As soon as Lanqin finished speaking, Baoqin hurriedly entered, bowed slightly to the concubines, and went straight to Lanqin's side, saying, "Your Majesty, the Third Princess Consort is outside requesting an audience..."
Lanqin was not surprised at first. She had not had much contact with the Third Princess Consort, and she did not know why she had come to the palace at this time.
Lanqin thought for a moment, then asked Baoqin to bring the Third Princess in.
The Third Princess Consort entered Changchun Palace and, seeing other concubines sitting inside, greeted them one by one.
The Third Princess said to Lanqin, "I am sorry for my sudden visit, as I did not know that Your Highness had guests in your palace. I beg Your Highness to forgive me..."
Lanqin smiled and pointed to the three people, saying, "We're all family, Third Princess, there's no need to be so polite..."
The Third Prince's Consort had met Geng, Wu, and Song several times in the Prince's residence. Previously, the three women had to pay their respects to the Third Prince's Consort, and they might not even be able to sit at the same table on grand occasions. Now, however, there was a natural difference between them. The Third Prince's Consort not only had to pay her respects, but she also had to be treated as inferior.
Lady Wu looked the Third Princess up and down, and deliberately smiled, "Since we entered the palace, we have seen the Princess less often. I wonder how the Princess is?"
The Third Princess Consort's face turned pale, and she lowered her head, replying, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I am well..."
While playing with the bracelet on her wrist, Madam Wu smiled casually and said, "I saw the Third Princess Consort a few times back in the Prince's mansion. She was so glamorous back then, it's truly something to reminisce about..."
The Third Princess Consort could only smile awkwardly. Seeing this, Lanqin quickly changed the subject, saying, "It's rare for the Third Princess Consort to come to Changchun Palace. May I ask what brings you here?"
The Third Princess Consort paused, which conveniently relieved her of her predicament, and quickly explained her purpose: "Your Majesty, I have heard that the imperial concubine selection will be held in three days, so I would like to ask Your Majesty for a favor..."
Lanqin was taken aback and asked curiously, "Ask me?"
The Third Princess Consort was a little embarrassed to speak, so Lanqin tentatively asked, "Is it to ask for a princess for the prince?"
The Third Princess Consort said happily, "Your Majesty is truly insightful; I have indeed come for this very reason..."
Upon hearing this, Madam Song smiled and echoed, "Third Princess Consort is truly fortunate. We were just discussing assigning princesses to the sons of several princes... and here comes Third Princess Consort. Consort Xi had already made arrangements for you all..."
The Third Prince's wife looked at Lanqin gratefully. Lanqin, feeling a little overwhelmed, quickly explained, "Third Prince's wife, this is also the Emperor's intention. The Emperor cares deeply for all the princes and instructed me to make proper arrangements early on. I heard that the Third Prince's eldest son is already quite old, and this selection of consorts will allow him to choose a few princesses he finds suitable..."
Hearing Lanqin's words, the Third Prince's wife was so happy she was speechless, and could only thank her repeatedly. Seeing the Third Prince's wife's fawning manner, Wu Shi was secretly pleased. Geng Shi, however, was secretly plotting to find the right opportunity to have Hongzhou keep an eye on good women from respectable families, and remained indifferent to everything else.
"Thank you, Your Majesty, thank you, Your Highness. I am deeply grateful," the Third Princess Consort said, bowing slightly. Lanqin then instructed Baoqin to help her up. Previously, due to the incident involving the Fourteenth Prince, the Eighth Prince, and the Ninth Prince, the various imperial relatives had expressed considerable dissatisfaction with the Emperor. This imperial concubine selection was a good opportunity to ease tensions and alleviate their constant anxiety about the Emperor.
Lanqin addressed everyone in the room, saying, "This imperial selection is a matter of royal dignity and political stability. His Majesty has entrusted me with the task, and I naturally do not wish for any mishaps. I hope everyone can work together to ensure the success of the selection."
The three men and their wives hurriedly bowed and agreed...
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