Chuxiu Palace.
Upon hearing the report from the palace, the young men reacted in various ways, all turning their gazes to the person experiencing the allergy and whispering among themselves.
"Xu Ruyan is so lucky. Even in this situation, she can still participate in the talent show."
"Yes, he is not only the second young master of the Prime Minister's mansion, but also known as the number one talent in the capital. Many women admire him."
"But it's said he has someone he likes..."
"How is that possible? The new emperor has decreed that eligible men who have someone they like are exempt from entering the palace for the imperial concubine selection, regardless of their family background."
"You can tell just by looking at his expression!"
The person they were staring at—Xu Ruyan—seemed oblivious, simply looking down and playing with the sachet in her hand, completely lost in her own world of emo.
“As you said!” A man quickly came to him.
The newcomer was tall and slender, dressed in a light yellow outer robe with a jade pendant at his waist. His hair, like black jade, had a faint luster, with a red silk thread casually binding a portion of it, while the rest of his hair fell loosely over his shoulders, just like his free and unrestrained personality.
This person is none other than Xu Ruyu, the eldest son of the Prime Minister's mansion, and Xu Ruyan's half-brother.
Xu Ruyan came to her senses and looked at her brother: "Brother, there is no need to say more. I already know the Emperor's intentions. I will not speak recklessly in front of His Majesty and implicate the Prime Minister's Mansion."
“That’s good.” Xu Ruyu turned to look at the palace wall. “Although we are not born of the same mother, we have been very close since childhood, and I know your character. Father’s actions are absurd, but there is no other way but to accept it as it is.”
Upon hearing her brother mention their father, Xu Ruyan retorted indignantly, "Although Father is powerful, he is... When the new emperor ascended the throne, to show his loyalty, he actually sent both of his sons into the palace as concubines! How absurd! Soon, the news of the prime minister's two sons serving the emperor together will spread throughout the land. This is the behavior of powerful families..."
"Be careful what you say." Xu Ruyu interrupted him and said gently, "Alright, let's not talk about this anymore. No matter what, your brother will always be by your side."
Xu Ruyan tied the sachet around her waist and calmed down.
Fifteen minutes later.
Chief Steward Shen appeared in front of Chuxiu Palace and announced loudly, "His Majesty has ordered all candidates to proceed to the main hall immediately and await further instructions."
He then looked at Xu Ruyan and said with a slightly gentler expression, "Please come along as well, Your Majesty will personally question you."
"Yes, thank you, Steward Shen." Xu Ruyan bowed.
Xu Ruyu nodded slightly, took off the jade pendant from her waist and handed it to Steward Shen, saying, "This is a small token of our appreciation. Please accept it, Steward."
Chief Steward Shen politely declined the offer, saying, "I appreciate the kindness of the two young masters, but I am but a lowly servant with little influence, and I have no say in front of the Emperor. With your family backgrounds, you two young masters will surely be valued in the future, so there is no need to worry too much."
Having said that, he turned and left.
...
The selection ceremony officially began, and the first batch of candidates entered the inner palace.
"Your Majesty, the first batch of candidates for the imperial examinations are sons of commoners selected from various regions. Most of them come from humble backgrounds and their ancestors held no official positions," Chief Steward Shen added quietly, standing beside Chen Xiao.
The first handsome man to meet the emperor.
Chen Xiao looked at him. The man in front of him was tall, dressed in a green robe, holding a book, and exuded a scholarly air.
She secretly thought to herself, "How much does she love green? Even her headband is green... and her inner layer is orange. If she weren't good-looking, who could pull off this flashy outfit..."
Steward Shen introduced the family background of this man: "This is Qi Yanshang, the eldest son of Qi Yuan, a wealthy merchant from Guangling. He is 24 years old. His family has donated no less than ten million gold to the Night Dynasty. Moreover, they have taken care of all the grain and fodder matters during every war. They are highly regarded among the people."
...Is this due to an unremarkable family background? Is he the son of a commoner?
Chen Xiao's lips twitched slightly. He had to take this big shot no matter what; wasn't this just a carbon copy of the richest man's son?
But why is she so old? Wasn't the selection supposed to be for men aged 15 to 20? This 24-year-old is nine years older than her. The age difference is like that of an elementary school student and a college student.
As if sensing Chen Xiao's confusion, Chief Steward Shen explained in a low voice, "The Qi family has made great contributions to the Ye Dynasty. Qi Yuan wants to send his son into the palace as a sign of loyalty, so we have been more lenient on his age because of this."
Well, I don't understand why they insisted on sending their son to the palace even though he was over the age limit. It's really strange.
Hearing Steward Shen's introduction, Qi Yanshang remained unmoved, indifferent, and silent.
...What an arrogant person... Well, he has the right to be arrogant, after all, his father is the richest man in Guangling, who has both fame and fortune!
Chen Xiao solemnly announced Qi Yanshang's 'classification and treatment': "In that case, let him be named Ronghua and given residence in the side hall of Zhongcui Palace."
......
More than a dozen young men entered one after another, but Chen Xiao did not choose to keep any of them. So far, he has only kept Qi Yanshang.
The first batch of candidates for the imperial examination have all been presented to the emperor, and now it's time for the second batch.
"Your Majesty, the second batch of candidates are sons of local officials from various regions. Their family backgrounds are decent, and most of their ancestors were minor officials, with no high-ranking officials among them," Chief Steward Shen introduced to Chen Xiao.
"Alright, let's announce it!" Chen Xiao wearily raised his hand to signal.
Seeing this, Xi Xi quickly advised Chen Xiao, "Ahem, you can't do this. How will you have descendants and surpass Chu Yanxi?"
"What's the point of surpassing her! Chu Yanxi only has me as her child." Chen Xiao said, pursing his lips.
Upon hearing this, Xi Xi calmly dropped a bombshell: "But she has over a hundred concubines."
"??? What??? Then why does she only have one daughter?" Chen Xiao's eyes widened.
Shocking! Wife has over a hundred husbands!
"Is it because... no, it's about weighing the pros and cons? Okay, stop asking about Chu Yanxi, hurry up and choose a few more!" Xi Xi almost let it slip, and quickly stopped herself.
Chen Xiao said to Xi Xi with some dissatisfaction, "I have a feeling you're still hiding something from me, hmph."
It just so happened that the first candidate of the second batch met the emperor.
Seeing His Majesty's eyes widen suddenly, Chief Steward Shen assumed that His Majesty valued this person highly, so he enthusiastically introduced him, "Your Majesty, this is Zheng Pianran, the only son of Zheng Hanying, the Prefect of Xunyang. Although his ancestors did not have any important ministers, they have stood for a hundred years and in recent years they have shown signs of joining a prestigious family."
...Is this because they come from a decent family?
Well, Chen Xiao has gradually gotten used to the young Chief Steward Shen's introductions. It seems that in her eyes, perhaps only the sons of high-ranking officials have a distinguished family background!
Chen Xiao looked at Zheng Pianran and saw that he was wearing a white satin robe with gold trim, a black fox fur cloak, and holding a folding fan with an ink painting style. He looked like a gentle and refined young gentleman.
"What an extravagant outfit! But if this fox fur is real, wouldn't it be very harmful to animals?" Chen Xiao thought to himself.
Xi Xi: ...
"She is hereby conferred the title of Consort Chen and granted residence in a side hall of Changchun Palace. Furthermore, the second batch of candidates need not appear before the Emperor; Chief Eunuch Shen may select a few to remain in Chuxiu Palace awaiting imperial summons. Summon the third batch to appear before the Emperor," Chen Xiao ordered.
Because she's getting tired of the same old looks. So far, all the men who have met the emperor have been handsome, but the only ones she can remember are Qi Yanshang and Zheng Pianran from just now.
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