Fengxi Palace
The residence of Eastern Tombs' empresses throughout the ages. Empress Lin Qingyao was preparing to remove her hairpins and retire for the night, attended by her maids. Under the lamplight, Lin Qingyao's face appeared elegant and refined, her simple light-green undergarments complementing her gentle and dignified presence.
Empress Lin was the eldest legitimate daughter of Jun Ji's mentor, Grand Tutor Lin. She had entered the Prince of Qin's mansion when the emperor was still Prince Qin. Known for her virtue and wisdom, she was considered a model for all women in the Imperial Consorts' Palace. Over the years, the relationship between the emperor and empress had remained excellent, though regrettably, she had never conceived.
"Your Majesty! The Emperor is here." The head palace maid Bi Yun entered joyfully.
The Empress was momentarily startled, rising to her feet. As she turned, Jun Ji had just entered the inner chamber. She smiled softly and bowed. "Your humble consort greets Your Majesty."
Jun Ji extended a hand to help the Empress rise. "There is no need for such formality, Empress."
Having said this, he took the Empress's hand, and the two walked to the bedside and sat down. The surrounding palace maids had quietly withdrawn at some point. The Empress inquired gently, "Has Your Majesty come to discuss matters regarding the Imperial Selection?"
Jun Ji's lips curved slightly. "I have full confidence entrusting the Imperial Selection to you, Empress. The night is late—let us retire."
That evening, news that the Emperor had stayed overnight at Fengxi Palace spread, leading to the shattering of countless golden vases and jade ceramics in various palaces, though none could say exactly how many.
Three days later, at the palace gate
Many carriages were parked before the palace gate. Mu Li had arrived relatively early and stood to one side with her two maids, Changxiu and Shanwu.
Some candidates stood in small groups chatting. Mu Li rarely left her residence and thus had few friends in the capital. Even when she did venture out, she concealed her face with a light veil.
Consequently, while the capital knew of the Mu family's second young lady, Mu Wan, almost no one knew what the eldest young lady, Mu Li, looked like.
Today, Mu Li wore a light-purple gauze gown. Her skin was fairer than snow, yet she wore no makeup. Her noble and ethereal bearing made her seem like a celestial being descended to earth; even standing quietly, she drew exceptional attention.
"All candidates, follow this old servant inside! Remember, once inside, you must adhere to the palace rules. Do not gaze around aimlessly or speak loudly." Several palace maids emerged, led by a stern-faced matron.
"Yes," the group responded in unison.
Not far away, a carriage slowly approached. "It's the Xiao family's carriage!" someone recognized it. The carriage came to a gradual stop before the palace gate.
"Who is it? Daring to arrive late on the day of the Grand Selection—aren't they afraid of reprimand from above?" someone wondered.
"You don't understand. That's the Xiao family, the maternal family of the Empress Dowager. The young lady of the Xiao family is certain to enter the palace as a consort."
A candidate whispered, "I've seen the eldest Miss Xiao at a banquet. Truly worthy of being called Eastern Tombs' foremost noble lady—her bearing is unmatched. I've also heard that the Xiao family's young lady will enter the palace with a rank of at least Concubine."
The current Empress Dowager hailed from the Duke Dingguo's residence. The Duke Dingguo's title had been inherited since the time of the Taizu Emperor.
Mu Li glanced over. She had heard of the legitimate young lady of the Duke Dingguo's residence, Xiao Shutong—renowned as the capital's foremost beauty. The young woman's hair cascaded gracefully to her neck, her features exquisitely painted as if by a brush, her skin fairer than snow, and her eyes appearing profoundly cool. She was draped in a light-blue gauze shawl. Her maid, Xu'er, assisted her young mistress as she descended from the carriage.
The leading matron approached with a beaming smile. "Miss Xiao, you have arrived."
Mu Li's lips curved slightly. See? The palace was full of those who fawned on the powerful. Therefore, she must climb to that highest position. Xiao Shutong did not spare a glance for the crowd, walking directly inside.
Upon passing through the palace gate, Xiao Shutong halted her steps, and a cool, clear voice rang out: "Who is that young lady in the purple dress?" Everyone said she had been the most beautiful in the capital since childhood, yet in the presence of the woman just now, she had ultimately been outshone.
Her personal maid, Xu'er, glanced back and replied, "Miss, that appears to be the eldest daughter of the Mu Mansion, named Mu Li."
Chuxiu Palace
All the Candidates stood together as the head matron addressed them: "I know all of you are pampered young ladies from your own households, but the palace is not like your homes. Everyone must follow the palace rules!"
"Otherwise, if you make a mistake and are expelled from the palace, you will bring shame upon your families. Is that clear?"
"We heed the matron's instruction," the group responded in unison.
"Very well. The Imperial Household Department has already assigned your accommodations. You may rest now." Upon hearing this, the crowd dispersed once more.
Shan Wu was tidying the bedding for her young lady when she saw Mu Li enter from outside. Delighted, she said, "Miss, I've already prepared everything for you. This room is the best; you'll surely sleep well tonight and be ready to meet His Majesty tomorrow!"
Mu Li couldn't help but smile. "Then I must thank our Shan Wu. After the Grand Selection concludes, I'll reward you with osmanthus cakes from the First Tower."
"Thank you, Miss!" Shan Wu's eyes lit up at the mention of osmanthus cakes from the First Tower.
Chang Xiu, standing behind Mu Li, shook her head helplessly. Noticing the late hour, she stepped forward and said, "Miss, you should rest early! Tomorrow is the Grand Selection."
Mu Li nodded. Just then, an unfriendly female voice came from the doorway: "I want this room. Find yourselves another place!"
The three turned to look. The young woman appeared to be in the prime of her youth, with delicate features and a pretty, albeit willful, face—clearly not someone easy to deal with.
Hearing this, Shan Wu, indignant, wanted to step forward and argue but was stopped by Mu Li. Shan Wu looked at her young lady. "Miss…"
Mu Li gave her a reassuring glance before turning to the other woman. "And if I refuse to give it up, what will you do?"
The young woman was Shen Ying, the illegitimate daughter of the current Grand Master of Imperial Entertainments. By rights, she should not have been eligible for this Grand Selection, but relying on her favored concubine mother, she looked down on legitimate daughters and managed to come as she wished.
"Do you know who I am? My father is a Grand Master of Imperial Entertainments of the second rank. How dare you defy me?" Shen Ying, having been spoiled since childhood, was immediately displeased upon hearing this.
She had already noticed Mu Li earlier at the palace gate—exceptionally beautiful and legitimate-born. Thus, she had taken an instant dislike to Mu Li.
Mu Li chuckled lightly. "I had no idea the Shen family taught their daughters in such a manner. It's truly an eye-opener."
"You! Enough nonsense. If you don't move, I'll have my servants move you. It won't look good then." As she spoke, the maids behind Shen Ying stepped forward.
"Miss Shen, allow me to remind you: this is the palace, not the Shen residence. It would be best not to act recklessly, or you may lose more than you gain." At that moment, a calm, unhurried voice sounded. The newcomer was none other than Xiao Shutong.
Upon seeing who had arrived, Shen Ying's arrogance immediately deflated, knowing full well this was someone she could not afford to provoke. She shot a fierce glare at Mu Li before leaving with her entourage.
Meanwhile, Mu Li was quite surprised to see Xiao Shutong arrive. She thought to herself that she usually had no interaction with this legendary top noble lady of the capital. So why had she suddenly appeared to help her?
"Miss, Miss Xiao has already left." Before Mu Li could react, Xiao Shutong had departed, and it was Shan Wu who tugged at her sleeve.
Chang Xiu couldn't help but wonder: "Miss, we've never had any dealings with this Miss Xiao before. Why would she help us?"
"That's what puzzles me too. I hope she's not an enemy."