Next was Chu Yanzhi. She straightened her attire and stepped forward gracefully. Since those seated above included not only the Emperor but also the Empress Dowager and the Empress, Chu Yanzhi once again restrained her seductive demeanor. Yet her voice naturally carried a soft, charming tone as she spoke gently,
"Daughter of the Vice Minister of Revenue, Chu Yanzhi, pays respects to Your Majesty, Empress Dowager, and Empress. May you enjoy boundless fortune and peace!"
Her voice was pleasant to the ear, and the Purple Jade Bracelet also played its part. Emperor Yong finally relaxed his brow slightly and glanced downward.
"Raise your head. Let me see."
Upon hearing this, Chu Yanzhi lifted her head, quickly glanced at the Emperor's appearance, and then lowered her gaze to the area below his neck. This allowed Emperor Yong to see her face clearly without giving him the impression of disrespect. A flicker of admiration passed through Emperor Yong Feng Xuanyi's eyes, but it vanished in an instant, returning to calm.
Seeing the Emperor's expression soften, the Empress Dowager inquired from above, "What books have you read?"
Chu Yanzhi replied with neither humility nor arrogance, "Your servant is untalented. I have only read books such as Admonitions for Women and usually enjoy reading some Romantic Miscellanies."
Satisfaction flashed in the Empress Dowager's eyes. This Empress Dowager finds this child quite pleasing. What does Your Majesty think?"
Emperor Yong looked at the Empress Dowager with a smile. "If Mother finds her good, then she must be." After speaking, he nodded to the recording eunuch.
"Daughter of the Vice Minister of Revenue, Chu Yanzhi—retain the name tablet, bestow a scented pouch!"
Chu Yanzhi finally relaxed a little and dared to glance upward somewhat boldly. By chance, she met Emperor Yong's gaze as he looked over. Startled, a blush spread across her face. She slightly parted her lips, then stopped, the crimson hue spreading from her cheeks to her neck. She then respectfully bowed and withdrew.
Emperor Yong had initially taken a closer look at her because of her voice but had not expected to encounter her bold, fleeting glance. Observing her series of changing expressions, a hint of amusement flickered in his eyes.
Following the guiding eunuch to the side hall, she found eight other women already waiting there. Apart from the four she knew, she did not recognize the remaining few.
As someone entered, the women already in the room scrutinized her carefully. Seeing her stunning beauty and graceful posture, they could not help but glance at Li Manyun, known as the top beauty.
Li Manyun's beauty was of the bright and dazzling kind, carrying a hint of pride that stirred a desire to conquer. In contrast, Chu Yanzhi possessed a delicate beauty—when her delicate brows furrowed slightly, it evoked pity to the very core, much like her name suggested: "Autumn waves, deep and enchanting; spring bamboo shoots, slender and alluring."
The women present paused slightly, each mentally noting this potential rival.
Chu Yanzhi nodded to them in acknowledgment. After sitting down, she remained silent, as no ranks had been assigned yet and there was no need for formal greetings.
After Chu Yanzhi, seven more women entered. Including them, there were sixteen in total. Thus, the selection of beauties in the sixth year of Shunxing came to an end.
Upon returning home, news of her selection had already arrived. Minister Chu's face showed both joy and worry—joy for the family's prospects, worry for his daughter's happiness. Madam Chu, however, was filled with concern. Yet, since matters had come to this, further worry was futile. They could only plan carefully for her.
In the evening, Madam Chu came to Chu Yanzhi's room.
"Mother, why have you come?" Seeing Madam Chu arrive at this time, Chu Yanzhi could not help but ask.
Madam Chu held her hand and slipped something into it. "This is the undercover agent our clan has planted in the palace. Memorize it carefully and then destroy it."
Even Chu Yanzhi was pleasantly surprised by this list, opening it to examine it carefully.
Madam Chu added, "Your father asked me to tell you to take good care of yourself in the palace. Although you have entered the palace, our Chu family does not need you to seek glory and wealth. Your safety is the most important."
Chu Yanzhi was moved by their kindness. "Your daughter will remember Mother's teachings."