The sky was clear as if washed, stretching cloudless for thousands of miles.
The carriage bound for the palace stopped at the entrance of Jiangguogongfu.
Jiang Sixian, Jiang Yuehua, and Jiang Lanzhi boarded the carriage, all dressed in their finest attire.
Jiang Sixian glanced at Jiang Yuehua and Jiang Lanzhi, her expression one of disdain. She looked down on these two and did not take them seriously. Whether in appearance or talent, she surpassed them both. Today, she was certain to be chosen, believing that heaven itself favored her.
Jiang Yuehua and Jiang Lanzhi exchanged a glance, both feeling somewhat awkward. They were well aware of Jiang Sixian’s infatuation with The Crown Prince and knew they could not compare to her. Yet, faced with such immense fortune, who could resist harboring a sliver of hope?
Jiang Lanzhi’s thoughts stirred, and she praised, “Second Sister, you look absolutely radiant today. You are sure to be chosen as the Crown Princess.”
Jiang Yuehua scoffed coldly at Jiang Lanzhi’s flattery and turned her head away.
Jiang Sixian, however, was pleased. Her expression softened slightly as she replied, “Naturally.”
She had prepared for today’s selection long in advance. The gown she wore had been meticulously crafted day and night by the ten most skilled embroiderers from Tianxiangzhai. The fabric was the finest yanguang brocade, a tribute from Xizhao bestowed upon her by the Empress. Her jewelry was equally exquisite, pieces rarely worn on ordinary occasions.
Jiang Sixian was determined to secure the position of Crown Princess today.
As the two spoke, Jiang Xuerong arrived belatedly.
“My apologies for being late.”
Jiang Xuerong lifted the hem of her skirt and hurried over.
In stark contrast to the elaborate attire of the other three, Jiang Xuerong’s outfit today could only be described as plain.
She wore a light green pleated skirt, tailored last summer, its fabric and pattern already outdated. Her dark hair was tied in a simple bun, adorned only with a white jade magnolia hairpin and a pair of lotus leaf tassel silver earrings, with no other accessories.
Her makeup was equally understated—a thin layer of powder so faint it seemed as if she wore none at all.
Jiang Yuehua could not help but mock, “Fourth Sister, we are, after all, entering the palace for the selection. Dressing so plainly shows a lack of seriousness.”
Jiang Xuerong stepped onto the carriage using the footstool and sat beside Jiang Sixian. “It doesn’t matter,” she said. “I won’t be chosen anyway. It’s just a formality, so dressing elaborately is pointless. I’d rather sleep a little longer.”
She had overslept again today, which was why she was late.
Jiang Sixian, in her current state of joy, did not bother to argue. She simply instructed the coachman, “Now that everyone is here, let’s depart quickly.”
Jiang Yuehua could not refute Jiang Xuerong’s words. Indeed, how could Jiang Xuerong possibly be chosen? It was merely a formality. But did she truly harbor no expectations at all?
What a hopeless, unambitious fool!
Jiang Yuehua turned her head away again, lifting the curtain to gaze outside the carriage.
As the carriage gradually made its way toward the palace, the thoughts of the passengers shifted subtly. The towering city walls stood imposingly, as if exuding an air of nobility.
Jiang Sixian had visited the palace several times before and was no stranger to its grandeur. She felt only excitement, as if the dawn of victory was already within sight.
Jiang Yuehua and Jiang Lanzhi, too, felt a faint glimmer of anticipation stirring within them.
Would they be chosen today?
The carriage entered the palace grounds, stopping after passing through the Xihua Gate. A young eunuch approached to guide them to Qianying Hall, where the selection was to take place. The eunuch led them to a side hall to rest briefly, awaiting the arrival of all participants before the day’s selection began.
Jiang Xuerong and her companions arrived not too late, but some had come even earlier.
With a casual glance, Jiang Xuerong spotted several familiar faces, all from distinguished families.
It was said that all eligible daughters from households of officials ranked seventh grade or above across the capital were invited to participate in this selection. Regardless of their family backgrounds, these young women had adorned themselves as splendidly as possible. The Crown Prince was truly a coveted prize.
Jiang Xuerong quietly shifted her gaze to the small rabbit-shaped pastries arranged on the table. They looked soft and glutinous, seemingly delicious. She swallowed, lifted the hem of her skirt, and approached. After glancing around and seeing no one sampling the pastries, she hesitated to reach for one.
After a moment of indecision, she ultimately succumbed to the temptation of the little rabbit pastries and picked up a piece.
Soft, sweet, and fragrant—it was delicious without being cloying.
Unconsciously, Jiang Xuerong narrowed her almond-shaped eyes, revealing a satisfied smile.
Each table had only one plate of rabbit pastries. Jiang Xuerong quickly finished the pastries on the table before her and began searching for her next target. Fortunately, it seemed that today’s focus was not on the pastries, as no one competed with her for them. Following the trail of pastries, she made her way to a corner.
Though the rabbit pastries were delicious, eating too many at once left her throat feeling a bit dry. After a brief hesitation, Jiang Xuerong stuffed the last piece from the table into her mouth and, while chewing, began searching for tea.
Every table was set with a pot of tea. Jiang Xuerong quickly poured herself two cups to soothe her throat.
As she wandered, she had no idea where she had ended up. The surroundings were deserted, leaving only the summer cicadas’ chirping in the quiet. Suddenly worried, she realized she had forgotten the way back. How would she return?
Just as she was lost in thought, a stern voice demanded, “What are you doing?”
The voice carried such authority that it seemed as though Jiang Xuerong had done something wrong. Startled, the half-eaten pastry lodged in her throat. Choking, she began to cough.
“Cough, cough, cough…” Jiang Xuerong was in great discomfort. Leaning over with one hand on the table corner, tears welled in her eyes, blurring her vision.
She could only make out a tall figure looming before her. She didn’t know who it was, but he seemed imposing—perhaps a palace guard?
Would he think she was up to no good?
With difficulty, Jiang Xuerong took a sip of water, coughed twice more, and hastily waved her hands to explain, “I… I’m not a bad person, I haven’t done anything wrong. I’m here today to participate in the selection—I’m the fourth young lady of Jiangguogongfu… cough, cough, cough… I just thought the rabbit pastries were delicious and ended up here while eating them. I didn’t know this area was off-limits. I’ll leave right away.”
This was Jiang Xuerong’s first time entering the palace, and she feared she had made a mistake. After explaining, she hurriedly curtsied in the direction of the tall figure, lifted her skirt, and ran off.
Xiao Mingche watched her fleeing figure, puzzled. Was he so intimidating? Why did she act as if she had seen a ghost?
The faint green hue of her dress soon vanished from sight, bringing a touch of coolness to the sweltering summer day.
Xiao Mingche withdrew his gaze, recalling her earlier words. The fourth young lady of Jiangguogongfu?
He searched his memory but found no impression of her, only recalling rumors that she was a fool.
Jiangguogongfu… Xiao Mingche thought of the Jiang family’s second young lady and frowned slightly.
The Jiang family’s second young lady had expressed her feelings to him many times, but Xiao Mingche had little interest in matters of the heart and had never responded to her advances.
He remembered that the second daughter of the Jiang family had a proud temperament, yet no one spoke of her without praise. If she were to become the Crown Princess, she would likely suit the Queen Mother’s taste.
Suddenly, Xiao Mingche’s mind flashed back to the words spoken by the woman earlier—rabbit cake? What was that?
His own appetite was extremely simple, and he did not recall any pastry in the palace by that name.
Xiao Mingche did not dwell on it further; these were trivial matters not worth keeping in mind.
He strode with his long legs toward the main hall, where the Empress was already waiting for him.
From a distance, the Empress watched the young and lively girls with great delight. With so many young women present, surely Che’er would find at least one to his liking?
“Ting Xia, send someone to hurry him along. We mustn’t let Che’er be late.”
As soon as the Empress finished speaking, Xiao Mingche stepped through the doorway.
“Your Majesty need not worry. Your son is never late.”
Xiao Mingche walked around the bamboo curtain, bowed to the Empress, and took a seat on the couch.
The Empress sat opposite him, unable to conceal her joy. “Many young ladies have come today. You must look carefully later.”
On his way here, Xiao Mingche had already glimpsed the group of women in the side hall from afar, and they had seen him too. The moment they laid eyes on him, it was as if they had spotted prey, which genuinely annoyed him.
He already regretted agreeing to the Empress’s selection of consorts, but he was a man of his word and would not go back on his promise. For now, he could only hope the selection would end quickly so he could return to the Eastern Palace to attend to official matters.
With Xiao Mingche’s arrival, the selection could begin. The Empress gave Ting Xia a meaningful glance, and Ting Xia went to relay the order, instructing them to proceed with the process.
The first group of candidates soon entered. Xiao Mingche swept a dispassionate glance over them, showing no reaction.
The Empress asked, “Che’er, have you taken a liking to any?”
Xiao Mingche replied, “Your Majesty, your son has not taken a liking to any.”
The Empress sighed and said, “Very well, bring in the next group.”
…
Meanwhile, those waiting in the side hall were growing tense.
“Why hasn’t there been any movement from the front?” someone asked uneasily.
Jiang Sixian said, “The Crown Prince has high standards. It’s only natural he didn’t fancy them.”
Though she said this, a flicker of unease rose within her.
Would she fail to be chosen as the Crown Princess today?
No, her family background, talent, and appearance were all outstanding. There was no reason she wouldn’t be selected.
Even if she wasn’t chosen as the Crown Princess, becoming a side consort to the Crown Prince would be acceptable.
Jiang Sixian took a step back, pinching the tip of her finger.
Jiang Xuerong was not nervous at all—she was certain she wouldn’t be chosen.
After waiting a while longer, several more groups went forward, yet there was still no movement. The initially relaxed atmosphere gradually grew tense.
Finally, it was Jiang Sixian’s group’s turn.
Jiang Sixian stood up, her posture straight and dignified, and made her way to the main hall. Jiang Xuerong patted her hands and also rose to her feet.
The women stood in a row, bowed in unison, then straightened up, lowering their eyes as they waited.
The person she had longed for day and night was right before her, and Jiang Sixian’s heartbeat quickened involuntarily.
She thought, since Heaven had given her this opportunity, it would surely see it through to the end.
Yet, after a moment, she did not hear the Crown Prince speak. Instead, she heard the eunuch’s thin, drawn-out voice: “Next group.”
Jiang Sixian could not recall how she walked out of the main hall. Her mind seemed blank, remembering nothing. Only one thought repeated itself over and over: she had been rejected…
Jiang Yuehua and Jiang Lanzhi were equally disappointed. They had eagerly awaited this opportunity, dressed meticulously, only for nothing to happen.
Only Jiang Xuerong breathed a sigh of relief, thinking to herself, now that the selection is over, can we go back?
Of course, things could not go as Jiang Xuerong wished. They still had to wait until everyone had finished selecting before they could return.
Jiang Sixian’s once proud heart was shattered, her face as pale as paper.
Until all the candidates had been selected, and still the Crown Prince had not spoken to keep anyone, at that moment, Jiang Sixian’s broken heart seemed to come alive again, as if she had once more seen hope.
She still had a chance…
Inside the main hall.
The Empress spoke earnestly: "Is there really not a single one you fancy?"
Xiao Mingche nodded: "Exactly so, Queen Mother."
The Empress pressed her fingers to her temples, feeling a headache coming on again.
Xiao Mingche stood up: "Queen Mother, may I leave now?"
The Empress said: "Stop! Today, you must choose someone! Have you forgotten what you promised me?"
Xiao Mingche sat back down, his tone indifferent: "But I am not satisfied with any of them."
The Empress said: "I don’t care about that. In any case, you must choose a few people."
Xiao Mingche fell silent for a moment, then picked up the roster beside him and pointed randomly, saying: "Then her."