On the day of the imperial selection, Ye Jinyun was pulled out of bed by Qing’er before dawn and subjected to a flurry of preparations.
Still half asleep, she sat in front of the dressing mirror, yawning as Qing’er carefully arranged her appearance.
Her long black hair had been swept up into an elegant Cloud Bun hairstyle. A single gold peach blossom hairpin adorned with pearls was tucked into her hair, while a pair of jade earrings hung from her ears.
Only a light touch of makeup had been applied, subtly enhancing her features and making the cool, detached elegance in her eyes even more apparent.
Once her hair and makeup were finished, Qing’er brought over a new outfit that Madam Yang had specially ordered to be made.
After helping her change into it, Ye Jinyun looked at herself in the mirror.
The mist-green pleated dress embroidered with scattered floral patterns fit her beautifully.
Its design accentuated her graceful figure, her slender waist seeming delicate enough to be encircled with one hand.
The exposed skin at her neck was fair and flawless, so smooth it appeared almost translucent.
From a distance, she looked like an immortal maiden descended from the Moon Palace—pure, elegant, and untouched by worldly dust.
After dressing, she ate a bowl of white fungus and lily porridge sent from the kitchen before heading toward the front courtyard with Qing’er.
Ye Father was already waiting there.
As he watched Ye Jinyun approach with measured, graceful steps, he momentarily froze.
For an instant, he thought he saw the shadow of his first wife from years ago.
Though there had never been much affection between him and Ye Jinyun’s mother, the woman he had met in his youth had possessed an ethereal, lofty elegance that made it difficult not to be captivated by her.
At the same time, she had always made him feel somewhat inferior.
Because of that, he had preferred lavishing attention on his concubines.
They admired and depended upon him, allowing him to reclaim the pride and confidence of being a man.
When Ye Jinyun reached him, she bowed respectfully.
“Your daughter greets Father.”
Ye Father withdrew from his memories and nodded.
“You’ve arrived. We’ll wait for your mother and younger sister.”
“Yes, Father.”
Ye Jinyun obediently stepped aside and waited nearby.
A short while later, Madam Yang arrived with Ye Jinrong.
Today’s Ye Jinrong was dressed with exceptional care.
She wore a honey-pink gown embroidered with silver-thread pear blossoms.
The tassels hanging from her waist swayed gently with each step, highlighting her graceful figure.
A golden phoenix-shaped hair ornament adorned her coiffure, while pearls were scattered among her dark locks.
Her already stunning face had been enhanced with delicate makeup, making her appear even more radiant and enchanting.
Anyone who saw her would find it difficult not to admire her beauty.
“My Rong’er truly is breathtaking,” Ye Father said with a smile. “This trip to the palace certainly won’t disappoint me.”
Hearing her father praise her appearance, Ye Jinrong blushed slightly and replied coquettishly,
“Father is only teasing me. I’m not nearly as wonderful as you say.”
Despite her modest words, the delight on her face was impossible to hide.
Madam Yang laughed sweetly beside her.
“Your father is absolutely right. My Rong’er is undeniably the most beautiful young lady in the capital. She’ll certainly enter the palace, earn the emperor’s favor, and achieve great success.”
The family exchanged several more affectionate and playful remarks.
Ye Jinyun had long since become accustomed to scenes like this.
She felt neither anger nor jealousy and simply stood quietly beside them.
After finishing his conversation with his beloved daughter, Ye Father turned to Ye Jinyun.
“Yun’er, don’t disgrace the Ye family in the palace.”
“I don’t expect you to be selected. Simply go through the process and return.”
“Your sister is exceptionally beautiful and will surely attract jealousy. As her elder sister, you must take care of her and make sure no one bullies her.”
Ye Jinyun was speechless inside.
As if anyone could bully Ye Jinrong.
The bigger concern is whether she goes around bullying other people.
Still, she respectfully accepted every instruction.
“Yes, Father.”
Seeing that it was nearly time to depart, Ye Father ordered the servants to bring out the prepared carriage.
Today, the capital was unusually lively.
Carriages carrying eligible young women from all over the empire filled the streets as they made their way toward the palace.
The roads were crowded, and leaving early was necessary to avoid arriving late.
The carriage destined for the palace waited outside the gates of the Ye Residence.
After a servant placed a stepping stool beside it, Qing’er helped Ye Jinyun climb aboard.
Ye Jinrong followed shortly afterward, assisted by her personal maid.
Under Ye Father’s escort, the sisters joined the long procession of carriages heading toward the imperial palace.
After roughly fifteen minutes of travel, the carriage arrived at a side gate of the palace and came to a halt.
All the participating young ladies were required to disembark here and proceed into the palace on foot.
Before they entered, Ye Father gave them one final warning.
“Be careful in the palace. Look after each other.”
The sisters acknowledged his words.
Soon afterward, a palace matron arrived to guide them inside.
Under her direction, they joined the orderly line of young women entering through the palace gates.
Watching his daughters disappear into the palace grounds, Ye Father finally turned away and headed toward court.
The maids and carriages remained outside the palace to await the outcome of the selection.