Lanqin finally chose a young woman from the Fuca clan as Hongzhou's concubine. Although she was not as beautiful as Gao Xiyue, she was intelligent, quiet, and had a calm personality, making her a perfect match for Hongzhou. Lady Geng was very satisfied with the concubine Lanqin had chosen for Hongzhou, and the selection process was finally over.
The three young ladies-in-waiting, assigned to the Fourth Prince, had been led to Zhongcui Palace early in the morning to wait quietly, as instructed by Lanqin. It was the first time any of them had entered the palace, and everything within felt both mysterious and awe-inspiring. From the Imperial Garden to Zhongcui Palace, they were surrounded by tall, majestic walls and palaces, their upturned eaves and golden-green glazed tiles shimmering in the sunlight. The dazzling golden light was almost blinding, a scene of opulent and peaceful grandeur.
The three were filled with anticipation; this would be their future home, and the high, mighty, and unapproachable emperor would be their support. Madam Sun, slightly flustered, lagged behind a few steps. Those ahead had already turned the corner, while she remained leisurely admiring the view.
Suddenly, a group of people carrying a sedan chair slowly approached. The woman in the chair was elegant and noble, but she leaned against it listlessly, devoid of life. Madam Sun looked around, then lowered her head and retreated to the side, unsure of what to do.
The person in the sedan chair walked past her without looking to the side, and in a daze, it seemed as if a cold gaze was cast upon her. Madam Sun felt a chill down her spine and her whole body trembled slightly.
The sedan chair slowly drove away, and the maidservant hurriedly searched everywhere. Finally, she found the lost Madam Sun and stepped forward with concern, asking, "My lady? Are you alright? Please come with me..."
As the maid turned to lead the way, Madam Sun grabbed her arm, pointed to the crowd that was almost gone, and asked curiously, "Who were those people just now?"
The maid said, "That is Consort Nian... Originally, Consort Nian was supposed to assist in presiding over the selection of concubines, but she has been unwell, so you have never seen her."
Although Madam Sun did not recognize Madam Nian, she was quite familiar with the esteemed Consort Nian. Her brother was not only a highly decorated general, but she herself was the emperor's favored concubine. However, the sickly and lifeless woman before her seemed somewhat different from what she had imagined. She murmured to herself, "As a consort, and so pampered in the harem, why does she look so unhappy?"
The maid was taken aback and looked at Madam Liu, asking, "What did you say, Mistress?"
Madam Sun quickly came to her senses and said with a smile to the maid, "No...it's nothing...let's go!"
The three were arranged to rest and wait in Zhongcui Palace until the selection process ended, at which point Lanqin finally found time to go to Zhongcui Palace. Upon seeing Lanqin, the three bowed respectfully and greeted her.
Of the three who remained, Sun was the most beautiful, even Lanqin was amazed by her appearance. Mu Mulu and Fang also felt that Sun might be their biggest rival, and unconsciously began to ostracize her.
When Lanqin arrived, she saw Mu Mulu and Fang standing together, leaving Liu alone standing to the side.
"This humble woman greets Your Highness Consort Xi!" the three said in unison. Lanqin nodded, indicating that they should dispense with the formalities. Before entering the palace to await their investiture, the young ladies-in-waiting had to learn the palace rules. Lanqin specially summoned a matron to instruct the three of them.
This was the Fourth Prince's first imperial concubine selection, and the three women were chosen by Lanqin and the Fourth Prince together. Lanqin knew that the Fourth Prince disliked the concubines in the harem fighting and causing trouble. So when she saw Sun Shi being neglected, she felt very bad.
Lanqin looked at the three young, beautiful, and charming young women, her heart filled with emotion. She wondered what kind of life awaited them in the palace. Knowing that their choices would determine their fates, Lanqin spoke earnestly to them: "Once you enter the palace, you will belong to the Emperor. I hope you will all serve him well and ensure he has many children. The Emperor desires harmony in the harem, and I, like him, do not wish to see much strife within it. You must remember this..."
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