Chapter 133: Your Majesty, Are There Any Maidens Who Have Caught Your Eye?

The palace selection had originally been presided over in person by the Empress, who would assess and choose the most talented among the court ladies. However, since the Empress had passed away, the Empress Dowager had taken her place. Today was an especially unusual occasion: after the selection had been suspended for an entire round, it was being held once again, and even Emperor Li Zhen had come to participate.

The thirty candidates stood in pairs, shoulder to shoulder, their hands clasped and held before their chests as they waited outside the palace hall for the order to enter. After the eunuch announced their arrival, the young women lowered their heads and proceeded gracefully into the hall in an orderly procession.

Fu Yan and Liu Qianqian stood in the same row, which meant they were at the very front of the procession. Their parents held high official rank, and those responsible for arranging the candidates’ positions had placed them first in order to curry favor with their families, making them especially easy for the emperor and Empress Dowager to notice.

“Respectful greetings to Your Majesty and the Empress Dowager,” the candidates called in unison as they knelt inside the hall.

The emperor and the Empress Dowager looked down at the kneeling women. The Empress Dowager raised her hand slightly, and the eunuch beside her understood at once. In a loud voice, he proclaimed, “The candidates may rise after offering their thanks.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty. Thank you, Empress Dowager.”

The women rose after giving thanks, yet none dared lift her head to meet the eyes of the emperor and Empress Dowager.

“Begin calling the names.”

Once again, the Empress Dowager issued the order. The eunuch beside her began introducing the candidates one by one, announcing their names and family backgrounds. Those whose names were called stepped forward so that the emperor and Empress Dowager might look them over.

“Yes!”

The eunuch answered respectfully, then opened the register and began introducing all thirty candidates in turn. Each young woman stepped forward to offer her greetings.

From time to time, if the emperor or Empress Dowager took an interest in someone, they would ask a question or two. Those who received such attention were all smiles, though a few were so nervous that they nearly stammered.

“Have you taken a liking to any of them, Your Majesty?”

The introductions had taken quite some time. Looking at the graceful young women standing below, the Empress Dowager wondered whether the emperor had noticed anyone suitable, so that his opinion might serve as a reference in the final selection.

“Their appearances are mixed, but I do have some impression of the Minister of Rites’ daughter.”

The emperor turned to the Empress Dowager and mentioned the one candidate who had left him relatively satisfied. It had not been long since the last Moon Sacrifice, and the lingering impression of that occasion still remained with him.

Yet today, the young woman’s air seemed different from before. She appeared gentler and more captivating, and her presence brought back to Emperor Li Zhen the memory of the song he had heard that night.

“The granddaughter of the Left Chancellor and daughter of the Minister of Rites, Fu Yan, step forward.”

The Empress Dowager nodded in agreement. Among all the candidates, Fu Yan’s beauty was certainly of the highest order, though it remained to be seen what sort of character she possessed.

Seeing that the emperor regarded her with unusual interest, the Empress Dowager called her forward to exchange a few words with her and determine whether she was as wise and accomplished inwardly as she was beautiful outwardly.

“Your humble subject Fu Yan respectfully greets Your Majesty and the Empress Dowager.”

Summoned so suddenly, Fu Yan was startled, but her surprise was quickly overwhelmed by delight. She stepped out of line at an unhurried pace and offered her greetings with courteous humility.

Such treatment immediately aroused the envy of the other candidates. They kept their jealousy hidden in their hearts, not daring to reveal it on their faces. Only Liu Qianqian stared at Fu Yan with undisguised resentment, consumed by envy.

“At the last Moon Sacrifice, you sang a song called ‘Spring Waters Flow Eastward.’ I thought your voice was quite lovely, though your musical technique was somewhat lacking. Have you practiced since returning home?”

The Empress Dowager asked with a smile about the events of the Moon Sacrifice. As she observed Fu Yan’s posture, expression, and manner of speaking, she gave a faint nod, feeling a trace of approval. The daughter trained by the Minister of Rites was indeed exceptionally well versed in etiquette.

“Your humble subject knows that her skills are not yet refined. After returning home, I practiced diligently and made some progress. If Your Highness should wish to hear it again in the future, your humble subject would gladly sing and play another piece for you.”

Fu Yan’s answer was graceful and measured, neither obsequious nor proud, while her voice was as sweet as a songbird’s. This was the result of the careful instruction arranged by her father, Fu Shijie.

The Empress Dowager and the emperor exchanged a glance, both evidently satisfied. Judging from her speech and bearing, they felt that her character was likely commendable as well, and so they took a few more moments to observe her closely.