With a few days left before the talent show, Gao Xiyue and Su Lufu stayed in their room all day. Su Lufu was quite used to it, but it was difficult for Gao Xiyue, who felt uncomfortable and insisted on going out for a walk.
Seeing that Gao Xiyue couldn't stand it any longer, Su Lufu agreed to Gao Xiyue's request, and the two of them each brought a maid to Huangjue Temple to offer incense.
The streets were lined with young women coming to offer incense, and everyone was unusually silent and devout. Two women strolled slowly through the crowd, occasionally stealing curious glances at the young women nearby.
"Why do you think the emperor's selection of consorts is such a grand affair?" Gao Xiyue asked idly. Su Lufu smiled and said, "The selection of consorts is the fate of every official's daughter. It is held every three years. After layers of selection, talented and beautiful unmarried women are chosen to enter the palace and enrich the harem. You and I are both descendants of officials, so we can't escape the selection process. Why would you ask such a question?"
Gao Xiyue casually picked a weed and played with it, saying, "But I don't want to be chosen!"
Su Lufu quickly covered Gao Xiyue's mouth, her expression tense, and said, "What nonsense are you talking about?"
Gao Xiyue pushed Su Lufu's hand away and said seriously, "Anyway, it's up to the Emperor to decide whether we're 'discarded' or 'retained.' 'Discarded' means elimination, while 'retained' means being selected. I actually hope I'm not favored by the Emperor!"
Su Lufu looked puzzled and asked in a low voice, "Why do you think that? Then why did you come to the capital?"
Gao Xiyue pouted and complained, "It's all because of my father. He said he was so kind to the emperor and insisted that I come... But the emperor is already over forty years old, about the same age as my father."
Su Lufu lowered her head shyly and said, "But this is our fate!"
Gao Xiyue playfully pinched Su Lufu's nose and laughed, "Fate is in your own hands, silly girl!"
Gao Xiyue walked briskly forward a few steps, while Su Lufu followed behind, lost in thought. The two arrived at Huangjue Temple, and while waiting to draw lots, Gao Xiyue poked her head out from behind and asked Su Lufu with a smile, "What kind of lot do you want?"
Su Lufu looked down at her surroundings and whispered shyly, "It's a marriage fortune slip!"
After Su Lufu drew her lot, Gao Xiyue eagerly tried to snatch it, but Su Lufu held her tightly in her arms. Gao Xiyue teased, "Let me see, do you think I'd steal it from you..."
Su Lufu blushed and shook her head in reluctance. Gao Xiyue then asked, "So, would you rather be 'dismissed' or 'retained'?" Su Lufu paused, then lowered her head and said calmly, "How can I decide such a thing? I can only ask Buddha to arrange it..."
Gao Xiyue shook her head listlessly, walked ahead, and sighed, "I really don't know what's so good about marrying the emperor? Everyone knows that the emperor dotes on Consort Xi now. If I enter the palace, won't I be left alone in an empty room, unable to rise in status for the rest of my life? I don't want to live such a life..."
Su Lufu cautiously glanced at the fortune slip in her arms, suppressing her wildly beating heart, and jogged to catch up with Gao Xiyue. Gao Xiyue turned around, reached out and grabbed Su Lufu's hand, smiling, "Aren't you worried about being lonely in the palace for the rest of your life?"
Su Lufu shook her head, her face innocent, and said, "I don't know, but even if I go to the palace, it doesn't matter. As long as it's for the family, I'll do anything..."
Gao Xiyue looked astonished and exclaimed, "I didn't expect you to be so brave! Don't worry, Buddha will protect you..." The two then walked together to the Buddha statue. Gao Xiyue took a deep breath and said expectantly, "I hope Buddha will protect me from being favored by the emperor!" Su Lufu laughed and teased, "You're really shameless..."
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