The Job Of An Imperial Concubine

118: extra 1

Another year passed, and it was time for new beauties to enter the palace. Countless horse-drawn carriages brought the stunning maidens there, and after passing through layer after layer of inspection, the remaining beauties were finally able to head to the imperial gardens and see the emperor.

Although Xu Ru's father was merely a fifth-rank assistant minister, and her background wasn't the best, she had an outstanding appearance. Not only that, she was skilled in the four arts: zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Ever since she had stepped foot within the imperial palace, she did not experience much difficulties, a smooth and unhindered journey to the emperor's personal selection.

While she was still in her boudoir, Xu Ru had heard of Noble Consort Zhao's famous reputation. She had also read some novels regarding the emperor and Noble Consort Zhao in secret. However, she was clear on the fact that these authors were all scholars down on their luck; one would fear they did not even know what direction the gates of the imperial palace faced.

The emperor was amorous; beautiful women aged easily. She did not believe that the emperor's affection toward Noble Consort Zhao would never change. What the imperial harem lacked was not women, but women who were ambitious.

The candidates for the imperial selection stood in order. Despite the poor weather today, most of them still dressed lightly. Among the cold wind, they stood in a neat and orderly manner.

The comparatively high-ranked imperial concubines who had arrived at the palace earlier were Consort Rou, Noble Consort Shu, and Consort Xian. Word had it that Consort Xian used to be a noble consort. But after Fourth Prince was born, she was demoted for some reason and lost the emperor's favor. Although she still possessed the position of consort, she was not as respected as Consort Rou.

Nowadays, Noble Consort Shu no longer bothered with the matters of the harem. Although she was still present at the selection of new imperial concubines, her attention was not on selecting winners from these hopeful candidates, nor was it on this lovely scene of blossoming plants swaying in the wind.

"Noble Consort Zhao has arrived!"

The hopeful candidates present were startled. This was the rumored most-favored woman in the imperial harem, Noble Consort Zhao. They bent their knees low in a deep curtsy, their line of sight only falling upon the long, long tail of her dress winding on the ground.

After Xu Ru had listened to the imperial concubines returning salutes to each other, she heard Noble Consort Zhao tell the hopeful candidates to rise. As Xu Ru did, she seized an opportunity to glance at the other woman. And for a moment, she was shocked. Noble Consort Zhao was indeed beautiful. Yet, her appearance could not compare to either Noble Consort Shu's or Consort Rou's. She seemed very young, skin fair and hair as dark as ink. Her eyes held a smile, and she did not have the overweening attitude typical of pampered imperial concubines.

"There are many beauties among this year's selection," said Zhuang Laoyan, sitting across from Noble Consort Shu. She picked up a cup of tea that a palace maid had presented to her. A light smile on her lips, she looked at those women below. Adjusted her jadeite earring. Then she turned to Consort Rou. "Consort Rou, what do you think?"

To which Consort Rou shot a glance at those women below. She snickered. "There's a few who are fit to be shown in public, perhaps." Following that, with not a care on what the hopeful candidates would think, she continued, "Our imperial harem does not lack these kinds of beauties."

Xu Ru, who stood below the imperial concubines like the others, felt somewhat resentful. However, she dared not retort, simply following the other women in keeping her head bowed in a well-behaved fashion.