The sickly son died young? After the marriage exchange, I will bring prosperity to his entire clan f

Consort Yao smiled and was about to speak when the Empress spoke up calmly, "Consort Yao is truly concerned about my Crown Prince. I didn't even notice him looking at the women, but you did."

Anyone could tell from the Empress's tone that she was not happy, but Consort Yao was not afraid at all. "Your Majesty, I was just concerned about His Highness the Crown Prince's health and kept an eye on him, which is why I noticed that His Highness was looking at the women from time to time."

"Could it be that there's something that can't be brought up?" she asked hastily, half-covering her lips with her hand as if she had done something wrong.

"Not really, it's just that I feel Consort Yao should be more concerned about her Third Prince." The Empress said calmly. She had also noticed that her son kept looking in that direction, but she would not admit it.

Seeing his two women like this, the Emperor, who had a childhood relationship with the Empress, sensed that she was unhappy and naturally said nothing more.

"Let's have a song and dance performance."

Soon the singing and dancing began, and the emperor didn't say a word, which was concise and efficient.

This reminded Du Mingxian of how, after the Third Prince became Emperor, he and Consort Yao would talk incessantly before each palace banquet, saying all sorts of things. She was exhausted from listening to them, yet she had to listen attentively, lest she be called upon.

That kind of pain is the most unbearable, so she never liked attending banquets.

"Your Majesty, this year is the triennial grand selection. The princes have all grown up, and the Crown Prince's residence does not have a Crown Princess. During this grand selection, should we also choose a princess for each of the princes, including the Crown Prince's Crown Princess?"

The Emperor nodded in agreement, "That's a good thing. They've all grown up. We can take a look when they're selected for the imperial concubine selection this year."

This is consent.

Consort Yao was very happy. "Thank you, Your Majesty."

The Empress did not stop this matter. After all, the Crown Prince was getting old, the Second Prince had died, and the Third Prince was being looked after by Consort Yao, so he was considered to be virtuous and had no other concubines besides a few.

Picking a few girls from well-off families from the current talent shows is indeed a good choice.

The matter was settled happily, and when the banquet ended, Du Mingxian learned something: the grand selection of concubines, especially one to replenish the emperor's harem and select consorts for several princes, naturally required the daughters of all officials to participate.

Du Mingxian was completely stunned. "Father, I am also engaged to Lord Qi. Why should someone like me attend?"

"No need, you're already engaged, so you don't need to attend."

Du Mingxian thought to herself, "Thank goodness I'm engaged, otherwise I really wouldn't know what to do."

Being a daughter of an official is really not easy.

“However, Shiyan is going.” Lord Wen looked troubled. “Her marriage to Wu Erniu is settled, but it hasn’t been announced yet. The Emperor just said he would hold a general election. If we announce it now, it will be embarrassing for everyone. People will think that Wen Shiyan hastily arranged the marriage to avoid it.”

It's not good for the Wen family either.

Du Mingxian felt even more heartbroken than if she had to participate in a talent show herself. "She's already been married and has been involved in a marriage alliance. How can someone like that participate in a major talent show?"

This talent show is way too lax.

After the Third Prince ascended to the throne, she remembered that the selection of candidates was very strict. Even in the general election, not just anyone could participate. The requirements were quite stringent.

The Emperor is really not paying enough attention to the selection of imperial concubines these days.

"She was still a virgin when she married him, and she never even met him during the marriage alliance. So, someone of her status would need to participate in the talent show."

Du Mingxian understood the implication in Lord Wen's words, "Does Father want her to participate, or does he not want her to participate?"

"No." Lord Wen never considered sending his daughter to the palace, especially someone as mentally unstable as Wen Shiyan. If she were to be selected for the palace, it might lead to the entire Wen family being buried with her.

“This is easy to handle. Wu Erniu doesn’t want to marry Shiyan. If we tell Wu Erniu the news, he definitely won’t want Shiyan to go. He will find a way.”

If you're not a virgin, you'll be eliminated in the first round.

However, her method was not very honorable, so she looked at Lord Wen with some hesitation, "Father, do you think this is acceptable?"

This would also ruin one's reputation.

"I've sent people to investigate what happened on their way back, and the information has been leaked to Wu Erniu. As for how it will end, we'll see how it goes, there's no rush."

Du Mingxian felt that Wen Shiyan was a bit of a brainiac. If she were to enter the palace, she might not be interested in the emperor, who was too old and too old to be a father. However, if she were to marry one of the princes, she would definitely be willing.

Who would want to marry Wu Erniu, who has no background or status, when they could marry a prince?

"Several of your concubine daughters will also be going. Please take good care of them these days and work with your second aunt to give them some guidance."

Du Mingxian is numb. Does she have any experience? How can she guide her?