After the three chosen for the Fourth Prince were finalized, the next step was to select the princes from various imperial clansmen.
Gao Xiyue, Su Lufu, and Zeng Xiwen waited in the Imperial Garden with the other young ladies-in-waiting. The eunuchs and nannies who came to summon them led batches of young ladies-in-waiting out. As the number of young ladies-in-waiting dwindled, the three of them became somewhat nervous.
It was already dusk, with the moon high in the willows. Most of the young ladies-in-waiting returned dejectedly, while those who remained were all smiles. Only a dozen or so remained, anxiously waiting in the Imperial Garden. Inside the palace, an eunuch led a group of palace maids out and lit lanterns. Two rows of Heyang candles lined up from the throne to the entrance of the main hall. Hundreds of palace maids filled the candles with sandalwood shavings, the flames were bright, and the fragrance was delicate and refreshing.
Just as Gao Xiyue was getting impatient, the eunuch guiding her called out loudly, "Lady Su Lufu, Lady Gao Xiyue, Lady Zeng Xiwen, Lady Chen Yuenu, Lady Gu Fangting, Lady Jingdian..."
Gao Xiyue was so happy she almost jumped up, and grabbed Su Lu's hand, saying, "Sister Su, that's great! Let's go in together!"
Su Lufu's heart pounded wildly, and her hands even began to tremble slightly. Seeing that the three hadn't moved, the eunuch who had summoned them softly reminded them, "The Emperor is still waiting, let's go..."
Gao Xiyue, holding Su Lufu's hand, followed the eunuch as he straightened his clothes and solemnly entered, then stood in a row. Gao Xiyue mustered her courage and secretly looked up, but did not see the emperor, only the four concubines.
Gao Xiyue sighed, realizing that the emperor wasn't here after all.
As Gao Xiyue looked around, she stood to the side with her hands at her sides, waiting for the eunuch to call out her name so she could step forward and pay her respects one by one. An older eunuch, in a hoarse, high-pitched voice, called out each name in turn:
"Su Lüfu, daughter of the Su family of Jiangnan, is sixteen years old."...
Su Lufu kept her head down, staring straight at the ground. When her father-in-law called her name, she mustered her courage and stepped forward to kneel in proper decorum. She couldn't hear anything else, only the soft rustling of her clothes and the jeweled jewelry on her head.
"Su Lufu pays respects to the Emperor and Consort Xi. Long live the Emperor! Long live the Consort Xi! May Consort Xi enjoy boundless blessings and peace..."
Lanqin had long remembered Su Lufu's name. Upon seeing her in person for the first time, she was overjoyed; she truly possessed the gentle beauty of a woman from Jiangnan. Lanqin's lips curled slightly, which Wu noticed. Looking at Su Lufu, Wu smiled and said, "She's a wonderful person, gentle, quiet, and as beautiful as a flower..."
Lanqin nodded and smiled, "They say that Jiangnan is famous for its beauties, and seeing them today, I can confirm it's true. Lift your head and let me see..."
Su Lufu slightly raised her chin, but dared not lift her eyelids. Madam Song also saw through Lanqin's thoughts, leaned slightly towards Lanqin, and whispered, "Isn't Hongli still lacking a few princesses? I think you're quite good, young lady..."
Lanqin kept her eyes straight ahead, only smiling silently. Madam Geng also looked at Su Lu with admiration and said, "I heard that this Miss Su is very talented. The nannies all praise her highly. I even remembered her name. She is a dignified and generous young lady..."
Su Lufu was secretly delighted. Sure enough, Lanqin nodded slightly to the nanny beside her, and the nanny took out Su Lufu's nameplate and handed it to the eunuch in charge of ceremonies.
"The imperial concubine Su Lu is bestowed upon the Fourth Prince as a princess!"
Su Lufu was slightly taken aback, then quickly kowtowed in thanks, slowly retreated, turned and stood beside Gao Xiyue, letting out a sigh of relief and exchanging a smile with her. Regardless, she was now considered a member of the royal family.
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