TFSRITA Chapter 29

The Emperor of Daqian held a consort selection, especially during a time when the harem was largely empty. Families eager to have their daughters become consorts and bring fortune to the family, or even those unable to afford to raise their daughters chose to send them to the palace.

For a time, countless people made their way to Chang’an.

Among the potential candidates alone, there were nearly a thousand women.

In the first round, half were eliminated based on health and appearance. The second round focused on talents such as music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Yan Ying was average in her talents, but, as the protagonist, she naturally attracted attention due to her striking beauty.

To stand out, Yan Ying applied her modern thinking as a time traveler and created a simple yet impressive sand painting, which amazed many and allowed her to advance to the third round.

By this round, more than half of the candidates had already been eliminated.

Now, with the third round of the palace selection, about three hundred women remained. In this round, the Emperor, Empress Dowager, and consorts would select based on personal preferences, with a few chosen by the consorts. As the Noble Consort, Yan Qing had more influence than the others.

However, with so many participants, the process couldn’t be completed in a single day, especially given the Emperor’s limited time. So, the selection was spread over three days.

To Yan Qing’s surprise, Yan Ying’s turn fell on the third day—perhaps someone had tampered with the schedule.

On the morning of the palace selection, Yan Qing rose early. After warming up to fully wake herself and loosen her body, she washed and dressed. Nanny Qian brought the clothes chosen the previous day, allowing Yan Qing to simply enjoy the process.

Nanny Wan, responsible for the palace’s daily affairs, wouldn’t be accompanying her. Only Nanny Qian and several palace maids and eunuchs would follow her, with a crowd waiting outside the moment she stepped out.

Seated in her palanquin, Yan Qing flipped through a thick booklet, which listed the names of all the potential consorts.

After a while, she reached the second booklet, and then the third, before finally spotting Yan Ying’s name buried in the middle.

Yan Qing’s eyes gleamed. As the story’s heroine, how could Yan Ying’s name be so far back? Had she offended someone?

The list had been finalized the day before, so Yan Qing was unaware of the details. Now that she knew, she wondered whether to push Yan Ying forward—but that would seem too deliberate. If she did that, there would likely be opposition to Yan Ying entering the palace.

It was better to let things unfold naturally. Besides, as the heroine with her special abilities as a time traveler, Yan Ying would surely find her way if she truly didn’t want to enter the palace.

Setting down the booklet, Yan Qing realized they had arrived at the Imperial Garden.

The selection was taking place in the Imperial Garden.

Emperor Chen disliked staying cooped up inside, and since it was early autumn, the weather was pleasant, with temperatures dropping quickly. The garden, filled with flowers and plants, was a cheerful sight—an ideal location.

Upon arrival, Yan Qing noticed that the garden had been rearranged. A large open space had been cleared in the center, where a simple stage had been set up. Seats for the Empress Dowager, Emperor, Noble Consort, and two other consorts were already in place, though the others had yet to arrive. Only a few eunuchs were busy preparing.

Yan Qing had arrived first, a bit earlier than expected.

Nanny Qian explained in a soft voice, “Your Majesty is blessed with a beautiful face, so applying makeup doesn’t take long.”

She had called Yan Qing to rise based on her experience, but the speed had surpassed her expectations by about a quarter of an hour.

…

Thankfully, before long, as if worried about provoking the notoriously temperamental Noble Consort, the eunuch announced the arrival of Consort De and Consort Xian.

“Greetings, Noble Consort,” they said respectfully, bowing without a hint of hesitation.

The Emperor favored Yan Qing so much that even if they were displeased, they didn’t dare show it.

Yan Qing nodded gracefully, “You may rise.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Relieved that they hadn’t been reprimanded, the two quickly sat in their assigned seats.

Consort Xian, smiling sweetly, glanced at Yan Qing and sincerely complimented her, “Your Majesty, you look radiant today, and your outfit is stunning.”

Her words were truthful and flattering in a way that made one feel at ease.

Yan Qing wore the attire of a Noble Consort, but instead of the deep, somber colors typically associated with her rank, she donned a bright yellow garment, boldly accented with intricate red and green embroidery.

These eye-catching combinations instantly made her stand out.

On anyone else, even slightly yellow skin would clash with such an outfit. But Yan Qing’s complexion was fair, glowing with a healthy flush from her martial arts training. Her flawless skin and striking beauty—arched brows, captivating almond-shaped eyes, a delicate nose, and rosy lips—paired perfectly with the waist-cinching gown, making her look even more radiant.

She truly outshone the flowers around her!

Consort Xian glanced at the large dahlias and jasmine flowers arranged on the platform, but in the presence of Noble Consort Yan, they seemed dull in comparison. For now, she found it hard to look away from Yan Qing.

Listening to the flattery, Yan Qing smiled modestly, her expression seemingly shy. Just as Consort Xian was surprised by this, Yan Qing lifted her chin slightly and said matter-of-factly, “At least you’re speaking the truth.”

Consort Xian: “…”

She quickly shut her mouth, unwilling to engage further with the Noble Consort, who had a way of infuriating people.

Everyone knew it had been Consort Yu and Consort Xie who had schemed behind the scenes, but Consort Xian still suspected that they had been driven to death by this very Noble Consort.

Consort De, overhearing this, grew frustrated and shot Yan Qing a sour look, grumbling, “It’s not even your selection, so why dress so extravagantly and steal the spotlight?”

Yan Qing sent her a sharp glance, causing Consort De to flinch. She then responded slowly, “I dress beautifully to please myself, not others. If you don’t like it, too bad—deal with it. It’s not my fault you’re ugly.”

Since Consort De’s hostility was so blatant, Yan Qing retorted with equal ferocity.