allonlinenovel Chapter 121 The Selection of Consort Fucha
Chapter 121 The Selection of Consort Fucha
News of the draft spread quickly.
The palace was bustling with activity again, waiting for candidates from all over the country to be sent to the capital.
Prior to this, Feng Ruozhao, Cao Qinmo, and Lü Yingfeng had all successfully given birth to princesses.
This undoubtedly added a festive atmosphere to the already bustling palace.
After they had finished their postpartum confinement in the Yuanmingyuan Garden, they returned to the palace.
They arrived back at the palace just in time for Hongchang's first birthday banquet.
This is truly a double blessing.
Because the three princesses were born around the same time, and it also coincided with Hongchang's first birthday.
Big Fat Orange decided to hold the three little princesses' full moon celebration and Prince Hongchang's first birthday celebration together.
Big Fat Orange was unusually happy, making the banquet a grand affair.
Feng Ruozhao, Cao Qinmo, and Lü Yingfeng did not show any dissatisfaction with this arrangement.
Although these banquets were not specifically organized for the princesses they had given birth to,
But all the due decorum was maintained, with all kinds of etiquette and rewards provided.
Moreover, all the congratulatory gifts that were due were received without fail.
Therefore, they naturally had no complaints.
Feng Ruozhao, Cao Qinmo, and Lü Yingfeng held their daughter, smiling happily.
The Empress looked at Feng Ruozhao and the others in the harem, and saw them holding children.
Her belly was so big, the smile on her face was almost impossible to keep up with.
The Empress wanted to see Nian Shilan's expression, but when she looked at Nian Shilan, she saw Nian Shilan smiling brightly.
The Empress was even more displeased, a lump forming in her throat.
When the Empress turned her gaze away, she did not see the emotions in Nian Shilan's eyes.
When it was time for Hongchang's first birthday celebration, Fucha Peiyun placed the festively dressed Hongchang on the table.
Fucha Peiyun had already trained Hongchang in advance.
It's not about superstition that whatever you grab during your first birthday celebration will determine how your child develops.
Fucha Peiyun was afraid that someone might cause trouble and have Hongchang seize things like rouge.
Bad rumors are circulating.
All eyes were on Hongchang.
Despite being under so much scrutiny, Hongchang showed no sign of fear.
Surprisingly, Hongchang slowly stood up from the table.
A pair of big, round eyes curiously scanned the dazzling array of items on the table:
It has high-quality pens, ink, paper, and inkstones;
There were books, an abacus, and a delicate little sword, among other things.
On a whim, the chubby orange cat took off the jade pendant from its waist and placed it on the table.
The chubby orange cat's actions undoubtedly attracted the Queen's special attention.
When she saw the jade pendant, her already bad expression instantly turned gloomy.
The gaze directed at Hongchang seemed to be coated with deadly poison, sending chills down one's spine.
Another envious gaze also fell upon Hongchang.
Big Fat Orange knows how to stir up hatred for Hongchang.
Under everyone's watchful eyes, Hongchang finally made a move.
He walked forward slowly, step by step, with faltering steps.
Then, with her chubby little hand, she picked up the jade pendant that the big chubby orange had put down.
This made the Empress almost see right through Hongchang.
In her heart, all these things should belong to her son, Honghui.
Honghui is gone, no one can touch this thing.
Hongchang picked up the jade pendant and played with it in his hand for a while. Just as the little eunuch was about to say auspicious words...
Hongchang held the jade pendant high in his hand, and with his still unsteady little legs, he began to walk.
She walked unsteadily toward the big, fat orange.
His unsteady gait made one hold their breath in worry.
It felt like he could fall down at any moment.
The chubby orange cat was startled by this sight.
He quickly took two steps forward and carefully helped Hongchang up.
After regaining his balance, Hongchang looked up at the chubby orange cat with an innocent and naive expression.
Then he slowly reached out and handed the jade pendant to the big fat orange.
Big Fat Orange quickly reached out and took the jade pendant, bursting into laughter:
"Haha, my Hongchang is truly intelligent and filial, knowing that this jade pendant belongs to his father."
Then they returned the jade pendant to their father, the Emperor!
Seeing this, the people around him praised Hongchang for being intelligent and sensible.
Although the Empress was furious, she could only force a smile.
After handing the jade pendant to the fat orange, Hongchang was still thinking about grabbing the things on the table.
He turned around and didn't stand up anymore.
Their goal was clearly to head towards that glittering golden abacus.
In the blink of an eye, he had successfully grasped the abacus and was holding it tightly in his hand.
Then they continued climbing in the direction of Fucha Peiyun.
Fucha Peiyun had been keeping a close eye on Hongchang's every move.
When he saw Hongmao struggling to crawl towards him,
A warm feeling welled up in my heart, and a relieved and happy smile immediately appeared on my face.
She quickly reached out her hands and took the abacus that Hongchang handed over.
Upon seeing this, Feng Ruozhao couldn't help but exclaim in admiration:
"Sixth Prince is truly filial and sensible!"
He not only constantly thinks of his imperial father, but he also hasn't forgotten you, his mother.
Look at this child, whenever he sees something good...
They immediately thought of sending it to you guys; their thoughtfulness and consideration are truly admirable!
The greatest joy for a mother is hearing people praise her child.
Fucha Peiyun was very pleased to hear Feng Ruozhao's praise.
Fucha Peiyun looked at the little princess in the pink swaddling clothes in Feng Ruozhao's arms.
"I believe that when Consort Jing's little princess grows up, she will definitely be as sensible and filial as Hongchang."
They are siblings.
The chubby orange laughed and said, "Ah Jun is right. All my children are as sensible and filial as Hongchang."
Hongli stood behind Hongshi, watching this scene with an inscrutable expression.
Hongzhou, who was standing next to him, shrank back in fright.
The Empress noticed Hongli's expression and her heart stirred.
After Hongchang handed the golden abacus to Fucha Peiyun, he reached for something on the table.
He quickly grabbed a book and the exquisite little sword that Nian Shilan had placed there.
When the chubby orange saw that Hongchang had caught the book and the sword, the dragon was overjoyed.
He said, "Haha! My Hongchang will surely become a man of both literary and military talent in the future!"
Big Fat Orange appeared
Everyone present echoed the sentiments, and praises poured in.
Congratulations to Big Fat Orange on the birth of your wonderful son!
Hongli's fear of Hongchang grew deeper and deeper.
His biggest rival in the palace wasn't that big fool Hongshi.
Instead, it was this little brat Hongchang who had a mother of noble birth and the Emperor's favor.
Hongchang has everything that he doesn't have, which is truly enviable.
If given the chance, he would definitely get rid of Hongchang.
I've heard that Consort Shu was tricked and is now unable to have children. Perhaps he still has a chance to become Consort Shu's son.
With the support of the Fucha family, in the future...
After Hongchang's first birthday banquet,
Young women from all over the country flocked to the capital.
On the day of the selection, they would either ride in mule carts or horse-drawn carriages.
Arrived at the palace gate early
One by one, horse-drawn carriages and mule carts came to a slow stop, and the young women filed down, gracefully lining up in a neat row.
Entering the palace gate
The matrons in charge of the talent show had been waiting for a long time.
Once the young women had lined up, the officials began to carefully check their appearance and demeanor one by one.
These experienced matrons had sharp eyes, scrutinizing every detail of each young woman's face, hairstyle, and clothing.
No flaw or imperfection can escape their discerning eyes.
These young women had to pass through numerous trials and tribulations before they had the chance to meet the emperor.
Let the big fat orange read and select.
Several of the nannies conducting these inspections were people affiliated with Fucha Peiyun and Nian Shilan.
Who stays and who gets eliminated is entirely up to them.
The reading and selection process will begin soon.
Batch after batch of young women entered the palace, the first to arrive being those adorned with military banners.
The chubby orange cat looked down at the women below, its gaze sweeping over them...
I ordered one that looked reasonably good and left my name tag.
Soon another group of young women entered the hall, and the chubby orange cat was immediately drawn to the woman in the pink qipao.
Seeing this, Xu Jingliang, who was standing nearby, quickly sang loudly:
"Guarjia Wenyuan, daughter of Guarjia Emin, Right Vice Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate, is eighteen years old!"
Hearing my name called
Guarjia Wenyang took a deep breath and took a step forward.
Then she said in a soft, melodious voice:
"Your subject, Guarjia Wenyang, pays respects to Your Majesty and Imperial Noble Consort Hua."
May Your Majesty and Imperial Concubine Hua enjoy boundless blessings and peace!
The chubby orange cat looked at the delicate-looking woman in front of him with great interest and said:
"Raise your head."
Guarjia Wenyang slowly raised her head, revealing her eyebrows like distant mountains, eyes like stars, and skin as white as snow.
Her appearance was truly enchanting.
A hint of amazement flashed in the big orange cat's eyes, and the corners of his mouth turned up slightly.
Big Fat Orange nodded slightly and said softly, "Leave the sign."
Xu Jingliang's "Guarjia Wenyuan's Sign"
Guarjia Wenyuan was overjoyed and quickly bowed respectfully to express her gratitude.
The selection process continues, and the next batch of women from the Mongolian Banner are arriving.
In the last talent show, Big Fat Orange kept one of the Mongolian banner girls.
The same applies this time.
Soon it was time for the Han Banner girls to enter the palace, and Big Fat Orange was unusually interested.
Big Fat Orange saw a woman dressed in a light blue cheongsam.
With his lively eyes and brows, he gave Big Fat Orange a sense of déjà vu.
The chubby orange cat suddenly perked up and leaned forward slightly.
Xu Jingliang understood and said loudly:
"Wu Yining, the sixteen-year-old daughter of Wu Haoran, the prefect of Liuzhou, who was a fifth-rank official in the Han Army Banner."
The woman knelt gracefully, and a clear, crisp voice rang out:
"Your subject, Wu Yining, pays her respects to Your Majesty and Imperial Noble Consort Hua."
May His Majesty and the Imperial Concubine enjoy good health and longevity.
The chubby orange cat stared at her, smiled, and said, "Lift your head up."
Wu Yining slowly raised her head, her eyes clear and bright, revealing a cleverness.
Big Fat Orange nodded; the woman seemed quite interesting.
He said to Xu Jingliang, "Keep the plaque and give him a sachet."
Wu Yining was overjoyed, kowtowed to express her gratitude, and then returned to her original position.
At this moment, Nian Shilan pointed to a young lady.
"Your Majesty, what do you think of that young lady?"
The young woman was dressed in a moon-white qipao, her figure graceful.
She has a beautiful and refined appearance, with a stubbornness in her eyes.
Big Fat Orange took a closer look and felt that the woman also gave him a sense of familiarity.
Xu Jingliang sang, "Liu Yunxue, daughter of the Magistrate of Huaiyang County, is fifteen years old."
"Since Shilan thinks this woman is good, then let her stay," said the chubby orange.
Soon another group of Han banner women entered the palace.
The chubby orange cat casually glanced at the group of young women, its gaze lingering on one of them.
The young lady was dressed in a pale yellow qipao, with simple pearl and jade ornaments on her head; her temperament was elegant yet noble.
Xu Jingliang hurriedly announced the name: "Lin Wanqing, daughter of Prefect Lin, a fourth-rank official of the Han Army Banner, aged seventeen."
Lin Wanqing stepped forward to pay her respects, her voice soft: "Your subject Lin Wanqing greets Your Majesty and Imperial Noble Consort Hua."
The chubby orange gently raised its hand, gesturing for Lin Wanqing to look up. Lin Wanqing raised her eyes, a hint of shyness in them.
Big Fat Orange felt a slight stirring in his heart; this shy demeanor had a unique charm.
Xu Jingliang understood and said, "Lin Wanqing, leave the sign."
After reviewing all the candidates, Big Fat Orange only kept six.
Big Fat Orange also wanted to keep a few more people, but only these few were truly interested.
Two Manchu bannermen, one Mongol bannerman, and three Han bannermen.
Big Fat Orange entrusted Nian Shilan with determining the ranks of these people.
This is his trust in Nian Shilan, and also Da Pangju's test for Nian Shilan.
After the draft
The Empress asked Huichun, "Of those we chose, has the Emperor kept any?"
Hui Chun nodded. "The Emperor has reserved names for the three young women we've chosen."
Upon hearing this news, the Empress's tense expression finally relaxed slightly.
A faint, almost imperceptible smile slowly crept onto his lips.
Even if this talent show is handed over to Nian Shilan to handle, what difference will it make?
In the end, didn't she still keep the person she chose?
Hopefully, these people will be of some use.
The Empress gave a soft snort, her words carrying a hint of coldness.
Standing to the side, Huichun comforted her:
"Your Majesty, please rest assured. These three individuals have all been carefully selected and will certainly not disappoint you."
"Is that what the Empress wants?"
Then, the Queen murmured to herself:
"What a pity, His Majesty wouldn't allow me to get involved in this matter."
Otherwise, I could arrange for someone to enter Tingxi Palace.
The more she spoke, the angrier the Empress became.
These matters were originally her responsibility as Empress, but the Emperor entrusted them all to that vile woman, Nian Shilan.
Just then, a slight headache struck, forcing the Queen to calm down.
So the Queen took a deep breath, trying to calm the resentment in her heart.
The Empress narrowed her eyes slightly and asked:
"Do we have any people we've planted on the Fourth Prince's side?"
Hui Chun gently shook her head and said, "Your Majesty, the Fourth Prince was previously at the Yuanmingyuan."
He was not valued by the emperor, so none of our people were by his side.
Now that he has entered the palace and is residing in the Princes' quarters, all the servants around him were sent by the Imperial Household Department.
The Empress said, "In that case, we should find a way to send our people over as soon as possible."
Huichun looked puzzled and asked, perplexed:
"Your Majesty, the Fourth Prince has not been favored by the Emperor since entering the palace."
Why should we bother sending someone to his side?
The Empress was very dissatisfied with Huichun's slowness, and it was a pity about Jianqiu.
The Queen patiently explained:
"As princes, the Emperor treated the Sixth Prince and the Fourth Prince very differently."
What do you think the Fourth Prince is thinking?
Hui Chun said, "But Your Majesty, the Fourth Prince is still just a child."
Even if we plant people around him, what can he do?
The Empress sneered and said:
"It is precisely because he is still a child that he is not easily alerted or guarded by others."
Sometimes, children can surprisingly accomplish things that even adults find difficult.
Although Huichun still didn't quite understand, she knew that asking any further questions would definitely anger her master.
She just needs to follow orders.
Hui Chun hurriedly replied, "This servant will arrange it immediately."
The Empress, still worried, instructed, "Be discreet in your actions and don't attract attention."
If you ruin my plans, then I will send you to accompany Jianqiu.
Hui Chun hurriedly replied, "This servant understands, this servant dares not, this servant will certainly handle this matter well."