A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace-Chapter 819: Selection?

In the blink of an eye, it’s mid-April.

The Empress Dowager was getting restless; it’s time to start preparing for the imperial selection!

She directly summoned Zhao Junyao over.

Under the pretense of dining together.

In reality, she was hinting to the Emperor that it’s about time to start this year’s imperial selection.

The Fine Ladies have yet to arrive at the Capital City, and they need to learn the royal customs afterwards.

Each stage—initial selection, secondary selection, and palace selection—takes time.

Following the procedures, it will be July.

"It’s always around this time in previous years; it can’t be delayed this year!"

"Imperial Son, I know you dislike this, but this is the tradition passed down from our ancestors!"

"Our Imperial Family must continue its lineage!"

The Empress Dowager spoke with heartfelt concern.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Junyao’s face immediately grew long.

Why does the Empress Dowager always remain obsessed with his harem affairs?

Can’t it be left unmentioned! There are plenty of women in the harem.

As for continuing the lineage.

He has sons and daughters; it’s not like he’s at risk of ending his line. Why was it not enough?

What’s the point of having too many Princes?

Brothers killing each other? Is that amusing?

Yet the Empress Dowager persisted, continuing to speak.

"Imperial Son, it’s already been delayed for a year, it can’t be postponed any further!"

"Even if you select just one as a formality, it’s enough; just don’t break tradition!"

We can’t abolish the imperial selection system!

Zhao Junyao thought about it too.

After a while, he could only endure as he said.

"Very well! If you must select, then select!"

The Empress Dowager breathed a sigh of relief.

"That’s right! In the future, when you have many offspring, I can report to your father when I see him!"

These words.

Zhao Junyao, despite his reluctance, couldn’t say anything else; she was an elder after all!

After sitting for a while longer, Zhao Junyao stood up to leave.

Before leaving, Zhao Junyao said.

"Regarding the imperial selection, Mother, discuss it with the Noble Consort. I have state affairs to attend to, so I won’t be involved!"

In other words, he wouldn’t manage it, which indeed suited the Empress Dowager’s wishes!

"State affairs are important; leave these matters to Wanxin to arrange!"

"Imperial Son should also take care of your health and not work too hard!"

"Thank you, Mother, for your concern!"

After Zhao Junyao finished speaking, he got up and left, not even glancing back, evidently weary of the matter.

...

Once the news of the imperial selection leaked out.

Both inside and outside the palace, everyone was thrown into chaos.

The most unsettled were those in the harem.

Even the Concubines who were out of favor didn’t want the selection to proceed!

Those of higher status might be fine, but the lesser Honored Ladies were in complete panic.

Anyone who arrives can step over them, how could they not be anxious?

If someone with a high rank happens to be untouchable, wouldn’t their good days be numbered?

Thinking this way and that, they still couldn’t sit still.

So they formed small groups, running around like headless flies trying to find support.

For one who could protect another: success or failure, all depended on fate!

As for the three leads.

Consort Cheng Pin was calm, for she had the Second Prince.

Consort Yun Pin and Consort Zheng Pin were like fellow sufferers.

The two gathered together, comforted each other.

They both agreed: new entrants to the palace wouldn’t reach the rank of consort immediately!

Even if they were stepped upon, it wouldn’t be on their heads.

Thus, the two calmed down considerably.

Those holding the status of Imperial Noble Consort were even less worried.

Consort Hui and Consort Ning both had offspring; who would dare offend them?

In the harem, having even one child was indeed significant.

Though they might not show it daily, in crucial moments, the advantages become apparent.

And above them are the Noble Consorts.

These were even less concerned.

One Noble Consort wielded power over life and death, another had three Princes under her.

One step below the Empress Dowager, above thousands; who could dare to offend them?

Therefore...

Xia Ruqing simply paid no attention to the imperial selection.

She spent her days embroidering flowers with Xia Caiying, wandering the gardens, reading and writing.

In that half a month, their sisterly bond grew significantly closer.

Xia Caiying was able to relax around her.

A lively young girl with a simple and kind nature, greatly endearing!

As for Noble Concubine Shih, it goes without saying.

The imperial selection was organized under her hand.

Afraid? Impossible!

...

Next were the unsettled families outside the palace.

Those with daughters of suitable age were gearing up excitedly.

Just waiting for the selection time to arrive, for their daughters to overcome all obstacles.

Entering the harem, serving by the Emperor’s side.

On one hand, they can bring unparalleled glory to their family, honoring their ancestors.

On the other, their daughters gain face, no worry of a lifetime of riches and glory.

Moreover, the present King was elegant, skilled in both literary and martial arts, mature in conduct, handsome in appearance, and of noble bearing.

Where under the heavens could one find such a perfect husband?

Even though the harem had beauties in the thousands.

Marrying elsewhere, wouldn’t they still be faced with multiple wives?

All men under heaven are the same; marrying one they wish to marry more, never-ending!

This is simply not an issue!

Thus, marrying into the palace or sending daughters into the palace, became both the ultimate goal of girls from official families throughout the city and even the nation, or those aspiring to be imperial fathers-in-law.

At once, a large number of Fine Ladies flocked to the Capital City by various means of transportation.

By boat, by carriage, and even on horseback; they came by all sorts!

...

Lastly unsettled was Empress Dowager Zhen in the palace.

Logically, when the Emperor selects concubines, even with multiple twists and turns, it wouldn’t involve her as an Imperial Noble Consort.

However, her own son needed to choose a wife too!

Last year, the Empress Dowager proposed.

During the selection, they should choose a Princess Consort for Fifth Master.

But until now, let alone a Princess Consort, not even a shadow had been seen.

Didn’t choose last year, so surely this year they must.

Fifth Master is already seventeen, and even Sixth Master is fourteen.

How could she remain calm?

In choosing a Princess Consort naturally one desires a good match.

But this sort of matter, an Imperial Noble Consort couldn’t decide, and must turn to the Empress Dowager.

Thus, after much thought, Empress Dowager Zhen brought her entourage and headed to Ningshou Palace.

At Ningshou Palace.

The Empress Dowager was selecting lists and portraits of the Fine Ladies with Noble Concubine Shih.

Sister Qing reported that Empress Dowager Zhen had arrived.

The Empress Dowager’s face sank, not looking pleased.

"Why has she come?"

Noble Concubine Shih laughed.

"Mother, you forgot; it’s time for Fifth Master to select a Princess Consort! Wouldn’t you point one out during this selection?"

"He’s already seventeen, it can’t be delayed any longer!"

Since he cannot excel in literature or military, marrying early and being crowned king, to live in the fief would be better!

The Empress Dowager suddenly understood.

"No wonder she’s been visiting without reason lately, turns out it’s for this matter!"

"I’m getting old, and I’ve actually forgotten!"

Noble Concubine Shih laughed.

"Mother, you have many things on your mind to forget!"

"Those idle people just love nitpicking over every little thing!"

The Empress Dowager chuckled, looking at her more approvingly.

These days, Wanxin was remarkably composed.

That matter hadn’t seen an opportunity, yet she hadn’t mentioned it at all.

Just diligently managing the harem.

There were even times when the Imperial Son was particularly satisfied, though he never voiced it.

It seems... she’s truly grown wiser.

After all, some matters truly can’t be rushed.

She’s still young, with plenty of time ahead.

One day leading to a month, a month leading to half a year, half a year leading to a year.

Opportunities will surely come!