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Zhao Sui is a taciturn prince. After his legs were injured, his temperament became even more reclusive. Even when discussing his marriage, his gaze toward Yao Huang remained as still as water, as though it made no difference what kind of answer Yao Huang gave.
In Yao Huang’s heart, the fat duck that was about to be scalded by boiling water suddenly came back to life, excitedly flapping its wings and flying out of the hot pot!
It actually worked!
She no longer had to stay in the palace to serve the old emperor, nor did she have to become a concubine for the other two princes!
Shock mixed with wild joy, and just as Yao Huang was about to agree, a slightly cold, charming voice interrupted her: “Wait.”
Yao Huang tilted her head to the other side.
The beautiful Concubine Du glanced at her faintly and, with disapproval, said to Zhao Sui: “The princess is the one who will spend her life with you. There are still many talented women outside who have not yet been seen. How can you rashly decide on a princess so quickly? If you truly like this lady, you can first present her with flowers, and in the end, choose a truly virtuous woman who is worthy of being the princess.”
Zhao Sui is her adopted son. Although Zhao Sui no longer served much purpose for her at this point, in front of everyone, Concubine Du still had to show the concern of a mother for her son.
Emperor Yongchang nodded slightly, agreeing that Yao Huang’s gesture of teasing her son was indeed inappropriate.
Empress Zhou smiled and advised Zhao Sui, “Concubine Du is right. The selection of talented women has just begun. Take your time and don’t rush.”
With the elders’ attitudes being so, Zhao Sui didn’t insist. He ordered the eunuch by his side to present the silk flowers to Yao Huang.
The position of the principal wife, which had seemed so close, was now once again uncertain. Yao Huang made a great effort to hide her disappointment. As for Concubine Du’s polite remark about her not being a true virtuous lady, Yao Huang let it go in one ear and out the other. The disparity in status was clear, and being overly concerned would only lead to unnecessary frustration.
Holding the delicate silk flower, Yao Huang, along with another lady who had received a flower, exited through the west side door.
Including them, there were already seven ladies who had made it to the second round of selection. There were also attendants nearby watching them, and the seven women maintained a proper standing posture, eyes on their noses, noses on their hearts.
Before long, two more ladies walked out from inside, one of whom was Chen Ying. Her water-like gaze held a mixture of joy and worry.
Yao Huang smiled at her.
Out of fifty ladies, fourteen had received flowers. From these, three would be chosen as princesses, and four would be selected as the side consorts of the Prince Hui and the Prince Qing.
Inside the hall, the voices of the noble ladies discussing in hushed tones could be heard. After about two quarters of an hour, Matron Fang returned with the fourteen selected ladies and arranged them in two rows.
Yao Huang was assigned to the second position from the right in the second row. Although she was quite close to the Prince of Hui’s wheelchair, her face was blocked by the lady standing diagonally in front of her.
Yao Huang recalled Matron Fang’s subtle glance and knew that, with Concubine Du’s overt disapproval earlier, Matron Fang did not dare to “elevate” her further, risking offending the consort.
With her head lowered, Yao Huang lightly pinched the silk flower in her hand. The final selection was imminent, and she no longer had the time or energy to worry about the result.
Once everyone was in place, Emperor Yongchang glanced at his son in the wheelchair. The fifty ladies were all looked over one by one, but his son had only given out the first flower, a gesture that could not have been more obvious.
Not wanting to make things difficult for his son any further, Emperor Yongchang directly asked, “What is it? Do you still prefer to choose Yao Huang as the principal wife?”
Zhao Sui replied, “Yes, the other ladies are also excellent, but I feel the best connection with Miss Yao.”
Concubine Du became anxious and said, “Then you can…”
Emperor Yongchang interrupted, “I have already said, let the second prince choose for himself.”
Concubine Du pursed her lips and, relying on her favored position, muttered softly, “I’m only doing this for his own good.”
Emperor Yongchang pretended not to hear and turned his gaze toward Empress Zhou.
Empress Zhou smiled and had Yao Huang step aside, then instructed Concubine Shen to help the Prince Qing choose a principal wife.
Concubine Shen exchanged a glance with Emperor Yongchang, her eyes filled with affection as she looked toward the center of the first row and joyfully said, “Among all the ladies in the capital, there is no one I like more than Yuan Zhen. Thanks to the two sisters for stepping aside, I have chosen Yuan Zhen for Xun’er.”
The talented lady, Zheng Yuan Zhen, was the beloved jewel of Princess Fucheng, Emperor Yongchang’s younger sister. She was also the highest-ranking lady among the current selection of women.
Zheng Yuan Zhen had grown up under the watchful eyes of the imperial consorts. She wasn’t at all shy when teased by Concubine Shen and stood confidently next to Yao Huang.
At the Chuxiu Pavilion, Zheng Yuan Zhen stayed in the main room to the north, always surrounded by a circle of noble ladies during her rest periods. Yao Huang, aware of her lowly status, always kept her distance, so they weren’t particularly familiar with each other.
Yao Huang met Zheng Yuan Zhen’s approach with her gaze, but Zheng Yuan Zhen didn’t even glance at her.
Yao Huang understood—if she were truly to receive Emperor Yongchang’s marriage decree, she would also be gaining a sister-in-law who might not be easy to get along with.
After the two princes selected their principal wives, it was time for Concubine Liu to choose a second wife for Prince Kang.
Concubine Liu didn’t take long to make her choice and selected Chen Ying.
Chen Ying stared blankly at Concubine Liu, clearly stunned by this unexpected opportunity.
Concubine Liu smiled, “She may be a little dazed, but she still looks quite charming.”
Concubines Du and Shen exchanged confused looks. Prince Kang’s first wife was the daughter of a duke, and the position of second wife was highly sought after by many noble young ladies. Why had Concubine Liu chosen the daughter of a small county official as her match?
Concubine Liu merely sat gracefully, looking at Chen Ying with an appreciative gaze.
Empress Zhou seemed to be deep in thought, then continued presiding over the proceedings, “Now that the principal wives have been selected, it’s time to choose the side consorts.”
She gave Zhao Sui an encouraging look.
Zhao Sui said, “Replying to Father Emperor and Mother Empress, my legs are not well, so marrying one principal wife will be enough. Having more wives might be detrimental to my recovery.”
Emperor Yongchang responded, “Fine, marry a princess first. When you are in better health, I will choose suitable side consorts for you.”
Zhao Sui replied, “Thank you, Father Emperor.”