The vassal states of the northern desert.
The Marquis of Bei removed the sheepskin binding the eagle's feet, saw Yin Yi's letter, and silently clutched it tightly.
They were very discreet in their plot to murder the late emperor, and no one suspected them until the new emperor ascended the throne.
Now, Yin Changling is holding a talent show, recruiting beauties from all over the country. It seems that father and son are alike, and Yin Changling is also a person who likes beautiful women.
It wouldn't be a bad idea to use this tactic again.
However, this time, he did not intend to use the daughters of other collateral branches or lowly servants, but rather his own biological daughter.
With the strength of the northern desert, he can provide the greatest assistance to his daughter, so the position of queen is naturally within his grasp.
He thought for a moment, put down the secret letter in his hand, and ordered outside: "Bring over several unmarried princesses, aged fourteen and above."
"yes."
A short while later, about eight outstanding women walked in one after another. As soon as they entered, they all bowed in unison, which was a very pleasing sight to behold.
"Daughter pays respects to Father Marquis."
"Haha, no need for formalities. Let your father take a good look at you all. Look, you are all so beautiful."
Marquis Bei laughed heartily. He didn't usually care much about his daughters, but he had specifically instructed them not to mistreat or neglect them.
Therefore, they were all fed the best food, the most gorgeous clothes and jewelry, and the most fashionable cosmetics, making them all as beautiful as flowers.
They did not merely enjoy sustenance; upon reaching marriageable age, they would intermarry with various tribes, helping their vassal states to continuously grow stronger.
Now that he has the opportunity to become the queen of the entire Yin Dynasty, he believes his daughters will seize the opportunity, said the Marquis of Beibo without holding back.
“Your elder brother sent word today that the king wants to select a queen and has decided to hold a selection process, scheduled for March. I have come to ask you what your thoughts are.”
Upon hearing this, the harmonious atmosphere among the sisters instantly vanished, and the atmosphere became tense.
That's always been how they are. When things are going well, they're better than anyone else. But when competition arises, they're ruthless and might even resort to underhanded tactics.
"Father, is he the new ruler of the capital, a young man, but a tyrant born of wolves, with bloody and cruel methods?"
The person who spoke was the youngest among those who came, Xiao Sisi. She had just turned fifteen this year and was not yet so tactful in her speech. She said whatever came to mind without restraint.
"Fourteenth Sister, he is the king of our entire dynasty. What tyrant? These are just rumors."
This person spoke softly and gently, quite unlike the bold and forthright manner of northern women. She was the oldest among the group, named Yin Liuli, and ranked sixth.
"Hmph, Sixth Sister, you speak with such certainty, could it be that you saw it with your own eyes?"
This person speaks with a sharp tongue; she is the hot-tempered seventh sister, Yin Qiqi, who also dislikes Yin Liuli the most, especially her gentle and weak nature.
"Alright, sisters, stop arguing. We'll follow Father's arrangements."
The eighth sister, Yin Baxi, stepped forward and tried to reconcile her two older sisters. She was easily influenced, had the best temper, and was the most honest, so none of the sisters wanted to bully her.
“Father, you summoned all eight of us sisters here. Do you intend for us all to participate in the imperial concubine selection? This is far too grand a spectacle and might arouse the king's suspicion!”
Yin Jiuli, the ninth son, was the most intelligent among them and was also the one most favored by the Marquis of the North. Intelligent people like intelligent people, and every word he said was to the point.
...
Hearing this, the sisters stopped arguing and all looked at the Marquis of Bei, wanting to know the reason.
The Marquis of Bei gave the Ninth Prince an approving look, then shook his head and stroked his beard with one hand as he spoke.
"Of course not. This is a rare opportunity to select a queen with the full strength of the court. I believe you all want to compete for a spot in this selection."
Eight exceptionally beautiful women, each outstanding in their own way, exchanged glances, each seeing in the other's eyes a determination to win.
Even the youngest, Yin Shisi, secretly clenched his fists, pursed his lips, and made a silent resolution to do his best to win.
They are not stupid; they were all carefully cultivated by the Marquis of Beibo. The older sisters have all married into various small tribes, where their living conditions are far worse than before they got married, and are extremely difficult.
If I can't stay in the capital, I'll probably have to live the same kind of life as my sisters. How terrible is that!
The Marquis of Bei was delighted to see such a scene, as it would not have been in vain for his careful cultivation. He said that if one of his daughters really became a queen, then the throne would not be far off.
Thinking of this, a strange light appeared in the eyes of the Marquis of the North, as if he had already ascended to the throne and held absolute power.
"Father, what will you choose? I want to go, so please let me go."
Seeing that the Marquis of Bei remained silent for a long time, the impatient tenth sister, Yin Shiniang, was getting anxious. She had inherited her mother's beauty and was the most beautiful among her sisters.
Yin Shiniang's mother was young and beautiful. She was once a prisoner of war from a small tribe. She had thick eyebrows and big eyes and had a exotic look. She was the favorite of the Marquis of the North.
Therefore, Yin Shiniang was closer to the Marquis of Bei than others, and could speak to him.
Marquis Bei glanced at his daughters, each with their own unique strengths, and was momentarily at a loss as to which one to choose.
"Why don't you have a competition? The one with the most graceful dance and the most moving singing will be chosen. Go to the music hall and use the best musicians."
"yes."
Upon hearing about the competition, the sisters' eyes lit up with excitement. They could tell right from wrong, and they knew they couldn't hold back now; they had to show their true skills later.
...
Music Hall.
Soon the chime bells and bone flutes were played, and the elegant music slowly rose. The beauties, who had changed into their colorful gowns, all began to dance together.
The dance styles were all different, some were enchanting, some were elegant, some were natural, and some were clumsy. The variety was dazzling.
However, the dances of Yin Liuli and Yin Shiniang were the most captivating. One was fresh and refined, while the other was charming and graceful. They were both top-notch and could be recognized at a glance.
Upon seeing this, the Marquis of Bei already had an idea in mind. Her dance was captivating, and he believed that no man could resist it, and that woman was no exception.
With that in mind, the Marquis of Bei no longer hesitated and waited for them to finish their singing contest before announcing the results.
"Alright, I have a plan in mind. Now, let's move on to the next item and start singing."
After everyone had finished singing, the Marquis of Bei nodded, stroked his beard, and finally designated Yin Liuli and Yin Shiniang.
Although their singing voices were not outstanding, their dancing was captivating, and in his view, they would be more likely to win Yin Changling's favor.
"Yes, Liuli and Shiniang, you two come with your father. The rest of you, go back."
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