Shaohua is Junqing

Royal Palace, Shoukang Palace.

"I asked the emperor to come here today because I have a very important matter to discuss with him."

"Mother, please speak."

"Your Majesty has been on the throne for two years, but the harem has been vacant, and the position of the Empress is even vacant. So I want to select girls to enrich the harem, one is to consolidate the country, and the other is to continue the royal family. What does the emperor think?" Although it was a question, there was no doubt in his tone.

"What the Queen Mother said is absolutely right. Let's do as the Queen Mother wishes."

"I think the scope of this selection should be wider. No matter if it is an official in Beijing or outside the capital, all unmarried girls aged 15 or above from the families of officials of the sixth rank or above should be included in the selection."

"Everything is decided by the Queen Mother."

"If the emperor has no objection, then issue the imperial edict for the selection of candidates as soon as possible so that officials from all regions can prepare and submit the list as soon as possible."

"Yes, I will order the Secretariat to draft an imperial edict after I return."

"Once the list is submitted, we will screen them first. Once we have confirmed the candidates, we will have them come to Beijing as soon as possible."

"Yes, I will take my leave now."

After the emperor returned to the Baohe Hall, he summoned Prime Minister Peng and Prime Minister Yuan, as well as officials from the Ministry of Rites, to discuss matters concerning the selection of concubines. Three days later, the imperial edict for the selection of concubines was issued.

A single stone stirs up a thousand waves. As soon as the news of the emperor's selection of concubines came out, people began to discuss it. Some were happy and some were worried. Those who were happy were able to enter the palace. If they were favored by the emperor and were made a concubine, they could enjoy endless wealth and glory from now on. It could be said that "one person's success brings prosperity to the whole family." Those who were worried were those women who did not want to enter the palace. If they did not get the emperor's favor, they would stay alone in their empty rooms all day, wasting their youth in vain. Some people were not happy because they had someone else they loved in their hearts. The person they liked was the handsome and gentle Prince Chen, so naturally they did not want to enter the palace as a concubine.

But no matter whether he was happy or sad, the emperor had already issued an edict that all girls who met the requirements must participate in the selection. The edict clearly stated that if there were any concealment, omission, misreporting, or fraud in the selection list submitted by various places, once verified, they would be punished as treason, which was a serious crime, so officials from all places did not dare to deceive and reported the truth.

In previous selections, there have been cases where women temporarily found someone to marry in order to avoid the selection. In order to prevent this from happening, the edict clearly stated that from the date of the edict, all women on the selection list, regardless of whether they were engaged or not, could not get married. They had to wait until after the selection, and only those who were not selected could get married. If anyone tried to take advantage of this, they would be punished for treason once they were discovered and verified.

After hearing the news of the emperor's selection of girls, Yin Jiafu felt a little sad because she was among the selected girls, but then she had some evil thoughts.

Shoukang Palace.

"I am very happy to hear that the emperor is selecting a beauty, but there is one thing I don't understand, and I would like to ask the queen mother for advice."

"Go ahead." The Queen Mother's tone was still as cold as ever.

"In this selection, all girls who are fifteen years old or older are eligible. I wonder if Princess Shaohua will participate in this selection?"

"Shaohua? Her background is unknown, and we don't even know who her parents are. How can she participate in the talent show?"

"Although I don't know the origin of Princess Shaohua, she is of the right age and is unmarried, so she should be among the candidates. The Queen Mother personally named her a princess, so I think she loves her very much. If she is chosen, she can accompany the Queen Mother every day, wouldn't that be better?"

Yin Jiafu had selfish motives in wanting Siyu to take part in the beauty pageant. If Siyu entered the palace, she would no longer be able to interact with Prince Chen. If she could find another way to escape the beauty pageant, she could be with Prince Chen.

"What you said makes some sense. Let me think about it again."

"I heard that the emperor has summoned Princess Shaohua many times. I think he likes her very much." Yin Jiafu lobbied hard to make this happen.

"I understand. If there is nothing else, please leave."

"Yes, I will retire."

When Yin Jiafu left Shoukang Palace, a smug smile appeared on her face, as if everything had been accomplished and she felt extremely happy.