Upon hearing this, Consort De did not immediately order Zhao Mama to bring the person in. She continued talking to Li Chenjiao, saying, "Good child, please go sit behind the screen."
Li Chenjiao didn't even have time to sit down. As soon as she heard Consort De say those words, she understood a little.
Regardless of whether the so-called "appraisal" was Consort De's true intention, she didn't need to show her face; she only needed to listen to what the people outside were saying from behind the screen.
The Empress has really put a lot of thought into this arrangement.
She bowed and was led by Granny Zhao to the screen in the inner hall. Li Chenjiao sat on the round chair arranged behind the screen, with fruits, pastries and tea placed beside her, just like in the side hall.
There was a curtain in front of the screen, so even if Li Chenjiao sat behind the screen, she would not be seen. This was obviously arranged in advance by Consort De.
Granny Zhao did not stay long. After leading Li Chenjiao to sit down in the inner hall, she respectfully bowed and then returned to the outer hall to be with Consort De.
Only Li Chenjiao and Granny Lin remained in the inner hall.
The master and servant exchanged a glance, but neither of them spoke, choosing to observe the situation quietly.
The most ingenious thing about this screen is that people inside cannot be seen from the outside, but people inside the screen can see people outside.
However, due to the curtains blocking the view, although Li Chenjiao could see outside through the screen, she could only make out blurry figures.
After a while, several girls came in from the outer hall.
Li Chenjiao counted them all; there were six girls in total, standing on either side and bowing to the Empress Dowager De in her high position.
Consort De said that they were exempt from formalities and offered them seats, so the young ladies sat down with restraint.
Consort De's voice sounded a bit colder at this moment, which was somewhat similar to that of the Fourth Prince.
"You don't need to be so reserved. I called you here because I didn't pay attention to the daughters of each family during the spring selection. I suddenly remembered them these past two days and thought it would be a good opportunity to have a chat with you. Is it hot outside today?"
Consort De brought up a topic.
After a few breaths, one of the girls finally mustered the courage to answer Consort De's question.
Li Chenjiao took a sip of tea. She could hear voices coming from the outer hall, but she couldn't tell who was speaking.
However, her mind was in turmoil. Judging from Consort De's words and attitude, it didn't seem like she was being invited to take in a new concubine for the Fourth Prince. If she were, she wouldn't have been summoned. Besides, when she was a candidate for the imperial concubines, Consort De had summoned her once before.
But that time, he only answered Consort De's question respectfully outside the beaded curtain of the outer hall, and left Yonghe Palace before even a quarter of an hour had passed.
At that time, she was naturally standing outside, and she neither dared nor dared to look up at Consort De.
Given the current situation outside, it's not about choosing a princess anymore; it's more like choosing a concubine or a primary wife.
Li Chenjiao guessed that it was probably Consort De choosing a consort for the Fourteenth Prince.
After all, those girls outside looked quite young.
The two exchanged another glance, and Li Chenjiao understood from Lin Mama's look that Lin Mama was also thinking about the Fourteenth Prince.
After all, the Fourteenth Prince is almost of marriageable age.
Prince Ping, who is the same age as the Fourteenth Prince, oh, Prince Ping, has been engaged for who knows how long.
Since Consort De had summoned her to assess the situation, Li Chenjiao, having already made up her mind, perked up and listened attentively to the conversation of the young ladies outside.
Consort De asked mostly casual questions, which sounded like a casual chat, but the young ladies still seemed a bit reserved.
Just kidding, can't you be a little less reserved?
This is just like when Li Chenjiao was first summoned by Consort De. Regardless of her thoughts, this was Consort De, one of the four consorts, who raised two princes and a princess. Who would dare to speak to Consort De casually?
After listening for a while, Li Chenjiao moved her lips and said softly, "Why is one person missing from speaking?"
After listening for a while, she could still distinguish the voices of the girls to some extent, but it seemed that only five girls were speaking. Two of them were a little more active, while the other three answered whatever Consort De asked.
But one girl seemed to have remained mostly silent throughout.
Although Granny Lin was familiar with the noble ladies in the palace, she only knew the names of the eligible girls from various families, but she might not be able to match them with the names. At this moment, she had no impression of the girls outside.
She shook her head with some doubt: "I suppose that young lady is more reserved than she is." She leaned forward slightly and whispered.
Li Chenjiao pondered these words for a while. The Fourteenth Prince had a bit of a tyrannical temper. If he were to marry a shy, quiet, and mild-mannered girl as his primary consort, that would truly be...
Li Chenjiao thought about the scene. If it were an ordinary couple or something in a storybook, it might become a beautiful story, but if it were in the imperial family... then this girl would probably suffer.
Outside, Consort De probably noticed that a young lady hadn't said much, and soon she took the initiative to ask about her.
Now Li Chenjiao knew who the girl who hadn't spoken was.
"Miss Marhan, please don't just focus on the tea. I wonder if the tea here suits your taste?"
Li Chenjiao still didn't know who the girl from the Malhan family that Consort De mentioned was.
Lin Mama seemed to recall something upon hearing this: "He is the current Minister of War, and that young lady should be from the Zhaojia clan."
Yes, Consort Ruode said that two of the six young ladies in the palace today share the surname Zhaojia, but they are not from the same branch of the family and have no relation whatsoever.
This Lady Zhaojia is not related to Lady Zhaojia, the concubine of the Third Prince.
There are quite a few people with the surname Zhaojia in the Eight Banners, but not all of them are related by blood.
If Consort De had called her "Zhaojia Shi" just now, Li Chenjiao would probably have immediately thought of Zhaojia Shi from the Third Prince's residence.
However, Li Chenjiao thought again, if we talk about the Fourth Prince and his wife, one is calm and the other is steady. The reason why Consort De chose the wife was probably because the two had similar temperaments...
But...
The Fourth Prince and his wife didn't really get along very well.
Therefore, it is impossible to draw conclusions based solely on what is presented.
Li Chenjiao rested her chin on her hand as Zhao Jiashi calmly replied to Consort De.
The voice was a little soft, and Li Chenjiao didn't hear it clearly.
But perhaps because she had read too many storybooks, Li Chenjiao now thought that this Lady Zhaojia and the Fourteenth Prince might actually get together.
However, if one is too shy when being the primary wife, one will suffer.
After listening for a while, Li Chenjiao began to feel sleepy.
Not all gossip is interesting. Even if Li Chenjiao and Consort De were to talk, it would be difficult for them to make their conversation interesting.
Finally, it was lunchtime, and Li Chenjiao was waiting for Granny Zhao to see the young ladies off when Consort De suddenly said something.
“I feel very comfortable talking with you all today. Granny Zhao, have the kitchen prepare it.”
Li Chenjiao: ?
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
