Only after the rebellion succeeded did they realize that this place was...

On the official road from Zhending Prefecture to Bianliang, the wagons, unloaded of supplies, moved swiftly like arrows. Their wheels rolled over the thin ice on the road surface, splashing up fine snow dust as they sped along at great speed.

Although it's not an extremely urgent matter, at this pace, it should take about one or two days to reach Tokyo.

"Zhonghuai, now that you're back in Tokyo, have you decided what you're going to do? Is there someone you're longing to see, someone you're eager to return to?"

Zhang Ben reined in his horse, turned his head to look at Gu Tingye, who was whipping his horse along beside him, and laughed heartily.

With the crisis in Zhen Ding Prefecture resolved, the Duke's Mansion overcame its difficulties, and the people of the northern frontier were able to return to peace and stability, all the worries on his mind were finally put to rest. This only son of the Duke of Ying's Mansion was finally relieved of his anxieties.

Only the carefree joy of youth remained, their laughter echoing across the winter wilderness.

"Hahaha!!!"

Gu Tingye laughed heartily, lightly flicking his whip. His horse galloped, creating a gust of wind. "Next year, I'll pass the imperial examination and tour the entire capital city of Tokyo in a single day. That's the most important thing right now."

"Good ambition."

Zhang Ben gave a thumbs-up, then whipped his horse to urge it on, "Giddy up!"

……

At this time, in Bianliang, the capital of the Eastern Capital.

Outside the Ministry of Rites, the scene was quite different.

A line of luxurious carriages parked on both sides of the government office, their ornate beams and painted rafters stretching out in a continuous stream, almost making the already spacious street congested.

Looking around, every prominent and influential family in the capital sent their wives and children to the capital.

Zhang Guifen, the only daughter of the Duke of England, Yu Yanran, the eldest daughter of Grand Tutor Yu, the third daughter born to his second wife, as well as the female relatives of various marquises and important officials of the court, and even the relatives of many aristocratic families who moved from Jinling City, all arrived here one by one.

All of this was for the first imperial selection of officials in the new Han dynasty.

Sheng Hong also arrived with the women of his family. As soon as he stepped out of the sedan chair, Xu Lang, the Minister of Rites, stepped forward and greeted him with a cupped hand: "Brother Sheng Hong, how have you been?"

Xu Lang is not in charge of the talent show today; he is merely here to offer some guidance and conduct a brief inspection.

"Brother Xu Lang."

Sheng Hong also bowed in return.

The two stood to one side, exchanging pleasantries in hushed tones, their words filled with expectations for the upcoming talent show.

Meanwhile, the women in the mansion had already been led by officials from the Ministry of Rites, senior eunuchs from the palace, and older female officials, and were arranged in groups according to their place of origin, waiting for selection.

Under the eaves, Wang Ruofu held Hua Lan and Ru Lan's hands, her eyes slightly red, full of reluctance.

Especially Rulan, whose little hands tightly clutched the embroidery on Wang Ruofu's clothes, her pink lips pouting high, on the verge of tears: "Mother, Rulan doesn't want to go to the palace. The palace looks so cold and unpleasant, it's not nice at all."

"You child, what nonsense are you spouting?"

Wang Ruofu's face hardened, feigning severity. Rulan immediately fell silent, pursing her lips in grievance, not daring to speak again.

Hua Lan quickly and gently advised, "Fifth Sister, don't be temperamental. The family's name cards have already been submitted, and the selection of candidates is His Majesty's decree. How can we withdraw from the selection?"

"Since you're here, make the best of it. From now on, I'll protect you."

"Okay, big sister."

Rulan nodded obediently, but her eyes still held a hint of reluctance.

Under the pillars on the opposite side, Lin Qinshuang was pulling Mo Lan aside and giving her detailed instructions, her tone full of calculation and expectation: "Remember, once you get to the palace, it's not like at home. No one will pamper you or spoil you. It's always good to bring more money. You can bribe your way through the ranks. Who doesn't love money?"

Especially your eldest sister, Hualan.

She and His Majesty have a long-standing relationship; you must cultivate a good relationship with her, as this will greatly benefit your future endeavors in the palace.

"Understood, Mother."

Mo Lan raised her eyes to look at the eunuchs and female officials in the government office, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

She had been waiting for this day for a very long time.

Entering the palace to serve the emperor, and being promoted to the rank of concubine, was the glory and wealth she desired.

Old Madam Sheng even came in person beside the carriage.

Since arriving in Tokyo, she has lived in Shou'an Hall and rarely goes out. This selection of concubines is related to the future of the Sheng family's daughters and is also the most important event for the women of the family after the establishment of the new Han Dynasty.

She made an exception and personally brought her granddaughters over.

Minglan held onto the old lady's arm, her eyes welling up with tears, her voice choked with emotion, expressing her deep reluctance: "Grandmother, now that I'm entering the palace, I don't know when I'll see you again."

"Silly child~"

Grandma Sheng raised her hand and gently stroked the top of her head, her gaze gentle yet firm. "Children always have to grow up. They can't stay under their parents' wings forever. Even your grandmother can't be with you forever."

"Once you arrive at the palace, you and your elder sister should support each other. Remember, you are all daughters of the Sheng family; your glory is our glory, and your loss is our loss."

She paused, then said, "Although Mo Lan was raised by the Lin family and is quite pragmatic, she is still a daughter of the Sheng family. If you can help her, please do so as long as it doesn't affect you personally."

"It will be beneficial for you, Ming'er."

She had given these words to Mo Lan in the past, but Mo Lan only remembered the danger of "if one is harmed, all are harmed" and forgot about the affection between them. Ming Lan, on the other hand, understood this principle from the bottom of her heart.

"Understood, Grandmother."

Minglan nodded obediently, still as gentle and sensible as ever, never causing those who loved her any worry.

Before long, the summons was issued.

The Sheng family girls followed the procession into the courtyard of the government office and stood in the selection queue in order.

Several long queues had already formed inside the courtyard, with groups of one hundred people each.

At the very front of the procession, eunuchs and female officials scrutinized the young women who had undergone the coming-of-age ceremony and were of appropriate age, while greetings and salutations echoed continuously from ahead.

Only those selected will be called out by name in public; the rest will be eliminated.

"Gu Tingcan, the legitimate daughter of the Marquis of Ningyuan, is beautiful with delicate features, fair skin, and an excellent figure. She is suitable!"

"Yu Yanran, the eldest daughter of the Yu family, is beautiful, has a blessed appearance, and a clear, melodious voice. She is suitable!"

"..."

When Minglan saw that her good friend Yu Yanran had successfully passed the preliminary selection, she secretly breathed a sigh of relief, but her fingertips unconsciously clenched her sleeves.

The female official standing nearby was carefully judging those who did not meet the criteria. She would quietly explain the reasons and lead them aside, where officials from the Ministry of Rites would make other arrangements. This did not cause much of a disturbance.

The requirements for this talent show are no different from those of the previous dynasty, and everyone was well prepared.

"Being too thin is not advisable."

"A sallow complexion is unacceptable."

"Her features are too vulgar; that won't do."

"Too tall, not in compliance with regulations."

Various judgments rang out one after another, and the queue slowly moved forward.

Soon, it was the turn of the Sheng family's daughters, who stepped forward in order of age.

"Sheng family daughter, Hua Lan, greets Granny."

Hua Lan stepped forward slowly, curtsied, her voice melodious and clear, each word distinct, her figure graceful, her features gentle, exuding the air of a well-bred lady.

The palace lady-in-chief merely glanced at the scene before waving her hand and allowing passage without uttering a single word.

The affection between Hua Lan and His Majesty has long been known throughout the palace and the capital.

The two had crossed paths in their early years, and for her, this talent show was just a formality. Moreover, Hua Lan was already exceptionally beautiful and of impeccable character, so no one could find fault with her.

"Mo Lan, a daughter of the Sheng family, greets Granny."

Mo Lan also stepped forward to pay her respects, her voice gentle and melodious. She announced her hometown and age, her eyes and brows exuding just the right amount of gentleness.

The female official looked her over and, seeing that she was beautiful and had a clear voice without any stuttering or hoarseness, nodded and let her pass.

Then came Rulan.

Although she was nervous and her fingertips trembled slightly, she still bowed and answered politely. Her voice was a little timid but clear, and her posture and appearance were in accordance with regulations. The female official did not make things difficult for her and raised her hand to let her join the ranks.

When it comes to the prosperity of the family, even the usually naive Rulan knows that she must not make the slightest mistake.

This is the great path of family inheritance. Every member of the family, regardless of gender, should fulfill this innate duty. Rights and obligations are always reciprocal.

"Minglan, a daughter of the Sheng family, greets Granny."

Minglan stepped forward last, curtsied, her movements were standard, her tone was calm, and her voice was neither too loud nor too soft, showing her composure and restraint.

She was pretty with delicate features, not stunning, but with well-proportioned features, a gentle temperament, radiant skin, and a moderate figure. The female official looked her up and down for only a moment before raising her hand to let her pass.

As a result, all four daughters of the Sheng family passed the preliminary selection.

Just then, a young woman suddenly stepped out from the other side of the line. As soon as she appeared, she caused a stir among the surrounding whispers and instantly sparked a heated discussion.

The young woman, dressed in a deep blue brocade dress, had a graceful figure and beautiful features. Her eyes held a cool and aloof air, making her stand out among the other women like a crane among chickens.

Once you look at it, you can't take your eyes off it.

"She actually came too?!"

"This one is quite remarkable. She used to be a sister of Consort Rong, and was a member of the imperial family."

"So what? This is a new dynasty now. She's just a concubine's sister from the Shunming Marquis's household. She's here, so what? Who will ultimately be chosen by His Majesty is still unknown. No matter how capable she is, can she be more capable than Sheng family's eldest daughter, Hua Lan?"

Whispers rose and fell all around.

Minglan had no interest in participating in the discussions. She moved slowly forward with the group and soon stood behind her fifth sister, Rulan. Only then did she raise her eyes and glance indifferently at the woman who was being talked about by everyone.

Rulan leaned closer to her, lowered her voice, and said with surprise, "It's Rong Feiyan. She's actually here for the talent show too."

Minglan nodded silently without saying a word, but she firmly memorized the name "Rong Feiyan" in her heart.

A noblewoman from the previous dynasty, with a special status.

Such a conspicuous presence must be kept far away once one enters the palace.

She only wished to stay true to herself in the deep palace and live a few peaceful days, and had no desire to get involved in this mess.

……

The first round of preliminary selection ended hastily, and those who passed were all taken to the Xiu Nu Yuan (Imperial Selection House) behind the Ministry of Rites. The next step was a second round of detailed examination of their talents and character, which was called "Tea Selection" in the palace.

This round of rules is even stricter.

Height and hand and foot measurements were taken, and needlework, writing, and arithmetic were examined. Afterwards, an old female official would teach Granny Kong the basic etiquette that had been passed down in the Sheng family. During this time, she would occasionally ask about the knowledge in "Admonitions for Women" and "Biographies of Exemplary Women" to observe the candidates' speech and temperament.

Only those who are gentle, calm, and of upright character can pass the test; those who are perverse, frivolous, or eccentric will never be allowed into the palace.

This tea selection process will divide the candidates into three categories: superior, middle, and inferior.

Those of average or above average were kept in the palace for further study, while those of lower average were given some silk and sent home.

Only by enduring this round can one truly enter the imperial city, learn court etiquette and regulations, and also study singing, dancing, musical instruments, and classical texts. Finally, the rank of imperial concubines will be determined based on their appearance, talent, and character.

This is the complete process of the selection of candidates in the new Han Dynasty.

……

Inside the Wende Hall in the Imperial City.

Breakfast had just ended, and several memorials were spread out on the table, their ink scent faint.

Liu Hong, dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe, held a jade pen between his fingers, scanning the memorials at a glance, and after a moment's thought, he began to write his comments.

Since his time in Nanjing, he had personally handled most of the affairs of the court, both large and small.

Now that he has taken over Bianliang, he still personally takes charge and dares not slack off in the slightest.

Although the new Han dynasty possessed firearms and sharp weapons and had a strong military, it was ultimately plagued by internal and external troubles: the rebellions of the Prince of Yan and the Prince of Yong had not been quelled, the northern border and the northern Liao were eyeing it covetously, and the western border and the Western Xia were also stirring up trouble.

Liu Hong flipped through the memorials, his knuckles lightly tapping the table, producing a dull "thump-thump" sound. His gaze gradually became fixed on the memorials presented by Gongsun Bai regarding the investiture ceremony.

This memorial was meticulously planned, with every word carefully considered, clearly the culmination of Gongsun Bai's many days of hard work.

Those old ministers and important officials who had followed him since his humble beginnings were the pillars of the new Han dynasty and controlled the key aspects of the country. The favor bestowed upon them should not be reduced, but rather doubled.

Only in this way can we be worthy of the name "sharing the fate of the nation" and live up to their merits of following the emperor through thick and thin, risking their lives for him.

As Liu Hong pondered, he dipped his brush in ink and slowly copied the imperial edict beside him:

"Grand Commander Geng Jie was promoted to the hereditary Duke of Zheng, and was granted the title of Pillar of State and Deputy Commander of the Palace Guard, with a fief of 10,000 households."

"The Left Chancellor, Gongsun Bai, was promoted to Duke of Liang and granted the title of Grand Pillar of State, wielding sole power as Chancellor and Grand Secretary."

"..."

In Liu Hong's mind, after the investiture ceremony, Right Chancellor Han Zhang would be able to retire.

The previous dynasty established two prime ministers, left and right, to maintain a balance of power.

However, for him, the founding emperor, the two sides would only hinder each other, deplete the country's strength, and bring no benefit.

Liu Hong was determined to recover the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun as soon as possible, and even expand the territory to create a new and prosperous Han Dynasty. Therefore, he had to delegate authority to carry out many matters and could not delay.

The longer the time frame, the greater the variables become.

……

Inside the Wende Hall, Liu Hong was engrossed in reviewing memorials.

There was no warm sun outside the window, only the white snow of winter reflecting a sky full of white light, which poured into the hall and filled the room with a clear radiance, creating a unique and beautiful scene.

The soft footsteps approached from afar, so light they barely touched the dust, disturbing the tranquility of the hall in the slightest.

The chief eunuch bowed and stepped in, bowing his head as he reported, "Your Majesty, the list of candidates selected from the initial selection of ladies-in-waiting to remain in the palace has been released."

Liu Hong paused, his mind flashing with images of Hua Lan, Ming Lan, and Mo Lan, the illegitimate daughter of the Sheng family.

He composed himself and first determined the titles of the officials to be conferred at the investiture ceremony.

This is only a first draft, and there are still many considerations before the final title is confirmed.

He took the list and glanced at it. The first name at the top was Sheng Hualan, the eldest daughter of the Sheng family, followed by Sheng Minglan, Sheng Rulan, and Sheng Molan.

The palace servants' ulterior motives were laid bare: first, they listed the emperor's favorites, then they discussed the distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children.

After all, the emperor's power, at certain times, overrides worldly rules and hierarchical social order.

A satisfied smile appeared on Liu Hong's lips as his gaze continued downwards, then suddenly stopped.

"People from the Marquis of Shunming's mansion are also on the list?"

In terms of the original plot of the previous dynasty, the most noble young lady was Princess Jiacheng, daughter of Prince Yong, and Rong Feiyan, sister of Consort Rong, with the former being even more noble than the latter.

Only then did it come to Zhang Guifen, the only daughter of the British Duke's family.

However, the fates of these two former noble ladies are now vastly different: Princess Jiacheng was sent to the Guangyuntai Music Bureau due to the Prince of Yong's rebellion.

As for Rong Feiyan, in the original story, she was plotted against by the Princess of Jiacheng in her struggle for Qi Heng, and was bullied by several burly men. In the end, she died because she could not bear the humiliation. Now, she has also entered the palace of the new Han dynasty.

"Your Majesty, this woman..."

The chief inspector, observing the expression, probed in a low voice, and before the words were even finished, he already understood the implication.

Liu Hong raised his hand, his tone nonchalant: "Even the former emperor, I could allow him to remain a Marquis of Obedience and enjoy his old age in peace, let alone a mere noblewoman from the former dynasty?"

"only……"

He lightly tapped the name "Rong Feiyan" on the list, his eyes darkening slightly. "It seems someone is testing my limits."

When this matter was brought up, the chief eunuch lowered his head and lowered his eyes, his expression becoming even more respectful, and he remained silent.

It is extremely taboo in the palace to speak ill of the emperor's will, especially since this matter involves a wide range of people. In the end, there are still some people in Bianliang who are not convinced by the new dynasty and are unwilling to submit to it.

"In the end, there are still some people in Bianliang who are unwilling to give up."

Liu Hong spoke calmly, seemingly with a sigh, yet also with certainty, before raising his eyes and ordering, "Make arrangements; I wish to see this woman!"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

The chief eunuch bowed to receive the decree, turned and retreated, his steps light and quick, not daring to linger for even a moment.

……

Night deepened.

The winter nights in Bianliang were already bleak and chilling, and the palace was eerily quiet.

The only sounds were the soft clatter of the guards' boots as they patrolled the flagstones and the flickering light of the palace lanterns. But these sounds did not add any life to the palace; instead, they only made the coldness within the palace walls more palpable.

In a place like this, even if one or two people die, it's unlikely that anyone will really care.

As the hour of Chou (1-3 AM) was drawing to a close, the courtyard of the imperial concubines was already quiet, and all the concubines had retired for the night. Only the palace maids on night patrol carried palace lanterns and walked quietly through the corridors.

Just then, the Grand Eunuch, known to everyone in the palace, personally led a troop of imperial guards into the Imperial Concubine's quarters.

All the palace maids and eunuchs were shocked, but no one dared to say anything; they could only bow and pay their respects.

The chief eunuch and his entourage only stayed at the Imperial Concubine's Residence for the time it takes to drink a cup of tea before leading the already eye-catching Rong Feiyan towards the Hall of Mental Cultivation, where His Majesty usually resided.

Although the young ladies had already retired for the night, many of them were still restless and had not yet fallen asleep. Upon seeing this scene, they were all greatly surprised.

This was only the first day of the selection of imperial concubines. The preliminary selection had just ended, and His Majesty summoned the concubines late at night. This astonishing move instantly caused a huge uproar in the imperial concubines' quarters.

Many of the young women got up, put on their robes, and gathered in groups of three or five under the eaves and in front of the windows, whispering among themselves. Their tone was filled with envy, jealousy, or dissatisfaction, each with their own thoughts.

The four daughters of the Sheng family were assigned to a small courtyard.

Seeing that there was quite a commotion outside, Hua Lan dismissed the palace maids and servants who had come to serve her, closed the door, and the four sisters gathered in the room, unable to resist discussing the matter.

Rulan, always the boldest and most outspoken, without a trace of guile, uttered astonishing words, her tone filled with disbelief: "My God. I never imagined His Majesty would be such a lecherous man. Isn't he a bit too hasty? He summoned people in the middle of the night on his very first day in the Imperial Concubine's quarters, Minglan, don't you think?"

"Huh? I..."

This was a question that Minglan found difficult to answer.

"What's wrong? You're not saying anything again because you've encountered a difficult question?"

This time, Rulan won't let it go so easily.