Chapter 017

Chapter 017

"This batch of candidates is quite striking, each one as beautiful as a flower. What do you think, Yipin?" Jingpin chuckled lightly, though her eyes betrayed no real amusement. Several of the candidates who had been marked to stay were quite attractive.

Watching Kangxi, who was seated at the head, as his gaze fell upon the rows of candidates, Jingpin felt a pang of discomfort.

Though she couldn't compare to the Imperial Noble Consort or the Tongjia Imperial Noble Consort, among the concubines, she ranked second. Unable to hold back, she spoke up.

Yipin, who had always prided herself on her beauty, thinking no one in the palace could hold a candle to her, now saw several candidates who were not far behind her in looks.

Jingpin, feeling uneasy, couldn't stand to see others too at ease.

Yipin, upon hearing this, snorted, "What are you saying, Sister? If they are striking, then they are striking. Do you think I would be nervous?" She added with a smile, "Only those who are plain would worry about such things."

With that, she laughed, her radiant smile making her even more dazzling, like the blazing sun, impossible to look away from.

Yipin's words were a clear dig at those who were less attractive and would worry over candidates who outshone them.

Jingpin, who had intended to provoke Yipin, was now the one feeling the sting of Yipin's sarcasm. What she hated most was Yipin's sharp tongue, which never held back.

As if no one could surpass her! Jingpin bit back her frustration but managed to keep a smile, "Is that so?" she said, letting it pass with a laugh.

Yipin gently smoothed her hair and casually replied, "Sister knows what she's talking about."

They were both of the same rank, yet Jingpin carried herself as if she were above it all.

The Tongjia Imperial Noble Consort disdained to speak. Even if they were attractive, once they entered the palace, they would be nothing more than daying, mere playthings.

The Imperial Noble Consort sat there, her demeanor gentle and approachable, her gaze soft and inclusive as she looked at the candidates, showing no sign of jealousy, dignified like a proper lady.

The Tongjia Imperial Noble Consort sneered inwardly, thinking how pretentious she was.

The subtle rivalries among the concubines were somewhat subdued due to Kangxi's presence. None wanted to show jealousy or pettiness in front of him, each striving to present their best and most beautiful side, hoping to catch his attention.

Like vultures eyeing prey, they occasionally cast glances his way, regardless of whether Kangxi noticed.

The Grand Empress Dowager was unwell and hadn't come, and the Empress Dowager had left after sitting for a while, feeling tired.

Otherwise, they wouldn't dare to act so brazenly under the Grand Empress Dowager's watchful eye, as she despised such flirtatious behavior.

Kangxi, however, sat as steady as a bell, slowly turning a string of prayer beads in his hand, his expression calm and unchanging.

Only occasionally did he say, "Stay."

Feeling somewhat tired, he let the Imperial Noble Consort handle the selection. The list of those to stay had already been decided before the event began; she only needed to follow the predetermined list.

Except for those who caught his eye and were lucky enough to be chosen, the rest would remain unchanged.

The Imperial Noble Consort wore a gentle smile, but her heart was filled with malice as she looked at the rows of candidates with growing impatience.

"Manchu Bordered Yellow Banner, Niohuru Min Yi," the eunuch's shrill voice announced as the row of candidates entered the hall in order.

Su Yi was at the front of the row. As soon as she stepped in, she felt multiple gazes fall upon her, none of them friendly.

She wore a faint, almost imperceptible smile and gave a slight bow of her head, following the row of candidates in performing the ceremonial bow.

Even among the same row of candidates, her bow stood out more prominently.

Dressed in a water-green cheongsam with a diamond pattern, her skin appeared even more delicate, her fair complexion glowing, making the other candidates beside her seem darker in comparison.

Beneath the slender brows were a pair of alluring peach blossom eyes, with the corners slightly tinged with red. The delicate nose had just the right curve—straight and attractive—and the side profile was stunningly beautiful. The lips were not as crimson as cherries but a tender pink, resembling peach blossoms.

Her slight smile was radiant, and the way her eyes sparkled could captivate anyone. Her overall aura was exceptionally outstanding.

The concubines, who had been sitting relatively composed, now felt a subtle shift. They couldn't help but steal a few more glances, instinctively checking Kangxi's expression. Seeing his gaze linger there, they were instantly consumed by jealousy.

The few beautiful candidates they had seen earlier, whom they thought were the most outstanding of this selection, were now overshadowed by this even more stunning beauty.

Imperial Noble Consort Niohuru's expression was complex. She hadn't expected this sister to be so beautiful, which immediately made her feel a sense of crisis.

When the Niohuru family had hinted at this, she hadn't paid much attention, thinking that all women in the palace were beautiful in their youth, and with the selection every three years, there were always many young beauties entering.

But this level of beauty was even more striking than Yipin's.

"Isn't this Imperial Noble Consort Niohuru's sister? Truly a beauty. At a glance, she makes the other candidates seem like nothing," Rongpin was the first to chime in, her eyes filled with unconcealed jealousy.

Is Imperial Noble Consort Niohuru planning to bring her sister into the palace as well? With such beauty, even women would be mesmerized, let alone the Emperor. How could Imperial Noble Consort Niohuru dare to bring her into the palace?!

Are they planning to turn the entire harem into the Niohuru family's domain?

"Indeed, just as beautiful as Imperial Noble Consort Niohuru," Rongpin added with a smile, her handkerchief secretly torn in her hands.

This sister is even more beautiful than her elder sister, in the prime of her youth. Isn't Imperial Noble Consort Niohuru worried?

Suddenly, Imperial Noble Consort Niohuru spoke, her face betraying a hint of arrogance, "After watching for so long, I feel a bit tired. Imperial Noble Consort's sister seems well-educated and refined. Does she have any talents? Why not let the Emperor and all the sisters here have a look?"

The talent demonstration before the Emperor was originally a prime opportunity to showcase oneself, but with Imperial Noble Consort Niohuru's words, it sounded more like a request for a performance to relieve boredom.

Su Yi remained calm below, even as the concubines' hostile glances swept over her. Now, being asked to perform, she remained composed.

Being put in such a difficult position, the female lead should have stepped in to defend her, but this was also a subtle slap in her face.

Sure enough, Imperial Noble Consort Niohuru, who had been silently watching the conversation, finally spoke. Her face was gentle, but her words were not soft.

"Sister Niohuru, if you're tired, you may go back and rest. I see that all the sisters are quite spirited. My sister has just recovered from a serious illness, so let's forget about your suggestion. What do you think, Your Majesty?"

She glanced at Kangxi, who simply nodded calmly.

Earlier, Imperial Noble Consort Niohuru had been observing Kangxi's reaction, just like the other concubines, instinctively checking his response. But Kangxi's composure was so strong that she couldn't discern anything, yet she still made her decision.

"Your Majesty."