Actually, there were no specific rules. Some of the candidates had applied a little makeup and it was fine. But since Emperor Kangxi said so, then this rule naturally came into being.
"Your Majesty, that is indeed the case."
"Prepare some damp cloths and wash their faces."
Those nearby could only hear these words. The ladies-in-waiting stood outside the palace, in the light, while Kangxi was inside, in the shadows. The ladies-in-waiting could only vaguely see the figures in the room, and could not even make out Kangxi's exact appearance, so they did not understand Kangxi's instructions.
Although it was unclear, the fact that these young women had stayed for quite a while made them all somewhat uneasy.
Soon after, the maids came to bring wet cloths. After the young ladies heard the instructions, their faces were not looking too good, but they all obediently wiped off their makeup.
Fortunately, most of the contestants wore light makeup, and because they were young, there wasn't much difference between their makeup before and after.
Only Lin Miaoting's hands felt heavy as she held the wet handkerchief; no matter how unwilling she was, she dared not disobey the imperial decree.
Emperor Kangxi was finally satisfied after the young ladies removed their makeup. However, Consort Tong, who was sitting to his left, was somewhat unhappy, as Lin Miaoting was among them!
Youqing was also there during the talent show. Seeing Kangxi's reaction, she couldn't help but want to laugh, but in the end, she couldn't.
The sudden makeup removal felt like an interviewer in an art exam hall holding a makeup remover wipe and saying, "We have to be bare-faced for the interview, so please remove your makeup."
Then, as Emperor Kangxi waved his hand and dismissed all the candidates, Consort Tong spoke up: "Your Majesty, among these candidates, there is a Han Bannerwoman named Lin Miaoting whom I find very pleasing to the eye. I wonder if Your Majesty would be willing to keep her as a sister to me?"
That's quite blunt.
Emperor Kangxi was displeased and did not intend to keep them, but when Consort Tong spoke up, he asked, "Which one of you is Lin Miaoting?"
Through a messenger, Lin Miaoting stepped forward from among the selected women.
It turned out to be the same imposter from before. After removing her makeup, Kangxi saw no resemblance to Youqing whatsoever. Moreover, her makeup and demeanor were clearly intentional, which naturally displeased Kangxi.
How pretentious!
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