Everyone’s footsteps involuntarily grew heavier.

Seventh Miss quickly glanced at the Grand Madam before looking at Fifth Miss.

Fifth Miss’s face had already turned deathly pale. She bit her lip hard, no longer caring that the rouge on her vermilion lips had smudged. The force was so great she’d even drawn blood.

Sixth Miss’s beautiful eyes flashed with unusual brilliance. Before Fifth Miss could speak, she smiled and urged the Grand Madam, “Mother, the gentleman outside is waiting…”

The Grand Madam snapped back to her senses.

But she glanced at Seventh Miss first before adjusting her clothing, then supported Fifth Miss and had Sixth Miss and Seventh Miss attend from behind as they gracefully emerged from the cabin.

Outside the cabin, blue canvas awnings had already been erected. Several neatly dressed young eunuchs came forward to guide the Grand Madam’s party, then brought over two carriages. They helped the Grand Madam and Fifth Miss into one, and Sixth Miss and Seventh Miss into the other in pairs, then the young eunuchs slowly pulled the carriages forward.

The carriage curtains hung deep. Neither Sixth Miss nor Seventh Miss dared to look around presumptuously. They rode in relative silence, only feeling that the carriage traveled for quite a long time before gradually stopping. Someone invited the Grand Madam to descend, and women’s soft laughter came from outside the carriage. “Madam Yang, it’s been so long since we’ve met. That year we came to Suzhou for the wedding feast…”

Then came the Grand Madam’s laughter. “Lady Scholar Jiao! It must be five or six years, hasn’t it?”

Sixth Miss and Seventh Miss hurriedly descended from the carriage in order and paid respects to Lady Scholar Jiao.

This was a capable assistant at Princess Consort Minyue’s side who had personally come to Suzhou for the wedding feast of the Li family’s eldest son. She’d met the Grand Madam and several young ladies once before. Seeing them now, she could still call them by name in sequence. “This is Fifth Miss, isn’t it? I remember her name is Shanli? Tsk tsk, one look and you can tell she’s perfect material to be a heir’s wife!”

Fifth Miss produced a sweet smile. “Thank you for Lady Scholar’s praise.” But anyone could see the fresh wound on her lip.

Following Lady Scholar Jiao’s gaze, the Grand Madam had just begun to furrow her brow when Lady Scholar Jiao smiled. Before the Grand Madam could speak, she pulled Sixth Miss’s hand to examine her carefully. “Oh my, this is—”

“This is our first meeting, isn’t it?” The Grand Madam hurriedly introduced. “This is our Sixth Miss, Shanying. Her childhood name is Liu.”

Lady Scholar Jiao studied Sixth Miss intently for several moments before smiling and nodding at Seventh Miss. “Seventh Miss has also grown into a young lady!”

She then turned to lead the Grand Madam’s party toward a side hall, explaining as they walked, “The Princess Consort is currently speaking with Eunuch Zhang and Tanhua Feng. Tanhua Feng is a busy man—we have nothing pressing, so it wouldn’t be good to keep him waiting long. I must trouble Madam Yang to sit briefly in the side hall!”

The Grand Madam raised her voice politely. “Not at all, not at all. We’ll meet whenever the Princess Consort is convenient.”

Though these words were proper, her tone revealed a trace of barely perceptible tension.

After a pause, she indeed inquired cautiously, “This Tanhua Feng—he wouldn’t happen to be this year’s newly appointed third place scholar, Feng Jin from Zhenze County, would he?”

Lady Scholar Jiao suspected nothing and invited the Grand Madam to enter the side hall first before answering with a smile, “That’s exactly who it is!—He came south with Eunuch Zhang, bearing duties from the Eastern Palace. Our Princess Consort has long heard of his reputation as ‘Silver Flower Head of the List.’ Hearing such a figure had come to Suzhou, how could she not invite him for an audience?”

The matter of being Silver Flower Head of the List struck right at the Grand Madam’s sore spot. As she took her seat, her expression grew contemplative. Lady Scholar Jiao also looked at the Grand Madam several more times before smiling and asking Sixth Miss, “How old are you this year?”

Sixth Miss’s face flushed slightly pink, but she remained composed. “In reply to Lady Scholar, this subject daughter is fifteen this year.”

After being put through the wringer by Nanny Tai for over a month, Sixth Miss had indeed made considerable progress in etiquette.

Lady Scholar Jiao clicked her tongue repeatedly and praised her to the Grand Madam. “If our young prince’s engagement weren’t already settled, the Princess Consort would certainly want to bring such a beautiful young lady in as the heir’s wife! What’s most rare is that natural charm and innocence—one could never tire of looking at her!”

The Grand Madam suppressed her concerns and chatted idly with Lady Scholar Jiao.

Lady Scholar Jiao truly did like Sixth Miss, holding her hand and asking many detailed questions before finding time to ask Seventh Miss, “How old are you this year, Seventh Miss?”

Though Seventh Miss wanted to present herself as somewhat frivolous, she didn’t dare act rashly in front of the Grand Madam.

She could only answer with a smile, “I just turned fourteen after the New Year.”

“No wonder she still looks rather young…” Lady Scholar Jiao was just murmuring to herself when two palace maids entered to invite the Grand Madam. “Please Madam Yang, move to the main hall. The Princess Consort is sweeping the couch in anticipation…”

Everyone hurried toward the main hall with proper steps.

Only then did the young ladies have time to carefully observe the prince’s traveling palace.

Though this was merely Prince Minyue’s secondary palace, it was ultimately a prince’s residence. The carved beams and painted rafters, the gold and jade magnificence—these naturally went without saying.

Though the several young ladies were accustomed to wealth, this was their first time witnessing imperial family grandeur.

Sixth Miss looked very carefully, and as she looked, her expression grew thoughtful.

Upon entering the main hall, none of them dared raise their eyelids. Following the Grand Madam’s lead, they all prostrated themselves on the ground, calling out, “We pay respects to the Princess Consort! Ten thousand blessings and longevity to the Princess Consort!”

The Princess Consort’s soft laughter came from above. “Madam Yang! How could I dare accept…”

Then came footsteps and the Grand Madam’s modest demurrals. It sounded as though the Princess Consort had personally helped the Grand Madam up before she’d even finished prostrating herself.

Seventh Miss felt that having power and influence was truly wonderful.

As a princess consort, she didn’t dare accept the Grand Madam’s full courtesies… In all of Jiangnan, only the Yang family had such prestige, didn’t they?

The Grand Madam was indeed quite gratified. “Princess Consort, you’re being far too courteous!”

She half-reluctantly took the seat below the Princess Consort, gesturing to her daughters to introduce them. “This is Little Fifth, Shanli. She’s come especially to thank you for your gracious favor in acting as matchmaker!”

“These are Little Sixth, Shanying, and Little Seventh, Shanheng…”

The several daughters performed the full three kowtows and nine prostrations to the Princess Consort before each rising to stand before her for inspection.

Naturally, they also caught sight of Princess Consort Minyue’s appearance.

This was a kind-faced, benevolent middle-aged woman who appeared to be about the Grand Madam’s age. A slight smile played at the corners of her lips. Though richly adorned, she possessed a natural nobility that commanded the scene without appearing vulgar. Her every movement was quite elegant. As for her features, they weren’t exceptional—she’d likely been only moderately attractive in her youth.

Princess Consort Minyue, like Lady Scholar Jiao, showed particular appreciation for Sixth Miss. After seeing Fifth Miss and Seventh Miss, she beckoned to Sixth Miss. “Young lady, come closer so I can examine you carefully… Tsk tsk, truly a rare beauty! Madam Yang, you’re so blessed—three daughters, all exceptional talents chosen from a hundred!”

Sixth Miss’s appearance was indeed the finest Seventh Miss had ever seen in her life. But seeing her regularly, the amazement had dulled. Sixth Miss also rarely went out… Who knew today she would steal the show, with even her two sisters seemingly overshadowed by comparison.

After the Grand Madam exchanged a few courtesies, Princess Consort Minyue had Sixth Miss sit close to her and chatted with the Grand Madam about family matters.

“This time passing through Suzhou, I actually wanted to test whether the traveling palace was satisfactory. You know, next year the Southern Ocean Navy will launch from Suzhou. Our prince loves excitement so much—how could he bear to miss such a grand occasion? But he feared the palace had been vacant too long and might be uncomfortable to live in…”

The Grand Madam responded attentively, each reply cautious. Both Fifth Miss and Seventh Miss remained silent throughout—Seventh Miss from caution, Fifth Miss lost in her own thoughts. Instead, it was Sixth Miss who occasionally interjected a comment or two, charming and adorable, making Princess Consort Minyue laugh continuously. Worried Fifth Miss and Seventh Miss might feel left out, she had servants bring fresh fruit to entertain the young ladies.

“I heard about the selection eunuch, Chamberlain Zhang…” After circling around the topic, the Grand Madam finally asked the main purpose of this visit.

Princess Consort Minyue smiled knowingly. “Eunuch Zhang first brought Tanhua Feng in to see me—truly, today has been wonderful for the eyes. First seeing Tanhua Feng, such an incomparable beauty among men, then seeing a beauty like Shanying—they’ve come south on business and are much busier than idle people like us. However, he’ll certainly need to meet with you local authorities to establish connections. Rest assured, Madam Yang, I suspect Eunuch Zhang will definitely come in to pay respects shortly.”

Seventh Miss couldn’t help but smile.

This Princess Consort Minyue was quite perceptive.

Given the relationship between the Eastern Palace and the Yang family, how could Eunuch Zhang possibly not pay a visit to the Yang household while conducting the southern selection? Of course, the Yang family had also shown appropriate respect—before Eunuch Zhang came calling, they’d already sent their daughters over to pay respects. Such reciprocal gestures, mutual giving of face—this was how to maintain harmonious relations.

Princess Consort Minyue’s eyes brightened. She looked at Sixth Miss, then at Seventh Miss, and smiled. “I didn’t expect that Shanheng’s smile would actually outshine Shanying!”

She called Seventh Miss to her side and examined her closely as well, praising the Grand Madam. “This pair of sisters—one charming and innocent, one calm and reserved—they truly complement each other beautifully! However… having grown accustomed to well-behaved beauties in the palace, I find Shanying’s natural charm more endearing!”

That made sense—the palace had many rules. Seventh Miss’s composure wasn’t rare. There were plenty of refined young ladies from great families who were more beautiful and better educated than her. But a beauty like Sixth Miss with such naturally flowing charm—such was precious and rare anywhere.

The way the Grand Madam looked at Sixth Miss changed somewhat. “Princess Consort, you praise her too highly. Little Sixth isn’t as exceptional as you say…”

But Princess Consort Minyue was quite serious. “I mean it!” She looked at the several daughters. “Though all three young ladies are presentable, considering the preferences of those above…”

She’d only spoken halfway when Lady Scholar Jiao entered the room with a smile.

“Your Highness, Eunuch Zhang requests an audience outside the hall.”

The Princess Consort’s expression turned solemn. She quickly called for him to be invited in, then quietly introduced him to the Grand Madam. “Though Eunuch Zhang’s reputation isn’t prominent, he’s extremely close with Eunuch Lian. The two are sworn brothers who grew up sweeping floors together… Eunuch Zhang, you’ve finally arrived! Look, Madam Yang has been waiting quite a while!”

Eunuch Zhang entered the main hall with a broad smile, paying respects to the Princess Consort and Grand Madam. “This lowly one acted improperly and begs pardon from Your Highness and Madam!”

He was the selection eunuch—how could the Grand Madam dare accept his courtesies? Everyone naturally exchanged more pleasantries before Eunuch Zhang sat across from the Grand Madam, contemplating as he looked toward Fifth Miss.

“I heard Fifth Miss just became engaged to the heir of the Duke of Pingguo’s mansion? Excellent, excellent—truly a fine match. Speaking presumptuously, this old servant watched the heir grow up, watched him bit by bit transform from—heh, from a little devil into an unparalleled talent throughout the capital!” This was a gaunt-featured old eunuch who appeared to be fifty or sixty years old. His demeanor was dignified and his speech refined, making people naturally like him upon meeting. Yet the Grand Madam was quite respectful toward him, repeatedly having Fifth Miss thank Eunuch Zhang for his praise.

Only then did Eunuch Zhang sweep his gaze over the two young ladies beside Princess Consort Minyue.

Seventh Miss felt two gazes like cold springs sweep from her Baihui acupoint to her Yongquan acupoint. The cold scrutiny and evaluation in that gaze made her quite uncomfortable for a while. She wished she could bury her head in her chest to hide her discomfort.

Those who could make a name for themselves in the palace were indeed extraordinary.

Eunuch Zhang’s face filled with smiles again. “Both young ladies are beauties with the appearance of flowers and the countenance of the moon. Looking at them brings such delight.”

But he disregarded Sixth Miss entirely and asked Seventh Miss amiably, “You’re fourteen this year? At home usually, do your days pass contentedly or not?”

What kind of question was this!

Even if Eunuch Zhang had asked Seventh Miss about her monthly cycle, she wouldn’t have felt as uncomfortable as she did now.

Asking whether her days passed contentedly—was that suspecting the Grand Madam of mistreating her?

She was a legitimate daughter after all, albeit a discounted one. But if the Grand Madam didn’t favor her, why would she give her such status?

“In answer to your question, contentedly.” She flashed Eunuch Zhang a slightly puzzled glance and answered without hesitation.

Without even looking at the Grand Madam, she knew the Grand Madam’s expression wouldn’t be pleasant—even Princess Consort Minyue cast a surprised glance at Eunuch Zhang. How could the Grand Madam be an exception?

Eunuch Zhang stroked the ribbons beneath his chin and smiled at Seventh Miss with narrowed eyes. “Contentedly—contentedly is good!”

He then asked Sixth Miss, “How old are you this year?”

“In answer to your question, I’m fifteen this year.” But Sixth Miss was slightly stunned before answering Eunuch Zhang with a smile.

Eunuch Zhang swept his gaze over the children again, nodded, and consulted with the Grand Madam. “Both children are excellent. This old servant has noted them in his heart. When the selection formally begins, come to the bureau for tea and register both of them—as for who will be chosen, that still depends on the Eastern Palace’s wishes. What does Madam think?”

The Grand Madam was momentarily stunned.

She’d thought that coming today, Eunuch Zhang would select one on behalf of the Crown Prince.

However, the imperial system had established numbers. Historically, the Crown Prince had at most two consorts. After these two Crown Prince consorts attended the Crown Prince until he ascended the throne, being elevated to noble consort was quite common. Sometimes, a noble consort could even have the character “imperial” added before her title… Such a momentous matter—perhaps Eunuch Zhang couldn’t decide so easily in such a short time.

The Master’s thinking was correct. Little Sixth had a charming disposition and exceptional beauty, while Little Seventh was gentle, compliant, and composed… Whichever one could enter the palace to serve the Eastern Palace would only benefit the Yang family with no harm.

The Grand Madam collected herself and readily agreed. “You’re the one handling affairs. That we’ve been granted such an honor… we’re already trembling with trepidation. How would we dare say another word? You just make the decision…”

After exchanging a few more courtesies with Princess Consort Minyue and Eunuch Zhang, she rose and led her daughters out in succession.

Eunuch Zhang personally escorted the Grand Madam out to the carriage. After watching the Grand Madam board, he walked over to Sixth Miss and Seventh Miss and patted Seventh Miss’s arm.

“Seventh Miss seems to have a somewhat delicate constitution. During this period, you must take good care of your health. Don’t fall ill—that would be troublesome.”

Seventh Miss’s expression flickered. She curtsied to thank Eunuch Zhang for his kindness. “Little Seventh will certainly comply.”

Only then did she board the carriage with Sixth Miss.

All along the way, Sixth Miss sat with her chin propped in thought. Only after leaving the prince’s residence, when the Grand Madam had already descended from her carriage ahead and boarded the boat, did she speak softly to Seventh Miss with a teasing smile.

“You, keeping everything bottled up inside without saying a word… You should have told me earlier that I was coming along as a companion! You had me worried for quite a while, thinking Madam Li disliked my lowly birth—no, you’ll have to write me several pages of calligraphy as punishment when we get back!”

Seventh Miss was immediately at a loss for words, not knowing how to respond for a moment.