Chapter 521: Chapter 12 Restarting the Draft

They are not afraid of others playing dirty tricks, but they fear the people coming are all matchmakers and servants gathering information.

Leaving them in a dilemma where neither fighting nor scolding seems appropriate.

In the end, they simply packed their bags and stayed directly at the Eastern Palace.

All just waiting for the selection ceremony to pass before deciding their next move.

They indeed managed to avoid the busyness.

However, all the embroidery workshops and jewelry treasure pavilions in Shengjing City were bustling with activity.

Guests were arriving in an endless stream, and merchants were overwhelmed.

And the Yunxiu Pavilion, managed by Mrs. Dong, was at the forefront.

More than three hundred embroideresses were rushing to meet deadlines day and night.

All to ensure the young maidens could shine during the selection ceremony.

Fortunately, Yunxiu Pavilion had a habit of keeping some ready-made garments aside every year.

Thus, most of the orders focused on altering these garments.

In this way, it wasn’t too time-consuming or laborious, yet it achieved unparalleled results.

Therefore, it was loved by many noble ladies.

However, some noble ladies, not finding suitable garments and jewelry, had urgent deliveries sent from other states.

For a time, the official roads were also bustling.

Everywhere echoed with the clip-clop of galloping horses.

Soon, half a month passed.

The long-awaited reopening of the selection ceremony arrived amidst the gradually cooling weather of Shengjing City.

When Lin Wanyi entered the palace, she hadn’t participated in a formal selection.

Therefore, this was her first time being a part of it.

And since this selection was for the Crown Prince and others, it naturally differed from previous ones.

The location was directly set at the Crown Prince’s Eastern Palace.

On this day, although the sun wasn’t shining brightly, the autumn breeze was very refreshing.

But as it was nearly October, the early mornings brought a bit of chill.

Even so, the scene was lively with the multitude of carriages and eagerly anticipating servants at the Eastern Palace gates.

Inside, it was also crowded with people.

However, everyone came in an orderly manner.

The young maidens waited for their summons according to their family’s status.

Some were joyful, others calm, and naturally, some were also a bit impatient.

"His Highness the Crown Prince is an exceptionally good gentleman; I’d be willing to be a concubine in the Eastern Palace."

The speaker was a girl from an ordinary family background.

She knew she couldn’t become the Crown Princess Consort due to her status.

But that didn’t stop her from dreaming a little.

For instance, about being a concubine of the Crown Prince.

After all, if she could have a son or daughter, who knows what the future might hold?

Just like the Imperial Concubine of today, wasn’t she the same?

As she spoke, the nearby young maidens who knew her laughed.

"Such lofty thoughts, with our family backgrounds, being able to latch onto one of the Eastern Palace’s guards is good enough. My mother made thorough inquiries and said that Lin Family’s second son is good. Marrying him brings stability and avoids the trouble of being the eldest son’s wife."

The few lowered their voices, gathered, and spoke among themselves.

Thus, with their banter and laughter, the moment passed.

However, a beautiful young maiden passing by gave a mocking smile.

For the sake of her own future, she chose not to speak up.

She only left with a dismissive glance and a remark; chickens dreaming to be phoenixes, then swaggered off.

The girl who initially spoke felt tears well up in anger.

But being in the Eastern Palace, she dared not act rashly.

She had to swallow her tears.

After a while, she asked.

"Who was she talking about? How could she be so arrogant and rude?"

"You better stop talking. That was the fourth young lady from the Duke Jin Mansion. Her family is distinguished, and she’s aiming for the position of Crown Princess Consort. Here you are talking about being a concubine, setting yourself up for judgment."

The one advising tugged at her sleeve. Though the first girl felt indignant, she dared not say anything further.

Soon, a eunuch’s voice was heard.

"Summon the young ladies of Duke Li Mansion, Duke Ji Mansion, Duke Jin Mansion, General Dezhao, and Scholar Xue Mansion for an audience."

Hearing this, the young maidens stood properly.

This signified the start of the selection.

The ones named were naturally the most prestigious young ladies in Da Wei now.

Each of them held a velvet flower in her hand.

If chosen, the flower would be left behind.

If not, they’d take the flower with them.

Hence, every selection was described as "people remain, flowers stay; people leave, flowers depart."

Today, the selection venue was set in the flower hall of the Waterside Pavilion within the Eastern Palace.

Here was not only spacious but also scenic.

With a deep pond beside it, surrounded by hills and water, it was quite harmonious.

Inside the Waterside Pavilion, many people were seated as well.

High above sat the Emperor and Lin Wanyi.

Beneath them were the Crown Prince, Prince Han, and Prince Pei.

As for Lin Zong, Jiang Shouyuan, Feng Xun, and others, they also found seats this time.

Though they were guards of the Eastern Palace, their family backgrounds were prominent.

Therefore, it was acceptable for them to be seated.

Prince Han already had a Princess Consort, thus he didn’t partake in this matter.

His presence was merely to act as a counselor for his two younger brothers.

Being a few years older, he naturally had to serve more functions.

This was something the Crown Prince had told him personally.

Initially somewhat uninterested, upon seeing the setting, Prince Han broke into a smile.

"It’s been a while since I’ve been to the Eastern Palace, and see how beautifully it’s maintained. It seems every tree and plant here knows they’ll soon have a virtuous Crown Princess Consort."

With Prince Han’s jest, everyone joined in the laughter.

The Crown Prince enjoyed bantering with his second brother, so upon hearing this, he immediately retorted.

"With Second Brother saying this, I’m curious. Second Sister-in-law has been in the household for years now, surely the Han Prince Mansion in Yunzhou is managed even more beautifully. Why the interest in my Eastern Palace then? Could it be that Second Sister-in-law isn’t virtuous?"

"You brat, you’re really sharp-tongued!"

"Hehe, it’s because Second Brother cares for me."

The exchange between the Crown Prince and Prince Han was audible to all present.

Though distinct in roles as lord and vassal, the relationship between Prince Han and the Crown Prince was special.

So, a few jokes were harmless.

Should the day come when the Crown Prince ascends the throne, naturally, these words would need restraint.

The two were in the midst of teasing when Prince Pei called out.

"Here they come."

With this, they saw a row of seven or eight young maidens walking towards them.

Truly youthful and beautiful, yet poised and elegant.

Even Lin Wanyi felt satisfied, not to mention the brothers.

Such youthful vitality, she too had once experienced.

Just now, she was more of a mother, even a grandmother, characterized by dignity and composure.

Thus, seeing these vibrant young women standing before her in a row,

Lin Wanyi felt time was indeed unforgiving.