On the day I first set foot in the Palace of Versailles, the sky was as clear as a gem and cloudless. On August 20, 1733, in France, this day was regarded as a lucky day. Standing in the spacious courtyard of the palace, looking up, one could see the sky as pure as jasper. Occasionally, flocks of birds flew by. It is said that this is a symbol of good omen.
The French court holds a selection of noble maidens every three years. Women with both talent and beauty are selected from various noble families to enrich the court.
For me, this selection is just a formality. Father once said that I am naturally free-spirited and definitely cannot adapt to the constraints of the court. He only wishes that I can find a good husband safely and live a stable life. Mother always thinks that with my appearance, family background, and literary talent, I must find the best man in the world. In my heart, the king is not the best person. He cannot treat me wholeheartedly.
Therefore, I did not dress up elaborately. There was only a little powder on my face. I was wearing a light green dress with exquisite lace. It was proper and neither ostentatious nor impolite. There was a freshly picked flower obliquely inserted on my head, and accompanied by a hair ornament inlaid with jewels. Under the hair ornament were thin golden chains, slightly showing that I am not the daughter of an ordinary small family and cannot be underestimated by others.
My purpose is very simple. I just wait for the king to "reject" me and let me be eliminated.
The place for selecting noble maidens is set in the main hall of the Palace of Versailles. The candidates are divided into groups of six and led by attendants into the hall to be selected. The rest wait in the side hall. The selection process is relatively simple. After saluting the king and queen, stand and wait for instructions. The king may ask a few questions or may not say a word. After that, the candidates can express their gratitude. In the end, the king decides whether to be "eliminated" or "selected". The selected women will enter the court after receiving the official notice. Before that, they will return to their family residences and wait.
The king has already been married and also has many mistresses. This selection aims to expand the team of court ladies and add luster to the royal family.
The side hall was filled with candidates. The only person I am familiar with is Claire, the daughter of the Duke of Brittany. The territories of my family and hers are adjacent. We grew up together since childhood and have a deep friendship. When she saw me from afar, she smiled and came over, took my hand, and asked with concern, "Isabella, I feel at ease when I see you. I heard that you were injured a little some time ago. Have you recovered?"
I slightly bowed and replied, "It was just a minor injury and it's already all right. Thank you, sister, for your concern. Was your journey smooth?"
She nodded, looked me up and down carefully, and said with a smile, "Sister, your dress is very plain today, but it makes you look even more outstanding and unique."
My cheeks flushed slightly, and I said shyly, "Sister is the beauty. Such praise really makes me feel ashamed."
She smiled and said nothing, and gently scratched my cheek. Only then did I look at her carefully. I saw that she was wearing a rose-purple dress with gorgeous embroidery, paired with a moon-white skirt. Her jet-black hair was combed into an exquisite bun. There was a gold filigree ornament inserted beside the bun. There was an inlaid gold flower on her forehead, and the ruby earrings on her ears swayed and shone. She had an elegant and calm temperament.
I couldn't help but exclaim, "I haven't seen you for a few days, and sister is even more beautiful. If the king sees you, he will surely be unforgettable."
Claire quickly put her finger to her lips, motioning for me to be quiet, and said in a low voice, "Be cautious in speech and action! There are many outstanding candidates in this selection. My appearance is just so-so. I may not be selected."
Realizing that I had spoken out of turn, I stopped talking and just chatted with her about daily life.
Suddenly, there was a "clang" in the distance. It turned out that a cup had been knocked over. Claire and I stopped talking and looked in the direction of the sound. I saw a woman in dark green clothing and covered with jewels. With one hand holding up her skirt and the other forcefully pulling another candidate, she shouted sharply, "Don't you have eyes? This scalding hot tea has spilled all over me! Are you looking for death? Who are you from?"
The candidate who was pulled by her had ordinary clothing but a beautiful and delicate appearance. At this time, she was so frightened that she shrank into a ball and didn't know how to respond. She could only lower her eyes and answer softly, "I am Sophia. My father... my father... is... is..."
Seeing that her clothing was shabby, the woman looked down on her even more. Her tone became even more fierce: "Don't you even dare to say who your father is?"
Sophia was forced to turn red in the face. Her voice was as thin as a mosquito's: "My father... Sobihua, the mayor of a small town in Provence."
The woman raised her face, showing a contemptuous expression and snorted, "Sure enough, from a small place! So unmannered!"
Someone nearby interjected and reminded Sophia, "Do you know that the person you have offended is Alice, the daughter of the mayor of New Orleans."
Sophia was terrified and had no choice but to bow and salute, apologizing to Alice, "Sophia just now was only thinking about seeing the king soon and was uneasy, so she accidentally spilled tea on Sister Alice. Sophia apologizes to sister here. I hope sister will forgive me."
Alice showed a disgusted expression on her face, frowned and said, "With you also wanting to see the king? What a wild fantasy! If you want this matter to end, you just need to kneel down and kowtow to me and apologize."
Sophia's face immediately turned pale, and tears rolled around in her eyes, looking very delicate and helpless, arousing people's pity. None of the candidates around were willing to persuade Alice for her. Everyone would think that how could the king choose the daughter of a small town mayor as a court lady? And this Alice has some chance of being selected. With such a great disparity in power, who would be willing to offend the daughter of the mayor for the daughter of a small town mayor? It seemed that Sophia was bound to suffer this humiliation.
I despised such bullying and couldn't help frowning. Claire, seeing me like this, held my hand and whispered softly, "Don't cause trouble for nothing."
How could I listen? I broke free from her hand, pushed through the crowd, raised my hand to help Sophia up and pulled her to my side. Then I said gently to Alice, "It's just a piece of clothing. Sister Alice, don't be angry. My sister has brought a change of clothes. Sister can go to the back room and change. Today's selection, if sister makes such a commotion, I'm afraid it will alarm the king. If the king is enraged because of this, how can you and I sisters bear it? Moreover, even if the king is not alarmed today, if it is heard by others in the future, it will also ruin sister's virtuous reputation. Wouldn't it be a loss to make a mountain out of a molehill for a piece of clothing? I hope sister will think twice."
Alice thought for a moment, looking displeased, but in the end she didn't lose her temper. She just snorted and left. The onlookers dispersed. I smiled at Sophia again, "Isabella was talkative here today. Sister Sophia, please don't laugh. Isabella sees that sister is alone. Can you come and be with me and Sister Claire? That way, we can take care of each other more and not feel panicked and at a loss when dealing with things."
Sophia was full of gratitude. She lowered her head shyly and thanked, "Thank you, sister, for speaking up to help. Although Sophia is from a humble background, I will never forget this kindness for the rest of my life."
I smiled and said, "It's just a small effort. We are all sisters waiting to be selected. Why be so fussy?" She hesitated slightly, "But sister, by doing this for me, you have offended others. Isn't it adding trouble to yourself?"
Claire came up to me and said to me, "This is inside the palace. You are so lawless! It makes me worry." Then she smiled at Sophia and said, "Look at her naughty way. Where is she someone who wants to be selected? She is not afraid of offending people."
I took a look at Sophia's attire. The clothes were brand new, obviously newly made, but the fabric was ordinary. Obviously, it was made from ordinary materials. It lacked refinement. Except for two plain silver hairpins without jewels and some velvet flowers on her head, and a gold bracelet of ordinary quality on her hand, there were no other accessories. Among the candidates dressed up gorgeously, she seemed a bit shabby. I frowned slightly. Seeing a pot of brightly blooming flowers in the corner, I casually took a pair of scissors from the table and cut three branches and pinned them on Sophia's temples. Immediately, it added a bit of charm to her. Then I took off a pair of emerald jade rings from my ears and put them on for her, saying, "Clothes make the man, and Buddha is dressed in gold. Sister's clothes are ordinary. Those people will look down on sister if they judge by appearance. This pair of earrings is a gift for our meeting today. I hope it can help sister be successfully selected."
Sophia was moved and shed tears, saying, "Thank you, sister, for your expense. My sister is from a humble background. Naturally, I will be 'eliminated'. Instead, I will disappoint sister's kindness."
Claire comforted her, "A hero is never asked about his background. Why should sister belittle herself with such beauty?"
Just as we were talking, an attendant came to summon Sophia and several other candidates to enter the hall. I smiled and encouraged her. Only then did I hold hands with Claire and return to our positions to continue waiting.
As soon as we sat down, a little maid came to serve tea. Claire and I each took a small ingot of broken silver from our purses and rewarded her. The maid smiled happily and thanked us before leaving. When Claire saw the maid leave, she said with worry, "You had such a sharp tongue just now. Aren't you afraid of offending the newly selected court lady?"
I took the tea bowl and blew gently on the hot air in the cup. Seeing that no one was paying attention to us around, I said casually, "How could I not know that you care about me? But sister, think carefully. When the king selects court ladies, family background is of course important, but talent and virtue are also indispensable. Even if Alice is selected, I'm afraid she won't have a good end. So why is there any offense?
Claire nodded and said with a smile, "What you said really makes some sense. No wonder your father has always looked at you differently since you were young and praised you as a 'female Zhuge Liang'. Of course, Sophia is indeed pitiful."
I smiled and said, "This is one aspect. With sister's family background and beauty, being selected is expected. Although Sophia is from a humble background, she is polite in advancing and retreating, has a delicate appearance, and has a unique charm. She has a greater chance of being selected than Alice. My sister has no intention of being selected. In case Sophia is selected, sister will also have more support in the court. Of course, there are many beautiful women this time. Whether Sophia can be selected is still uncertain. This is just Isabella's humble opinion."
Claire was moved and reached out to hold my hand and sighed, "Isabella, thank you for being so considerate for me. But with your such beauty but no intention of being selected, if you fall into an ordinary family, it would be a waste of a pearl.
I didn't answer directly, just smiled faintly and said, "Everyone has their own aspirations. Moreover, Isabella is stupid and not used to court life. I only hope that sister can rise rapidly.
There are a large number of candidates in this session. By the time it was my turn and Claire's turn to enter the hall to meet the king, it was already dusk. Most of the candidates had already left. Only a dozen or so people were still waiting anxiously in the side hall. Lights were lit in the hall. From under the throne to the entrance of the hall, there were two rows of gorgeous candles in unison. There were hundreds of them, each as thick as an arm. Special spices were poured into the candles. The flames were bright and the fragrance was clear and rich.
Claire and I and four other candidates adjusted our clothes and expressions and walked in. We knelt down and saluted according to the instructions of the attendant who was guiding us. Then we all stood up and stood by with our hands down, waiting for the master of ceremonies to call out our names one by one and then step forward to present ourselves. Only an old attendant shouted in a hoarse and shrill voice one by one:
"Nora, daughter of the Count of Normandy, eighteen years old."
"Tuya, younger sister of the Viscount of Toulouse, seventeen years old."
"Mathilda, daughter of the mayor of Marseille, thirteen years old."
I lowered my head and stared at the ground without looking sideways. The large bluestone bricks, each three feet square, were joined seamlessly. The middle was as smooth as a mirror, and the surroundings were carved with exquisite patterns. Listening to the previous candidates kneeling and saluting, the corners of their clothes, skirts, and the jewels and ornaments on their heads made slight rustling sounds. I glanced sideways curiously. Some candidates were already so nervous that their hands were slightly trembling. I couldn't help but secretly laugh.
I couldn't help but steal a glance at the king and queen on the throne. The main hall of the Palace of Versailles is grand and spacious. The walls, beams, and pillars in the hall are all decorated with gorgeous reliefs and paintings, with various postures and colors, magnificent and splendid. There are no monotonous decorations commonly used in other palaces. Sitting on the throne of pure gold was the King of France, Louis. That person was wearing a crown of pure gold and a gorgeous ribbon was hanging down, covering his face, so his expression could not be seen. Only his posture was slightly inclined, showing a trace of fatigue. Presumably, after looking at the candidates all day, he was already dazzled. When he heard them greet him, he just nodded to show his acknowledgment. Without asking any questions, he waved his hand and let them leave. Poor these candidates were nervous all day. In order to take care of their appearance, they didn't even dare to eat lunch. They came to participate in the selection tremblingly, but were so easily "eliminated". The queen was sitting on the right side of the king's throne, wearing a pearl crown and phoenix robes, looking very solemn and majestic. She was also dignified and beautiful, with kind eyebrows. Although she was already tired after a day's work, she still sat upright with undiminished momentum.
"Claire, daughter of the Duke of Brittany, sixteen years old." Claire stepped out, with a graceful posture. She bowed her head and said in a warbling voice like a nightingale, "Your subject Claire pays respects to His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen. May His Majesty live forever and be blessed with happiness. May Her Majesty live a thousand years and be blessed with good fortune."
The king sat up straight and asked with great interest, "What books have you read?" The hall was spacious. The king's voice was accompanied by an ethereal and empty echo. From a distance, it didn't seem real. It buzzed as if in an illusion.
Claire answered gentle and politely as she was told, "Your subject is stupid. I have read some poetry and history books and know a few words."
The king said "hmm" and said, "Poetry and history are very tasteful. Not bad."
The queen agreed amiably, "For daughters, talent and artistry are important. It is already very good that you can read books."
Claire did not dare to show too much joy when she heard this. She just smiled and replied, "Thank you, Your Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen for your praise."
The queen said with a smile in her voice and ordered the master of ceremonies attendant, "Hurry up and write down her name for future use."
Claire stepped back and stood beside me. She let out a breath and smiled at me. Claire was generous and decent, with outstanding appearance. Her selection was expected. I was never worried.
Just as I was thinking, the master of ceremonies attendant had already called out my name: "Isabella, daughter of the Count of Champagne, fifteen years old." I took two steps forward, bowed gracefully, and said with my head bowed, "Your subject Isabella pays respects to His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen. May His Majesty live forever and be blessed with happiness. May Her Majesty live a thousand years and be blessed with good fortune."
The king let out a soft "oh" and asked, "Isabella? Which 'Isabella'?"
I lowered my head and blurted out, "Just as the poet writes: Beautiful and elegant like Isabella. This is exactly your subject's maiden name." As soon as the words came out, I regretted it. It was really terrible. I was too quick-tempered and showed off too much. I said what was in the book. I'm afraid I have already attracted the king's attention. It really goes against my original intention. Regret it! Regret it!
Sure enough, the king clapped his hands and laughed, "You are very familiar with poetry and books. The Count of Champagne is very good at teaching his daughter. But I wonder if you are worthy of this name. Raise your head!"
I knew I couldn't avoid it. I regretted showing off too much just now. Now I could only raise my head, hoping that the king, after seeing so many candidates, would not be interested in me when he saw my so proper dress.
The queen said, "Come forward." As she spoke, she slightly turned her head. The attendant beside her immediately understood and took a cup of tea and poured it in front of me. I didn't understand what it meant, so I had to pretend not to see it and walk forward two steps steadily stepping on the tea.
The queen said with a smile, "Very dignified."
The king raised his hand and slightly lifted the ribbon hanging in front of him. He was stunned for a moment and praised, "Beautiful and moving, with elegant temperament. You are indeed worthy of this name."
The queen echoed, "Dressed very beautifully and cleanly. Together with Claire just now, you are just like the two beauties of Versailles. You are very well-matched."
I lowered my head deeply, my face burning hot. Presumably it was already as red as a rosy glow. I could only remain silent. I only felt that the golden candlelight in front of me was swaying faintly. The fragrance was intoxicating and continuously rippling around my nose.
The king nodded with a smile and ordered the master of ceremonies attendant, "Write down her name for future use."
The queen turned to the king and smiled, "The several women selected today are all extremely beautiful. There are those who are proficient in poetry and books, and those who are virtuous and gentle. It really adds to the harmonious atmosphere of the court." The king smiled slightly but did not answer.
My heart sank. Is the man sitting high above me the one I will rely on for the rest of my life? I bowed deeply and silently returned to my place. Seeing Claire smiling brightly at me, I could only return a smile. I was confused in my heart and didn't know how to deal with this unexpected selection. I had no intention of paying attention to anything else. After this group of candidates had finished seeing the king, according to what the guiding attendant had taught in advance, whether they were selected or not, they all kowtowed to express their gratitude. Then they filed out in an orderly manner.
As soon as we left the main hall, we heard a "bang" behind us. Turning around to look, it was Nora, the daughter of the Count of Normandy who was in the same row just now. I saw that her face was ashen and her forehead was covered with cold sweat. She had already fainted. Presumably, she was so heartbroken because she wasn't selected that phlegm rushed up.
I sighed and said, "Those who want to stay couldn't stay, but those who don't want to stay are left behind." While speaking, Nora had already been helped away by the attendants and maids in front of the hall.
Claire adjusted the flower on my hair that was about to fall off and said softly, "Sister, why sigh? Being able to enter the court is a blessing. Many people wish for it. Moreover, you and I enter the court together, and we can take care of each other more." The attendant who announced the decree has already gone. The Count of Champagne must be happy.
I twirled the exquisite decoration hanging on my skirt with my fingers and remained silent. After a long while, I said in a low voice, "Sister Claire, I really didn't mean it."
She pulled my sleeve and said softly, "I understand. I said long ago that with your talent and beauty, you can't avoid it on your own." She paused for a moment, Her smile faded and she said in a solemn tone:"Moreover, with our qualities, do we really want to entrust ourselves to those mediocre people?"
Claire was comforting me when an older maid came up with a lantern to lead us out of the palace. The maid's face was full of smiles. She blessed us and said, "Congratulations to the two young mistresses on being selected as court ladies." Claire and I gave a reserved smile and took out some silver to reward her. Then we held hands and walked slowly out of the palace.
There were only a few scattered carriages left waiting outside the palace. The glass lanterns hanging in front of the carriages swayed back and forth in the wind, as if being helpless. Waiting in the carriage were my personal maids Lucy and Lily. When they saw us coming from afar, they quickly took down the cloaks and came to greet us. Lily held my arm and said softly, "Miss is tired." Lucy put the brocade cloak on me and fastened it.
Claire was helped into her carriage by her maid. When her carriage drove up to mine, she lifted the curtain and said with concern, "The teaching aunt will come to our mansions in a few days to teach us court etiquette. Before the imperial decree comes down and we officially enter the palace, we sisters won't be able to see each other for the time being. Take good care of yourself, sister."
I nodded. Lucy and Lily helped me into the carriage together. The maids below stood respectfully with their hands down and said respectfully, "See off the two young mistresses."
I lifted the curtain and took a deep look back. The sky at dusk was half as black as if ink had been dropped, and half was a purple and golden glow, like a long, colorful brocade spread out. Under such a dreamy and misty sky, the deep and magnificent Palace of Versailles had an indescribable imposing aura that left a deep impression on me.