TFSRITA Chapter 30

The reason she dressed so elaborately was twofold: first, the newly arrived Nanny Wan was skilled and had created the outfit for her; second, she had indeed become more beautiful and vibrant. She felt that it would be a waste not to show off how good she looked, so she naturally put in extra effort to dress well.

Even if she didn’t have to go out, after her martial arts training, Yan Qing would still take the time to dress up—after all, now all she had to do was give orders, and everything was handled for her.

Consort De’s face turned pale at the sharp retort. She wanted to argue back, especially after being called ugly—it was unbearable—but just as she was about to speak, she heard the person in front of her say, “If you say one more thing that displeases me, believe it or not, I’ll slap you so hard your mouth will be ruined.”

Consort De: “…”

Unwillingly, she closed her mouth.

…

After giving them a good dressing down, Yan Qing felt even more refreshed. She might not be able to stand up to Ji Yecheng, considering he was the emperor and much stronger than her, but when it came to these two women—who were not only beneath her in rank but had also schemed against her—she had no reservations.

If she hadn’t been born in a peaceful era and had no taste for killing, she would have sent them to keep Consorts Yu and Xie company long ago.

Having been scolded, the two women didn’t dare speak again. They waited for a few more minutes before the Empress Dowager and Ji Yecheng finally arrived.

Everyone, including Consorts De and Xian, immediately paid their respects, except Yan Qing, who remained seated, casually eating chilled fruit and looking utterly relaxed.

Though she had to live cautiously, Ji Yecheng had told her she didn’t need to kneel, so she saw no reason to bother with the formalities.

The Empress Dowager, supported as she walked up, glanced around and caught sight of Yan Qing’s stunning face, which was so dazzling that it almost gave her heart palpitations. Her hand suddenly gripped the wrist of the maid holding her, causing the maid to go pale, biting her lip in pain but not daring to move.

Everyone present was observant enough to notice this. Although they were puzzled, Consorts Xian and De couldn’t imagine Empress Dowager being jealous of Yan Qing over Ji Yecheng. They merely assumed, like themselves, that she disliked the woman.

Consort Xian, eager to please, became more enthusiastic. “Mother, you’re here! Please take a seat; it’s so hot today…”

“Empress Dowager…”

The scene suddenly grew noisy, making Ji Yecheng’s temples throb as he coldly snapped, “Quiet!”

“…”

The sudden silence made everyone glance around nervously. Ji Yecheng’s face darkened as he looked at them—all noisy women! But when his gaze fell on the bright yellow figure before him, he paused, his irritation fading slightly, his eyes filled with rare admiration.

Indeed, her beauty was well-known for a reason.

Though the original owner of Yan Qing’s body had been timid, her looks were impeccable, especially since she was the prime minister’s only legitimate daughter.

However, Yan Qing, who had noticed his gaze, lazily lifted her eyelids. Upon meeting his eyes, she quickly looked away, focusing instead on the scenery outside. Ah, such a lovely autumn breeze, and with fruit at hand and palace maids peeling seeds for her—how perfect.

Ji Yecheng’s eyes softened with amusement. He strode over and sat beside her. This woman was far more pleasing to the eye than the others, even though he, too, was just using her. But at least she was quiet, making her company quite comfortable.

The Empress Dowager’s face was visibly sour as she watched Ji Yecheng sit so close to Yan Qing. Her heart clenched in jealousy, and she glanced at the empty seat beside her. “Your Majesty, your seat is over here,” she said softly.

“I’ll sit here,” Ji Yecheng frowned, then ordered his attendant, Jiang Wende, “Let’s get started.”

“Yes,” Jiang Wende bowed slightly and signaled for the proceedings to begin.

Moments later, the eunuch responsible for the announcements called out in a loud voice, “The palace selection begins! Present the candidates…”

Since nearly a hundred women had to be seen in one day, three were presented at a time to save time.

But… Ji Yecheng was not one to mince words.

Already in a bad mood, the Empress Dowager, eager to find someone to compete with Yan Qing, picked the most average-looking candidates. “Your Majesty, what do you think of Miss Qian?”

Ji Yecheng lazily glanced at her, his long legs stretched out before him, propping his chin on one hand. “Ugly,” he said flatly.

Seeing Miss Qian’s pale face and tear-filled eyes, the Empress Dowager felt a little better and waved for the three women to leave.

Thus, in the first few rounds, not a single woman was chosen.

It wasn’t until Consort De selected her preferred candidates that she suddenly realized, “Why hasn’t the Noble Consort made her pick yet? Could it be that she’s unwilling to let the emperor have more women by his side?”

Ji Yecheng, intrigued, glanced at the woman beside him. Was that the case?

Yan Qing, who had been focused on her snacks, paused, glancing at Consort De before turning to Ji Yecheng. She was about to say something snarky when she changed her approach, smiling softly and seductively. “Consort De understands me, doesn’t she?”

Her gaze shifted to Ji Yecheng, filled with affection. “Of course, I don’t want His Majesty surrounded by more women. After all, there are already so many in the palace. Sigh…”

Consort De nearly choked, staring at her in disbelief.

What on earth? Wasn’t Noble Consort Yan supposed to be disdainful toward the emperor, angering him multiple times? How could she be saying this now?

Ji Yecheng, initially curious, felt oddly satisfied. Gazing at her clear, beautiful eyes and her tender, rosy lips, he suddenly felt warm and slightly stifled. “If you don’t like it, then we won’t hold the selection,” he said impulsively.

“No!” The Empress Dowager, panicking, immediately objected.

Ji Yecheng shot her a displeased look, a cold smile tugging at his lips. “Empress Dowager, it’s not your place to decide what I do!”