Yan Su waited for his parents to explain before saying, “Second brother, as far as I know, there are more than thirty young men participating in the Xiunan Selection this time, and many of them are outstanding, so you may not be selected. If you are unsuccessful, you can marry freely. ”
“Thank you big brother for your concern,” Yan Ge said solemnly, “In case I am chosen, big brother will do his filial piety to my father and mother for me.” ”
When Yan Xiaojing heard this, he looked at his second son and smiled, and his heart was very relieved. Madam Yan even wiped her tears.
“Naturally.” Yan Su said with a smile.
“Okay, it’s almost time, it’s not good to make people wait for a long time.” Yan Xiaojing said.
The three of them escorted Yan Ge to the gate of the Yan Residence. A mule had already been waiting at the entrance, meticulously groomed and adorned with a celebratory red ribbon around its neck. Standing beside the mule were two officials from the Ministry of Revenue, dressed in grey livery.
Yan Ge could guess the reason for choosing a mule instead of a horse. In the past, in order to please his parents, he had been diligent in his studies and was quite familiar with ancient history. He had come across passages related to the Xiunu selection in the Qing Dynasty. Horses were typically used for military purposes and considered military supplies, so xiunan and xiunu were not qualified to ride horses, hence the substitution with a mule.
“We have seen Master Yan, Madam Yan, Young Master Yan, and Second Young Master Yan,” the two officials respectfully greeted Yan Xiaojing and his family.
“No need for excessive courtesy,” Yan Xiaojing chuckled and said, “You have worked hard. Please take care of my son during his time before entering the palace.”
“It’s our duty, it’s our duty,” the two officials hastened to reply.
Yan Ge climbed onto the mule, bid farewell to Yan Xiaojing, Madam Yan, and Yan Su, and the two officials led the mule towards the direction of the palace. Chunxi and Qiuxi accompanied him, seeing him off at the palace gate.
Yan Ge surveyed the ancient and picturesque buildings lining the streets, finding them rather captivating.
As the daylight grew brighter, the streets were gradually filled with more mule carts, carrying the aspiring concubines who had come from various places to enter the palace on the same day.
As these xiunu were women, they were eligible to ride in mule driven carriages, unlike the xiunan who rode on mules. Compared to them, Yan Ge considered himself fortunate. As the son of a high-ranking official, he did not have to travel a long distance just to let the emperor catch a glimpse, which could potentially be the only opportunity for most. Along the way, many carriage drivers voluntarily made way for Yan Ge and the other two xiunan, leaving him quite puzzled.
One of the officials saw his confusion and quickly explained, “Second Young Master Yan, as a xiunan of noble status, it is only proper for these xiunu to give way to you in the absence of clear rank.”
Yan Ge was annoyed but smiled without saying a word.
The official thought he would get a coin as a reward, so he felt somewhat embarrassed, and refrained from further explanation.
Shops on both sides of the street gradually opened for business, and many people leaned out from their second-floor windows to witness the spectacle of xiunu and xiunan entering the capital. However, nobody dared to openly discuss the matters of the Emperor.
Coming from an illustrious family, Yan Ge was accustomed to being watched by others and felt no discomfort. He repeatedly contemplated his plan in his mind and by the time he snapped out of his thoughts, the mule had already come to a stop. They had arrived at one of the side gates of the palace—the North Gate.
By now, the sun had risen, casting its radiant light from the east onto the magnificent palace, overlooking the vast land below. It was grand and breathtakingly beautiful.
Yan Ge dismounted and surveyed his surroundings. At a glance, he could see a sea of beauties. The xiunu from various places were all dressed in exquisite attire, emanating a fragrant elegance, each with her own unique charm. Even though Yan Ge did not like women, he couldn’t help but be captivated by the beauties before him, feeling overwhelmed by the spectacle. Among this group of xiunu, there were a few scattered xiunan who piqued the curiosity of the women, drawing their sidelong glances.
After admiring the beauties for a while, Yan Ge’s attention shifted to the xiunan. Among them, there were several who possessed remarkable looks and temperament.
Having already resigned himself to the possibility of being unsuccessful, Yan Ge remained composed and leisurely. He smiled, fanning himself with an adorned folding fan, and observed the various expressions of those around him with great interest.
Suddenly, he felt a strong gaze on him, prompting him to turn around in confusion, yet he found nothing amiss. He silently chastised himself for being overly sensitive.
