The selection for Chapter 4 is approaching.
The selection for Chapter 4 is approaching.
With the matter of Granny Liu settled, the Prime Minister's residence enjoyed a brief period of peace. Su Yao seized this rare moment of tranquility and devoted herself wholeheartedly to the preparations for the selection of talented women.
Every morning, before the first rays of sunlight had fully pierced through the clouds, Su Yao would rise and recite poetry in the courtyard, the gentle breeze carrying her voice. Her clear, melodious voice echoed in the tranquil courtyard, and the obscure ancient texts seemed to come alive under her understanding and interpretation. Cui'er served her from the side, watching her young mistress's efforts with both admiration and heartache.
In the morning, Su Yao studied the zither with her teacher. Her slender fingers gently plucked the strings, and the music she played gradually became smooth and melodious, progressing from its initial awkwardness. The teacher offered guidance from time to time, quite satisfied with her improvement, saying, "Miss Su Yao, your comprehension of the music is excellent. Given time, you will surely achieve great things." Su Yao nodded slightly, humbly indicating that she would continue to work hard.
In the afternoon, she immersed herself in needlework and embroidery. She combined her understanding of poetry with exquisite embroidery patterns, creating handkerchiefs, sachets, and other exquisite items. Every stitch and thread reflected her painstaking effort and ingenuity. She thought that if these items were displayed during the selection process, they would surely showcase her versatility.
Besides honing her talents, Su Yao also pays attention to cultivating her demeanor and temperament. She often practices various expressions and postures in front of the mirror, striving to exude elegance and confidence in every gesture. She knows that in this talent competition, both appearance and inner qualities are indispensable.
However, time flies, and the day for the selection of talented women is fast approaching. Everyone in the Prime Minister's mansion is busy preparing for Su Yao's trip, including gorgeous clothes, exquisite jewelry, and all the necessary items.
Su Yao stood in her room, watching Cui'er and the other maids bustling about, feeling both nervous and expectant. This was a crucial opportunity for her to change her fate, and she couldn't afford to miss it.
Just then, the Prime Minister came to visit. He looked at Su Yao, his eyes full of satisfaction and expectation: "Yao'er, I know you have worked very hard during this time. You don't need to feel too much pressure in this selection, just do your best. No matter the result, you will always be the pride of the Prime Minister's mansion."
Su Yao felt a warmth in her heart and respectfully bowed, saying, "Thank you for your encouragement and trust, Father. I will do my best to live up to your expectations."
The Prime Minister nodded slightly, gave some more instructions, and then left. Su Yao took a deep breath and continued to check the items she had prepared for the selection.
Finally, the day of the selection arrived. Su Yao wore a gorgeous light purple dress, the hem embroidered with exquisite patterns that shimmered with a captivating luster as she moved. She wore a jade hairpin inlaid with gemstones, and her long hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall. Cui'er supported her as they slowly walked out of the Prime Minister's residence and boarded the carriage bound for the palace.
The carriage moved slowly down the street. Su Yao looked out the window at the bustling scene, her mind filled with a myriad of thoughts. She thought of her life in the modern world and then of her current experiences in the book's world, feeling a surge of emotions. But she quickly pulled her thoughts back, silently reviewing the talents and strategies she had prepared.
The palace gates gradually came into view, majestic and imposing, exuding an aura of authority. Su Yao alighted from the carriage and followed the other women who had come to participate in the selection into the palace. Along the way, she saw the exquisite architecture, magnificent decorations, and imposing guards of the palace, and was secretly amazed.
Upon arriving outside the palace where the selection process was to take place, the women lined up in order under the arrangement of the palace servants. Su Yao stood in the queue, feeling the various gazes cast upon her—curious, envious, and disdainful. She straightened her back, smiled, and remained unmoved by the firm and confident look in her eyes.
As the palace gates slowly opened, the selection officially began. Su Yao took a deep breath and walked into the palace with steady steps. She knew that her stage had officially begun, and on this stage, she would do her best to shine in order to reverse her fate.
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