look." Princess Xuan pondered for a moment, "It's said that the Tenth Princess is also looking for one. It's just that the Eleventh Princess is favored, so His Majesty wants to give it more time and not choose one together."
Li Qingping nodded. Since this was the princesses' main venue, it wouldn't be a bad idea for Yu Jin to sneak in and take a look.
Princess Xuan winked at her and said, "So, you should show the portraits of the young men to Yu Jinhe later, so that no one can recognize them."
Li Qingping said with a smile: "Then Yu Jin will be so embarrassed."
Princess Xuan spoke earnestly, "Good Qingping, I'll leave this matter to you. Let our eldest lady not be shy. If you are not satisfied, you can change it."
Li Qingping: "..."
Yu Jin blushed when she realized what Li Qingping had shown her. She wasn't a clueless little girl, but she was a little shy when it came to the man she was going to marry.
But she was still very opinionated. After reading it carefully, she said she understood.
After reading this, Yu Jin knew that Prince Xuan was extremely cautious about her marriage. A basic match of family background was essential, providing a royal princess with wealth and prosperity wouldn't be a problem; more importantly, these families were loyal to the imperial power, ensuring she would be free from power struggles throughout her life. Choosing such a few families was no small feat, and for a princess from the royal family, it was an excellent choice. Over the years, countless royal princesses had been sacrificed and sent to various places in marriage because they didn't want princesses to marry far away. Being able to stay in the capital was a great honor.
"But I don't want to get married so soon." Yu Jin nestled in Li Qingping's arms with melancholy.
Li Qingping touched her hair and said gently, "Don't worry, your father loves you and said he would keep you until you are eighteen. Let's get married first."
Yu Jin: "Did Dad really say that?"
"real."
Yu Jin said happily: "Okay, then I will be filial to my father, mother and aunt for a few more years."
Li Qingping smiled, but she was already thinking about the dowry for her child. The bulk of the money would definitely be saved by Prince Xuan and Princess Xuan, but as an aunt, she couldn't just give it a half-hearted look.
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