The day of the imperial concubine selection finally arrived. On the second morning after the Fourth Prince stayed overnight at Changchun Palace, he suddenly said to Lanqin, "I would like to entrust you and Consort Nian to co-host this year's imperial concubine selection. What do you think?"
Lanqin carefully straightened the Fourth Prince's clothes. Hearing his words, she paused slightly, lowered her head, and said softly, "The selection of concubines in the palace should be presided over by Her Majesty the Empress. Wouldn't Qin'er be overstepping her bounds?"
The Fourth Prince opened his arms, letting Lanqin manipulate them for him. He closed his eyes and said expressionlessly, "I have given you the authority to preside over this matter, so you are qualified. Hongshi was demoted, and so was the Empress. It is inconvenient for her to preside over this matter at this time." Lanqin sighed inwardly. Although the Fourth Prince had not punished the Empress, she had been completely neglected because of Hongshi.
Seeing that the Fourth Prince had made up his mind, Lanqin no longer hesitated and nodded in agreement. The Fourth Prince gently kissed Lanqin's forehead and whispered in her ear, "Wait for me tonight..."
Lanqin blushed and pushed the Fourth Prince out, Shen Guai muttering, "Your Majesty, go ahead and get busy..." Finally, she whispered shyly, "Qin'er will wait for you..."
Only then did the Fourth Prince remember, and with a hearty laugh, he strode away from Changchun Palace.
Lady Nian had been unwell and had no interest in hosting the talent show, so she declined Lanqin's offer. Lanqin had no choice but to ask Lady Song, Lady Wu, and Lady Geng for help.
Lanqin also specially summoned several old women on duty at Chuxiu Palace. These old women were all veterans of the palace and had experienced several palace selections, so they were very familiar with everything.
The maids bowed respectfully to Lanqin, who politely asked, "This is my first time presiding over a selection of concubines, and there are some things I'm not yet familiar with. You are all senior members of the palace, and I would like to ask you for your guidance..."
The maids were flattered and immediately knelt down to kowtow, saying, "Your Highness, please give your orders..."
Lanqin smiled and gestured for the matrons to stand up and talk. She then asked one of them, "Are the young ladies-in-waiting entering the palace tomorrow?"
The old nanny nodded in agreement, "Your Highness, tomorrow is the day the young ladies will enter the palace. The formal selection will take place in three days, and the nuns will need some time to rest after entering the palace..."
Lanqin nodded, while Wu Shi, standing beside her, asked curiously, "Where is this year's selection of candidates taking place? With so many young women, no palace can possibly accommodate them all..."
The old nanny smiled and said, "Your Majesty is right, which is why the imperial concubine selection is usually not held in the palace. This year, His Majesty has chosen the Imperial Garden as the location..."
Madam Song covered her mouth and laughed, "Your Majesty really knows how to choose! The Imperial Garden is full of flowers, and with the addition of beauties, it's simply a perfect match, so beautiful and colorful..."
Lanqin felt uneasy. Gengshi and Wushi, already dissatisfied with the Emperor's selection of concubines, darkened slightly upon hearing Songshi's words. Seeing the awkward atmosphere, Lanqin smiled and changed the subject, saying, "I wonder what the young ladies will be doing in the palace? May I offer my assistance?"
The old woman bowed slightly and said kindly, "Her Highness Consort Xi is virtuous and a blessing to the harem! The young ladies-in-waiting will need to undergo a thorough physical examination after entering the palace. Only those who pass the examination will be eligible to participate in the imperial concubine selection three days from now..."
Lanqin nodded, feeling ashamed that the Qing Dynasty's selection process was so rigorous, even more brutal than beauty pageants in the 21st century. Lanqin then went on to explain the details to them one by one, finally feeling more confident about the selection process.
After the old woman left, only Lanqin and the other three remained. Madam Song had a serene expression. She had no children and had entered the Prince's mansion early, so she was no longer young. Naturally, she no longer had any expectations for the Emperor and would live one more day as long as possible.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
