Chapter 183: Retaining People

Chapter 183: Retaining People

In dynasties before the Great Jin, it hardly mattered whether a woman was a virgin; there were several instances of women who had children before entering the palace becoming noble consorts.

Of course, nowadays, men care more about such matters than before.

Generally, those who are not virgins wouldn't dare to enter.

But the absence of that particular examination does make things somewhat easier for the women.

It's less humiliating.

Over the course of the month, candidates were gradually eliminated.

Naturally, all those who made it past the palace walls were already selected locally and unlikely to have obvious issues.

Thus, upon their departure, they would receive one or two gifts, which could later serve as their dowry, allowing them to leave with dignity.

By early March, the number of candidates had already been reduced by more than half.

The few dozen beauties remaining then had the chance to enter the royal family.

Of course, some would serve the Emperor directly, while others might be granted as principal wives to princes and dukes.

That, too, was considered a good outcome.

However, at this point, there was still no movement among the consorts and concubines of the inner palace.

They are not in a rush.

With many uncertainties still present, attempts to curry favor will only begin once it's nearly certain who will stay.

This means waiting another half a month, during which the number leaving the palace steadily decreases.

Those with minor issues, such as talking in their sleep, for example.

Disturbing His Majesty is unacceptable.

Or, for instance, those whose menstrual cycle did not arrive when expected.

It might just be delayed, but if the delay is too long, the matrons will kindly ask you to return home, with the option to try again next time.

However, by the next selection, one would be older, thus missing the opportunity.

Some girls, certain their cycle is just irregular, could pay to buy more time, as long as it's before the final deadline.

Without money, unless a matron sees you as exceptionally promising, you would have to leave.

Therefore, the candidates start taking medicine early on to regulate their cycles as much as possible.

In many modern dramas, the selection process includes playing instruments, singing, reciting poetry, and dancing, but that's all fabricated.

What's being selected are consorts and noble ladies for the imperial harem, not entertainers.

Your family background has already been compiled into a document on the Empress Dowager's desk.

What notable figures your family has produced, what your father does, what your grandfather did.

All have been seen already.

As for you, if your family background is unproblematic and you yourself have no issues, then you only need to be observed for your appearance.

In reality, there are only a few spots available in each selection, and some are predetermined, as long as the Emperor isn’t the type to want every beauty he sees.

The number of additional candidates retained beyond the actual quota isn't too many.

Most are chosen to enter the imperial clan.

After all, within the imperial clan, there is a large group of people who need to marry and be given in marriage.

Daughters of high officials can't just be given away carelessly, so aren't the selected beauties the most suitable?

When the time for inspection finally came, only the Empress Dowager, the Empress, the consorts of the first, second, and third ranks were allowed to participate.

Of course, if the Imperial Consorts are eligible, they can also participate.

To select for their sons.

The inspection was scheduled for March 16th, as the Imperial Astronomical Bureau had predicted rain for the 15th.

Sure enough, it rained all morning.

The 16th was fine weather, so the inspection took place in the Imperial Garden.

With good weather, the flowers and trees in the Imperial Garden, refreshed by the previous day's rain, looked vibrant.

The beauties stepped forward in groups, each as lovely as a flower.

The Empress Dowager and the Empress laughed, saying, "Look at this, it reminds me of my time, the selection was in the Imperial Garden too. Back then, there weren’t these platforms, and the Imperial Garden wasn't as nice as it is now. I was both nervous and scared, afraid of making a mistake."

The Empress laughed, "Mother, you were born with impeccable grace. How could there have been any mistake? As for me, I never went through a selection."

"You didn't need to be selected because both the late Emperor and I thought highly of you. Indeed, our judgment was sound. The Empress has always been virtuous. Over the years, we've gotten along so well as mother-in-law and daughter-in-law," the Empress Dowager said, gently patting her hand. "In the blink of an eye, so many years have passed. The eldest princess has grown up so much."

The Empress modestly smiled, "I was quite foolish, relying entirely on Mother's guidance. Coming from a military family and becoming the Crown Princess, I struggled in many aspects. Without Mother's tolerance and love, I wouldn't have known what to do."

Consort Feng laughed, "The Empress Dowager is the easiest to talk to. I was not accustomed to palace life initially, and it was all thanks to Her Majesty's care. But let's discuss this another day, look, the girls below are getting anxious."

The Empress Dowager agreed with a smile, "We're old now, once we start talking, there's no end. Let's begin. The Emperor should be arriving soon."

Indeed, as they spoke, the Emperor arrived.

After everyone paid their respects, the Emperor sat down and asked, "Mother, have you taken a liking to any?"

"No, I was too busy talking to the Empress. Now that you're here, let's look together," the Empress Dowager said with a smile.

It seemed as if they had truly forgotten due to their conversation.

Unfortunately, in the palace, everyone knows how to play their part perfectly.

The candidates didn't understand; they saw the Empress Dowager and the Empress as approachable and kind.

Some were less afraid because of this.

However, there were those who understood the situation well, but typically, those who understand wouldn't show it.

"Then let's begin," He Jingli gestured, and the inspection officially started.

The candidates came forward in groups of five, proceeding in turn.

The Empress Dowager chose one first, "Look at her demeanor; she seems gentle. What do you think, Your Majesty, Your Highness?"

The Empress looked over, "Indeed, Mother has a good eye. I also think her temperament seems pleasant."

He Jinli glanced over: "Hmm, if she catches my mother's eye, let her stay."

Meng Chang often drank, leaving the first selected show woman of the Yu family.

When it came to the group that included the He family, the Empress Dowager immediately took a liking to one next to Miss He, with the surname Meng.

"This girl is blessed," she remarked.

Miss Meng's background was also average; to be precise, among this batch of show women, few came from notable backgrounds.

He Jinli observed that Miss Meng indeed had a beautiful, voluptuous appearance. He had a rough idea in his mind that this woman was not related to the Lin family.

So, he decided to keep her.

After all, there were only a few he wanted to keep; the rest could stay if they were pleasing to the eye.

The Empress Dowager did not mention Miss He. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to keep her, but in fact, she didn’t have a choice.

If she found reasons to block Miss He, it would only worsen her relationship with the Emperor.

But by not taking initiative, it meant she was unaware.

Thus, He Jinli inquired: "Who is the one in purple?"

Miss He quickly stepped forward and spoke of her family.

"Oh, I was so focused on that one, I overlooked this one. She’s also quite good," Consort Feng said with a laugh.

The Empress Dowager took a closer look: "Hmm, fine eyebrows and eyes, indeed quite delicate. But her family background is too modest."

The Queen then said: "A humble family background is no obstacle, as long as she herself is good. I think she’s fine, what do you think, Mother?"

It was the first time the Queen spoke up; she mainly did so because she saw the Emperor was interested, otherwise she wouldn’t have said anything.

"Good, as long as you all are satisfied, that’s fine with me. Let her stay," the Empress Dowager said cheerfully, with no objections.