Rebirth: Phoenix Riding the Ninth Heaven

The imperial selection of concubines was undoubtedly a major event in palace life. It not only concerned the fate of countless young women, but also involved many conflicts of interest within the court and the country.

Wang Yuyan handed the task of selecting the concubines to the aunt in charge of the palace.

Before the selection, the families of the candidates began a series of preparations. Family elders would hire the finest masters to teach their daughters the arts of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, honing their skills. They would also carefully select clothing and accessories, ensuring their daughters would stand out from the crowd of candidates. For the women themselves, in addition to practicing their skills day and night, they also needed to understand and master court etiquette to make a good impression before the emperor. This period was a time of intense anticipation, a time of both dreams and pressure.

As the first rays of sunlight crept through the red walls and green tiles of the Forbidden City, the entire imperial court quietly awoke, making final preparations for the impending beauty pageant. The beauties, adorned in splendid attire and radiant with beauty, vie for attention like the first blossoms of spring. Under the meticulous care of their maids, they each underwent makeup and hairstyles, each process imbued with a yearning for a brighter future. Reflected in the mirror were not only their beautiful faces, but also their anticipation and anxiety about an uncertain fate, interwoven into a complex symphony of emotions.

The examination room for the preliminary exam was set up in a magnificent and splendid palace. In that spacious and bright space, a group of high-ranking palace maids and eunuchs dressed in gorgeous palace costumes had already gathered. They stood respectfully by, as solemn and dignified as sculptures.

With a commanding command, the numerous concubines took the stage in a predetermined order. Their faces shone with confidence and nervousness, their eyes gleaming with anticipation, ready to showcase their talents in this contest of talent and wisdom. Some of the concubines sat gracefully before their guzheng instruments, gently plucking the strings. The melodious sound was like the sound of gurgling water, crisp and melodious, or like a mountain breeze, refreshing and pleasant.

Their deft fingering and delicate musical expression transported the audience to a tranquil mountain forest, where they felt the beauty and harmony of nature. Other women took up their brushes, freely and skillfully painting exquisite landscapes. Rolling hills, surging rivers, and swirling clouds and mists gradually materialized on paper, creating a scene that seemed to unfold before their very eyes, drawing endless praise from the audience. Other women danced gracefully, their figures lithe and flowing, their skirts blooming like flowers. Their graceful and fluid movements resembled fairies descending to earth, providing endless visual enjoyment.

After each wonderful talent show, it will win warm applause and exclamations. However, only these girls themselves can truly experience the ups and downs of the hard work and sweat they have put in.

After the initial examination, only a select few qualified for the precious second round of interviews before the Emperor. This re-examination was undoubtedly the decisive battle that would determine their future. Emperor Qian personally attended the event, seated atop the Dragon Throne. His gaze was as sharp as a hawk's, yet gentle and kind. The concubines stood in neat rows according to a pre-determined order, each holding their breath, nervously awaiting their fate.

Whenever a concubine approached, the emperor would scrutinize her carefully and ask seemingly casual questions, but these questions were actually loaded with hidden meanings, requiring the recipient to possess both wisdom and good upbringing to answer appropriately. At this moment, the air seemed to freeze, and silence fell throughout the room, with only the heavy breathing and the pounding of hearts to be heard. Finally, when the emperor gave a gentle nod, it signaled a significant change in a woman's fate. She would be honored to join the harem, embarking on a new path filled with opportunities and challenges.

As the sun set, the sky was stained with an intoxicating sunset glow, and Emperor Qian's final list was finally announced. The eyes of those lucky women who were chosen sparkled with excitement and gratitude. Their families were honored, and their future was filled with infinite possibilities.

However, many could only leave in despair. Though filled with disappointment and regret, they also understood that life's paths are diverse, and entering the imperial palace isn't the only path forward. They cherished this experience, and with a vision for the future, they embarked on a new journey, seeking their own happiness.

For the successful selections, the real challenge has just begun. They will be assigned to a resident palace and undergo rigorous training in court etiquette, learning the arts of music, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, and etiquette, all designed to better integrate into this complex society. Here, they will learn to read expressions and navigate interpersonal relationships, maintaining inner purity and kindness while also employing appropriate tact and tact. The harem, a seemingly glittering world, is in reality a turbulent undercurrent, a constant source of fear. But with faith and courage, they will thrive amidst the storms and blossom into their own brilliance.

Of the women who failed the selection, some returned home disheartened, some chose to pursue other careers, and some decided to leave the capital to pursue their dreams. Among them was Su Yao, who, despite her failure, remained undaunted. She knew her talents lay beyond the limit, so she decided to use them to carve out a new path.

Su Yao left the capital and came to a prosperous town. Here, she opened a school to teach children to read and write. Her unique teaching methods soon attracted many students.

Meanwhile, life in the imperial palace was far from easy. The selected ladies faced rigorous training and fierce competition. However, they refused to back down and instead worked hard to learn and improve their abilities. In the process, they forged deep friendships, supporting each other and growing together.

But no friendship can compare to interests. In the face of interests, human feelings are vulnerable.

Those who ultimately remained in the palace included Li Jiao, the youngest daughter of the Minister of Palace Affairs; Ma Xiuxiu, the granddaughter of the Minister of Rites; and numerous other young ladies and granddaughters from various official families, a total of twenty individuals. Each of them came from a distinguished family of officials, possessing distinguished status, exceptional beauty, and immense talent. Each possessed their own unique character and charm: some gentle and graceful, others lively and cheerful, some clever and clever, and some dignified and graceful. They were chosen to enter the palace, becoming the emperor's concubines or maids, and began a new life. In this palace rife with power struggles and intrigue, they faced numerous challenges and difficulties, but also the opportunity to achieve higher status and greater power.

Initially, they were a kind, united, and energetic group, sharing a deep bond and mutual understanding. However, over time, things began to change. The once close-knit group gradually became cold and selfish, with members scheming against each other for power and gain. This change was like a fragile window: once pierced, it could never be restored. The once-strong sisterhood was gone, replaced by endless strife and betrayal.

The women in the harem competed for beauty, each vying for the former emperor's attention. They used every trick in the book to showcase their beauty and talent, hoping to impress the former emperor. Meanwhile, Emperor Qian underwent a three-year mourning period, during which he restrained his emotions and did not dare to indulge himself.

However, with the arrival of the beauty pageant, and the sight of those gorgeous women, Emperor Qian's long-suppressed desires began to stir. His repressed emotions finally found an outlet, swimming freely and joyfully like a fish in the ocean. Emperor Qian resolved to make up for the past three years' deprivation and enjoy the power and pleasures that came with being an emperor.

In just one month, Emperor Qian favored each of the twenty beauties, reveling in this bliss to the fullest. He was so engrossed in it that he seemed to forget all his worries and concerns. Each act of favor was a new experience, bringing him immense joy. He lingered in this world of bliss, reluctant to leave. However, this indulgence also caused some concern and gossip. But Emperor Qian didn't care; he simply wanted to continue enjoying this happiness forever.

Amidst this joyful atmosphere, Emperor Qian gradually lost himself. While his body was satisfied, his heart felt increasingly empty. The competition among the concubines for his favor left him exhausted, and true love seemed to be fading further and further away.

One day, the sun was shining brightly, and a gentle breeze was blowing. Emperor Qian decided to take a stroll in the Imperial Garden to relax. He wandered among the flowers, admiring the vibrant colors and fluttering butterflies. Just then, a quiet and elegant woman caught his eye. She was dressed in simple yet elegant clothing, and with a gentle smile on her face, she exuded a fresh and refined air.

Unlike other concubines, Ma Xiuxiu didn't try to please the Emperor. Instead, she smiled sincerely. This sincerity touched the Emperor, and he couldn't help but be attracted to this woman. From then on, the Emperor began to frequently summon this woman to spend quality time with her.

Together they admired the flowers and the moon, discussed poetry and songs, and shared their preferences and insights. Throughout this process, Emperor Qian felt an unprecedented sense of peace and contentment. The woman's gentleness and kindness touched his heart like a spring breeze, filling him with hope for life.

Emperor Qian gradually discovered that he had fallen deeply in love with this woman. Her presence enriched his life and allowed him to experience the true taste of love. However, the power struggles and complex interpersonal relationships within the palace made their journey of love fraught with challenges and difficulties. However, Emperor Qian firmly believed that their love could withstand the test and was willing to sacrifice everything for this relationship.

However, the harem struggles continued. The other concubines noticed the changes in Emperor Qian and were burning with jealousy. They secretly plotted to destroy the relationship between Emperor Qian and the other concubines.