coobybook Chapter 283 Ling Huan plans the selection
Chapter 283 Ling Huan plans the selection
Zhen Huan said, "That's right. The selection of concubines is related to the balance and stability of the harem. We must prepare in advance and not let those with ulterior motives take advantage of the opportunity to stir up trouble."
When Concubine Hua heard about the selection, she sneered, "Hmph! Another bunch of ignorant little girls are about to enter the palace. I want to see what tricks they can come up with."
An Lingrong frowned slightly. "Sister Hua Fei, although the newly arrived concubines are nothing to be feared, we cannot let our guard down. Who knows if there will be powerful people behind the scenes who will attempt to disrupt the harem?"
Zhen Huan nodded. "Lingrong is right. In the last selection, Yu Ying was an example. Although she was not born into a high family, she won the emperor's favor because of her beautiful voice, and she began to have inappropriate thoughts."
Concubine Hua snorted softly, "Yu Yingda is nothing but a clown. If the Emperor hadn't been mesmerized by her singing, she wouldn't have had the chance to stir up trouble in the harem. We must not allow such a person to appear again in this selection."
At this time, Chun'er came in skipping and jumping: "Sisters, I heard that there will be a talent show. Will there be many beautiful sisters entering the palace?"
Zhen Huan smiled and pulled Chun Er over: "Chun Er, this selection is not just about appearance, it also depends on character and family background."
Chun Er blinked her big eyes and said, "Then Chun Er thinks that anyone who can get along well with the sisters can enter the palace."
Mei Zhuang also walked in and said, "This selection seems to be even bigger than the last one. I heard that the ministers in the court all want to send their daughters to the palace to gain glory for their families."
An Lingrong pondered, "This makes the relationship even more complicated. We must first find out what the Emperor thinks and see if he has any special ideas about this selection."
Zhen Huan stood up and said, "I will go to the Emperor today to sound him out. Lingrong, please come with me. You are very sensitive and may be able to detect more."
An Lingrong responded, "Okay, Huan'er, let's go now."
The two of them arrived at the emperor's study. Zhen Huan bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I heard about the selection of concubines, so I came to talk to you."
The emperor put down his pen and said, "Hanhuan, I was just thinking about this. This time, I hope to add some fresh blood to the harem, and at the same time, I also consider the royal heir."
An Lingrong said softly, "Your Majesty, I believe that the character of this young lady is extremely important. After all, the harem needs peace and tranquility so that Your Majesty can focus on the affairs of the previous dynasty."
The Emperor nodded. "Lingrong is quite right. I don't want the harem to be in turmoil because of a new person."
Zhen Huan continued, "Your Majesty, could you please advise us on the selection process and standards?"
The emperor smiled and said, "Hanhuan is thoughtful. I will have the Imperial Household Department and the Ministry of Rites make careful preparations for the selection. If you have any good suggestions, please let them know."
After coming out of the Imperial Study, An Lingrong said to Zhen Huan, "Huan'er, although the Emperor has said so, we still cannot rely entirely on the Imperial Household Department and the Ministry of Rites. We must have our own plans."
Zhen Huan said, "That's right. I thought we could first secretly learn about the circumstances of those promising candidates, so we can prepare in advance."
When they returned to the palace, Concubine Hua, Meizhuang and Chun'er were waiting for them.
Hua Fei asked, "How is it? What does the Emperor say?"
Zhen Huan repeated the emperor's words, and Mei Zhuang said, "Then let's follow our previous agreement and investigate the concubines first."
Chun Er volunteered: "Chun Er wants to go too, is that okay?"
Zhen Huan smiled and said, "Chun'er, you should stay in the palace. If there is any news, please inform us in time."
Chun Er pouted and said, "Okay, then Chun Er will wait for my sisters obediently in the palace."
So, Zhen Huan, An Lingrong and Mei Zhuang began to divide the work, and each used their own connections to inquire about the news of the concubines.
A few days later, the three of them got together.
Mei Zhuang spoke first, "I heard there's a minister's daughter named Su Yao. I heard she's proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, and she's also very beautiful. She's quite famous in the capital."
An Lingrong said, "I've heard there's a merchant's daughter named Lin Wan. She's good at dancing and has a lively and cheerful personality."
Zhen Huan pondered for a moment. "Su Yao comes from a prominent family. If she were to enter the palace, she would probably attract a lot of attention. As for Lin Wan, although she is the daughter of a merchant family and has a lower status, if her lively personality pleases the emperor, she will also have a place."
Concubine Hua said disdainfully, "Humph! No matter what their status is, once they enter the palace, they must abide by the rules of the harem. If they dare to break the rules in the slightest, I will not show any mercy."
As he was speaking, a young eunuch came to report: "Madams, the Imperial Household Department has sent the list of beauties for this selection. Please review it."
Zhen Huan took the list and said, "Okay, you go down first."
The three of them sat together looking through the roster. Suddenly, An Lingrong pointed at a name and said, "This Ye Lanyi, she was born a horse trainer, so she's quite special."
Mei Zhuang was surprised and said, "A horse trainer? This is rare among the concubines."
Zhen Huan said, "Perhaps she has some unique qualities that are why she was selected into the list of concubines. In any case, we must understand everyone who may enter the palace so that we can deal with the situation that follows."
As the day of the selection approaches, a subtle atmosphere permeates the harem. Zhen Huan and others are also making intensive preparations, while those beauties who are about to enter the harem have no idea what fate awaits them.