The arrangements for the sacrifice to the late emperor had been finalized, and the atmosphere in the court gradually improved. Just then, someone stepped forward and suggested, "Your Majesty, it has been a year since Your Majesty ascended the throne, yet no new concubines have been added to the harem. I think it would be appropriate to begin the imperial concubine selection process."
The Fourth Prince paused slightly, waved his hand, and said, "I have no interest in this matter; we can discuss it later..."
The man persisted, saying, "His Majesty has refused several times. I know Your Majesty is honest and loves the people, but filling the harem is a rule established by our ancestors. Only when the harem is stable can the court be at peace..."
In Changchun Palace, Lanqin leaned against a cool couch, half-asleep and half-awake. Beneath her lay a fine bamboo mat, cool to the touch. Suddenly, she awoke with a start, her pores radiating a vibrant heat. After a few turns, she was fully awake.
Lanqin clutched her chest, feeling a tightness in her chest, as if she couldn't breathe properly. She had a bad feeling but couldn't quite put her finger on it. Baoqin and Yuxiao each fanned themselves, but the fan kept the room fluctuating between warm and cool.
"Could it be that something has happened to the Fourth Prince?" Lanqin wondered silently, then asked Baoqin, "When will His Majesty dismiss court?"
Baoqin smiled and said, "I heard that there were important matters to discuss in the court today, so the Emperor left court late. I guess he hasn't returned to the Hall of Mental Cultivation yet..." Lanqin nodded suddenly, calming herself down.
On the other side, the Fourth Prince frowned and remained silent, only saying, "I feel that now is not the right time for the selection of consorts. Consort Nian has been ill for a long time and has not yet recovered, and Consort Xi has only just recovered from the assassination attempt and still needs to rest. However, the Empress alone has no time to attend to the selection of consorts, so let's wait a few more days..."
Someone else stepped forward and advised, "Your Majesty, I believe that the selection of consorts is urgently needed. Your Majesty has few heirs, and Consort Nian recently suffered the loss of her son. Your Majesty should hold the selection of consorts as soon as possible to ensure the continuation of the Qing Dynasty's lineage, so as to be worthy of the late Emperor and our ancestors..."
Fourth Master was speechless, wondering how to bring it up with Lanqin. Although he knew Lanqin wouldn't object or act recklessly, it was precisely because of this that he was even more reluctant to hurt her feelings.
However, the ministers were unwilling to give up this good opportunity, thinking that they could send their daughters into the palace. If they were selected, it would be a blessing for their families and would also solidify their positions. They all offered their advice.
Fourth Master had no choice but to remain silent, knowing he couldn't avoid it.
The courtiers knelt and pleaded in unison, "Your Majesty, please grant permission to hold a selection of candidates to ensure the continuation of the Qing dynasty's lineage..."
The Fourth Prince had no choice but to acquiesce, and the selection of concubines was immediately taken over by the Imperial Household Department.
That very night, news of the imperial court's selection of concubines for the Fourth Prince spread throughout the palace. Lanqin, in Changchun Palace, half-closed her eyes, trying to fall asleep. But her heart was in turmoil, an inexplicable unease that kept her drowsy but unable to sleep. Frustrated, she patted the mat and mumbled, "Why is the weather so irritating?"
Baoqin carefully handed Lanqin a towel and whispered, "Your Majesty, about the imperial concubine selection..."
Lanqin sat up with her knees drawn up, sighing, "I knew this day would come sooner or later. The talent show wasn't something he could decide, it's just...it's just that I feel uncomfortable..."
Baoqin looked at Lanqin with pity and comforted her, "As long as His Majesty has Your Highness in his heart, even if there are three thousand beauties in the harem, it will be of no use. Your Highness is the most important person in His Majesty's heart..."
Lanqin looked up and met Baoqin's gaze, smiling as she asked, "Really?" Then she lowered her head and quietly said, "I hope so..."
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