Lanzhu kept walking, but when she saw her father, her steps slowed considerably. The hairpin that had been swaying on her head now only trembled slightly, maintaining the demeanor expected of a noble lady from a prestigious family.
“Daughter greets Father and Mother.”
Tong Guowei, who had a bit of a scruffy beard, looked visibly uncomfortable when he saw his daughter approaching.
Was he not looking clean enough?
Should he go change his clothes first?
His train of thought was interrupted by his daughter’s words.
“Father, you’ve been working hard lately.”
“Not hard, not hard at all.” He had intended to stand up but sat back down instead.
Forget it, better to see what’s going on here first.
“Madam, what’s going on here?” Tong Guowei straightened his expression and asked.
Tong Guowei was the typical Manchu man, tall and sturdy. Recently, he had been out in the wind and snow, not paying much attention to his appearance. With a stern face, he looked somewhat like a fearsome black-faced deity, which was quite intimidating.
“It’s nothing major.”
“It’s just that I was recently poisoned at home, and it happened to be traced back to Concubine Xiao, so I called her here to ask about it,” Hesheli Shi said lightly to her husband.
Tong Guowei’s eyes widened instantly: “What did you say?!”
“Why didn’t you tell me about such a big matter earlier?!” Hearing that his wife had been poisoned, Tong Guowei was extremely shocked, and his face turned very unpleasant.
Hesheli Shi chuckled softly: “You are already working hard for the Emperor, I couldn’t let you worry about this too.”
These words moved Tong Guowei greatly, and naturally, his heart leaned towards his wife.
“Xiao Shi, you are truly bold!”
He clearly had no intention of listening to Concubine Xiao’s explanation and directly pronounced her guilty.
The sudden change left Concubine Xiao, who was kneeling below, dumbfounded.
In the end, she looked angrily at the calm-faced Madam, truly a masterful tactic!
But she was not afraid!
She believed she had left no evidence, and the Madam’s claim of having found something might just be a bluff. She couldn’t panic!
She still had her son!
“Master, please see clearly, why would I poison the Madam?”
“I have a son and a daughter, and Dekexin is the eldest son. I have no reason to do such a thing.” Concubine Xiao, having calmed down, showed some quick wit.
However, no matter how she tried to explain and exonerate herself, Hesheli Shi maintained a confident expression, which made Concubine Xiao increasingly uneasy.
“Xiao Shi, shut up!” Tong Guowei shouted.
“What eldest son! He doesn’t deserve that position!” In Tong Guowei’s heart, the position of eldest son belonged to Yekeshu.
Dekexin, who had been quietly kneeling to the side, was stunned by his father’s words.
So in his father’s heart, no matter what, he would never compare to his big brother?
Concubine Xiao was shocked by the shout, looking at the Master with disbelief.
The legitimate eldest son was gone, so why couldn’t her son be the eldest son!
It was precisely because of the Master’s favoritism that she had taken such a desperate risk.
Whether it was her son or daughter, the Master always only saw the third young master and the eldest young lady born of the Madam. Even though she had given birth to a son and a daughter, she was treated no differently than Zhao Shi.
How could she not harbor resentment!
“Master, don’t be angry.” Hesheli Shi, having calmed down, looked at Xiao Shi with cold eyes.
The eldest son was a pain in the Master’s heart, and it was no less so for her.
Her first child, the eldest son born with infinite expectations!
Indeed!
From the beginning, Xiao Shi had harbored delusions!
“Xiao Shi, since I called you here, I must have evidence.”
“Since you are so unwilling, let me show you.”
“Yiyun, bring the person in.”
“Yes, Madam.”
Lanzhu, who had been sitting quietly to the side, remained silent. With her mother and father present, it was not her place to intervene.
She only needed to listen quietly.
However, when Yiyun brought the person in, Lanzhu’s eyes widened in surprise.
How could it be her?!
Hesheli Shi looked at Xiao Shi’s suddenly ashen face, and her anger grew.
“How dare you!”
“To reach your hand into Lanzhu’s courtyard!”
If it weren’t for this coincidence, would both mother and daughter have escaped Xiao Shi’s schemes?
Compared to Hesheli Shi’s restraint, Tong Guowei’s reaction was much more straightforward. He stood up and kicked Concubine Xiao to the ground.
His expression was terrifying: “You are truly something!”
In Tong Guowei’s heart, aside from the deceased legitimate eldest son, his legitimate daughter Lanzhu held the most weight, even more than Longkodo, who was also a legitimate son.
Xiao Shi had reached her hand towards his daughter, which was an unforgivable offense.
Especially after he was powerless to stop his daughter from entering the palace, his affection for her had only grown.
“Liu Qiu, is this person from your small kitchen?” The person Yiyun brought in was naturally familiar to Lanzhu, as she was a second-class maid in her courtyard, working in the small kitchen managed by Liu Qiu.
Seeing the person, Lanzhu understood everything: “No wonder Mother was poisoned.”
“So the problem lies with me?”
“You bribed someone in my courtyard and then used my hand to poison Mother?!” Lanzhu didn’t know what to feel at this moment.
It turned out that in the end, she had harmed her mother!
Hesheli Shi had been observing her daughter since she sent someone to call the person, fearing she couldn’t handle it.
So when she showed a hint of distress, Hesheli Shi noticed immediately: “Yujin, come to Mother’s side.”
Lanzhu, with tears in her eyes, walked towards her mother, her eyes filled with regret and self-blame: “Mother…”
“Yujin, be good, Mother never blames you.”
“The fault is not yours, the fault lies with the dirty intentions of the person behind it.”
“My Yujin is so filial and sensible, you are Mother’s pride. Many ladies in the capital envy me for having such a well-behaved daughter.”
“So, don’t blame yourself.” Hesheli Shi hugged her daughter tightly and comforted her softly.
She didn’t forget to glare at Xiao Shi with eyes like needles.
In fact, she had already found out yesterday, but she delayed dealing with Xiao Shi for a day because she knew her husband would return early today.
She did it on purpose!
To let her husband personally shatter Xiao Shi’s confidence and delusions!
This would leave a deeper impression on Xiao Shi than if she had done it herself!
“Madam, a maid can’t prove anything.”
“I can also say she is slandering me.” Even at this point, Xiao Shi refused to admit it.
After all, the things she gave out had no marks. Even if this maid was indeed her person, she could deny it!
“That’s true.”
“But there is one thing you cannot deny.”
“The reason this maid was willing to work for you, besides being bribed with silver, was because you promised to make her Dekexin’s concubine, so she was willing to help you wholeheartedly.”
“I never said that,” Xiao Shi said.
At this moment, the maid who had been silent since entering raised her head: “Concubine Xiao, I knew you might turn on me later, so I deliberately kept evidence.”
With that, the maid took out a simple silver hairpin from her bosom.
“This is your item, you can’t deny it.”
“This silver hairpin was what you wore when you first entered the residence. Such a shabby thing, I’m sure the older servants in the residence remember it. Later, you gave it to me as a reward. You might have forgotten, but everyone in the residence knows whose item this silver hairpin is.”
Seeing this item, Xiao Shi’s mouth opened and closed a few times, but she couldn’t say anything.
Why did she give away this silver hairpin back then?
It was because she thought this hairpin matched the maid’s delusional thoughts, and it carried a bit of humiliation.
After all, when she entered the residence with this hairpin, she was ridiculed for a long time.
Daring to covet her son!
But she didn’t expect it to become the final evidence against her!
“Since Madam knows everything, I have nothing more to say.” At this point, Xiao Shi couldn’t find any evidence to refute.
In the end, she was one move short, but she didn’t regret it!
If she could start over, she would make the same choice, only she would do it more discreetly!
A trace of mockery flashed in Hesheli Shi’s eyes: “Master, after all, she is the birth mother of Dekexin and Minghui. Why not spare Xiao Shi’s life?”
Did Hesheli Shi really think this way?
Of course not!
How could she not hate someone who almost harmed both her and her daughter!
But then again, Xiao Shi had given birth to two children for the Master, so it was most appropriate for the Master to decide how to deal with her!
She never intended to deal with Xiao Shi herself from the beginning.
Tong Guowei glanced at his daughter, whose eyes still held fear, and his resolve was firm: “Yi Qing, Xiao Shi is ill, send her back to her courtyard.”
“Take Second Young Lady to Zhao Shi’s place.”
With two sentences, Xiao Shi’s fate was decided.
After hearing this, Xiao Shi realized the Madam’s malicious intent, and she let out a bitter smile: “Master!”
“You are truly heartless!”
Dekexin, who was kneeling beside her, was greatly shocked by his father’s words. Was his father planning to let his concubine die of illness!
“Father, I beg you to spare Concubine’s life.”
On the other side, little Minghui also followed her brother and said, “Father, please spare Concubine.”
At the age of eight, Minghui had been well protected by Xiao Shi. As a noble girl from a Manchu family, especially as one of the only two noble girls in the residence, no servant dared to bully her, even if she wasn’t favored.
So, Minghui was raised very innocently, but she vaguely understood that Concubine had made a mistake and was being punished by Father.
But Tong Guowei was unmoved: “Yi Qing, why aren’t you taking action?”
Then he didn’t look back, directly getting up and leaving, giving no one a chance to plead further.
As Yi Qing took the person away, the room returned to calm.
Lanzhu awkwardly freed herself from her mother’s embrace, her cheeks slightly red: “Mother, are you feeling better?”
“Much better already.”
“It’s getting late, you should go back.”
“I suppose you have things to deal with, don’t you?” The reason she didn’t deal with Liu Qiu, who was by her daughter’s side, was because Hesheli Shi wanted her daughter to handle it herself.
After all, Liu Qiu was her daughter’s first-class maid, and even as a mother, she had no reason to overstep.
Moreover, this matter was neither too big nor too small, and she wanted to see how her daughter would handle it.
Yujin would enter the palace in the future, and she couldn’t always be there to consider everything for her. It was time to let go and let her daughter handle these matters herself.
“Mm.” Lanzhu naturally understood her mother’s implied meaning.
“Go ahead.”
“Then I’ll take my leave.”
Fuchun Courtyard
Returning to her courtyard, Lanzhu didn’t immediately call for Liu Qiu but sat on the low couch, closing her eyes in thought.
Liu Chun and Liu Xia stood silently by her side until they heard light footsteps outside the door.
Liu Qiu entered with a tray, her face showing a flattering expression.
Yesterday, Nanny Yun from the main courtyard had taken a maid from the small kitchen, and since then, Liu Qiu had been on edge.
Especially since today, when Gege hurried to the main courtyard and returned with a not-so-good expression.
Although she didn’t understand what had happened, Liu Qiu knew it was definitely not a small matter!
The small kitchen had always been under her management, and now that something had happened, how could she remain uninvolved?
“Gege, I made your favorite cloud cake. Would you like to try it?”
Lanzhu opened her eyes indifferently at the words, looking at Liu Qiu without speaking for a long time.
This matter couldn’t be entirely blamed on Liu Qiu; as her master, she had to bear at least half the responsibility.
Fuchun Courtyard was under her management, and failing to detect someone with ulterior motives in time was her negligence.
“Liu Qiu, why was the pastry I asked you to make for Mother tampered with?” This was the part that troubled Lanzhu the most.
Liu Qiu’s face turned pale at the words, and she knelt on the ground with a thud: “It was my negligence, I ask Gege to punish me.”
Liu Qiu wisely didn’t argue too much, at least acknowledging that the problem originated from her.
Unlike Liu Chun and Liu Xia, who were alone, Liu Qiu was a family-born servant in the residence, so she had a bit more confidence than others.
This also explained why her personality was so lively.
“Such negligence!” Lanzhu was so angry that her chest heaved.
How could something that entered the mouth be treated with negligence?!
“Liu Qiu, the main kitchen is short of a helper, you can go there for now.” After saying this, Lanzhu closed her eyes.
Liu Qiu looked up in disbelief: “Gege, are you abandoning me?”
Her expression was tearful, staring fixedly at Gege in front of her.
But Lanzhu didn’t respond, only leaning back in silence.
Seeing Liu Qiu still wanting to say something, Liu Chun frowned, moved her feet, and walked in front of Liu Qiu, forcibly dragging her out.
After closing the door, Liu Chun scolded: “Gege asked you to reflect in the main kitchen, she didn’t say she was transferring you there permanently.”
“With such an expression, are you dissatisfied with Gege’s decision?”
“If you make a mistake, you should be punished. You almost harmed the Madam, Gege must be feeling terrible. Not sending you home is already Gege’s great mercy.” Liu Chun had never liked Liu Qiu’s personality.
But since Gege hadn’t spoken, she didn’t dare to do anything.
Now was the perfect opportunity to make Liu Qiu reflect.
If she could change her ways, it would be a happy ending for everyone. If not, Gege probably wouldn’t be soft-hearted again.
“I… I know I made a big mistake this time, but I don’t want to leave Gege.” The competition in the residence was fierce, and there were four fixed first-class maids by Gege’s side. If she left, someone else would naturally take her place. Even if she could return to Gege’s side, it would be difficult to regain her position as a first-class maid.
A first-class maid by the master’s side represented the master’s face. Once she lost that position, who knew how her former acquaintances would mock her.
“This is Gege’s order.” After saying this, Liu Chun turned and returned to the room.
Liu Qiu looked at the tightly closed door, her face filled with confusion.
She stood there for a long time, but no one came out. In the end, Liu Qiu had to return to her room to pack her things.
Inside the room
“Is she gone?”
“Yes, Gege, Liu Qiu has left.”
“It’s good that she’s gone.”
“Keeping someone with such a personality by my side would only harm her in the end,” Lanzhu said softly.
“Gege, it wouldn’t be you harming Liu Qiu, it would be Liu Qiu harming you!” Liu Chun saw it clearly.
She didn’t deny Liu Qiu’s loyalty, but she also knew that Liu Qiu was too easily swayed by external things.
“Forget it, let’s not talk about this anymore.” After all, Liu Qiu had been with her since childhood, so how could Lanzhu not feel upset?
But making mistakes required paying the price, and that was Lanzhu’s bottom line!
No matter who the person making the mistake was!
After all, there was no medicine for regret in this world!
…
After the incident in the residence, Hesheli Shi thoroughly investigated the household, leaving the servants on edge.
With such actions, Lanzhu clearly felt that the people in the residence had become much more cautious.
Days passed by, and the time for the selection drew closer.
In the fifteenth year of Kangxi, on the first day of the tenth month
The Tongjia Residence was bustling with activity.
In the main courtyard, the only Concubine Zhao in the residence was bringing several children to pay respects.
Today was the first day of the month, the day for paying respects, and also the birthday of the eldest young lady of the residence.
This might be her last birthday in the residence, so the entire Tongjia Residence was bustling.
It had been almost a year since the incident with Concubine Xiao, and Second Young Lady Minghui, who was young, had cried incessantly at first but had now become unusually silent.
Her once lively personality had become much gloomier.
Dekexin, beside her, was the same.
Clearly, his father’s words had dealt him a heavy blow, and he hadn’t recovered from it.
On the other hand, Hongshan, born of Concubine Zhao, was cheerful and had a good relationship with the legitimate siblings.
“Sister, sister, is there anything you want for your birthday today?” The most lively speaker in front of Lanzhu was always Longkodo!
Today, Lanzhu, who turned sixteen, had become even more beautiful, and her personality had grown more composed.
Hearing her brother’s words, she just chuckled lightly: “Who asks someone what they want for their birthday?”
“As long as it’s from you, sister will like it.”
Nine-year-old Longkodo had grown quite a bit, almost as tall as Lanzhu.
Standing behind Longkodo, Hongshan looked on with slight envy. Although he had a good relationship with his legitimate sister, he could never be as carefree as Longkodo.
There was an insurmountable gap between legitimate and illegitimate sons!
Hesheli Shi looked at her daughter, her face smiling, but her eyes held traces of pain.
Next February would be the grand selection, and by then, Yujin would only have four months left at home.
But today was a joyous day, and she couldn’t show any signs of distress.
“Your father told me to prepare well before he left.”
“Mother, it’s just a birthday, no need to make a big fuss.” Lanzhu knew her mother and father hadn’t been happy lately.
With the grand selection approaching, she naturally felt the same unease and reluctance.
“Mother invited a theater troupe to the residence today, let’s all go listen later.” Although no invitations were sent out, Hesheli Shi didn’t want to wrong her daughter.
As they spoke, someone came to report from outside.
“Madam, Hesheli Gege and Guarjia Gege have come to visit.”
Lanzhu’s eyes lit up at the news, and she turned expectantly to her mother.
Hesheli Shi smiled and shook her head: “Go ahead.”
Lanzhu hadn’t seen the two of them for a long time, and with the selection coming up next year, the three of them naturally had endless things to talk about.
Lanzhu left with her people, and Hesheli Shi’s expression towards the others wasn’t as warm: “Everyone, go back. Later, let’s all go to the theater to listen to the play.”
“Yes, Madam/Legitimate Mother.”
In Fuchun Courtyard
Lanzhu dismissed everyone, leaving only the three of them in the room.
“Lanzhu, happy birthday.” Wenyuan and Yinglan each presented their carefully prepared gifts.
Lanzhu accepted them and placed them aside.
“Lanzhu, the grand selection is next year, are you afraid?” The youngest, Wenyuan, spoke first, her face showing traces of worry.
Before Lanzhu could reply, the oldest of the three, Yinglan, spoke up: “Wenyuan, there’s nothing to fear about the grand selection.”
“As long as you behave, the candidates won’t cause trouble.” After all, Yinglan knew that among the candidates for the grand selection, aside from those with top family backgrounds, the rest wouldn’t cause trouble unless they were exceptionally beautiful.
The palace was different from the outside; even a stone would speak there.
Candidates without a foundation couldn’t possibly eliminate others during the grand selection.
The eyes of the palace nannies were sharp.
After all, it was a matter of great consequence, and the candidates entering the palace for the selection had all been instructed by their families. No one would be so foolish.
“Yinglan, you shouldn’t have to start from the preliminary selection this time, right?” Wenyuan asked.
Yinglan was a candidate left from the last grand selection, and her age had exceeded the limit. If it weren’t for the incident with Empress Xiaocheng, Yinglan would have been married by now.
Instead of being dragged to the present.
“Yes, I only need to participate in the final selection.” With that, Yinglan glanced worriedly at her cousin Lanzhu.
After the selection next year, they might never be able to gather like this again.
Lanzhu seemed not to notice her cousin’s expression, her face still smiling: “My mother invited a theater troupe to the residence today, let’s hurry over so we don’t miss the show.”
…
After lunch, Yinglan and Wenyuan left.
By the end of the afternoon, when Tong Guowei returned to the residence, the person he brought left Lanzhu in a daze.
“Cousin… Cousin, why are you here?” The person beside Tong Guowei was none other than Kangxi, who should have been in the palace.
“What?”
“Is my cousin not welcoming me?” Kangxi raised an eyebrow, a slight smile on his lips.
Lanzhu stood beside her mother, pursed her pink lips, and then lowered her eyes: “No, I’m more than happy that Cousin is here.”
At this moment, Tong Guowei paused, but under Liang Jiugong’s urging, he led his wife and others forward, leaving the Emperor and Lanzhu behind.
“Master…”
“It’s nothing, let’s go ahead.”
Lanzhu watched her father walking far ahead, then looked at her cousin beside her.
“Yujin, happy birthday.” Kangxi took a long, flat wooden box from his sleeve and handed it to Lanzhu.
Lanzhu steadied herself, reached out, and took it: “Thank you, Cousin.”
“There’s no need for such formalities between us.” After handing the item to his cousin, Kangxi casually placed his hand on her head and patted it.
Lanzhu’s eyes widened in surprise.
“Hehe…”
Kangxi laughed joyfully: “I have a pair of ruby jade rabbits in my storeroom that look a lot like you.”
Lanzhu caught the implication in her cousin’s words: “Really?”
“Then bring them next time for me to see.”
“Alright.”
…
Forbidden City
Cining Palace
The Grand Empress Dowager was kneeling in the small Buddha hall, chanting scriptures. Only after finishing the Diamond Sutra did she open her eyes.
Su Ma Lagu, who was standing by, immediately came over to help her up.
“Sigh!”
“I’m getting old.”
“I can’t even kneel for a while without feeling it.” After standing up, the Grand Empress Dowager patted her knees.
“Your Majesty, you’re not old at all. You still look as young and beautiful as ever,” Su Ma Lagu said, helping her out of the small Buddha hall. She picked up a small wooden hammer from the table, knelt on the ground, and gently massaged her master’s legs.
“Alright, there’s no need for you to do this.” Once the numbness in her legs passed, the Grand Empress Dowager stopped Su Ma Lagu.
The Grand Empress Dowager leaned against the table by the low couch, her eyes half-open: “Has the Emperor left the palace?”
Su Ma Lagu’s eyes flickered slightly: “Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Ha!”
“I underestimated Tongjia Shi.”
“After all, childhood sweethearts are different from others.” The Grand Empress Dowager’s tone remained calm.
But Su Ma Lagu, who knew her temperament well, understood that the Grand Empress Dowager was displeased with Tongjia Gege.
Su Ma Lagu kept her head down, remaining silent.
At times like this, she only needed to listen.
“Tana is also the Emperor’s cousin. I hope the Emperor won’t favor one over the other in next year’s selection, or I won’t stand for it!”
“Your Majesty will surely get your wish.”
“The Khorchin is not what it used to be, and relying on me alone won’t do. I’m getting old, and Qiqige doesn’t manage affairs. Sigh!”
“Everything will be alright,” Su Ma Lagu comforted.
“I hope so.”
“After all, the Emperor is not like the previous Emperor. Their temperaments are completely different. How could a tiger become a meek rabbit?”
“This matter needs to be approached gradually.” Having lived through three reigns, the Grand Empress Dowager saw everything clearly.
The fact that the Emperor could deal with Oboi showed that he was not an Emperor who could be manipulated, not even by her, the Grand Empress Dowager!
Moreover, the Emperor didn’t favor Mongolian consorts, which made things difficult.
“Send the news of the Emperor leaving the palace to Concubine Nara.”
“Why not send the news to Consort Zhao?”
“Consort Zhao doesn’t need me to send news.”
“Someone who could compete with Empress Xiaocheng couldn’t possibly be as harmless as she appears.” The Grand Empress Dowager’s expression was inscrutable.
“It seems Your Majesty favors Concubine Nara over Concubine Ma Jia.”
“The weight of the eldest son is different, after all.”
“What good is it for Concubine Ma Jia to have many children if she can’t raise them?”
“I’ll take care of it right away.”
…
In the sixteenth year of Kangxi, on the first day of the second month
In front of Shenwu Gate, many candidates dressed in splendid attire were gathered, their faces filled with anticipation and hope.
As the time approached, everyone followed the little eunuchs, stepping into the majestic and solemn Forbidden City.
Leading the way were naturally those with the highest family backgrounds.
Among them were Lanzhu and Borjigit Shi, who had been summoned by the Grand Empress Dowager in advance!
By rights, Borjigit Shi, being from the Mongolian military banner, should have been ranked after the Manchu military banner, but her high status and the Grand Empress Dowager’s watchful eye in the palace meant that the eunuchs and servants in the palace were eager to curry favor.
Borjigit Shi was about half a head taller than the candidates from the capital, and her skin was slightly darker than the others.
Today, she wore a bright red flag outfit, and the bold color only made her appear more radiant and dignified.
The Tongjia clan, to which Lanzhu belonged, had been promoted from the Han military banner to the Manchu military bordered yellow banner after her cousin ascended to power.
Aside from the Aisin Gioro clan’s royal women, all eligible women from the Manchu, Mongolian, and Han banners had to participate in the selection.
And Lanzhu’s Manchu military bordered yellow banner was directly under the Emperor’s top three banners, and it was the leading banner.
So during the selection, Lanzhu naturally stood in the first row.
Before entering the palace, her mother had already explained the selection process in detail, and she was equipped with various reward pouches.
Large and small, to facilitate her actions in the palace.
After following the eunuchs through Shenwu Gate, Lanzhu and the others were led to Shunzhen Gate, where they needed to verify their identities.
Lanzhu walked gracefully into the room, where four elderly nannies stood, all with serious expressions.
But when they saw who had entered, their faces immediately broke into smiles: “Greetings, Tongjia Gege.”
“Please stand behind the screen and come out directly afterward.” The nanny in charge of verification was extremely amiable, clearly having received orders from above.
Lanzhu smiled lightly at the words: “Thank you, nannies.”
“A small token of appreciation for your hard work.” With that, Lanzhu took out four prepared pouches and handed them to the four nannies.
“Tongjia Gege is too kind.” Though they spoke politely, they didn’t refuse and accepted the pouches directly.
After all, this was an unspoken rule of the selection.
The nanny recording names wrote down the identity card for Tongjia Gege and respectfully handed it to her: “Tongjia Gege, please take your card.”
Barring any surprises, this Tongjia Gege would at least be a consort.
Currently, there was only Consort Zhao in the palace, and none of the concubines who had given birth to princes or princesses had been promoted.
Now was the time to form a good relationship, as it might open more paths in the future.
“Thank you, nanny.” Lanzhu maintained a good attitude throughout, never acting arrogantly because of her good family background.
Even knowing she was predetermined, Lanzhu had no intention of flaunting her power.
In her view, such things were utterly meaningless.
“Tongjia Gege is too kind.” The four spoke softly as they sent Tongjia Gege out.
Before the next candidate came in, the recording nanny couldn’t help but sigh: “Tongjia Gege has a really good temperament.”
“You can tell she has a good temperament after just one meeting?”
“You know a person’s face but not their heart. The harem is not an easy place.”
The recording nanny glanced at the two nannies in charge of verification: “My eyes are a bit sharper than yours.”
“Come on, Tongjia Gege will definitely get a consort position after entering the palace. No matter how sharp your eyes are, what use is it? Would she even notice you?”
The recording nanny didn’t respond. She knew Tongjia Gege was a hot stove, and she had no intention of climbing the social ladder.
She just couldn’t help but sigh.
Outside the room, when Lanzhu came out, she found she was the first to finish. Seeing Wenyuan still standing not far away, she turned her steps and headed towards her.
“Lanzhu, how was the inspection?”
“I’m a bit scared now.” Seeing Lanzhu approach, Wenyuan’s previously anxious eyes instantly brightened.
“Don’t be afraid, your family should have prepared something for you. Just act accordingly.” Lanzhu wasn’t worried about Wenyuan being troubled.
Wenyuan’s family background wasn’t low either, and the palace nannies weren’t the type to ignore such things.
After all, those who weren’t smart had long disappeared from the palace.
“Your reassurance makes me feel much better.” Wenyuan smiled at the words.
At this moment, the eunuch calling names also called Wenyuan, and Lanzhu smiled: “Go ahead, I’ll wait for you outside, and we can go back together.”
“Mm.”
After Wenyuan went in, Lanzhu found a corner to stand in.
She wasn’t very good at dealing with the candidates who were eager to chat.
Being alone was much better.
During this time, some wanted to approach, but those with lower family backgrounds didn’t dare, and those with higher ones held themselves too high to take the initiative.
In short, Lanzhu’s surroundings remained relatively peaceful.
But this peace didn’t last long before it was broken.
Lanzhu looked up slightly at the tall woman in front of her.
Her face, as beautiful as the moon, showed just the right amount of inquiry.
“Are you Tongjia Lanzhu?” The newcomer was Borjigit Shi, the Grand Empress Dowager’s grandniece and also the Emperor’s cousin.
Borjigit Shi’s words were quite blunt, but surprisingly, Lanzhu didn’t feel any animosity, perhaps because Borjigit Shi’s expression was so forthright.
“I am.” Lanzhu nodded.
“You’re really beautiful, like the moonlight on the grasslands.”
Lanzhu was momentarily stunned by Borjigit Shi’s straightforward compliment, but seeing her unabashed admiration, Lanzhu’s eyes filled with a smile: “Borjigit Gege, you’re too kind.”
“You people from the capital speak so formally, not as straightforward as us.” Hearing Lanzhu’s reply, Borjigit Shi frowned slightly.
“Borjigit Gege is genuine, I can’t compare to you.”
“The Grand Empress Dowager told me to make more friends, but I don’t like them. I think you’re great, let’s be friends.” Borjigit Shi, with her straightforward nature, spoke boldly without any hesitation.
She didn’t think there was anything wrong with what she said.
Having been in the capital for just over a year, Borjigit Shi was well protected by the Grand Empress Dowager, and her nature remained as it was in Khorchin, untouched by the harem.
Lanzhu was at a loss: “Borjigit Gege, noble ladies in the capital don’t ask so directly.”
Borjigit Shi replied matter-of-factly: “I’m not a noble lady from the capital.”
Lanzhu was completely speechless. Such straightforward and sincere people were truly her nemesis.
She had no idea how to respond.
“You don’t want to be friends with me?”
Lanzhu denied: “No.”
“Then we’re friends from now on.” Borjigit Shi was overjoyed to have made her first friend.
Her bright face was adorned with a big smile, not caring at all that her white teeth were fully exposed.
“I live in Cining Palace, you can come find me anytime.”
“Borjigit Gege, Manchu noble ladies can’t enter the palace unless summoned.”
“And during the selection, we can’t enter or leave the palace freely except for the selection.” Lanzhu explained softly.
“Then after the selection, I should be able to find you.” As one of the predetermined candidates, Borjigit Shi naturally knew that Tongjia Gege was also a predetermined candidate.
And the Grand Empress Dowager had asked her to pay attention to Tongjia Gege, but she found Tongjia Gege very pleasant to be around, so she must be different from the others!
Her father always said she was blessed by the Eternal Heaven, so she wouldn’t misjudge people!
“If there’s a chance, Lanzhu will always be ready to welcome you.” Lanzhu didn’t evade because of Borjigit Gege’s relationship with the Grand Empress Dowager.
No matter what Borjigit Gege would become in the future, at least now she was an open and honest person, and that was enough!
Future matters could be considered later.
Planning too far ahead was exhausting!
Lanzhu didn’t want to become that kind of person!
“Then it’s settled. After you enter the palace, remember to find me to play.” For Borjigit Shi, not being able to return to the grasslands was regrettable, but she also understood her mission, so she didn’t feel sad.
Being able to relieve her tribe’s worries was a source of pride for her!
Even if she was trapped in the deep palace from now on, she wouldn’t complain!
She hoped her tribe would grow stronger!
“Mm.”
After they finished speaking, Wenyuan also passed the preliminary selection, her expression not much different from when she went in.
When Wenyuan came out and saw the person beside Lanzhu, her expression showed slight confusion, but she didn’t ask at this moment.
After all the candidates had gone through the preliminary selection, whether they passed or not, they were all escorted back to Shenwu Gate by the eunuchs.
“Ladies, those who passed the preliminary selection, please wait at Shenwu Gate tomorrow at the end of the hour.”
…
Outside Shenwu Gate, the Tongjia Residence’s carriage was already parked at the front. Seeing the candidates come out, the maids from each family all came out.
Liu Chun immediately spotted Gege walking at the front, and the heart she had been holding finally settled.
As soon as the eunuch finished speaking, Liu Chun eagerly walked up: “Gege, are you alright?”
Lanzhu returned a reassuring smile: “I’m fine.”
“Madam is waiting for you at home, let’s hurry back.”
Lanzhu glanced at Wenyuan not far behind her, and when she saw her looking back, their eyes met, and they both understood the meaning.
“Mm, let’s go back.” Having been woken up before the hour, and now it was almost the end of the afternoon, Lanzhu was also feeling a bit overwhelmed after a whole day of tension.
Now she was both tired and hungry, filled with exhaustion.
After getting on the carriage, Lanzhu closed her eyes, and Liu Chun, seeing this, carefully knelt by Gege’s side.
When they returned to the Tongjia Residence, Liu Chun was about to call Gege, but Gege opened her eyes first: “Are we home?”
“Yes, Gege, we’re at the gate.”
“Madam is waiting at the door.” Liu Chun lifted the curtain and immediately saw Madam waiting at the door.
Lanzhu, holding Liu Chun’s hand, got off the carriage. When she saw her mother’s figure, her previously firm eyes instantly showed a bit of grievance.
But she was mindful that they were still at the door, so she didn’t dare to show too much, only quickening her steps.
When she reached her mother’s side, her mother took her hand: “You’re back.”
“Let’s go inside.”
“I had the main kitchen make your favorite crystal jelly.”
Hesheli Shi, having experienced the selection herself, naturally knew Lanzhu must be hungry by now.
“Mother is the best.” Lanzhu, holding her mother’s arm, leaned her head on her mother’s shoulder.
Such carefree days of acting spoiled with her mother, she didn’t know how long they would last.
“After eating, have a good sleep.” Seeing the fatigue in her daughter’s eyes, Hesheli Shi felt a pang of heartache.
“Mm.”
…
Forbidden City
“Your Majesty, the preliminary selection is over.” Nara Shi was copying scriptures, and upon hearing the eunuch’s words, her pen paused, and ink dripped onto the pristine white paper.
Nara Shi’s delicate eyebrows furrowed: “Sigh!”
“My heart is still not calm.”
“Chunrou, take it away and burn it.” Nara Shi casually put down the brush in her hand.
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
The room was silent for a while before Nara Shi spoke in a calm tone: “How was the preliminary selection?”
“As usual, about six or seven out of ten were eliminated.” Eunuch Zhao Yun replied.
“Your Majesty, are we just going to watch?” After looking around and seeing no one else in the room, Zhao Yun cautiously asked.
“What else can we do?”
“This selection is hosted by Consort Zhao. It’s her first time hosting a selection. Do you think she’ll let anyone make a move?” Nara Shi sneered.
In her view, Niohuru Shi valued power greatly. She might not care about the Emperor’s favor, but if anyone dared to make a move while she was in charge of the harem, Niohuru Shi would never let it go!
“But this selection includes Tongjia Gege and Borjigit Gege.”
“With their status, they are bound to enter the palace as consorts. Won’t we be overshadowed by newcomers?” Zhao Yun, being Nara Shi’s confidant in the harem, spoke more boldly in front of his master.
“What can we do about it?”
“I don’t have a good background.” Nara Shi’s tone remained calm, but if one listened closely, they could detect her hidden resentment.
Indeed!
Why did others have good backgrounds?
She didn’t have a good background, so she had to fight!
After all, her son Baoqing was the eldest son!
“How is the Fifth Prince outside the palace?” Regarding the news she received some time ago, Nara Shi had thoughts, but now it seemed it was bait from someone with ulterior motives.
She couldn’t act impulsively!
For Baoqing’s sake, she couldn’t be the one to stand out!
As long as Baoqing was there, the Emperor’s succession wouldn’t exclude her.
A mere Tongjia Shi, she wasn’t afraid!
To last in the harem, it wasn’t just about having a high family background!
Once Tongjia Shi entered the palace, she would have plenty of time to plan.
“The Fifth Prince is doing well.”
“That’s good.”
“Make sure the Fifth Prince is never without someone by his side, always keep an eye on him. If anything happens to the Fifth Prince, they needn’t return to the palace.” Nara Shi poured all her efforts into her only son.
To protect this son, Nara Shi could endure the pain of separation.
As long as Baoqing could grow up safely, she was willing to do anything!
“I understand.” Zhao Yun bowed in response.
“Should we keep an eye on the selection?”
“Keep an eye on it!”
“Why not keep an eye on it!”
“Although we can’t make a move, it doesn’t stop us from watching. After all, knowing oneself and the enemy is the key to victory.” Nara Shi never fought battles she wasn’t confident in.
Just like with Ma Jia Shi, even though she gave birth to the eldest illegitimate son first, in the end, it was Nara Shi who was one step ahead.
I heard the Eighth Prince is unwell again, and Nara Shi is about to give birth, so she probably can’t take care of the Eighth Prince, which is reasonable.
Ma Jia Shi having one prince is enough, having two is not acceptable.
“Have the people in the Prince’s residence move a bit, the weather is nice, it’s a good time to get some fresh air.”
“I understand.” Although the master didn’t explicitly say who to target, Zhao Yun, being a confidant, knew who the master was referring to.
After Zhao Yun left, Nara Shi looked up at the dark sky.
“Newcomers are entering again, the harem should be lively.”
…
After the preliminary selection, there was a month-long re-selection, during which Lanzhu and the others needed to enter the palace to learn the rules.
That morning, after reluctantly bidding farewell to her daughter, Hesheli Shi lost all her energy.
“Madam, Gege is blessed and will surely pass the re-selection safely.” Nanny Yun comforted her.
“Yujin’s appearance has become more outstanding over the past two years, I’m just afraid she won’t be favored by the Grand Empress Dowager.” The Grand Empress Dowager in the palace had always disliked those with overly outstanding appearances and didn’t like the Emperor being too attentive to any consort, but Yujin had both of these qualities.
She wasn’t afraid of her daughter being schemed against because she believed in her daughter’s intelligence.
But she was afraid the Grand Empress Dowager would intervene!
The Emperor leaving the palace could be hidden from most people, but not from the Grand Empress Dowager, who had lived through three reigns.
Hopefully, everything would be fine.
“Madam, rest assured, no one would dislike Gege’s temperament.”
“That’s not certain, after all, the Grand Empress Dowager’s heart is hard.” As the head of the Tongjia Residence and the elder brother of Empress Xiaocheng, Hesheli Shi naturally knew more inside information than others.
The death of Empress Xiaocheng was definitely not simple!
Having endured such bitter days before, it made no sense for her sister-in-law’s health to deteriorate even more when it was time to enjoy life.
If there weren’t some hidden secrets, she wouldn’t believe it!
“Madam, rest assured, the Grand Empress Dowager wouldn’t interfere with the selection.”
“After all, this selection is hosted by Consort Zhao.” Nanny Yun’s analysis was not without reason.
The Consort Zhao in the harem had been in the palace for ten years without a child, but now she was the highest-ranking consort in the harem, rightfully managing the harem.
“Even so, if the Emperor’s attention to Yujin exceeds the Grand Empress Dowager’s limit, my daughter’s fate won’t be good.” Just like Hai Lanzhu and Consort Dong’e.
“The Emperor treats Gege differently, he will know what to do.” What could Nanny Yun do?
She could only offer such dry comfort.
Her Gege was truly unfortunate, why did she have to enter the palace!
“Being close to the Emperor is like being close to a tiger. The Emperor treats Yujin differently now, but who knows if he will tire of her in the future.” Hesheli Shi closed her eyes wearily.
“I would rather Yujin were a son than have her enter the palace!”
“Why does the Tongjia clan have only one legitimate daughter, Yujin!”
“Madam…”
“Leave me, I want to be alone for a while.”
“Yes, Madam.”
…
Lanzhu followed the palace maid quietly to Chuxiu Palace.
The steward nannies waiting there all had solemn expressions.
At the entrance of Chuxiu Palace, the leading nanny, with deep wrinkles at the corners of her mouth, said, “Greetings, young mistresses. I am the steward nanny of Chuxiu Palace. I hope we can get along well in the coming month.”
“Now, starting from the East Wing Hall, each room there will house two people, and in the West Wing Hall, each room will house four people. Everyone, follow the palace maids to arrange your things.”
Everywhere has its hierarchy, and the palace’s hierarchy is even more severe.
After all, this is the pinnacle of power in the world!
Just like how the east side of the palace is considered superior, those who can live in the East Wing Hall of Chuxiu Palace are naturally the ones with high status.
And Lanzhu happened to be assigned with Borjigit Shi, whether it was meant to be or someone had arranged it.
After the palace people led the candidates into the rooms, they retreated in an orderly manner.
“We are just outside the door, young mistresses, feel free to call us if you need anything.” Two palace maids stood outside Lanzhu and Borjigit Shi’s door, clearly one maid for each candidate.
After the palace maids left, Borjigit Shi happily grabbed Lanzhu’s hand: “It’s great, we’re living together this time.”
Borjigit Shi’s smile was so bright that it made Lanzhu a bit dizzy: “For this month, I’ll be relying on Borjigit Gege for guidance.”
“Don’t call me Borjigit Gege, we’re friends, no need to be so formal. You can call me Tana, that’s what my family calls me.”
“Can I call you Lanzhu?”
“That way, it shows we’re close.”
Watching Tana talk non-stop, Lanzhu really didn’t know where she got such energy.
“That’s fine.”
“I didn’t bring much, otherwise I could share with you.” Tana, hearing Lanzhu agree, turned and rummaged through her bundle, but it was clear that aside from some daily necessities, there was nothing suitable for gifting.
“Tana, you’re too kind. It’s the selection, we can’t give things away casually.” Seeing such a bold Tana, Lanzhu felt a bit of a headache.
If Tana got into trouble during the selection, she felt the Grand Empress Dowager wouldn’t let her off easily.
“I understand.” Then I’ll give it next time.
Tana genuinely liked interacting with Lanzhu, finding her presence the most comfortable.
She knew she wasn’t very smart, but she wasn’t completely clueless either, and she could distinguish between good and bad.
“We might have to go out later, let’s tidy up our things first.” Lanzhu placed her bundle on the bed near the window, then organized her belongings, locking away important items that represented her identity.
Tana, seeing this, followed suit and tidied her things neatly.
Afterward, Lanzhu had the palace maid send someone, and after tidying up her appearance a bit, she and Tana left the room together.
Their timing wasn’t too early or too late, but their joint appearance still attracted the attention of all the candidates outside.
After all, in this selection, they were formidable opponents!