The head eunuch spoke, “Congratulations to all the young masters who have passed the preliminary selection. In the coming month, you will be arranged to learn palace etiquette and rules together. After one month, the selected xiunu and xiunan will be presented to the Emperor in the Qufang Palace. If chosen by the Emperor, you will be conferred with titles of nobility and positions. At that time, you shall enjoy boundless glory and prosperity.”
Yan Ge asked without politeness, “Is the selection process really that simple, sir? No consideration for musical talent, chess, calligraphy, or painting?”
His words instantly offended the other xiunan, who turned their heads and looked at Yan Ge with unfriendly eyes. The second young master of the Yan family had suggested evaluating musical talent, chess, calligraphy, and painting, perhaps because he excelled in those areas. Such a person who loved to show off was undoubtedly difficult to get along with.
The middle-aged eunuch shared the same thought and cast a sidelong glance at Yan Ge. He replied, “No need for that. You young masters are chosen because you are goodlooking. You should be grateful for the Emperor’s favor.”
The xiunan responded in unison, “Thank you for your guidance, sir.”
Yan Ge remained silent, repeatedly thinking two words in his mind: It’s over, it’s over, it’s over…
“Xiao Yongzi, Xiao Shunzi, lead the young masters to their residences.”
“Yes.”
…..
For the past month, Yan Ge believed he still had a chance, but after only two days, he realized a problem: he was still appointed by default! He deliberately performed poorly during the lessons on etiquette but the several teaching aunts only expressed disappointment, without any discontent or reproach. How could such a lecherous Emperor manage the country like this? The corrupt practice of “preselection” should have been rectified long ago!
This path was impassable. Yan Ge could only pin his hopes on the Emperor’s selection. At this point, the only person who could reject him was the Emperor. With this realization, he decided to relax.
After spending some time with the other fourteen xiunan, Yan Ge quickly learned what to do. Song Ruhao told him that the Emperor’s selection was based on three criteria: appearance, the Emperor’s impression, and etiquette. As long as he found a way to displease the Emperor, everything would be fine.
Speaking of Song Ruhao, Yan Ge believed he would certainly be chosen. He liked men who were resolute and handsome, possessing a strong and robust image. However, Song Ruhao and the other xiunan were more delicate and refined, unable to catch his eye at all. That’s why Yan Ge hadn’t paid much attention to Song Ruhao’s appearance initially. Later, he discovered that Song Ruhao was indeed a beautiful man with sword-like brows, refined and cultured, full of talent, and one of the most outstanding among the fifteen xiunan.
Intensive training took place every day, and time passed quickly. The one-month deadline was approaching. It seemed calm among the xiunan during this month. However, even if Yan Ge didn’t pay attention, he heard about several major incidents that occurred among the xiunu. One exceptionally beautiful xiunu had accidentally fallen and disfigured herself, while another talented xiunu carelessly burned her fingers, rendering her unable to play the zither or paint…
On the day of the final selection, more than two hundred xiunu and xiunan lined up outside the Qufang Palace for the Emperor’s selection. The Emperor, Empress, and concubines interested in the selection were inside the hall.
In groups of six, the xiunan and xiunu took turns stepping forward to be chosen by the Emperor.
In comparison to the xiunu, the xiunan were given priority and selected first. Due to his background, Yan Ge was assigned to the first group. To prepare for this day, he made sufficient arrangements, wearing ordinary clothes and deliberately using cosmetics to make himself appear less attractive.
Six people entered the grand hall and stood in a row below. Following the teaching aunt’s previous teachings, they turned left, turned right, and turned back, allowing the Emperor and others to get a clear view of their faces, profiles, and figures. As he followed the movements with the other five individuals, Yan Ge felt awkward and clumsy, like there was a bug crawling all over his body.
After completing the turns, the eunuch called out the names.
“Song Ruhao, son of the Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince.”
Song Ruhao took two steps forward, respectfully knelt down, and bowed to the Emperor and Empress.
“Greetings, Your Majesty and Empress. May His Majesty enjoy boundless peace, and may the Empress receive countless blessings.”
After a moment of silence in the hall, a melodious female voice softly laughed, resembling silver pearls rolling on a jade plate. “Your Majesty, the son of the Grand Tutor’s family is indeed outstanding and talented.”
Under the scrutiny of all eyes, Yan Ge dared not lift his head, so he was unable to identify the speaker but guessed it was the Empress. The Emperor remained silent, and Yan Ge couldn’t discern his actions, but he heard the eunuch announce, “Song Ruhao, keep your token.” This meant he had been chosen by the Emperor.
Song Ruhao expressed his gratitude, stepped back, and left the hall.
The second xiunan approached, but the Emperor and Empress showed no particular reaction. The eunuch then proclaimed, “Liu Weien, leave your token.”
Next was Yan Ge’s turn.
In front of the most esteemed individuals in the realm, Yan Ge’s proud knees finally touched the ground. As he stepped forward, his movements were stiff, and even when he knelt down, he mistakenly started with his right foot. The Huangfu Dynasty was a land of etiquette, and the left side held more significance. Although this mistake was not insignificant, it was not enough to implicate the Yan family, making it just right. This was the ingenious method he had come up with.
Suddenly, a sharp gaze fell upon Yan Ge, seemingly piercing through his body.
Yan Ge’s entire being tensed involuntarily, his reaction genuine. Then his eyebrows twitched as if he had just realized his mistake. His expression changed, and he quickly prostrated, trembling slightly. However, his subsequent reaction was a pretense.
After a long silence from above, the same female voice spoke again, gently saying, “Your Majesty, please calm down. The second son of the Yan family must have been too nervous. He seems like a composed person, and his nervousness has a certain charm.”
Yan Ge furrowed his brows. This woman…
The Emperor still did not speak. After a moment, the eunuch announced, “Yan Ge, keep your token.”
What?!
Yan Ge almost lifted his head to see if the Emperor was blind, but he retained his composure and suppressed his infuriation. He expressed his gratitude, then withdrew from the grand hall.
At this moment, the voice of the system sounded particularly gloating, “Ding. Congratulations on successfully completing Main Mission 2 – Obtaining the Emperor’s permission to ‘keep your token.’ You have been rewarded with 10 taels of silver and 2 Poison Immunity pills. Main mission 3 – Being conferred by the Emperor. If the mission is successful, you will be rewarded with 50 taels of silver and a copy of the book “The Eighteen Arts of Yufu” To accept the mission, please select ‘Yes.’ To refuse the mission, please select ‘No.’”
Damn it!
*Yufu refers to the actions or techniques employed by a wife or consort to maintain harmony, influence, or control over the husband or partner.
