sbdcsierra Chapter 15 Entering the Palace
Chapter 15 Entering the Palace
On the eighth day of the second lunar month, an auspicious day chosen by the Imperial Astronomical Bureau, a gentle breeze blew and birds chirped.
Early in the morning, Chu Qingyin was woken up by her maids and got up to wash and dress, making the most important preparations for the upcoming talent show.
Before the mirror, she changed into the smoky purple long dress embroidered with wild geese and lotus flowers that she had recently made. Around her neck was a white jade openwork four-fold ruyi knot, and in her hair was a delicate silver hairpin. The cinnabar mole on her forehead was painted with an exquisite peony flower. She applied a little powder and a touch of rouge on her lips, making her look both dignified and elegant.
"Girl, you look so beautiful."
"Yes, yes, she's absolutely stunning, a true beauty, like Chang'e reincarnated!"
The maids stared wide-eyed, surrounding Chu Qingyin and showering her with praise.
Chu Qingyin looked at herself in the mirror and saw that the person in the mirror had rosy cheeks and sleepy eyes. She was truly beautiful and charming, and a sense of satisfaction rose in her heart.
If the original owner's natural face was only 50% similar to her previous life, then after her special makeup today, it can be said that she is 70% similar.
Not to mention Pei Yuanling and those scheming concubines in the palace, even she herself was somewhat dazed when she looked in the mirror, thinking that Consort Chu Qingyin had been reincarnated.
Just as she was admiring herself in the mirror, a maid's voice came from outside the door, "Miss, are you ready? Master wants to see you."
"Okay, here we come."
Chu Qingyin nodded, straightened her clothes, and left her courtyard, heading straight for Qiao Gongquan's study.
Pushing open the door, one sees Qiao Gongquan sitting at his desk, his expression serious.
“Father,” Chu Qingyin called out.
Qiao Gongquan looked up and was stunned when he saw his daughter in front of him.
Is this...is this still her daughter?
Just a moment ago, he seemed to see the shadow of the once stunningly beautiful Consort Chu.
It wasn't until Chu Qingyin called out again that Qiao Gongquan suddenly came to his senses. Upon closer inspection of her features, he realized that she was indeed his daughter.
Strangely enough, I never thought my daughter looked like a concubine before, but after putting on this smoky purple dress, she looks like a completely different person.
"Why is Father looking at his daughter like that? Is there something wrong with her?" Chu Qingyin asked knowingly.
"It's nothing, I just suddenly realized that my Yinyin has grown up." Qiao Gongquan shook his head, gave a wry smile, put down his calligraphy brush, and sighed: "Yinyin, are you really determined to participate in this talent show?"
Chu Qingyin nodded slightly: "Father, my mind is made up."
Qiao Gongquan remained silent for a moment, then finally nodded: "Since that's the case, I won't say anything more. I only hope that you will remember my advice: after entering the palace, you must be careful with your words and actions, and not easily get involved in palace disputes."
"I understand," Chu Qingyin replied solemnly. "Father, rest assured, I will take good care of myself."
Qiao Gongquan sighed again, stood up, walked to Chu Qingyin, and patted her shoulder: "Go on, I'll be waiting for your good news at home."
Chu Qingyin bowed to Qiao Gongquan, then turned and left the study.
Watching his daughter leave, Qiao Gongquan felt complicated. He didn't know whether it was a good thing or a bad thing that his daughter had such a face.
May my late wife's spirit in heaven bless my daughter, so that even if she fails to be selected, she can return safely.
Upon arriving at the gate of the mansion, the carriage was already prepared.
Originally, Chu Qingyin and Chu Qingling entered the palace together, and the two sisters could have shared a carriage.
However, because of what happened with Aunt Jiang a few days ago, Chu Qingling "fell ill." In order to prevent the illness from being passed on to Chu Qingyin, the mansion arranged for two carriages.
Chu Qingyin sneered inwardly. If she were truly ill, she should have stayed in the manor to recuperate. Yet she managed to dress up so beautifully to participate in the imperial concubine selection. It seems her half-sister is quite ambitious.
On second thought, now that Aunt Jiang has been sent to the estate by Qiao Gongquan, the household affairs are temporarily being managed by another Aunt Xu.
If the Jiang mother and daughter want to turn their lives around, they can only hope that Chu Qingling will rise to the top in this talent show.
Unfortunately, Chu Qingling's opponent was herself.
Having spent many years in the imperial harem in her previous life, Chu Qingyin knew all too well that the most useless thing in the harem was compassion.
Showing sympathy and mercy to the enemy is being cruel to oneself.
So, Miss Qiao, you'd better pray that you fail to be selected this time, or that you'll behave yourself from now on, otherwise don't blame her for being ruthless and heartless.
The carriage with its vermilion wheels and ornate canopy quickly started moving and slowly headed towards the palace.
Chu Qingyin closed her eyes to rest, as memories of her past life flashed through her mind like a revolving lantern...
Her slender white fingers, clasped tightly beneath the shimmering purple satin, clenched her fists. She silently vowed in her heart that in this life, she would never repeat the same mistakes.
After an unknown amount of time, the carriage finally came to a stop.
Chu Qingyin opened her eyes, took a deep breath, lifted the carriage curtain, and got out.
Before them stood the majestic vermilion palace gate, with several carriages parked in front. The size of the carriages alone revealed the family background and status of the women being selected for the imperial concubine selection. On both sides stood several palace maids and eunuchs providing guidance.
Meanwhile, at the west side gate, countless beautifully dressed young women were lining up to enter the palace.
Supported by her maid, Chu Qingyin slowly walked towards a registering eunuch, handed over her name tag, and stated her family name. The eunuch then gestured for her to go to the end of the line and wait quietly.
After quickly passing the first round of checks and having her name recorded, Chu Qingyin entered with a group of other young ladies.
The moment Chu Qingyin stepped through the vermilion-lacquered, gold-studded palace gate, she had a sudden illusion that time had reversed, as if she had returned to the day she first entered the palace in her previous life.
On that day, it was Pei Yuanling who took her hand and led her into the palace to pay respects to the Empress Dowager.
But now...
Taking a deep breath, Chu Qingyin cleared her mind of distractions, straightened her back, and walked in with dignified steps.
The first stage of the talent show is the preliminary test, which mainly examines appearance, demeanor, and whether the body is healthy and chaste.
With her outstanding appearance and refined demeanor, Chu Qingyin easily passed the preliminary test.
Next came the second round of testing, which, in addition to assessing talent, also tested knowledge of traditional Chinese virtues and precepts for women.
For Yu Chuqingyin, these were just a piece of cake. She answered each of the examiners' questions methodically and passed the second round of interviews smoothly.
In the afternoon, the third stage of the selection process began: staying at the palace for evaluation.
The significance of this test lies in examining the daily habits of the young women and observing whether they have any hidden vices or misconduct, which lasts for three days.
If the three days pass peacefully, one can proceed to the final palace selection. If any mistakes are made during these three days, one will be sent home, just like the candidates in the previous two rounds.
"A total of 156 girls participated in this selection. Eighty-six were eliminated in the first two rounds, leaving a total of 70 girls."
The old woman in charge of observing the candidates in the palace glanced expressionlessly at the five rows of young women before her, clasped her hands in front of her, and said calmly, "I hope that you will all behave yourselves and be friendly to each other for the next three days, so that you can successfully enter the palace selection and have an audience with the Emperor. Do you all understand?"
All seventy young women, including Chu Qingyin, obediently lowered their heads and replied in unison, "Yes."