Meanwhile, within the Forbidden City, a scene of bustling activity unfolded. The Imperial Household Department was busy selecting candidates for the Fourth Prince's first imperial concubine selection since his ascension to the throne. The entire region was taking this matter very seriously, and all the betrothal gifts for the candidates had already been sent to the Imperial Household Department. The department categorized all the candidates according to the Manchu and Mongol Eight Banners and the Han Eight Banners, and further subdivided them based on their family background and social status. Looking at the room full of betrothal gifts, Chief Steward Li of the Imperial Household Department was utterly overwhelmed…
"Lord Li, should we send these birth charts to the Imperial Concubine for a look?" Chief Steward Li's subordinate asked tentatively, bowing as he held the birth charts.
Chief Steward Li frowned and murmured, "The Imperial Concubine? Imperial Concubine Nian?"
The servant glanced at him but dared not speak. Lord Li stroked his chin and pondered, "Although Consort Nian has regained favor, Consort Xi is now in charge of the harem. If we send the betrothal letter to Yikun Palace, will it cause Consort Xi to misunderstand?"
A servant peeked out and said, "But, Consort Nian is the master's..."
Steward Li glared at him, and the servant dared not say another word, shrinking back timidly.
Chief Steward Li sighed and said, "Birds choose good trees to perch on, and people choose wise rulers to serve. We can't cling to our old masters forever, can we? Besides, Consort Nian is already all alone and has no one to rely on..."
The servant nodded slightly and silently withdrew.
Chief Steward Li immediately sent all the betrothal letters of the selected women to Changchun Palace. When Lanqin returned from her outing, she was startled to see the room full of betrothal letters. She turned sideways and carefully found a few places to sit back down in her chair.
The Imperial Household Department was still sending supplies to Changchun Palace. All the maids in Changchun Palace were mobilized to organize Lanqin's belongings in the main hall, spreading them out one by one for Lanqin to check.
Baoqin presented the betrothal letters, bowing slightly, and said, "Your Majesty, these are the betrothal letters of the imperial concubines from various regions, sent by the Imperial Household Department. Please take a look..."
Lanqin glanced at a few, the marriage certificate book was densely covered with writing, making her dizzy. She frowned and shook her head, saying, "No, no, I'm dizzy… Let the Imperial Household Department take it back…"
Baoqin was startled and quickly stopped them, telling the maids to tidy up. She then walked behind Lanqin and gently massaged her temples, advising, "Your Majesty, this is the Emperor's first selection of concubines. Aren't you curious about what kind of candidates will enter the palace?"
Lanqin closed her eyes and said, "It's too much trouble, I can't concentrate..."
Baoqin said anxiously, "Now that Your Highness is in charge of the inner palace, the Imperial Household Department is only thinking of sending the betrothal gifts to Your Highness for her to review first. The mistresses of the other palaces are eager to see them so they can select the ladies who will be of interest to them and try to attract the Emperor's attention. But Your Highness..."
Lanqin chuckled and said, "Human hearts are unpredictable, and even the Emperor might not like it. Sincerity is the most valuable thing... Even if I'm chosen, what does it matter? It's just one more pitiful person..."
Baoqin remained silent, then said anxiously, "Your Majesty, you should at least take a look, otherwise the Emperor will think you're jealous..."
Lanqin opened her eyes, perked up, and picked up the betrothal book to examine it closely. Baoqin chuckled, and Lanqin glanced at her sideways, saying, "You're right this time. I'm not that stingy... otherwise, Fourth Master would misunderstand..."
As Lanqin watched, she asked, "How many people are in this talent show?"
Baoqin did the math and replied, "More than three thousand people, and some more are on their way..." Lanqin's jaw dropped in astonishment, and she exclaimed in disbelief, "Three thousand people? My goodness, the Emperor is even more enthusiastic about selecting candidates than about choosing beauties..."
Baoqin was taken aback: "A beauty pageant?" Lanqin laughed and tugged at her sleeve: "Oh dear, isn't the Emperor's selection of beauties just about choosing the most attractive women? What's the difference between that and a beauty pageant..."
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