GBP Chapter 128 The Emperor Selects His Concubines
Chapter 128 The Emperor Selects His Concubines
On their wedding night, as the lanterns were lit and the red candles flickered, the entire bridal chamber was enveloped in a festive atmosphere. However, this night was also filled with fun and humor.
The bride, Chestnut, sat gracefully on her new wedding bed, a thick pile of red envelopes and gift lists laid out before her. Her beautiful eyes sparkled with excitement as her slender fingers deftly unwrapped the envelopes, carefully counting the money inside. With each large silver note or heavy gold ingot she counted, her smile grew even brighter, as radiant and beautiful as a flower blooming in spring.
Although most of the money given as gifts was just small change, it didn't dampen Chestnut's joy. She secretly planned how to allocate the money: the larger sums would be carefully saved for future needs; the smaller amounts could serve as her husband's pocket money, allowing him to manage it freely while also covering daily expenses. Thinking this, Chestnut couldn't help but smile smugly.
Meanwhile, the groom, Gu Wanfeng, was alone in the hall, drowning his sorrows in alcohol. He downed glass after glass of strong liquor, his eyes reddening, tears streaming down his face, as if he had suffered the greatest injustice in the world.
Just then, Mr. Gu heard the commotion and rushed over. Seeing his son in such a state, he frowned and questioned him in an unhappy tone, "Son, why aren't you in the bridal chamber with your bride? Why are you drinking alone here?"
Gu Wanfeng looked up at her father through teary eyes and sobbed, “Dad, my wife ignores me completely. As soon as she enters the new house, she only cares about counting the money for the wedding gift, sob sob sob…” After saying that, she burst into tears again.
Upon hearing this, Mr. Gu was taken aback at first, then couldn't help but burst into laughter. He patted his son's shoulder and comforted him, "Silly child, what's there to be sad about? Your wife is good at managing money; that's a blessing for our family! If you ever need money, just ask her. That way, you won't have to worry about the family finances, and you can enjoy a carefree life. Isn't that the best of both worlds?"
“Yes, yes, if the groom isn’t in his room with his bride on their wedding night, it will surely become the laughingstock of the town!” Madam Gu smiled gently as she softly advised her son, “Feng’er, don’t drink too much. Go back inside quickly; it’s chilly at night, don’t catch a cold!”
Upon hearing his mother's words, Gu Wanfeng nodded slightly and replied, "Oh, I understand." A helpless expression appeared on his handsome face, and then he turned and slowly walked towards the bridal chamber.
Since ancient times, people have said, "The most ruthless are those in the imperial family." This saying is indeed true! Just look at Nangong Xue'er. Although she is the Empress of a country, with an incomparably high status and revered by all, even with such a prominent position, she still has to endure many hardships and pressures unimaginable to ordinary people. One of these is the meticulous selection of concubines for the Emperor to enter the palace. This is inherently a tedious and unpleasant task, yet she has no choice but to do it. Not only that, after the newly selected concubines are chosen, she also has to tirelessly teach them the various complex and tedious etiquette norms and rules of the palace. And so, the grand and solemn annual selection ceremony for concubines, as usual, has drawn back its magnificent and mysterious curtain!
Behold, outside the majestic and magnificent palace gates, a long, winding procession has already formed. Within this dragon-like procession are the daughters of wealthy and noble families from various prominent clans. Accompanied by their respective personal maids, each with their own distinct emotions, they slowly move towards the palace gates.
Some women, beautiful and graceful, willingly disguised themselves to look utterly ugly in order to avoid being chosen for the palace. They might apply thick layers of rouge and powder to their faces, making their originally fair skin appear dark and rough; or they might wear tattered and shabby clothes to deliberately conceal their extraordinary beauty. These women secretly prayed that they would not be chosen, hoping only to return home soon and live a free and unrestrained life.
However, some women went to great lengths to enter the palace. They not only meticulously adorned themselves, striving to appear most captivating before everyone, but also secretly bribed those in the palace. Gold, silver, jewels, and fine silks were continuously sent into the palace, all for the chance to be selected. These women dreamed of becoming the emperor's favored concubine and enjoying a life of wealth and luxury.
Even worse, some, in their quest for the position of Imperial Concubine, completely disregarded the propriety expected of a young woman. They inquired everywhere about the Empress Dowager's preferences and whereabouts, then devised every means to approach her. Some offered rare treasures to win her favor, while others used silver tongues to flatter her, attempting to cultivate a closer relationship. Such behavior was truly astonishing; the scene was a tapestry of diverse and utterly disgraceful acts!
At this moment, Empress Nangong Xue'er, dressed in magnificent robes, complained to the Empress Dowager with a displeased expression: "Empress Dowager, look at other couples, they are all devoted to one another for life, loving each other until old age. But why is it that Zhao Shouyi has to have three palaces and six courtyards, surrounded by so many concubines? Can't it just be the two of us, him and me, spending our lives together?"
Faced with the Empress's questioning, the Empress Dowager calmly replied, "Xue'er, you must know that a lifelong, monogamous love is a blessing only for ordinary people. Our Yi'er is the Emperor, bearing the heavy responsibility of the nation. If he doesn't take more concubines into the palace, how can he continue the royal bloodline and consolidate the foundation of the royal family? Therefore, as the Empress, you should be more understanding of him."
"Although I am the Empress, I am also a girl. Seeing so many young and beautiful girls coming to compete for the position of concubine, I can't help but feel unhappy. Moreover, I am worried that Zhao Shouyi will be captivated by them and forget about me and the child," Nangong Xue'er replied, feeling aggrieved.
The Empress Dowager smiled slightly, her laughter as beautiful and charming as a flower blooming in spring: "Don't worry, my good child. You are the head of the six palaces! No one can shake your noble position. You just need to do your best to raise the little prince into a capable person and take good care of yourself. In this way, I can rest assured."
However, the Empress's face remained etched with deep discontent and profound worry. Her two arched eyebrows were tightly furrowed, as if twisted into a rope, making her originally delicate features appear somewhat distressed. Then, in a hurried yet somewhat mournful tone, she asked, "Does this mean that even if Zhao Shouyi has already changed his heart towards me, I should be completely indifferent?"
Just then, a fleeting, almost imperceptible hint of impatience flashed across the Empress Dowager's eyes. However, this seasoned courtier quickly concealed this emotion, forcing herself to adopt a kind and benevolent demeanor. Then, she replied slowly and casually, "Oh dear, my silly girl! How could you think such nonsense? How could Zhao Shouyi so easily change his mind about you? In his heart, you will always be the most important person!"
Upon hearing the Empress Dowager's words, the Empress merely pursed her lips, a dismissive expression on her face. Clearly, she didn't fully believe the Empress Dowager's so-called words of comfort. However, she also knew perfectly well that she had no way to disobey the Empress Dowager's decree. Therefore, despite her inner reluctance and resistance, she could only move with heavy steps, like a snail, slowly towards her seat at the imperial concubine selection ceremony. Finally, after much dawdling, she finally reached her destination and reluctantly sat down.
At this moment, the first batch of contestants filed in. These women were all daughters of wealthy families from prestigious clans, each with graceful bearing and elegant demeanor. Among them, some were stunningly beautiful, capable of captivating a nation; others were exceptionally talented, eloquent and eloquent; and still others were not only beautiful but also skilled in both literature and martial arts, truly excelling in both.
Among these many beauties, Nangong Xue'er and Zhao Shouyi possessed keen insight, meticulously observing and considering each woman. After much deliberation, they finally reached a consensus and jointly selected a concubine. This favored concubine was none other than the gentle, virtuous, and kind-hearted Lady Song—Song Qingxian.
Song Qingxian moved with graceful, lotus-like steps, slowly approaching as if a fairy had descended to earth. Her gait was light and elegant, each step seemingly treading on clouds, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. She wore a pale pink long dress, its hem fluttering like blooming peach petals dancing in the wind. Her graceful figure was further accentuated by the flowing skirt, making her even more captivating.
Looking at her face, her eyebrows were like distant mountains, her eyes like autumn waters, her cherry-red lips naturally beautiful, and her skin as white as snow, smooth and delicate as mutton-fat jade. Especially when she smiled slightly, two shallow dimples appeared at the corners of her mouth, adding to her sweetness and loveliness. The captivating charm she exuded with every gesture was like a flower blooming in spring, fragrant and refreshing, intoxicating everyone present and making them fall in love with her without even realizing it.
Next to appear were the second group of young ladies, all daughters of noble families from the General's Mansion. Among them, the most eye-catching was undoubtedly the beautiful and dashing Gu Xingmang. She wore a fiery red, fitted outfit, exuding a heroic and spirited air. A black belt cinched her waist, adorned with several sparkling gems, further emphasizing her distinguished status. Her long, glossy black hair was tied high into a neat ponytail, swaying gently with her movements, radiating vitality and energy.
In addition, there was the tall and slender Ma Feiyan. Standing gracefully, she resembled a tall, elegant bamboo, exuding a refined and ethereal charm. Zheng Mengqi, blindfolded and unerring in her archery, was equally impressive. Holding a longbow, her arrows never missed, showcasing her extraordinary martial arts skills. Yang Yaoyao, skilled in using all eighteen weapons, was equally formidable; her weapon gleamed coldly in the sunlight, inspiring awe and fear.
However, after a fierce competition, the one who ultimately stood out and was chosen as Consort Wu was none other than Gu Xingmang, who was outstanding in appearance, exceptionally capable, and tall. Not only was she stunningly beautiful, but she was also incredibly agile, proficient in everything from horseback riding and archery to swordsmanship and spear fighting, truly a heroine among women.
Following them were the selection contests for the Dance Consort, Music Consort, Etiquette Consort, and Poetry Consort. A grand selection process was underway, but Nangong Xue'er, due to her pregnancy, felt exhausted and unable to continue. She apologized to everyone and left early. As a result, Zhao Shouyi, who was originally supposed to participate in the selection with Nangong Xue'er, had to complete the remaining selections alone.
When it was the third group of girls' turn to perform, they were all exceptionally skilled dancers. The first to appear was a woman named Wang Ziyan, who gracefully stepped out in an exquisite dance costume with long sleeves and a slender waist. As the melodious music began, she elegantly swung her long sleeves, her figure light and graceful as she danced. Her movements were as natural and fluid as flowing water; every turn and leap was perfectly timed, a feast for the eyes. Zhao Shouyi was instantly captivated by this beautiful and highly skilled dancer.
Even more captivating was the performance after the long-sleeved dance. Unexpectedly, Wang Ziyan then presented the Emperor with a rain-praying dance. With her hands clasped together and incantations flowing, her unique dance steps and gestures seemed to genuinely pray for rain. Coincidentally, just as her rain-praying dance ended, a light drizzle began to fall. This sudden rain astonished everyone present, and Zhao Shouyi's fondness for Wang Ziyan deepened. Worried that she might catch a cold from the rain, he quickly opened an umbrella, hurried to her side, and carefully helped her back to her seat.