The selection process is naturally complicated, but it follows a set rules and proceeds in an orderly manner.
Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager simply nodded and said nothing more.
Overall, she was somewhat surprised and even impressed.
At this time, Yue Huangyin was thirteen years old. At that age, she would not have had such composure.
Before long, a group of young women were selected from various places, and a list of them was compiled.
The Empress Dowager observed the situation with detachment and did not get involved. She was confident that she no longer needed to scheme in the palace; her son was her only support in life.
However, she couldn't help but be shocked when she received the draft list.
"The Prince of Qinyang's residence has quite the appetite!"
After saying this, she tossed the form aside, feeling a tightness in her chest.
Yun Nian picked up the list, looked it over carefully, and asked in surprise, "Yue Qingyin's name is on it too? Was this the idea of the Prince of Qinyang's Mansion, or the Empress's?"
This is a selection of imperial concubines. Although Yue Qingyin is born out of wedlock, the Qinyang Prince's Mansion is a large and powerful family. Even a daughter born out of wedlock is different from others and has the qualifications to participate in the selection. Moreover, the selection of imperial concubines in the Great Liang Dynasty does not place much importance on family background. In the early years, Emperor Dade once selected a village girl from the common people as a concubine and even wanted to make her empress. Although she was eventually stopped by everyone, it can be seen that family background is not that important in the selection.
"Not only that! Take another look!" The Empress Dowager hit the nail on the head, immediately pointing to the crux of the matter.
Yun Nian looked at it again and finally found another problem. "The age of these young ladies is really too young. I remember that the age for the selection of ladies must be between thirteen and seventeen. How come the age of these young ladies is so young? There are even ten-year-olds and eleven-year-olds among them. If these concubines enter the palace, I can't even take good care of them myself. How can they serve His Majesty? I'm afraid this is against etiquette!"
The Empress Dowager did not speak, but her fingers tapped slightly on the table, a gesture that indicated she was deep in thought.
"His Majesty agreed to this, so let her be!" The Empress Dowager opened her eyes, a cold glint flashing in them.
Yun Nian understood. This was His Majesty's decree. The Empress Dowager did not want to offend His Majesty, and secondly, she probably believed what the Empress had said that day: that His Majesty should not get close to women too early. If some older women were really selected to enter the palace, they might become lovesick at that age, which would harm His Majesty's health.
"Yes! What should we do about Yue Qingyin then?"
The Empress Dowager sneered. "I'd like to see what title she'll give this half-sister, and whether they truly have a deep sisterly bond."
So that means Yue Qingyin is allowed to enter the palace?
"Yes! This servant understands!"
Yun Nian immediately replied to the palace maid outside the palace gate of Suning Palace, saying that the Empress Dowager had no objection to the list and that the Empress should make the decision herself.
The palace maid agreed and immediately went back.
...
In the Imperial Garden.
Linghu Lan carried the food box and walked slowly. When she saw Jun Zhe in the pavilion in the distance, she stopped.
Jun Zhe looked up from his book at her, his face slightly flushed. "What are you doing here?"
Linghu Lan smiled and said, "I brought you food, aren't you hungry?"
"Not hungry!" Jun Zhe said arrogantly, though he was somewhat at a loss for words.
That day, she asked him to change the age limit for the talent show. He didn't want to change it, as it was set by their ancestors. But she said, "You must want me to kiss you before you change it."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com