In the fourth year of Jingyu, autumn.
This year marked the first beauty selection since Emperor Jing’s enthronement in the Southern Qin Kingdom.
Shen Layue obediently followed the group, gracefully entering the palace. The young women walked in two lines, eyes lowered, not daring to look around. Despite the palace’s magnificence, it seemed irrelevant to them at this moment. Everyone was strictly observing decorum.
A leading eunuch led them to an open space and, following instructions, they lined up in rows.
Once everyone was in place, an elderly eunuch stood at the front and loudly addressed them: “The purpose of this beauty selection is to enrich the Emperor’s harem and ensure the continuation of the imperial lineage. All selected young women must be blood relatives of officials ranked seventh grade or higher, emphasizing noble descent. They must also possess a graceful figure and an attractive appearance. Only those meeting these criteria are qualified to bear offspring for the royal family. Therefore, from this moment on, everyone must follow our instructions and undergo evaluation one by one. No objections will be tolerated.”
Shen Layue stood quietly among the candidates, head slightly lowered, waiting for the next inspection.
The subsequent checks covered various aspects, including facial features, physique, voice, breath, and foot length. Given the large number of candidates, this was merely the initial screening to eliminate many.
Precisely because of these strict checks, nearly two-thirds of the candidates would be eliminated at this stage, with only the remaining few proceeding to the next round of selection.
After passing the preliminary selection, the young women were arranged in an open area to await the next round of re-evaluation.
At this point, there were fewer rules, and the candidates naturally sought out familiar companions, gathering in small groups to chat.
Shen Layue glanced around. The people she expected to see were all there.
Chen Yulan approached Layue, her voice gentle: “Cousin.”
Among these candidates, the original Shen Layue didn’t know many well. However, having experienced a previous life, she was naturally well-informed about various individuals.
Zhu Yuning, daughter of Minister Zhu, known as the most beautiful woman in the empire; Fu Jin’ao, second daughter of Chancellor Fu; and Lian Xiuyun, daughter of the prestigious Lian family, renowned for her exceptional qin playing skills—these three were the most outstanding among this year’s candidates.
“You look beautiful today, Yulan.” Dressed in a lake-blue silk dress, with a sapphire floral hairpin, although the colors differed, they belonged to the same color palette. Naturally aware of her strengths, she appeared even more gentle today.
“You look just as good, cousin.” Yulan took her hand and led her to a shaded spot under a tree.
“This dress of yours looks heavy. Let’s go to a cooler spot over here.”
Among the candidates who passed the preliminary selection, only two or three wore conservative brocade dresses.
Carefully observing her cousin, Yulan noted Shen Layue’s attire: a pink dress with small light-colored jasmine flowers on the collar, two small buns adorned with golden hairpins swaying as she moved, giving her an overall somewhat garish appearance.
Although somewhat garish, it was eye-catching.
Actually, Yulan was somewhat puzzled. The current Shen Layue’s appearance wasn’t significantly different from her usual self. Moreover, whether due to makeup or not, the seductive charm of her phoenix eyes had vanished, replaced by a certain youthful innocence.
Seeing this Shen Layue, Yulan felt genuinely pleased, thinking that this would increase her chances of being eliminated.
Shen Layue noticed Yulan’s expression and smiled even more brightly.
Yulan must be thinking she won’t be selected. The palace selection was the most crucial part. Some candidates wore white dresses, looking delicate and moving, like Lian Xiuyun. Others wore golden dresses, dazzling and eye-catching, like Zhu Yuning. There was also Fu Jin’ao, dressed elegantly and refreshingly.
There were various styles, but few resembled hers. Even if one wanted to stand out, very few would choose pink.
Not that it was bad, just somewhat rustic.
Combined with golden swaying hairpins, it became even more so.
Some candidates, feeling the intense heat, sat down in a pavilion not far away. Watching the silk-dressed candidates sit down, Layue silently shook her head.
After pulling her over, Yulan began chatting with other candidates, while Layue didn’t mind, simply watching them chat.
Among them was also the concubine-born daughter of the Bai family, Bai Xiaodie, who appeared rather pale at the moment. Whether it was due to nervousness or unwillingness to be selected remained unclear.
Occasionally glancing at her, Bai You ran, the legitimate eldest daughter of the Bai family, made her look even paler.
Layue knew that Bai You ran would eventually be selected. Although they had no personal relationship, they maintained a cordial facade.
For some unknown reason, it had been a long time without any eunuchs coming to arrange the next palace selection. Some anxious women began to grow impatient.
Even Chen Yulan felt some anxiety, though she didn’t voice complaints like some other women.
Seeing a few murmuring complaints, Yulan sneered slightly, somewhat disdainful.
Observing this, Layue found it even more amusing.
What is spoken aloud isn’t necessarily genuine temperament. Perhaps some were pretending to be outspoken and guileless.
Yet they didn’t realize that in this selection process, no one cares about apparent innocence. How could the Empress Dowager tolerate those without decorum?
The quiet little eunuch beside them was indeed Xiaodezi, a servant from the Empress Dowager’s retinue.
Although he appeared young, he was actually in his mid-twenties, having served the Empress Dowager for over a decade as a second-rank eunuch, a capable assistant.
It was likely his role here to observe the candidates’ conduct.
Soon after, Layue caught a glimpse from the corner of her eye, noticing Xiaodezi had quietly left, realizing that the process was about to begin.
Sure enough, shortly afterward, a senior eunuch dressed in brocade arrived with eight junior eunuchs. This was Laixi, the chief eunuch and most trusted aide to the Emperor.
Clearing his throat, he spoke loudly: “By the Emperor’s decree, candidates will be grouped in fives. Those whose names are called will follow the eunuchs behind me to the palace entrance for evaluation. Those not called must remain here and wait.”
The candidates slightly bowed: “We obey the Emperor’s command.”
Laixi did not look directly at the candidates, maintaining a focused gaze as he picked up the register.
In a short time, half of the candidates left the courtyard in groups of five, totaling forty people.
Shen Layue was not among them. She knew the list was arranged according to their families’ official ranks, so it wasn’t surprising that these popular candidates had already departed.
The group of women they were with also remained, naturally so. Daughters of noble families typically associated with peers of similar status.
They were no exception.
Before long, they heard some weeping, likely those who had been eliminated and given flowers as dismissal.
After waiting for some time, the remaining candidates weren’t all dismissed at once like the first batch. Instead, a eunuch returned, calling names from the register, with five following him each time. This repeated cycle continued.
As the number dwindled to twenty-five, with the Bai sisters already gone, Shen Layue was finally called.
She and Chen Yulan were in the same group.
The five followed the leading eunuch, orderly leaving the courtyard. The evaluation palace was still some distance from this courtyard.
All maintained a straight gaze.
They were placed in another courtyard, but unlike before, there was no casual chatting. Instead, they stood respectfully behind the eunuch, waiting quietly.
As batch after batch of candidates entered, finally it was Shen Layue and her group’s turn.
The palace selection did not involve entering the palace hall but standing at the palace entrance for the Emperor’s inspection.
They stood in position and performed the formal greeting by waving their handkerchiefs.
“Your humble servant wishes the Emperor and the Empress Dowager eternal happiness and good health.”
“Rise.” They slightly lowered their heads and complied accordingly.
As usual, the Emperor and Empress Dowager asked several questions. Chen Yulan answered well and was given a sachet, indicating her selection.
Actually, there was a method to this audience.
Among the same five candidates, the one in front was selected, inevitably causing the following candidates to feel discouraged. Unless they were exceptionally outstanding, their chances of being retained were slim.
Layue was separated from Yulan by one person.
This candidate, due to her unremarkable performance, was dismissed and given a flower.
“Shen Layue, daughter of Shen Shuwen, a fifth-rank official of the Hanlin Academy, aged thirteen…” an elderly eunuch announced from beneath the Emperor’s seat.
“Your humble servant greets the Emperor and the Empress Dowager, wishing them eternal happiness and good health.”
“Raise your head.”
Shen Layue lifted her head. Her delicate face, adorned with golden swaying hairpins, appeared somewhat amusing.
However, the Empress Dowager’s gaze fell on her attire and its patterns.
“Do you have any talents?” The Emperor’s voice was clear, giving no indication of satisfaction with her appearance.
“Your humble servant has some knowledge in various areas, though not particularly skilled.”
The Emperor said nothing, but the Empress Dowager nodded. She liked this kind of modest woman.
“Looking at your attire, it is somewhat unique, different from other candidates.”
Layue’s face brightened: “Your humble servant did not personally embroider this dress, but the patterns and colors were chosen by myself.”
At this, Emperor Jing couldn’t help but smile. Her voice carried a hint of pride. Did she really think her choice was good?
Actually, Emperor Jing didn’t understand the Empress Dowager’s thoughts.
“Oh? Then tell me, why did you choose this color and pattern?” the Empress Dowager asked.
“Your humble servant believes this makes me appear noble and eye-catching,” Layue replied.
Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager smiled, glancing again at the golden swaying hairpin on her head.
This outfit didn’t quite match her face.
Seeing the Empress Dowager’s pleasure, Emperor Jing thought this woman could amuse the Empress Dowager and found her somewhat interesting, having already made a decision.
However, he asked one more question: “Did your family give you any suggestions regarding your attire today?”
“Your humble servant has always dressed this way. My family also thinks it is very good,” she replied.
The Empress Dowager smiled warmly at Emperor Jing and nodded.
“Rise,” Emperor Jing nodded.
“Shen Layue, daughter of Shen Shuwen, a fifth-rank official of the Hanlin Academy, is retained and given a sachet…” the elderly eunuch announced again upon seeing the Emperor’s nod.
Layue, with a continuous smile on her face, made the Empress Dowager shake her head in amusement.
Seeing the Empress Dowager’s interest in Shen Layue, Emperor Jing couldn’t help but look at her a few more times.
Layue’s joy was evident on her face.
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