Chapter 13: The Final Selection

Chapter 13: The Final Selection

Time slipped by like sand through fingers, and before they knew it, a month had passed. During this time, the candidates were observed and evaluated based on their temperament, speech, gentleness, wisdom, and virtue, leading to the final selection of fifty candidates.

On this day, the final results were to be announced. Fan Xueyao rose early to wash and dress herself. Today's makeup should not be too bold, as that would appear overly eager and restless; neither should it be too light, which might seem disrespectful or aloof.

She styled her hair into a chuihuan fenshou hairstyle, which best showcased her demure charm. She adorned herself with a set of jade and pearl accessories, suitable for the warm weather of April, wearing a qiyao ruqun (a skirt worn over a short jacket).

Her lilac-colored embroidered peony patterned ruqun was paired with a pine flower-colored silk skirt, and a pink-white sash around her waist. The soft pastel colors were pleasing to the eye, evoking a gentle warmth akin to a breeze in early spring, making her look charming and delightful.

Songxiang was busy helping Yang Sunu with her makeup while Li Xiuyun sat in front of the mirror, waiting for her turn after Yang Sunu finished. Chen Duofu had already risen and dressed, but she was rather clumsy and could only manage a simple double bun hairstyle. She stood in front of the bronze mirror, trying to arrange her hairpins and silk flowers.

Although Fan Xueyao did not enjoy applying makeup, she brought a complete set of cosmetics when entering the palace, all carefully prepared by Li Rong. Her skin was naturally flawless, so she applied only a light layer of powder. She then used a rouge-tipped brush to gently dab her cheeks, giving them a rosy glow like peach blossoms.

Her eyebrows were naturally beautiful, resembling willow leaves, needing no further grooming. However, the powder had dulled their color, so she lightly traced them with high-quality indigo ink, enhancing their elegance.

Her lips were small and slightly plump, with a natural pink hue like cherry blossoms, inviting and alluring. She simply dabbed some lip rouge on her cupid's bow, then pressed her lips together to blend the color naturally.

The current trend among noble ladies was the meizi makeup, where black paper cutouts or even fish gills were used as decorative patches on the face. Fan Xueyao found this unappealing and chose not to use any. Instead, she painted a plum blossom on her forehead with prepared pigments.

Though her makeup was light, her bright complexion made it look fresh and elegant.

When she finished dressing, she turned around, and everyone in the room gasped in admiration.

Fan Xueyao smiled gently, nodded at them, and walked gracefully to the main hall to wait for the others.

After she left, Yang Sunu, Chen Duofu, and Li Xiuyun exchanged glances but said nothing. Songxiang, though not a professional hairstylist, managed to create hairstyles for Yang Sunu and Li Xiuyun, which, while not outstanding, were decent.

Despite their dissatisfaction, they knew it was the best they could do. After carefully applying their makeup and checking themselves in the mirror, they finally stepped out of the room.

"Lin Niangzi arrived quite early."

After exchanging greetings and confirming everyone's presence, Songxiang led the six women out of the house to the courtyard to wait. Soon, the residents of the main and east wing houses also emerged. Songxiang and two other maids led the eight candidates out of the courtyard towards Chuxiu Palace, where Auntie Xue was waiting at the intersection.

Upon arrival, Songxiang and the others reported to Auntie Xue, who asked a few questions and nodded approvingly.

While waiting, the candidates chatted idly with those they knew, creating a lively atmosphere filled with soft voices and fragrances.

Fan Xueyao scanned the candidates, having met most of them during the past month. Out of the fifty-four candidates, about seven had a high chance of becoming concubines. Apart from herself, Yang Sunu and Qin Zhuyuan from her courtyard, Lu Xiaoman and Zhu Yusu were also likely candidates.

Among the remaining two, one was Changsun Gui. Despite her difficult personality, few knew about it due to her noble background and impeccable manners, making her a strong contender. The other was Cao Shan, whose family background and virtues were commendable, though her appearance was ordinary and her personality subdued. Fan Xueyao had met her once and found her peaceful and harmonious, posing little threat despite her ordinariness.

Wearing a serene expression, Fan Xueyao continued her mental analysis until all the candidates had gathered.

Auntie Xue counted the candidates, nodded in satisfaction, and stepped forward. "Ladies, the hour is late. Are you all ready? If so, please form two lines and follow me to Chengde Hall."

The ladies looked at each other silently, then quietly watched Auntie Xue.

Satisfied, Auntie Xue instructed the maids to arrange the candidates into two lines. Once everything was in order, she led the way, followed by four maids, guiding the candidates to Chengde Hall.

Chengde Hall was not far from Chuxiu Palace. Passing through a palace gate, they reached a spacious courtyard leading to the grand hall with its golden glazed roof shining under the sun, exuding opulence and majesty.

The courtyard was paved with wide, flat stone slabs, and the steps leading to Chengde Hall were surrounded by white marble railings carved with intricate Chang'e Flying to the Moon patterns. Below the steps, rows of Xiao Huangmen stood neatly, heads bowed. The palace maids lined up silently along the corridor, creating an eerie silence.

Auntie Xue led the candidates across the courtyard to the hall. As they stopped, a palace maid approached.

"Auntie Xue, are these the candidates from your courtyard?" The maid, around thirty, was slender and stern-faced, scanning the candidates with sharp eyes devoid of emotion.

Auntie Xue stepped forward and bowed respectfully. "Wu Dianzan, these are all the candidates from my courtyard."

Wu Dianzan nodded. "Are they all here?"

"All fifty-four candidates are present."

Wu Dianzan smiled faintly. "Good. Since it's not yet the appointed hour, let's wait here for the Empress Dowager's summons."

Auntie Xue bowed slightly.

After another fifteen minutes, Wu Dianzan entered the hall to report. Soon, she returned with a list, calling names. Those called were to enter the hall for selection.

Ten candidates at a time entered the hall. Fan Xueyao, due to her background, was placed later in the queue. Before entering, Auntie Xue had reminded them to greet the Empress Dowager and the imperial consorts properly.

Inside the hall, the ten candidates bowed to the Empress Dowager and the imperial consorts seated below her. Wu Dianzan then asked them to state their backgrounds and names. They stood quietly, awaiting the announcement of their fate.

An imperial consort in brown-red attire turned to Empress Dowager Wei, smiling. "This year's candidates are exceptional. Look at Fan Xueyao—her beauty and poise surpass even mine when I first entered the palace."

Empress Dowager Wei nodded, flipping through a dossier detailing Fan Xueyao's conduct since entering the palace. It praised her demeanor, intelligence, and virtues. Satisfied, Empress Dowager Wei looked at Fan Xueyao, noting her excellent attire and figure. She declared, "Selected!"

Fan Xueyao smiled slightly, bowing her head in restrained joy, showing both excitement and modesty. This pleased Empress Dowager Wei even more.

Of the ten candidates, only two were selected. Wu Dianzan escorted them out and called the next batch.

After returning to the courtyard, Fan Xueyao nodded reassuringly at Qin Zhuyuan, who looked relieved.

Back in the room, Yang Sunu and Li Xiuyun were sitting at the table, looking proud. Li Xiuyun asked eagerly, "Were you selected?"

Fan Xueyao paused, nodded, and retreated into the inner chamber.

Li Xiuyun felt a pang of envy. She knew Fan Xueyao's beauty would make her a formidable rival in the palace.