Chapter 130:

The timing this December was actually quite ideal—neither too early nor too late, just right at the beginning. After all, those chosen as “xiu nu” (selected ladies) had already entered the palace at a very early stage, and they still had to go through the preliminary selection process.

Those with any physical imperfections had already been eliminated, so those remaining naturally had no such flaws.

Looking at the list again, there were indeed quite a number of candidates.

Today, Consort Hui wore a light blue dress, her delicate face adorned with heavy, striking makeup, giving her the air of a cold beauty. Beside her, Consort Qi wore a soft pink dress, her makeup very light, giving off a gentle and warm aura.

December held no particular fondness for either of them, but compared to the high-profile attitude of Consort Hui, December disliked even more how Consort Qi feigned gentleness and pretended to be morally superior.

She must be planning to deceive others with this false image again.

This time, it remained to be seen who would fall for her act and fall into her trap.

Emperor Jing sat at the head, with the Empress Dowager and Noble Consort Shen on his left, and Consorts Hui and Qi on his right.

At first glance, the scene appeared quite harmonious.

With a single announcing call, the selection ceremony officially began.

The women naturally entered according to the official ranks of their fathers or brothers. The first to enter was Fu Jin’yan, the concubine-born younger sister of Fu Jinyao.

December carefully observed this woman. If she had expected her to resemble Fu Jinyao, she was sorely mistaken.

December knew Fu Jin’yan was a concubine-born daughter, so it was natural she looked more like her own mother.

Unlike Fu Jinyao and her siblings, who were strikingly beautiful, Fu Jin’yan was more delicate and modest in appearance.

Honestly speaking, December thought Fu Jin’yan was not as beautiful as herself, and compared to Fu Jinyao, the difference was even greater. However, Fu Jin’yan’s calm and composed demeanor was something Fu Jinyao could not match.

Even though Fu Jin’yan was not particularly outstanding in looks, Chancellor Fu insisted on sending her into the palace. December pondered, wondering why Chancellor Fu would do this.

If it was for a better future for the Fu family, choosing Fu Jin’yan over Fu Jinyao still puzzled December a little.

Looking toward Consort Qi, although she wore a smile, there was a slight furrow in her brow. It seemed even she was cautious about this kind of person.

Everyone understood and would be wary of Fu Jin’yan, so why was Chancellor Fu so insistent?

Could it be… that she was meant to be a decoy?

A decoy set up for Fu Jinyao.

After all, Fu Jinyao’s personality would not gain her much advantage in the palace. But if a daughter of Chancellor Fu, who was not particularly beautiful but favored by her father, entered the palace and had to climb the ranks step by step, wouldn’t that more easily draw attention away from Fu Jinyao?

December always thought deeply about things. As she analyzed further, she suspected a hidden plot. After all, there was always a difference between a legitimate and a concubine-born daughter. Would Chancellor Fu really abandon his legitimate daughter for a concubine-born one?

Even if Fu Jinyao was willful, parents should not act this way.

Hiding her thoughts, December sat there with a smile, seemingly watching the beautiful young women with interest.

Sure enough, Fu Jin’yan was retained. From the corner of her eye, December glanced at the Empress Dowager and noticed she showed no discomfort.

It seemed the Empress Dowager disliked Fu Jinyao even more, while showing less reaction to others.

In her previous life, December had heard that the Empress Dowager and Chancellor Fu’s wife were cousins, but due to their distant relationship and lack of closeness, they had no contact.

Everyone lamented that Lady Fu had missed a good opportunity to gain favor.

But now, recalling this, December wondered if the Empress Dowager actually bore resentment against her cousin, thus disliking Fu Jinyao. And perhaps her indifferent reaction to Fu Jin’yan was because Fu was born to a concubine.

December did not dwell on it further, as it was unrelated to today’s event.

The Emperor examined the candidates quickly. Only those who interested him were asked to perform a talent. If he disliked someone at first glance, he dismissed her immediately. This was much faster than in previous years.

December thought to herself that if she had been among this year’s candidates, she might not have been selected.

Looking at the famous beauties, December nodded inwardly. Indeed, they had a certain charm that inspired sympathy.

Previously, many people thought the Emperor disliked beauties like Consort Li Zhu Yuning, so they tried to dress differently. Yet, just before this selection, Consort Zhu Yuning had regained favor, making people sigh at the unpredictability of fate.

But this was also good; it brought some humility to those who prided themselves on their beauty.

December, seated in a high position, noticed many women stealing glances at her. After all, she was considered a legend in the Southern Qin Kingdom.

The daughter of a Hanlin Academy official, she had risen from a mere concubine to become Noble Consort Shen, the highest-ranking of the four consorts, in just three years. What an incredible ascent.

People were naturally curious, wanting to see what this woman looked like—rumored to be neither exceptionally beautiful nor talented.

When they saw Noble Consort Shen, many proud young women thought she looked ordinary. But those with deeper understanding realized that Southern Qin had never valued beauty above all else.

Although not exquisitely beautiful, Noble Consort Shen was still prettier than many.

She did not possess the ethereal beauty typical of Southern Qin women, but rather resembled a flower in full bloom, exuding prosperity.

The charm and grace in her eyes and demeanor surpassed many.

It was understandable why the Emperor favored her.

Although Consort Hui was ethereally beautiful, sitting beside Noble Consort Shen, she did not seem to be overshadowed.

When it was finally the turn for Wanru of the Shen family’s second branch, the selection was nearly over.

December’s uncle held a low rank, so Shen Wanru was placed toward the end. She had a timid, modest demeanor. Seeing her like this, Fu Jinyao gave a slight snort, though no one else heard.

With such looks, even without December’s interference, she would not be selected.

Did she really think her second-branch niece was exceptionally beautiful?

When the Empress Dowager saw Shen Wanru, she understood that December’s lack of jealousy was genuine—Wanru truly was unsuitable for the palace.

Indeed, she was unremarkable in every aspect and appeared timid.

Such a woman was clearly unsuitable for palace life.

Emperor Jing, being fair, naturally dismissed her, though he did offer a few words of praise beforehand.

December knew the Emperor was doing this to save face for her. Although Shen Wanru was not selected, having received the Emperor’s compliment would make her future marriage prospects smoother.

Thinking this, December smiled sweetly at Emperor Jing. Seeing her expression, the Empress Dowager shook her head with a smile.

Beside them, Consort Hui bit her lip, frustrated but helpless.

Who could blame her father for being so cold and indifferent?

Although Consort Qi showed no expression, she understood clearly. So, Shen Wanru was just an ordinary girl after all.

It seemed that Shen Layue truly had good fortune.

Thinking further about the standout candidates in this selection,

Consort Qi’s eyes darkened slightly.

Fu Jin’yan, with her modest beauty and a powerful father, although a concubine-born daughter, still enjoyed favor. She clearly was no simple character.

Li Yanran, daughter of Minister Li, was a renowned literary talent. Unlike Lian Xiuyun’s arrogance, her every gesture exuded a natural charm that made her likable.

An Shuyuan, younger sister of Concubine An Xiuyi, was a well-known beauty in the capital, a typical Southern Qin beauty with a delicate and tender appearance.

Zhang Lan, daughter of General Zhang, had a martial background, giving her a heroic and graceful demeanor, yet her manners were refined and appropriate.

It seemed this year’s selection was more concerning than the previous one three years ago. Last time, only Fu Jinyao stood out. Even though Shen Layue emerged as a dark horse, other outstanding candidates were scarce.

But this year, each candidate was different and impressive.

Yes, there was also Fang Ci, daughter of Minister Fang. Her family background was far below the previous Shen family, yet for some reason, Consort Qi sensed that her every move and speaking style imitated Shen Layue.

Another troublemaker, no doubt.

Consort Qi silently assessed the standout candidates of this year. Others were not idle either—both Fu Jinyao and the seemingly carefree Shen Layue were also analyzing these women.

Actually, December found these candidates quite interesting.

Fu Jin’yan, who had not appeared in her previous life, Zhang Lan, who had been framed and died tragically, and this Fang Ci, who somewhat resembled her.

Fang Ci was never simple-minded. Even in her past life, she had her own personality, and in this life, her behavior imitated December’s—December understood it was merely an act.

When had she become someone others imitated?

December curled her lips slightly. Being imitated did not feel particularly good, but what did it matter?

Even if imitated, she was not the original.

With new faces entering the palace, a new round of struggles was inevitable.

December always followed the principle: if others did not provoke her, she would not provoke them.

Compared to the others, she paid more attention to the Emperor, the Empress Dowager, and Prince Liu.

The first required appeasement, the second required vigilance, and the third was met with deep resentment and careful plotting.

She must resolve this trouble.

And she needed to do it subtly.

The selection lasted until evening. When everything concluded, everyone returned to their respective quarters.

Emperor Jing did not visit any of the consorts, but instead went to the Empress Dowager’s palace. In a way, this showed how much he relied on his mother. Speaking of the harem, although Fu Jinyao nominally managed it temporarily, December understood that real power lay with the Empress Dowager.

Even if the Empress Dowager had placed her own people in various quarters, the Emperor would not interfere. Not only would he not interfere, he was completely at ease.

If Prince Liu harbored ill intentions in the future, the Empress Dowager might once again frame the Shen family. And between the Empress Dowager and the Shen family, December remained silent—Emperor Jing would surely side with the Empress Dowager.

Thinking this, December felt the future was bleak.

Confronting the Empress Dowager directly would put the Emperor in a difficult position, and he would certainly side with her.

Therefore, avoiding direct conflict with the Empress Dowager was the right path.

So, perhaps she should consider this:

What could she do to make the Empress Dowager completely disbelieve Prince Liu’s words?

December bit her lip, pondering deeply.