132. Chapter 132: I Am Merely Speaking the Truth

The day of the palace selection had finally arrived. Fu Yan had devoted herself entirely to preparing for it—this was likely the first time in her life she had truly put her heart into something. Fu Shijie watched with delight, practically overjoyed.

Today, a total of thirty young women entered the palace for the selection. They were carefully chosen from thousands of candidates, the cream of the crop.

But Fu Yan had always been confident. Glancing at her “competitors,” she saw a wide range of appearances and figured many of them must have connections backing them. But so what? Whose family background could surpass her own?

“Big Sister Fu,” came a sweet voice, drawing the attention of many.

Fu Yan turned at the sound and saw Miss Liu approaching gracefully. She was her main rival in this selection, and Fu Shijie had made sure to warn her about Liu.

Liu Qianqian had good looks and a respectable family background. They had known each other since childhood but never got along well. Both were strong-willed ladies from noble families, and despite the two-year age difference, Fu Yan never yielded to her.

So behind the scenes, they were always vying against each other, each refusing to concede. Liu also knew that Fu Yan had feelings for Li Rui, making Fu Yan a key focus of her vigilance.

“Oh, it’s Sister Qianqian.”

“Yes! I didn’t expect to see you here. I just caught a glimpse of your figure from afar and came over to say hello,” Liu said deliberately. There was a reason behind her words. Fu Yan’s fondness for Li Rui meant she always followed him closely, and now she was even participating in the selection.

Liu, ever proud, believed Fu Yan couldn’t compare to her. She excelled in everything—family, looks, and more—but she knew that aside from Fu Yan, no one else here was a real contender.

That was why she paid Fu Yan extra attention, even hostility. She secretly coveted the queen’s position and had begun scheming before even entering the palace.

“Why wouldn’t I? This selection is so important; of course, I’d come. Besides, we might as well keep each other company,” Fu Yan replied, though her heart said otherwise. After all, they were rivals.

But she remembered Fu Shijie’s advice: be patient, keep a low profile. She had learned to be discreet, for being too conspicuous in the palace could be dangerous. She couldn’t afford any mistakes. That was why she was so “polite” to Liu today.

“Keep each other company? Hah! Aside from you, Sister Fu, the others are nothing but a bunch of worthless mud and rotten wood,” Liu sneered. She looked around at the other candidates, their appearances uneven, and concluded that Fu Yan was her only true rival.

Though they had known each other since childhood, they were far from close. If they were to serve the same man one day, they would compete fiercely for favor. There would be no sisterly companionship or mutual support.

“Be careful what you say, Sister Qianqian. It wouldn’t be good if others overheard,” Fu Yan thought. Liu was surprisingly arrogant, boldly judging others even within the palace. All the candidates here came from respectable families, so Fu Yan offered a “kind” warning.

“I’m just speaking the truth. Sister Fu, I’m actually rooting for you! Hehe!” Liu said loudly, not appreciating the warning. Then she covered her mouth with a smile, deliberately telling Fu Yan she was “rooting” for her to make her the target of everyone’s scorn.

Yet judging by today’s display, Liu was the one everyone disliked most. They all glanced sideways, whispering about the two.

“Likewise,” Fu Yan responded “modestly,” though both women were secretly sizing each other up. For Fu Yan, this selection was a battle she was determined to win!