Yan Wan is reborn as a legitimate wife: Curing Ruyi's Douyi syndrome

After being granted official positions, there were more and more women in the court, and it was no longer just Jingqin, Jingse, and Huanian fighting alone.

After the imperial examinations ended, the talent selection began, and eligible men and women flocked to the capital. The Imperial Guards, who had just taken a short break, were busy again.

The candidates for the imperial concubine selection were not ordinary candidates to be bullied. There were not many who dared to cause trouble, and moreover, harassing a candidate was not as simple as being exiled...

early morning

Lin Hai braced himself and pleaded, "Your Majesty, I would like to ask Your Majesty to select a wife for my daughter during the imperial concubine selection process and grant her a marriage."

Jingqin was somewhat surprised and chuckled, "Oh? What if I were to bestow upon you a pair of ill-fated lovers? That wouldn't be pleasant."

Lin Hai knelt and said, "Your Majesty's imperial aura is bestowed upon us, and the couple you bestow is destined to be a perfect match. How could there be any mistake? Even if Your Majesty chooses just one, it would be the greatest honor for our Lin family."

Jingqin smiled but did not agree directly. Instead, she asked, "I remember that your daughter passed the imperial examination and became a third-ranked scholar."

Lin Hai nodded repeatedly and said, "Yes, yes, my daughter is in the court."

Lin Jiang stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Your humble servant Lin Jiang pays his respects to Your Majesty, long live the Emperor!"

Jingqin: "The Lin family has produced three top scholars, a family of upright officials for generations. I should reward them. I grant your request."

Lin Hai was overjoyed and knelt down with Lin Jiang to express their gratitude, saying, "Your Majesty, we thank you!"

The court officials looked at each other in bewilderment. Those with female officials in their families were tempted. If the emperor bestowed a marriage upon a handsome young man, it would certainly be a marriage between a man and a woman. Female officials were also political resources, so they would naturally avoid marrying out of the country if possible.

Families with sons vying for the best were also considering whether it was worth it. Those who could send their sons to the imperial concubine selection were naturally either the second son of the legitimate wife or a son of a concubine. If they could get a powerful wife in return, that wouldn't be bad either...

Jia Zheng, who spoke fluent classical Chinese, was extremely envious, but unfortunately, his official rank was too low and he was not as capable as Lin Haitie. He only wanted to go back to find his mother, Jia Mu.

Several officials knelt down and begged Jingqin to grant them marriage. Jingqin had already agreed to Lin Hai's request, so she naturally wouldn't refuse anyone else and agreed to all of them.

Seeing that the temple would be gone once they left the village, Jia Zheng immediately knelt down and made the most valuable decision of his life: together they begged Jingqin for a marriage decree.

Jingqin agreed to all requests and asked the ministers who wanted the marriage to stay behind, writing down the information of the women who needed to be married.

Unfortunately, the other female officials who were unable to attend court and had no relatives among the ministers were unaware of the matter, or even if they knew, they had no way to reach the emperor directly and could only feel regret in their hearts.

Jia Mansion

Jia Zheng, trembling with fear, told his mother and the three sisters, Jia Tan, about his request to the emperor for a marriage decree.

Upon hearing this, Grandmother Jia beamed with joy and praised, "Zheng'er! Well done! Your father's efforts in buying you an official position were worthwhile!"

Grandmother Jia thought that Jia Zheng would remain mediocre as a low-ranking official until old age, but she never expected that he would get such a great deal at the very end.

Jia Zheng's face twisted in pain. He hated nothing more than people saying that his official position was bought, but it was his own mother who said it!

The three Jia sisters were overjoyed. They had always thought their father/uncle was a rigid old man, but they never expected him to be so unconventional...

Time flew by, and the talent show began. This time, the participants were divided into four groups: Manchu and Mongol first, then Han.

Fucha Langhua and the others were far away at the Yuanmingyuan. Only Bai Ruiji and Lu Muping rushed back. Lu Muping and Bai Ruiji were close friends and Lu Muping was entrusted by Bai Ruiji to come and oversee the matter of the Seventh Prince's marriage.

During the women's talent show, Bai Ruiji and Lu Muping sat on either side of Jingqin, while Zhuer did not participate in the women's talent show to avoid suspicion.

The young women entered slowly and stood in a row.

The eunuch announced: "Fucha Yunxi, daughter of Commander-in-Chief Fucha Guangcheng, is sixteen years old."

Fucha Yunxi stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Your subject Fucha Yunxi greets Your Majesty, Consort Mei, and Consort Qing. May Your Majesty live ten thousand years and be blessed with good health and longevity, and may the Consorts enjoy peace and well-being."

Bai Ruiji and Lu Muping's eyes lit up. Bai Ruiji glanced at Jingqin and smiled, "She's a dignified and sensible beauty. Has she read any books?"

Fucha Yunxi: "I have read books such as The Great Learning, The Doctrine of the Mean, The Analects, and Mencius."

Bai Ruiji was only half-understanding. She came from the Southern Prefecture and had no idea that these books were the Four Books and Five Classics, the highest level of poetry and literature. She only knew that Fucha Yunxi was a talented woman, and her mind immediately wandered.

The Eighth Prince, Yongyu, is just like his mother. He has been unruly since childhood and detests poetry and books. It would be quite unfortunate if they became lovers. Fucha Yunxi is the Emperor's cousin and the Empress Dowager's niece.

Seeing that the atmosphere was a bit awkward, Lu Muping quickly added, "You're a good person, quickly write down your name for future use."

Fucha Yunxi knelt down and bowed, saying, "Thank you, Your Highness and the Emperor."

Jingqin naturally appreciated the gesture and nodded.

The eunuch announced: "Fucha Yunxi leaves a plaque and is bestowed with a sachet."

Bai Ruiji was a little confused and quickly glanced at Lu Muping. Lu Muping only gave her a look and did not explain.

The next few didn't stand out, so another round of candidates was selected.

The eunuch announced: "Hitara Yilanzhu, daughter of Heerjing'e, Minister of the Imperial Household Department, is fifteen years old."

Xitala Yilanzhu bowed and said, "Your subject Xitala Yilanzhu greets Your Majesty, Consort Mei, and Consort Qing. May Your Majesty and the Consorts enjoy boundless blessings and peace."

Lu Muping: "Have you read any books?"

Hitara Yilanzhu: "I have read books such as 'Rules for Women' and 'Instructions for Women' and know a few characters."

Bai Ruiji nodded and asked, "What else have you studied?"

Xitala Yilanzhu: "The girls in the village like to play the zither and the zheng."

Bai Ruiji examined Xitala Yilanzhu carefully for a while, feeling very satisfied, and then looked at Jingqin.

Jingqin: "Leave the sign."

Hitara Yilanzhu: "Thank you, Your Majesty and Your Highness."

Lu Muping breathed a sigh of relief.

In the following rounds, no outstanding candidates emerged, and Jingqin only kept the nameplates of the candidates who had requested an imperial decree to marry.

After the event, Bai Ruiji pulled Lu Muping aside and asked, "Why did you take a liking to that princess from the Fucha family?"

Lu Muping sighed, "It's not that I've taken a liking to her; this is the Emperor's will. You mustn't go looking for that princess."

Bai Ruiji was very puzzled and said in a huff, "I know that I come from a humble background, which has caused Yongyu to be neglected. But although that princess is from the Fucha lineage, she is not from the Empress's lineage. How can my Yongyu be unworthy of her?"

Lu Muping quickly covered her mouth and whispered, "The Fucha family is full of honor. Although this Princess Yunxi is not from the Empress's branch, she is from the main branch of the family and is the granddaughter of Lord Ma Qi!"

The direct line of the Fucha family has only these three granddaughters so far. Princess Yun Jing was married off to the Niohuru clan by the Emperor at a young age, and the other princess is only seven years old. The Fucha family now only has this one eligible young lady!

If it weren't for the new emperor's ascension to the throne and the need for the Fucha family to support him, they would have already requested permission to marry on their own. The emperor must have known the Fucha family's intentions and simply allowed them to remain in the palace to arrange the marriage.

"Ruiji, although the Fucha family is currently headed by the Empress's branch, Princess Yunxi is, after all, the eldest grandson of the main branch. If she becomes Yongyu's primary consort, given Yongyu's personality... aren't you afraid of offending the Emperor?"

Bai Ruiji, having been enlightened by Lu Muping, quickly thanked her, saying, "I was mistaken; it's all thanks to you for reminding me, sister."

Lu Muping: "It's a good thing that the Emperor won't let Princess Yunxi become Yongyu's wife. Don't get any ideas."

Bai Ruiji nodded repeatedly and said, "Yes, sister understands."

Next up is the male talent show.

Jingqin sat on the right at the head of the table, the Empress Dowager sat on the left, Zhuer sat below Jingqin, and Grand Princess Hengchu sat below the Empress Dowager.

Zhu'er had long known that Jingqin wouldn't only have him as her love interest, but her personal selection of a concubine for Jingqin still shocked her. Zhu'er never imagined that Jingqin would become empress…

Jinzhong, standing to the side, had a sinister look in his eyes, but even more so, a bitter one. Although Jingqin had kept her promise and only had him, the eunuch, by her side, he also wanted to stand openly by Jingqin's side, rather than be a rat behind her back...

Regardless of what the two thought, the talent show still began.

Because there were many people requesting marriage by imperial decree this time, Jingqin had already instructed Yanwan to compare the information of the female officials who were requesting marriage with the candidates, and then select the candidates to be married to, just waiting to be examined during the selection process.

Therefore, Jingqin, Zhuer, and Hengchu all had inspection tasks, but the Empress Dowager was tasked with Hengchu's sake.

The Empress Dowager was getting old, and the new emperor's lust for power was not as strong as it had been in his youth, but her maternal love remained unchanged.

Prince Guo and Hengti had a harmonious marriage and many children and grandchildren, so the Empress Dowager naturally had no reason to worry.

The Empress Dowager was only worried about Hengchu. Hengchu had married into the Dzungar Khanate because of her, but the prince consort, that heartless man, treated Hengchu very harshly.

Although that vile woman is dead, she still caused Hengchu to suffer for many years, leaving her childless. The Empress Dowager fears that after her death, Hengchu will be all alone!

Hengchu couldn't refuse when her usually strong-willed mother shed tears in front of her, so she nodded in agreement.

As soon as she finished speaking, the Empress Dowager wiped away her tears and exclaimed with delight, "Fujia, Fujia, quickly go and invite the Emperor over!"

After Jingqin arrived, the Empress Dowager began her performance again, subtly expressing her heartache for Hengchu's lack of children and her desire to choose a husband for Hengchu during the imperial concubine selection.

Jingqin happened to need Hengchu's help in vetting potential suitors, so she naturally agreed.

This was the first time the Empress Dowager had been so happy that the Emperor Emeritus had abdicated. If the Emperor Emeritus were still alive, it was unknown when her concubine Hengchu would be able to find another consort.

Therefore, the Empress Dowager only needs to remember her preferred candidate and then examine him.

The young men entered and stood in a row.

The eunuch announced: "Niohuru Woxing'e, son of Grand Secretary Niohuru Aligun, is eighteen years old."

Niohuru Woxing'e: "Your humble servant pays respects to the Emperor, the Empress Dowager, the Empress, and the Grand Princess."

Hengchu: "Did you participate in the imperial examinations or the military examinations?"

Niohuru Woxing'e: "Your humble servant participated in this imperial examination and was fortunate enough to be ranked second, becoming a third-class imperial bodyguard."

Hengchu nodded and said, "He's capable. Keep his nameplate."

……

The eunuch announced: "Zhangjia Abo, son of Grand Secretary Zhangjia Akdun, is twenty-seven years old."

Zhangjia Abo: "Your humble servant..."

Jingqin: "Leave the sign."

Abo smiled and bowed, saying, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

……

The eunuch announced: "Sartuk Yiling, son of Sartuk Nayantai, Vice Minister of the Court of Colonial Affairs, is seventeen years old."

Sartuq Yiling: "Your humble servant greets Your Majesty, Empress Dowager, Empress, and Grand Princess."

Zhu'er: "Do you have any strengths?"

Sartuq Yiling: "Your humble servant is skilled in riding and archery, and can hit a willow leaf from a hundred paces away."

Zhuer nodded and said, "Keep the sign."

……

After the selection of candidates for the Manchu and Mongol banners was completed, it was time to select the candidates for the Han banners.

The eunuch announced: "Li Xinglu, son of the late Duke Minda, Li Wei, aged twenty-nine."

Li Xinglu: "Your humble servant pays respects to Your Majesty, Empress Dowager, Empress, and Grand Princess."

Empress Dowager: "Does he/she have any special skills?"

Li Xinglu: "Your humble servant admires the six arts of a gentleman and is skilled in poetry and painting."

Empress Dowager: "Why are you holding a talent show at such an advanced age?"

Li Xinglu: "In my early years, I was devoted to poetry and painting and did not want to get married too early. I did not expect to be in mourning for seven years and just finished my mourning period last year."

The Empress Dowager nodded and said, "Keep the plaque."

……

The eunuch announced: "Gao Song, the eighteen-year-old grandson of Grand Secretary Gao Bin and son of Gao Heng, Salt Commissioner of Lianghuai."

Gao Song: "Your humble servant pays respects to Your Majesty, Empress Dowager, Empress, and Grand Princess."

Hengchu: "Do you have any strengths?"

Gao Song: "Your humble servant enjoys composing poetry."

Hengchu: "In ancient times, Cao Zhi composed a poem in seven steps. Today, I will not demand that you compose a poem. I will say a line, and you will respond with the next line. How about that?"

Gao Song: "Please enlighten me, Your Highness."

Hengchu pondered for a moment and asked, "The pine tree on the mountain."

Gao Song: "The wind blows in the serene valley."

Hengchu: "Good! Keep the sign."

……

After the talent show ended, Jingqin began to arrange marriages for everyone:

Zhangjia Abo was granted the title of Noble Consort and entered the palace on the fifteenth of March.

Li Xinglu was the consort of Princess Duanshu.

Xitala Yilanzhu was the wife of the Seventh Prince.

Niohuru Woxing'e was betrothed to Fucha Yunxi.

Sartuq Yiling bestowed a marriage upon Hesheli Wenxi

Gao Song arranged a marriage between Lin Jiang and Lin Jiang.

Jia Tan and others were also betrothed...

The grand talent show has ended, and Jingqin has begun sweeping reforms.