Chapter 371

In the past, the palace selection process for concubines would take three days to choose three hundred candidates, and that was considered remarkably fast.0

After all, these women were to serve the Emperor, and the late Empress would carefully inquire about their personalities and preferences, selecting only those who were well-rounded in all aspects to receive the "retained plaque."0

Out of three hundred candidates, at least thirty to fifty would typically be chosen.0

However, the speed at which the Imperial Noble Consort conducted the selection was unprecedented. She managed to complete the selection of three hundred candidates in a single day, with each group entering and exiting the hall in the blink of an eye.0

Occasionally, a group might linger a bit longer, but even then, it was only for the duration of two blinks.0

What surprised everyone even more was that the few candidates who were selected were all plain-looking commoners, while the daughters of high-ranking officials were all rejected.0

Those with prestigious family backgrounds were all arranged to be married off instead.0

Well then!0

At this rate, after one more day of selection tomorrow, this grand concubine selection event would likely conclude, with no more than ten women becoming imperial consorts.0

This move stirred discontent among the court officials.0

As the selection process was in full swing, the families of the candidates were also busy. Palace servants were tasked with delivering the lists of those who were selected and those who were rejected.0

Servants waiting at the palace gates quickly scanned the lists for their young mistresses' names, and regardless of whether they were selected or rejected, they would rush back to their mansions to deliver the news.0

And this news was enough to throw these officials' households into chaos.0

"What? My daughter was rejected? How is that possible? My daughter is one of the most beautiful and talented in the capital. Why was she rejected?"0

"This can't be true, it absolutely can't be true. My Xue'er is both beautiful and talented. We even spent a fortune to obtain information from the palace about the Emperor's favorite color for her attire. We prepared so thoroughly. How could she be rejected?"0

"Was your daughter also rejected?"0

"What about yours?"0Nôv(el)B\\jnn

"All of them were rejected!"0

As these officials inquired among themselves, they discovered that the selected candidates were all unexpected choices, with none of the popular candidates making the cut. This had stirred up a hornet's nest among the ministers.0

The sun had already set in the west, its afterglow casting a golden hue over the entire palace.0

Jiang Xinyue had removed her hairpins and was preparing to dine with the Emperor. The first batch of candidates had already been selected, and after the Sixth Prince's first birthday celebration tomorrow, the selection would continue the day after.0

Compared to this concubine selection, the Emperor was more concerned with the Sixth Prince's birthday banquet.0

Taihe Hall had already been fully prepared. Wang Dequan hadn't gone to Yaotai Palace today, instead spending the entire day overseeing the arrangements at Taihe Hall to ensure that nothing would go wrong during the Sixth Prince's birthday banquet tomorrow.0

"Wait!"0

Wang Dequan called out to a eunuch. "What is this?"0

A familiar scent wafted from the jar the eunuch was carrying.0

The eunuch quickly bowed and replied, "Reporting to Chief Eunuch Wang, this is peanut sauce sent from the imperial kitchen."0

Wang Dequan's frown deepened, his brows almost meeting. "The Sixth Prince is allergic to peanuts. Didn't I already make it clear that nothing related to peanuts is to appear at the banquet? Are you all ignoring my orders?"0

The eunuch fell to his knees in fear. "This lowly servant deserves death! I only arrived two days ago, and a chef from the imperial kitchen told me to bring this in, saying it would be needed for the banquet tomorrow."0

It seemed that those who couldn't act in the shadows were now openly trying to harm the Sixth Prince.0

Wang Dequan gave a meaningful glance to a eunuch behind him, who quickly picked up the small jar of peanut sauce and threw it away. He then helped the trembling eunuch to his feet. "In the future, be careful with things given to you by people you don't know. If you violate the taboos of the masters, it's your own life that will be at risk."0

"Yes, ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​​​‍yes, I understand. I'll never dare to do such a thing again. I was so scared!"0

Chief Eunuch Wang had been so fierce earlier that the eunuch thought he was done for.0

Life in the palace was indeed not easy. He would have to be smarter in the future and not let himself be used so foolishly.0

After the weather cleared, the sky remained bright even as dusk approached.0

The Emperor had just taken a few bites of his meal when Tang Shiliang entered. "Your Majesty, dozens of ministers are at the palace gates requesting an audience."0

It was past the time for morning court, and unless summoned by the Emperor, the ministers were not allowed to enter the palace.0

Jiang Xinyue, resting her hand on her belly, looked up at Tang Shiliang. Their eyes met for just a moment, and she knew that these ministers had come because of the day's selection.0

She then turned her gaze to the Emperor, whose displeasure briefly flashed in his eyes before he quickly composed himself. He said to Jiang Xinyue, "You go ahead and eat. I'll be back shortly."0

"Alright. I'll have the kitchen prepare some fresh dishes for Your Majesty. State affairs are never-ending, but Your Majesty must not overwork yourself. Please take care of your health."0

Her eyes were filled with heartfelt concern.0

The Emperor cupped her face and playfully ruffled it, turning her concern into mock anger. Only then did he release her, his mood lifted. "You, little pregnant woman, should worry less. As long as you take care of yourself, I'll be fine. Don't worry about me. I'll handle all the discordant voices and ensure the best for you and our two children."0

Jiang Xinyue smiled, like a woman basking in happiness, her face filled with shy joy.0

Once the Emperor left, she took a deep breath and had Nanny Xiang and Wet Nurse Lu bring out the Sixth Prince so they could spend some time bonding.0

Early education was still essential.0

The Sixth Prince's bedchamber was filled with various educational toys and colorful books for learning characters and objects, all personally directed by Jiang Xinyue.0

Moreover, the Emperor had now left Master Jing in the palace to teach the Sixth Prince, with the Fourth Prince also attending. Every day, they would spend two hours "playing" in Wenhua Palace.0

Though it was called play, it was actually a way to teach them the principles of how to behave and act, instilling good values and habits from a young age.0

The Sixth Prince was being groomed in the ways of an emperor, while the Fourth Prince was learning the duties of a subject.0

However, the Sixth Prince was still too young, so the lessons had to be subtly integrated into play, allowing him to unconsciously mimic the behaviors of adults. When he grew older, learning would become easier.0

The Fourth Prince, on the other hand, had made significant progress. Previously, having been neglected in the Palace of Exile, he had to relearn all the proper etiquette and manners. Now, he studied more diligently every day. It was said that Master Jing had tailored different teaching methods for the Fourth Prince and the Sixth Prince.0

The Emperor's stance was that the Sixth Prince was the priority, and the Fourth Prince was merely an afterthought, not requiring as much attention.0

When Master Jing heard this, he scolded the Emperor harshly.0

Throughout history, many struggles for the throne had arisen from jealousy and resentment among princes. The Emperor's blatant favoritism would inevitably bring danger to the Sixth Prince.0

The Fourth Prince overheard some of this and later told Jiang Xinyue, "Mother, although I am disappointed in Father, I will not envy the Sixth Prince. If it weren't for you, Grandfather and I would have died long ago. No matter what happens in the future, I am willing to protect the Sixth Prince and you with my life."0

When the Sixth Prince becomes the Crown Prince, he would be his most powerful ally.