In her previous life, she was an actress who had just won the Best Actress award and was preparing to go abroad for filming. However, a plane crash sent her to this unfamiliar dynasty.
In her past life, as an orphan with no one to rely on, she didn’t become a Best Actress solely because of her superb acting skills—her stunning beauty also provided her with many advantages.
Coming to this ancient era, she never once thought of spending her life with only one person. Even in modern times, such a thing was hard to achieve, let alone in this era. Since that was the case, why shouldn’t she become the woman of the most honorable man? Moreover, she truly adored these luxurious silks and fine garments.
Her current identity was the legitimate daughter of a Third Rank Vice Minister. She had an elder legitimate brother, and her mother-wife’s position as the principal wife was secure.
Her father’s neither-high-nor-low official rank wouldn’t draw attention, nor would it invite discrimination. As a civil official, it was truly the best possible position, making it difficult for her not to be tempted by that prospect.
However, there was no need to share these thoughts with her mother, who was always worrying about her children. At this moment, she only needed to be an obedient girl to put her mother’s mind at ease.
The sixth day of the sixth month was the day of the grand selection. Although it was only the initial selection, it still deserved serious attention.
At the hour of Mao, Chu Yanzhi brought her personal maid, Bai Hua, to bid farewell to Old Madam Chu and Madam Chu.
Old Madam Chu, seeing her dressed appropriately, smiled with satisfaction. "A’yan, you must take good care of yourself on this journey. Your safety is the most important thing."
Chu Yanzhi’s eyes reddened slightly as she knelt and bowed. "A’yan will never disgrace the Chu family’s reputation. I will be cautious in my words and actions."
Soon, the carriage from the Internal Affairs Office arrived. Chu Yanzhi boarded the carriage and, accompanied by her Elder Brother, entered the Forbidden City.
After nearly half an hour, the carriage came to a stop. Chu Yanzhi steadied herself with Bai Hua’s hand and heard her Elder Brother say, "Little Sister, you must be careful on this journey. I’ll be waiting here for you."
Chu Yanzhi looked up at her Elder Brother. He had a dignified appearance and a robust physique, looking every bit like a military general. Her Father was a civil official, loyal and upright in his daily life, yet her Elder Brother was nothing like him. Nor was he as he appeared—despite his honest and sincere appearance, he possessed the cunning mind of a fox.
He was extremely protective of his younger sister. In recent days, he had often sent her delicious food and fun trinkets. Knowing that she was about to participate in the selection of beauties and might soon enter the Imperial Palace, making it difficult for them to meet again, this seven-foot-tall man actually teared up. He spent an entire afternoon talking to her, promising that he would achieve great deeds and become her support in the future.
Thinking of this, Chu Yanzhi felt a slight sting in her eyes. Moved by this pure and heartfelt affection, she threw herself into his arms. "Elder Brother, I’ll take good care of myself."
Her Elder Brother patted her and gently pushed her away. After all, they were at the palace gates, and even as siblings, they had to be mindful of propriety.
"Go on."
A long line stretched before the palace gates. Chu Yanzhi stood at the back of the queue, slowly moving forward with the long procession. Just as she stepped through the palace gates, a voice rang out:
"—Ding—Harem Struggle System activated—
Host bound: Chu Yanzhi
Please strive to complete your tasks, Host!"
Author’s Note: I’m a new author, writing my first novel. Please be understanding.