He Xue looked at Zhen Huan and asked with a smile, "Everyone else is dressed in bright and colorful clothes, why are you dressed so simply?"
The others also looked at Zhen Huan, and only then did they notice that everyone's clothes were dark colors such as pink, fuchsia, orange, and green, in order to highlight the girls' gentleness.
Zhen Huan wore a light lotus-colored dress. Several silver hibiscus flowers were tucked into her hair, and she wore a delicate jade hairpin adorned with seven jewels. Her makeup was only light; compared to their elaborate attire, Zhen Huan appeared rather plain.
Everyone immediately felt that Zhen Huan was quite scheming.
Qi Yuebin also glanced at Zhen Huan. [Although her clothes were simple, the jade hairpin adorning her head revealed that she was no ordinary girl from a modest family.]
Moreover, her beauty could not be concealed even under her plain clothes; on the contrary, it made her stand out even more.
Whether she wanted to stand out or wanted to be eliminated is unknown.
If she wanted to be rejected, but she had put effort into her appearance, and her pride was ingrained, she could accept rejection, but she wouldn't allow anyone to look down on her! If that's the case...
Qi Yuebin suddenly had the idea of getting to know Zhen Huan.
Zhen Huan thought that He Xue misunderstood her and thought she was doing this on purpose to stand out from the crowd, so she immediately said, "Your Majesty, my usual attire is rather plain. I don't like brightly colored outfits!"
"You look worried. Do you not like the selection process?" He Xue asked gently.
Shen Meizhuang glanced at Zhen Huan with some unease. [Why did she feel like the Empress was deliberately targeting Huan'er? She must be mistaken; the Empress didn't even know Huan'er before, so why would she target her?]
Zhen Huan mustered her courage and said, "Your Majesty, I truly do not wish to enter the palace for the imperial concubine selection!"
I am participating in the imperial concubine selection for the honor and disgrace of my family. Even if I don't come, my younger sister should participate. As the eldest sister, I have an inescapable responsibility!
Please punish me, Your Majesty!
"Get up quickly, I was just asking casually, there's no need to make a big deal out of it!" He Xue gestured for Xia Bing to help Zhen Huan up.
"Why don't you want to participate in the talent show? If you want to say something, just say it. Maybe I can help you. If you don't want to say anything, that's fine too!"
"Your Majesty, I have witnessed that my parents love each other deeply. My father has always been devoted to my mother."
I, your humble servant, also admire the love between the Emperor and the Empress, a love that lasts a lifetime.
"Of course, I cannot compare to you, but I am unwilling to easily betray myself. I must marry a man in this world who understands me, and together we will grow old together."
Your father wasn't entirely loyal to your mother either; you also have a younger sister who's always been by your side!
"If I were to allow you to leave the palace now and marry as you see fit, would you be willing?" He Xue asked. "You don't have to answer right away; think it over carefully!"
Zhen Huan didn't delay for too long. "I am unwilling. I am not only concerned with myself, but also with the Zhen family behind me. I cannot disregard the honor and disgrace of my family!"
He Xue smiled knowingly. "Zhen Yuandao really did raise a daughter!" [One can't have it all!]
"Make yourselves at home. You're all a bit too reserved with me here!" After saying that, He Xue helped Xia Bing and prepared to leave.
"This humble woman respectfully sees off Your Majesty the Empress!"
As He Xue passed by An Lingrong, she deliberately stopped and said, "Lingrong, what perfume are you wearing? It's so refreshing!"
"Your Majesty, these are some spices that I made myself!"
"What a skillful person!"
"Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty!" An Lingrong looked up slightly and found He Xue staring at her expectantly.
Although An Lingrong felt it was inappropriate to say it like that, she sensed that the Empress's gaze was too eager. Did the Empress want the spices she made?
So she tentatively asked, "If Your Majesty doesn't mind, may I make something for you?"
"I don't mind, I don't mind! You do it, and if you need anything, just come to Kunning Palace and ask Xia Bing!" He Xue hoped that An Lingrong could gradually get rid of her inferiority complex.
"Yes!" An Lingrong replied, [Her Majesty the Empress is so easy to get along with!]
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