Too concerned about the Emperor?
The Empress Dowager gave a light snort, her face showing no change.
In this harem, who isn’t concerned about the Emperor? In her younger days, wasn’t she the same...
The Empress Dowager took a deep breath. Fortunately, she had a capable son. She understood how much hardship Yan Xiu endured to reach his current position. In terms of the government, she wouldn’t interfere in Yan Xiu’s affairs.
But in this harem...
The Empress Dowager spoke warmly, "I heard that someone in court has already started suggesting that the Emperor choose an Empress."
Han Yiqing’s eyes slightly moved; she dared not speak.
"Yes, but the Emperor refused, citing the mourning period as a reason not to have a grand wedding," Chen Jing replied softly.
"Although we can’t choose an Empress, there are too many vacancies among the harem’s concubines. It is necessary to select talented individuals to fill the harem," the Empress Dowager said with a smile. "Find the album of eligible ladies from the capital for me; this time, I want to take a good look."
"Qing’er, take a look with me as well."
"Well..." Han Yiqing stepped aside and kneeled, saying, "Empress Dowager, my rank is too low. I shouldn’t participate in the Emperor’s selection process."
"Good child, your rank can be raised later. When newcomers enter the palace for appointment, I’ll suggest to the Emperor to elevate your rank a bit,"
The Empress Dowager said while gently patting Han Yiqing’s hand.
Han Yiqing responded with gratitude, but her thoughts were that being promoted would only make her a Concubine, not even a consort, which isn’t different from being a Beauty.
Thinking about the selection, the Empress Dowager went straight back to Cining Palace.
"Beauty, why did the Empress Dowager reveal the matter of preparing to select ladies for the Emperor to you?" Shui Yun asked, puzzled, while supporting Han Yiqing’s hand.
Han Yiqing shook her head, "Not sure, perhaps she wants to test me."
Thinking about this, Han Yiqing felt inexplicably irritated. Despite all she had done in front of the Empress Dowager, she couldn’t gain her trust, yet Li Yuyu, with just a few simple words, could make the Empress Dowager ignore her own edicts.
"Why would the Empress Dowager doubt you?" Shui Yun wondered.
"How could she not? The incident with Beauty Zhou falling into the water was hinted at by the Empress Dowager herself. When the late Emperor was alive, the Empress Dowager’s rank wasn’t even higher than mine, yet she managed to keep her life in the deadly harem and rise to Empress Dowager. Do you really think she can’t see through things?"
Shui Yun was even more puzzled, "Why would the Empress Dowager still be biased towards you then?"
"That’s because Princess Consort De is useless, and Li Yuyu is too sharp. The Empress Dowager has her selfish motives; she probably doesn’t want Li Yuyu to reach that position. If I’m not mistaken, the Empress Dowager certainly has someone in mind and is waiting for the right moment to send them into the palace."
"Then, would the Empress Dowager still be close to you?" Shui Yun was very worried.
"There’s still time, and before that, as long as I can make the Empress Dowager completely trust me, it’s enough."
A determined light appeared in Han Yiqing’s eyes.
Yao Hua Palace.
The table was filled with dishes.
Zhou Wanying stared wide-eyed at the food on the table. Although not abundant, each dish was so exquisite it almost dazzled her.
She grew up pampered in Jiang City, but was quite casual about meals.
Upon entering the palace, she was merely a Beauty, and although the food wasn’t poor, it wasn’t this refined. She had never dined alongside the Emperor, and naturally hadn’t seen such an array.
But, isn’t five dishes and one soup a bit too few?
Zhou Wanying hadn’t yet voiced her question when she saw Li Yuyu naturally seating herself beside Yan Xiu.