But at the same time, she was also richly gifted.

In the past, it was always believed that the best years for a woman were at this time, but now I know that some happiness has little to do with whether you are young, beautiful, or graceful.

She smiled at the corner of her mouth and glanced at the Emperor, who also looked back at her affectionately.

Everything was understood without a word being spoken.

The affection between the Empress and the Emperor remained as it had been for decades, seen by everyone around them.

However, the protagonists of today were not them, and naturally, the spotlight would not shift.

The Emperor came back to his senses and then spoke to Dong Yuzhong beside him.

"Let’s begin."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Dong Yuzhong flicked the horsetail whisk and raised his voice to say.

"Summon the concubines to come forward for an audience."

Hearing this, the selection process officially began.

At the forefront of the first row were, naturally, those with the most distinguished status in Da Wei, apart from princesses and commandery princesses of the Imperial Family.

And leading them was, naturally, Miss Li Wan’er from the Duke Li Mansion.

Among the crowd, she stood out significantly.

Not only was she born with fair skin and beauty, but she was also slender, and most importantly, her demeanor and manners were impeccable.

Standing there, she was the most attractive to the eye.

This selection coincidentally mirrored Lin Wanyi’s entry into the palace years ago, as she wore a robe of Soft Smoke Luo Flowing Immortal Palace Dress in pale blue.

However, the style and materials were far more exquisite than those of Lin Wanyi back then.

After all, Lin Wanyi at that time was merely a tool to secure favor for her sister when she entered the palace.

But the third Miss Li Wan’er from Duke Li Mansion before them was cherished by everyone in the mansion.

Naturally, it was different.

She stepped forward gracefully and said.

"This subject’s daughter, Li Wan’er of Duke Li Mansion, pays respects to Your Majesty, Imperial Consort, Crown Prince, Han King, and Prince Pei."

Her voice was as clear and crisp as white jade beads falling onto a plate.

Lin Wanyi immediately noticed her, so she smiled and spoke to the Emperor.

"Her beauty and demeanor surpass others."

"Do you like her?"

Lin Wanyi nodded, likely impressed by her graceful demeanor and thus found her agreeable.

Seeing this, the Emperor glanced at Dong Yuzhong beside him.

Dong Yuzhong, understanding the signal, said.

"Leave the silk flower for the third Miss Li of Duke Li Mansion."

Li Wan’er probably didn’t expect that after stepping forward to pay respects, the silk flower would be left for her.

So she was momentarily surprised, then quickly calmed down.

She said to the Emperor and Lin Wanyi.

"This subject’s daughter thanks Your Majesty’s great grace and thanks to the Imperial Consort for her kindness."

This demeanor was also why Han King, who was assisting with the selection, found her satisfactory.

Whether she was to be the Crown Princess Consort or Princess Pei, such equanimity amid honor or disgrace was most suitable for survival in the Royal Family.

He thus glanced at his two brothers beside him.

The Crown Prince showed little interest, but Prince Pei gave Li Wan’er a few more glances, intentionally or not.

Seeing this, Han King smiled knowingly.

Just right.

Next were the second Miss from Duke Ji Mansion, the fourth Miss from Duke Jin Mansion, the legitimate eldest granddaughter and third granddaughter of General Dezhao, and the sixth Miss from Scholar Xue’s family.

They all stepped forward together and performed their respectful salutations.

Though their beauty was not as striking as Li Wan’er’s, they all seemed carefully dressed.

Whether in pink, lake blue, grass green, or goose yellow.

These colors highlighted their beauty and features.

All was well, except for the fourth Miss from Duke Jin Mansion, who held herself very upright.

In her mind, if Li Wan’er could be chosen, then she could too.

In terms of family and appearance, she was not inferior to her.

Thus, her confident demeanor bothered the Emperor.

Too greedy for merit, arrogant.

Such a person, don’t even think about entering the Eastern Palace; even entering any household would be as if there is a spectacle waiting to happen.

Without much thought, the Emperor dismissed her from consideration.

He then surveyed the line and pointed to the legitimate third granddaughter of General Dezhao, calmly saying.

"Keep this girl."

"Yes."

Dong Yuzhong, given the command, spoke to the third Miss Wang.

"Her Excellency, the third Miss of the General Mansion, reserve the token."

"This subject’s daughter thanks Your Majesty."

She appeared more lively, with a sweet smile in her demeanor.

When people saw her, they couldn’t help but feel a bit of joy.

So charming, the Emperor truly had a keen eye for picking talents.

And her cuteness easily won Jiang Shouyuan’s eye.

The Emperor and Lin Wanyi noticed as well and felt this marriage arrangement was favorable.

The match between the Earl Mansion and the General Mansion was a perfect match.

A good union.

With the selection of the third Miss, others felt a tremor in their hearts.

After the Emperor’s wave, those ladies from prominent families who were not chosen naturally felt a bit humiliated.

Even the fourth Miss, who was full of joy thinking she would surely be chosen, had her eyes turn red in an instant.

No matter how embarrassed, no one dared to act out in front of the Emperor.

Thus, the line of girls rose, paid their respects to the Emperor and Lin Wanyi, and then stepped back.

Once they left the Waterside Pavilion, the fourth Miss used a handkerchief to cover her face and hid to the side to cry.

Her reaction brought satisfaction to the daughter of the official she previously bullied.

She secretly prayed that if she could be selected for the Eastern Palace, she would sincerely pray to the Bodhisattva and express her gratitude.

Soon, the fourth Miss was escorted out of the palace by the court nanny.

The same happened to the other unsuccessful concubines.

It didn’t mean they would never have another chance; they would just return home, rest for a few days, and then their families would arrange marriages for them.

Just a minor episode; the selection continued.

Next came the second row.

The appearance of the ladies in this row was accompanied by a shout from the Han King.

It must be said, in terms of beauty and grace, there were two outstanding individuals in this row.

They were the daughters of Minister Han and General Su.

The two were renowned beauties in Shengjing City.

Dressed elegantly today, they naturally exuded more charm.

If Li Wan’er stood in this row, she might have been outshone.

Among them stood Miss Zeng, who once made the Crown Prince and Prince Pei ’tremble in fear.’

Her appearance was only above average among this row.

Yet, even so, the most transcendent presence was Miss Zeng.

Presumably because of her literary knowledge and grace.

She merely stood there steadily, with an aura of unclouded calm.

Unlike other ladies from prominent families, she carried a strong scholarly air.

This scholarly air did not make her seem weak or easy to bully.

Instead, it added a touch of composed self-enjoyment.

Her face remained expressionless, unlike other concubines, who were either jubilant or bashfully reserved.