If state affairs were pressing, Emperor Yongchang could order the palace selection delayed, but the palace ladies had no choice. Nanny Fang had already received verbal instructions from the Empress to bring the palace ladies to Wanchun Pavilion in the Imperial Garden at the hour of Si.

From daybreak to the hour of Si was a full two periods. During this time, the palace ladies’ only task was to dress elaborately.

From the day they entered the palace, the palace ladies who had been kept could only wear clothing and jewelry distributed by the palace. Apart from slight differences in color and style, overall there was no distinction in quality. This was to make the palace ladies focus their thoughts on learning rules and etiquette, reducing comparison and scheming.

While confined in Chuxiu Pavilion, the palace-distributed clothing was rather plain—only somewhat better than ordinary palace maids’ attire. Today, the palace ladies would finally show their faces before noble personages, so Nanny Fang had to dress these beauties beautifully, ensuring every palace lady displayed her most beautiful appearance.

Whether the palace ladies could rise to high positions actually had little to do with Nanny Fang. However, if the palace ladies’ makeup was improper and offended the eyes of noble personages, that would become Nanny Fang’s crime.

After the fifty palace ladies finished a simple breakfast and stood neatly in the center of the small courtyard, Nanny Fang appeared punctually.

The palace ladies all observed what was behind Nanny Fang—a long table displaying sets of brightly colored magnificent garments.

Nanny Fang once again emphasized the rules for the imperial audience, pointing to the long table: “These are the dresses Her Majesty specifically had the Imperial Wardrobe prepare for you. I have also made allocations according to your appearance and figures, ensuring everyone receives what suits her best. Next, I will distribute them one by one. Take your clothing and immediately return to your rooms to change. After the last person enters her room, I will light an incense stick. When the incense burns out, we depart. Those who exceed the time will be charged with disrespect. Those who intentionally or unintentionally cause others to exceed the time will face the same punishment.”

The palace ladies’ hearts tightened, immediately making the unanimous decision to maintain distance from others later.

Nanny Fang began distributing the clothing.

The fifty palace ladies stood in ten rows total, five people per row, spontaneously ordered by arrival sequence.

Yao Huang rose late and therefore ate late. Chen Ying insisted on waiting for her, so the two stood shoulder to shoulder in the last row.

The earlier one received clothing, the more time could be spent on grooming. Watching the first row of palace ladies already entering their rooms, Chen Ying couldn’t help showing anxiety on her face.

She clenched her hands and turned to look at Yao Huang.

Yao Huang smiled at her, tilting her head to whisper, “Don’t worry—it’s two quarter-periods.”

Their hair was already combed, wearing jade hairpins identical to everyone else’s. Just changing into a dress—half a quarter-period would suffice.

Chen Ying had grown anxious watching the palace ladies ahead crane their necks to look. Now meeting Yao Huang’s relaxed, bright smiling face, she gradually relaxed again.

Nanny Fang moved quickly. Before long, it was Yao Huang’s group of five’s turn.

Chen Ying received a set of pink upper garment and white skirt. Yao Huang looked at the pale yellow short jacket and bright red long skirt that had appeared in her hands and couldn’t help lifting her head.

Nanny Fang, whose expression was usually severe, actually smiled at her: “Go change quickly.”

Yao Huang, clearly feeling this favoritism: “…”

Could it be that some prince or even Emperor Yongchang particularly liked her type? Nanny Fang knew this and therefore especially favored her, certain she would be selected?

Her mother’s worried muttering before parting resurfaced in her ears: “If I’d known there would be a palace selection, I would have raised you thinner. Look at this full chest and slender waist—which prince could look away? Unfortunately, your father is only a minor official. The princes will only choose you to be a concubine…”

Yao Huang didn’t believe it: “Li Tingwang constantly mocks me for being fat, saying I’ll be hard to marry off. He’s a Captain’s son and even he disdains me. The princes’ standards are only higher—they like dignified, virtuous young ladies from great families.”

Mother: “Bah! If Li Tingwang didn’t like you, would he keep running to our house for no reason? He deliberately teases you with his words, but in his heart he’d probably love to marry you.”

Yao Huang still didn’t believe her mother’s analysis. She was nearly angered to death by Li Tingwang’s words. Li Tingwang could surely see this—unless he was a fool, he wouldn’t use this method to show affection.

Yet Nanny Fang’s increasingly obvious favoritism made Yao Huang’s heart pound like a drum. She hadn’t fantasized about becoming any prince’s primary consort, but truly making her become a concubine for the princes—even with wealth and honor, she wasn’t willing! A concubine, a concubine—upon meeting the legitimate wife, automatically a head shorter. Yao Huang had been spoiled and pampered growing up by her parents. How could she endure such indignity?

Heavy-hearted, she followed Chen Ying back to their small room.

The three palace ladies currently changing clothes looked over distractedly. Noticing the bright red color in Yao Huang’s hands, some envied while others secretly gritted their teeth.

The room had no screen. After living together for a month, the five had long since lost any privacy between them. With time also limited, after closing the door, even the most thin-skinned Chen Ying directly removed her outer garment, exposing a young maiden’s jade-like upper body. Yao Huang was even less inhibited—facing the closed window and standing at the edge of the heated platform, she unfastened her unremarkable palace lady attire.

The palace lady who finished dressing first quietly glanced this way. With just one look, her face actually flushed and her mouth grew faintly dry.

Yao Huang changed into her new clothing as if no one else was present. Looking down, the pale yellow crossed collar’s edge revealed in the middle a section of same-colored undergarment embroidered with peony flower borders. Below that was the cinched bright red skirt waist. She was already fair-skinned, and set off by the red skirt below, that expanse of skin below her neck became dazzlingly snow-white.

Yao Huang verified everything was correct and lifted her head. Chen Ying was staring at her in a daze. When their eyes met, Chen Ying guiltily averted her gaze and clumsily praised, “Yao Yao, you look truly beautiful dressed like this.”

Yao Huang sighed inwardly. Beauty today was absolutely not a good thing.

Looking again at the peach-blossom-like Chen Ying, Yao Huang grasped her wrist: “Let’s go out. We’ll still stand in the back row.”

There were nine rows of beauties ahead. Perhaps the noble personages would finish selecting from the front and lose interest by the time they reached the back—just like the peonies in the flower beds. The first few blooms that opened were surprisingly stunning, but as more and more bloomed later, even the palace ladies grew tired of them.

The two came to the small courtyard, only to see that the palace ladies who had come out early had divided into two long rows standing on either side of Nanny Fang.

Yao Huang paused slightly.

Nanny Fang glanced at her, first calling the two to fill out the left row, then said: “Today, line up according to the order I call.”

The first two rows of ten people were all daughters of high officials, meritorious nobles from the capital, and officials assigned to external posts.

Just as Yao Huang felt relieved that they would arrange by family background, when it came to the middle position of the third row, Nanny Fang called out her name.

Yao Huang could no longer conceal the shock in her eyes.

Nanny Fang sent her a stern look, meaning she should enter the formation without delay.

Yao Huang walked over with forced composure.

Chen Ying, timid by nature yet delicately beautiful, was arranged diagonally behind her.

Two quarter-periods later, Nanny Fang led the palace ladies in departure.

From the remote Chuxiu Pavilion in the Western Palace to the Imperial Garden required two quarter-periods of walking.

On both sides were high red walls. The palace ladies held their breath in concentration, turning one corner after another, passing through one moon gate after another, finally arriving outside Wanchun Pavilion in the Imperial Garden.

Wanchun Pavilion had red windows and a golden roof. Five-tiered steps were set before each of its four pavilion doors. All around the pavilion’s exterior, peonies were planted everywhere—red and purple peonies blooming brilliantly.

The sunlight was bright. Since noble personages would arrive half a period later, Nanny Fang brought the palace ladies to stand in the tree shade on one side, avoiding being sunned into a sweat.

On the small path diagonally opposite were palace maids arranged by Nanny Fang to watch for the noble personages’ figures. Taking advantage of the Emperor and consorts not yet arriving, Nanny Fang allowed the palace ladies to move their legs in a small range, so they would be in good condition for the imperial audience and avoid the accident of leg numbness from prolonged standing.

Chen Ying was still nervous, frequently looking toward Yao Huang, hoping to gain comfort from her.

At this moment, however, Yao Huang had no energy left to care for her, because her own heart was in complete turmoil—like a fat duck placed in a pot by someone, the water already slowly warming. She desperately wanted to jump out, yet not far away, Nanny Fang was the cook guarding the pot, giving her no chance of escape.

Even more tragic was that a real fat duck could just instinctively flap its wings. She was human—she couldn’t even attempt to flee, because fleeing would mean violating court regulations.

In this torment, the palace maid on the small path waved to Nanny Fang. Nanny Fang’s expression changed. She commanded the palace ladies in a low voice to quickly stand properly, then moved them in formation to a position convenient for kneeling to greet the Emperor and consorts.

After waiting another quarter-period, the figures of the Emperor and consorts finally appeared in the palace ladies’ view.

While the Emperor and consorts were still distant, Yao Huang secretly lifted her eyes.

Walking shoulder to shoulder at the very front must be Emperor Yongchang and Empress Zhou. Emperor Yongchang wore bright yellow dragon robes, his figure imposing. Clearly over fifty years old, he appeared only around forty. His movement blocked most of Empress Zhou’s figure, revealing only her magnificent skirt hem.

Behind the Emperor and Empress were three imperial consorts—difficult to distinguish who was who. Yao Huang’s gaze moved to the wheelchair at the very back.

The wheelchair was pushed by a eunuch. The person in the chair…

A low cough came from ahead—probably Nanny Fang warning bold palace ladies like Yao Huang who were stealing glances.

Yao Huang directly lowered her eyes, not daring another look.

When the Emperor and consorts came before everyone, Nanny Fang led the palace ladies in kneeling.

Emperor Yongchang casually swept a glance and said they were excused from courtesy. Leading Empress Zhou, he passed through the stone path among the peony clusters and entered Wanchun Pavilion.

Only after all the noble personages had entered did Nanny Fang bring the palace ladies to stand outside the stone steps of Wanchun Pavilion’s main entrance, awaiting summons.

Inside the pavilion, Emperor Yongchang first exchanged a few jokes with his consorts, then had Empress Zhou preside over this palace selection.

Empress Zhou had borne two imperial princes in her youth, but unfortunately both died young. Now she had only one princess under her care. For this selection of consorts for the imperial sons, she was only responsible for managing it—now just watching the excitement.

Receiving Emperor Yongchang’s eye signal, Empress Zhou looked toward the three consorts on the left and smiled: “Let’s go by the three brothers’ ages—should Consort Liu first select the primary consort for Prince Kang?”

Consort Liu was the palace’s senior second only to Empress Zhou, nearly fifty years old. The beauty of yesteryear was no longer obvious, but she had become increasingly dignified and virtuous.

Hearing Empress Zhou’s words, Consort Liu smiled self-deprecatingly: “Prince Kang has already selected a princess consort once. This time, selecting primary consorts for the two younger brothers is more important. Better to let the younger brothers choose first.”

Emperor Yongchang nodded: “That makes sense. Then let’s have the second son go first.”

Since he had spoken thus, the three consorts need not yield further.

Emperor Yongchang then addressed the son sitting in the wheelchair on his right: “I’m making the decision. You needn’t be polite later—whichever you like, choose her. I will grant your every wish.”

Emperor Yongchang had four sons total and had never shown such loving kindness to any of them, including Prince Hui Zhao Sui before his legs were disabled.

Everyone understood that the favor Emperor Yongchang now showed Prince Hui stemmed only from pity.

Zhao Sui lowered his eyes in gratitude.

The head matron beside Empress Zhou walked to the doorway, signaling Nanny Fang to bring people in.

Five palace ladies entered at a time. If noble personages felt pleased, they would first send out a silk flower. Those who received flowers could participate in the next round of selection. Those who didn’t were completely unconnected to this wealth and honor.

The first row of five palace ladies, hearing that Prince Hui would choose first, kept their eyelids lowered as if fixed, their gazes not daring to deviate a fraction toward Prince Hui’s direction, fearing that one accidental eye contact would make Prince Hui take notice of them.

Fortunately, Prince Hui merely swept a cool glance over the five faces, remaining motionless and uttering no word.

Confirming he liked none, Consort Liu, Consort Du, and Consort Shen each sent out a flower.

The five palace ladies, according to whether they received flowers, withdrew through the east and west side doors respectively.

Yao Huang watched as the second row of palace ladies was summoned inside. Her heartbeat reached its peak at this moment.

Which lady would choose her to be a secondary consort or ordinary concubine for her son? Or might she possibly catch Emperor Yongchang’s eye?

Emperor Yongchang was most noble, but he was even older than her own father!

In the few brief thoughts that flashed by, it was already their turn!

Yao Huang was still flustered. Fortunately, a month of instruction had carved those etiquettes into her bones. On the surface, apart from the rosy flush caused by her racing heartbeat, she appeared no different from usual.

Stopping her steps, Yao Huang stood with lowered eyes before the imperial presence—and moreover in the center position directly facing the Emperor and Empress.

The Emperor and consorts noticed Yao Huang first. Beautiful or not, this round face and figure were novel in the palace and looked like a blessed person.

Empress Zhou grew interested. Looking at the palace ladies’ roster in her hand that recorded them by arrangement, she said to Yao Huang: “You’re Yao Huang, correct? Lift your head and let me see.”

Yao Huang obediently complied.

Empress Zhou then saw a pair of eyes like black grapes—beautiful and lively.

She quite liked her, but she had no sons. So she only nodded without further comment, still letting Prince Hui choose first.

Only then did Yao Huang realize Prince Hui could choose first!

Prince Hui…

When ladies selected primary consorts for their sons, they should value family background and temperament, emphasizing noble birth and dignified steadiness. Yao Huang met neither criterion, so she was more likely to become a concubine due to beauty.

However, if the princes themselves chose, might they care more about the palace ladies’ beauty and figures?

Yao Huang’s heart beat even faster for another reason.

Today she probably couldn’t escape the fate of becoming a concubine or low-ranking palace lady. In that case, rather than becoming someone’s concubine, better to strive to become a primary consort for a prince!

Prince Hui’s legs were a problem, but she couldn’t reach the physically healthy Prince Qing anyway!

With Prince Hui as her only option, Yao Huang suddenly discovered that sitting in a wheelchair wasn’t a big problem at all. After all, the prince’s residence had so many maids and servants—it wasn’t as if she’d have to personally attend to him!

Once her thoughts settled, Yao Huang secretly looked toward the only wheelchair in the vicinity.

Stealing glances at others might be quite obvious, but Prince Hui sat in a wheelchair. Yao Huang only needed to slightly raise her eyes to see him—a very handsome face, just lifeless and spiritless…

Suddenly, the lifeless prince moved his eyes and directly met hers.

Yao Huang’s heart jumped. She hastily withdrew her gaze.

In a flash, she thought again—with her dodging like this, would Prince Hui think she disdained him and didn’t want to marry him?

Yao Huang hurriedly stole another glance back.

Prince Hui was actually still looking at her.

Yao Huang suppressed that impulse to avoid, continuing to meet his gaze with fearless courage. The corners of her lips gradually curved upward, striving to express her true feelings.

Her small movements couldn’t possibly be concealed from the Emperor, consorts, and others.

Emperor Yongchang thought this palace lady named Yao Huang had an agreeable appearance—not bad for his second son.

Consort Liu and Consort Shen had no particular emotions. Prince Hui’s adoptive mother Consort Du inwardly scoffed mockingly. Prince Hui was truly pitiful—his legs crippled, even a minor Captain’s daughter dared covet the position of his secondary consort.

In this seemingly long but actually brief silence and observation, Zhao Sui picked up a silk flower from the tray his attending eunuch held. Looking at Yao Huang, he asked: “I wish to choose you as my princess consort. Are you willing?”

He didn’t know why this palace lady kept stealing glances at him. Better to ask and avoid misunderstanding.

He had no intention of taking a wife. Since Father Emperor insisted on arranging it, Zhao Sui could only cooperate. But he didn’t want to marry a princess consort who would secretly wash her face with tears because her husband’s legs were crippled.