In the spring of the sixth month of the ninth year of Kangyuan, the newbeautiful theatre welcomed its third batch of emperor's harem in the Kangyuan era. Although the sun was scorching hot, the Grand Han Palace remained busy.
One could see graceful and slender young ladies with fine silks slowly entering the palace. The maidservants took good care of their charges, while eunuchs hurriedly ran about.
Ji Mingxuan followed behind the queue, curious about the grand scene of the palace, but ultimately not visiting it. After a moment, the show girls entered the courtyard of the newbeautiful theatre. The eunuchs and maidservants gradually retreated, and the courtyard grew quiet as soft whispers filled the air. A few groups of show girls gathered together, holding fans to shade themselves from the sun. Their movements were elegant and graceful.
Out of the two hundred and thirty-two show girls who entered the newbeautiful theatre, Ji Mingxuan had average looks. Her talents, or rather her physical abilities, were mediocre. While she came from the capital, being a concubine of a fifth-grade official from the Ministry of Rites in such illustrious families meant no advantage for her. With such prospects, her future seemed bleak. However, if she did not enter the palace, she would be forced into marriage and her mother would have no choice but to sell her. There was no hope of a life where she could marry someone she loved forever, given that even beautiful women could end up with multiple spouses. Furthermore, her marriage was decided by her mother, and a concubine could only marry as a secondary wife. Unfortunately, her mother was not someone who cared about the well-being of her daughter. Rather than living a miserable life under any circumstances, she might as well try to climb the ranks in the palace. If she succeeded, there was still a chance she could return home.
Thinking this through, Ji Mingxuan lightly drew her sleeves with her fingers. Although she appeared innocent and sweet, her mind had already been filled with countless thoughts.
Among these hundreds of show girls, Ji Mingxuan's appearance was considered average. Her talent, or more accurately, her physical ability, was quite ordinary. Even though her family was in the capital, she was just an ordinary concubine of a fifth-grade official among many noble daughters. Such a position offered little hope for her future.
However, Ji Mingxuan looked up, no longer the original Ji Mingxuan. She may not have been exceptionally talented, but she had some grace and charm to offer.
Ji Mingxuan touched her fingernails, then tucked them back into her long sleeves. With her fingers moving, she practiced the familiar gestures she knew so well.
Appearance couldn't set her apart; she could only rely on her wit to advance.
She surveyed the surrounding beauties, her eyes flashing briefly before she reached out to touch the vibrant rose before her, her face lighting up with affection.
"Big Sister has been waiting for Little Sister without you, and now Little Sister is enjoying flowers alone—what a pleasant thing!"
Ji Mingxuan turned around, wearing a pale red imperial gown adorned with butterfly jade hairpins, her pearl earrings sparkling in the sunlight. Her skin was as white as snow, her face radiant beyond compare, and her body graceful and perfect. She was undoubtedly a stunning beauty.
This beautiful woman was Ji Mingfu, Ji Mingxuan's older sister, the legitimate daughter of a fifth-grade official in the Ministry of Rites.
"Little Sister is teasing me," Ji Mingxuan said with a bow, "I saw Big Sister and several noble princesses chatting, and I've been following your advice, Lady Mother."
Ji Mingfu smiled warmly, "Little Sister shouldn't feel discouraged. Your beauty, while not exceptional among all the show girls, is charming and could catch the Emperor's attention."
Ji Mingxuan bowed deeply, her smile sincere, "Thank you, Big Sister. I know my appearance isn't outstanding, but I don't dare to hope. Big Sister's beauty will surely bring glory to our family."
Ji Mingfu's gaze flashed, adding to her already captivating appearance. She quickly helped Ji Mingxuan up and whispered, "Little Sister, it's too early to celebrate. Many other beauties in the newbeautiful theatre are more attractive than Big Sister. Whether you'll be selected depends on luck."
Ji Mingxuan pouted and laughed, "Big Sister overestimates herself."
Ji Mingfu smiled but didn't say anything else.
The owner and his wife of the Ji household treated each other with respect, the concubines and maidservants submissive and obedient, and the children divided between legitimate and illegitimate. The relationship between Ji Mingfu and Ji Mingxuan, like a flower and a grass blade, reflected the father's preference.
Ji Mingfu, as the legitimate daughter, was rigorously taught by the owner's wife to shine and honor the family. At twenty-eight years old, Ji Mingfu was both beautiful and talented, carrying the hopes of the Ji family on her shoulders. Despite spending little time with Ji Mingxuan, they managed to get along decently. This time, Ji Mingxuan, who had been overlooked in favor of her more promising half-sister, Ji Mingying, was selected for the newbeautiful theatre, allowing them to speak for a few moments.
Entering the palace, Ji Mingxuan was overwhelmed by the dazzling array of beauty, even Ji Mingfu began to worry whether she would be selected. So, she stopped thinking about it and instead focused on making friends with some of the nobles who had higher chances of selection.
Suddenly, footsteps echoed outside the courtyard.
All the show girls turned towards the entrance, a man in a bright red dragon-patterned eunuch robe walking in, followed by six men in plain blue robes without any patterns. The show girls stood respectfully, no one speaking, because the red dragon-patterned eunuch robe indicated he was the First-Class Eunuch Head of the Dragon Pavilion, a close attendant trusted by the emperor, Chang Quanhuaz.
Chang Quanhuaz kept his eyes straight ahead, his voice neither too loud nor too soft, "The emperor has decreed that every three girls form a group to enter the palace for selection."
The show girls all bowed in obedience, "We follow the emperor's wishes."
Then, Chang Quanhuaz took a scroll from the dish carried by one of the eunuchs behind him. All the show girls became anxious.
He read the names of three girls and led them away. Two of the six accompanying eunuchs followed, while the remaining four stayed at the entrance.
Ji Mingxuan raised her head and saw that Ji Mingfu's eyes, along with most of the show girls', were fixed on the door. She noticed that Ji Mingfu's hands were tightly clenched, indicating how nervous her normally composed big sister was.
After about two incense sticks, another group arrived. But this time, it wasn't Chang Quanhuaz, but a regular eunuch. He announced the names of three more girls and led them away, showing no sign of what was happening.
Inside the courtyard, the show girls started adjusting their attire, trying to relax. Ji Mingfu suddenly plucked a fully bloomed rose from the flower bed and pinned it next to her butterfly jade hairpin, making it seem as if the butterflies were attracted to the flower, adding a special meaning.
Ji Mingxuan could imagine that this meaningful gesture would draw attention, and when Ji Mingfu recited appropriate poetry afterwards, it would impress everyone.
Ji Mingfu caught Ji Mingxuan's gaze and smiled. Then, she examined her younger sister's attire, a green silk dress that wasn't extravagant but refined enough, her black hair neatly pinned up with two green jade pins, leaving a few strands hanging down her waist, making her look particularly fresh. A tiny strand of hair fell down her forehead, giving her a delicate and appealing appearance.
This new look made Ji Mingxuan feel that her younger sister was even more beautiful, proving that the Moon Concubine truly knew how to dress well.
Zhou Xiaowei said with a teasing smile.
Although it was just teasing, if she answered badly, she would either offend all the beautiful ladies or offend Zhong Qingling.
Ji Mingxuan looked at the dazzling Zhou Xiaowei and said with a hint of disappointment, "All so beautiful, unlike me!"
Zhou Xiaowei burst out laughing. She found this beauty's expression too amusing!
Ji Mingfu heaved a sigh of relief but immediately became vigilant. Was it her sincere words or something thought through? Not only Ji Mingfu, but everyone else had smiles on their faces, but they were thinking about it in their hearts.
The other two were introduced by Ji Mingfu.
One was Princess Yuanyun from the Fifth Rank Military Department, and another was Young Lady Jiaoxushu from the Sixth Rank Academy. Ji Mingxuan also met them.
Zhang Yuying smiled and asked, "Did Sister get the imperial favor?"
Ji Mingxuan felt some embarrassment and said, "Indeed, Your Majesty said to keep her."
All the beauties became alert. Ji Mingfu secretly hated Zhang Yuying. Could such news about who got the imperial favor be casually disclosed?
Zhang Yuying smiled and said, "I'm sure Your Majesty has great affection for Sister."
Before Ji Mingxuan could speak, Ji Mingfu said calmly, "Any sister here who got selected must have received the imperial favor."
Everyone thought about it and realized that it made sense.
Zhang Yuying was somewhat unwilling. Ji Mingfu pulled Ji Mingxuan's hand and led her away.
In a corner, Ji Mingxuan was warned again.
She lowered her head and said, "What's the harm? Everyone will know eventually."
Ji Mingfu said seriously, "Though it may be so, how can the emperor, Empress Dowager, and Empress be discussed casually?"
Ji Mingxuan was startled. She covered her mouth and nodded repeatedly.
Ji Mingfu sighed, "Forget it. Less talking, more listening. Don't cause trouble!"
Ji Mingxuan nodded again.
Just as they were talking, footsteps sounded outside.
Ji Mingfu and Ji Mingxuan turned around. Soon, a beautiful woman entered the crowd of people's sight. She saw that everyone was looking at her and stepped back slightly.
Ji Mingxuan paid attention. It was impossible for someone to be selected in front of the emperor without facing the courage of meeting all the beauties. With her timid skin, Ji Mingxuan naturally wouldn't reveal it; in the palace, who wouldn't put on a mask?
Seeing the other beauties probing at the new beauty named Liu Wanru, Ji Mingxuan looked at Ji Mingfu, who wasn't doing anything. She said, "Big Sister, a new beauty came over. Let's go greet her!"
Ji Mingfu held back Ji Mingxuan and said, "Don't scare her off with your reckless nature!" Although Ji Mingfu didn't deliberately lower her voice, everyone in the place laughed.
Ji Mingxuan felt embarrassed. She hurriedly looked at Liu Wanru. Liu Wanru was frightened by Ji Mingxuan's intense gaze and took a step back, "Ji... Ji Miss!"
Ji Mingxuan withdrew her gaze and muttered, "So timid!" Ji Mingfu pinched Ji Mingxuan again, and she lowered her head.
"Miss Liu don't be rude. I've always been like this since I was little. There's no malice?" Ji Mingfu said to Li Wanru.
Liu Wanru was shocked and quickly replied, "How could there be any malice? Miss Ji... Miss Wanru is timid, Miss Wanru should apologize to Miss Ji!" After saying that, she bowed to Ji Mingxuan.
Ji Mingxuan returned the bow but didn't say anything. She saw Liu Wanru's expression as though she considered her as delicate porcelain!
Everyone knew what was happening, then fell silent again.
Liu Wanru appeared very uneasy and kept lowering her head. No matter how you looked at her, you couldn't find any flaws!
Ji Mingxuan smiled inwardly. She found Ji Mingxuan to be an impatient person who couldn't stay still.
As the sun finally set, after Liu Wanru, no one else entered. So, these eight beauties selected in the capital city stayed home for seven more days!
After eunuchs announced the Seven Day Grace issued by the Empress and eight carriages arrived below the stage, Ji Mingxuan and the others descended from the stage and entered the carriages.