Chapter 107 – Inspection Tour, Part 1 (35.1)
In the blink of an eye, it was the Spring Festival of the eighth year of Yuntai, and after Lin Jia Bao’s promotion to cejun, Xuan Yuan Han Cheng often took him along to attend various banquets and celebrations held in the palace.
Each time Lin Jia Bao would obediently accompany the crown prince. At these functions he displayed very appropriate speech and mannerisms, which gave people a good feeling about him. The empress would also call upon Jia Bao to accompany her whenever she hosted gatherings for the female family members of the court. Over time, the harem concubines and courtiers all got to know this Lin-cejun, who was loved by both His Royal Highness and Her Majesty.
In March of the eighth year of Yuntai, officials of the fifth rank and above from all over the country sent their daughters to Beijing, and the talent selection began. The ladies were screened based on their family background, appearance, and other things. Then they had to pass the primary selection.
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About thirty or so ladies passed the screening and primary selection and entered Chu Xiu Palace. They would be living in Chu Xiu Palace for a period of time, during which they would learn the palace rules and show off their talents. There would be people observing their conduct during this time and determining whether they were permitted to stay or not.
Both Wen Wen Qian and Zhang Chun Wei passed the primary election with flying colors.
Imperial Physician Qian has been treating Zhang Chun Wei for several months now. Apart from being a little thinner than others, she looked like a normal healthy person on the surface.
Zhang Chun Wei could vaguely feel that her time on earth was running out, and she was also aware of the agreement between her parents and the crown prince. The knowledge that her parents were doing this for her has been her spiritual support all this time. Zhang Chun Wei thought to herself that she must fulfill her parents’ wishes so that she could leave this world with no regrets…
Yao Yu Lan was unable to participate in the talent selection this time. Since Xuan Yuan Han Cheng did not want her to enter the palace, naturally he would not even give her a chance.
A few days before the talent selection, Yao Yu Lan suddenly developed a rash on her body. The red rashes on her face were densely packed and it was a frightening sight to behold.
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Yao Yu Lan kicked up a huge fuss. She was certain that someone was trying to kill her, but Madam Yao could not find any clues of such intention even after searching for a long time. They invited an imperial physician to see to her, but even the imperial physician could not help her. So the family had no choice but to say that Yao Yu Lan was sick and pull her out of the talent selection. The Yao family actually had very high expectations for this year’s talent selection, and Yao Yu Lan herself was extremely bitter about not being able to participate.
The empress heard the news that Yao Yu Lan could not participate in the talent selection. She sighed and said, “It’s a pity…”
All the candidates of the talent selection were gathered in a corner of the huge imperial garden appreciating the beautiful scenery. The empress had invited all of them out today, and each candidate was working hard to show off their best side in front of the empress.
The empress observed all of the candidates. Amongst the thirty of the, the most outstanding ones were undoubtedly Wen Wen Qian and Zhang Chun Wei. In addition, there were two gers among the thirty people. Presumably, they were sent to the palace because they heard that the crown prince liked gers. The empress saw that they were both children born from concubines, and they were not as cute as Jia Bao, so they were destined to return home without success.
On the other side of the imperial garden, Xuan Yuan Han Cheng and his younger brother were in a gazebo looking towards the beautiful girls in the distance. The gazebo was on a relatively high terrain, so they could see everything very clearly.
“Imperial Elder Brother, let’s go back, this is a bit embarrassing.” Xuan Yuan Han Qi said shyly when he saw so many young and beautiful girls.
“Little Brother, you’re not young anymore. It’s time for you to take a main wife. Imperial Mother is looking for one for you… what type of lady do you like?” Xuan Yuan Han Cheng asked his younger brother.
“I… I… it’s fine as long as Imperial Mother likes her. She must be a good one if Imperial Mother chooses her.” Xuan Yuan Han Cheng patted his own head and said naively.
“That person will be your wife, it’s important that you like her.” Xuan Yuan Han Cheng pointed to Wen Wen Qian in the distance. “Look at the lady in the lake green dress. What do you think of her? She is Xi Jing Bo’s di daughter, Wen Wen Qian. She’s educated and well-balanced. Her talents and appearance are both good. Imperial Mother and I both want her to be your princess consort.”
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Xuan Yuan Han Qi looked at where the crown prince was pointing at and saw Wen Wen Qian who was currently answering a question posed by the empress. Her temperament was elegant like a fairy. Xuan Yuan han Qi’s handsome face turned red. He stuttered, “I… will listen to Imperial Mother…”
Xuan Yuan Han Cheng observed his younger brother’s reaction and he knew.
Afterwards, Xuan Yuan Han Cheng went to his mother and told her that his younger brother was interested in Wen Wen Qian.
Upon hearing this, the empress thought about it, but she was still a little hesitant. “I originally chose this Wen Wen Qian to be your crown princess…”
“A gentleman does not covet what others like. Since my younger brother has taken a fancy to her, then as the older brother I will naturally fulfill his wishes.” Xuan Yuan Han Cheng said.
“You’re always thinking for your younger brother,” the empress praised the crown prince. “All right, since your younger brother likes her and the two are very suitable for each other, I will tell your imperial father. Then what about you, Crown Prince? Do you have a favorite?”
“The di daughter of the Assistant Minister of Rites Zhang. Erchen wants to take her as an imperial concubine.” Xuan Yuan Han Cheng said to the empress.
“Zhang Chun Wei is indeed pretty good, and her health looks much better,” the empress also agreed.
Xuan Yuan Han Cheng said to the empress, “I will definitely give you a grandchild next year…”
The empress laughed when she heard this, “Then your mother looks forward to hearing some good news from the crown prince soon.”
[T/N: XYHC is so sly. He didn’t say whom the grandchild would come from…]
