Transmigrating into a book, seducing him to rise to power

The selection of imperial concubines was handled by the Imperial Household Department, although the Empress Dowager entrusted Consort Chunshu and Consort Gui with managing the matter together.

However, the Empress Dowager actually intended for the two women to check and balance each other, in order to prevent them from interfering with the selection of the imperial concubines.

After all, the concubines in the harem were worried that some outstanding young women selected for the imperial harem would steal the emperor's favor.

The selection process in the Kingdom of Jun is divided into preliminary selection, secondary selection, and final selection.

Women from all cities in the Jun Kingdom were eligible to participate in this selection process, and given Jun Zechen's youth, the number of women who signed up was considerable.

At the time of the preliminary selection, a total of 15000 eligible women participated nationwide.

However, the preliminary selection process involves screening women based on their appearance, figure, and demeanor, as well as allowing them to showcase their talents and assessing their character. Ultimately, only 1500 women are selected to enter the palace.

After entering the palace, the young women would participate in a second round of selection. After going through the previous rounds, they would undergo even more rigorous screening.

This includes reassessing talents, coping skills, and so on.

The Imperial Household Department has finalized the list of 150 women who will participate in the palace selection tomorrow.

Thirty-five people will remain after tomorrow's palace selection.

Chuxiu Palace.

The maid Jingxiang beamed with pride, her eyes sparkling with smugness, and her tone was cheerful.

"Miss, you will surely be selected in tomorrow's selection. During the days you've been in the palace for the second round of selections, I've carefully observed all the candidates, and there isn't a single one as beautiful as you."

Jingxiang had grown up with her mistress since childhood and had accompanied her to many banquets among noble families. She had never seen a woman more beautiful and charming than her mistress.

Even now, the most outstanding women in all the cities of the kingdom cannot compare to her young lady.

Chu Yinxue's face carried an air of arrogance, and the corners of her eyes were slightly upturned, as if they had hooks.

Her bright red lips were incredibly alluring, and her bright and beautiful features combined to create a captivating and mesmerizing look that was impossible to look away from.

"I thought that by participating in the talent show I could meet a woman whose beauty could rival mine, but I never expected that they would all be just ordinary girls."

Chu Yinxue sat gracefully in front of the dressing table, looking at her face in the mirror.

She's determined to win tomorrow's palace examination!

"Yes, Miss's beauty is truly unmatched. His Majesty is also handsome and elegant, in the prime of his life. Miss will surely be favored after entering the palace."

Jingxiang chimed in from the side.

As long as the young lady gains favor, her position as the young lady's personal maid will naturally rise accordingly.

If they reach a certain age and leave the palace, they can escape their status as slaves and find a good man to marry.

Chu Yinxue smiled slightly, seemingly imagining the boundless glory she would enjoy after entering the palace.

Suddenly, as if she had thought of something, her smile vanished.

"I've heard that the most favored concubines in the harem right now are Consort Gui and Consort Chunshu. I've heard of Consort Chunshu since I was a young girl."

"I heard that she is the epitome of talent and beauty among women in the capital."

The thought of Consort Chunshu made Chu Yinxue's expression turn somewhat unpleasant, after all, her father was also considered Consort Chunshu's subordinate.

However, if she could outrank Consort Chunshu in the harem, it wouldn't be impossible for her father to replace Minister Su.

"Miss, Consort Chunshu was extremely low-key when she was young and did not participate in banquets of noble ladies. Her reputation for talent and beauty was just something that people talked about, and it should not be taken seriously."

"Moreover, Consort Chunshu has already given birth to the eldest prince. Even if she was beautiful before, her appearance and health must have deteriorated after giving birth to the prince, and she certainly cannot compare to Miss's radiant beauty."

Chu Yinxue's mood improved considerably after hearing this, and she raised her eyebrows slightly.

"Indeed, how can a woman who has given birth compare to me?"

"Miss, the weather is lovely today, and the flowers in the small garden of Chuxiu Palace are in full bloom. Would you like to go for a stroll?"

Seeing that her mistress was in a good mood, Jingxiang offered a suggestion.

Chu Yinxue stood up gracefully, flicked her sleeve slightly, and said, "Let's go for a walk."

The small garden of Chuxiu Palace was bustling with people at this time.

As imperial concubines, they were not allowed to leave the Chuxiu Palace without permission, but fortunately, the Chuxiu Palace was extremely spacious and grand.

The young women would gather in groups of three or five, standing or sitting, admiring the flowers while chatting softly.

As the most prestigious among the selected women, Ye Yaqin was naturally surrounded by admirers.

Her family was a family of military generals, producing many famous generals. In her generation, her father even became the top military general, sitting in the high position of Grand Commander.

There was no obvious bias towards civil officials over military officials in the monarchical state, but civil officials always held a slightly higher status than military generals.

The Ye family naturally did not want their daughter to have any prejudice against her being the daughter of a military general, so they devoted themselves to raising Ye Yaqin and molded her into a dignified and elegant woman.

Ye Yaqin's personality is as gentle as a flowing stream.

"Sister Ye, tomorrow is the palace selection, and I'm actually quite nervous."

"I really envy you, sister. Not only is your family background excellent, but your talent and appearance are also among the best in this selection of candidates. You will definitely be able to stay in the palace selection tomorrow."

The speaker was Yan Xiaofei. Her father was a Grand Master of the Palace, a high-ranking official of the second rank.

However, Yan Xiaofei was an illegitimate daughter of the Yan family. If the legitimate daughter hadn't been only thirteen years old and not yet of age for the imperial concubine selection, she wouldn't have been allowed to participate in the selection.

Most of the young ladies selected this year are legitimate daughters; even the daughters of minor officials are legitimate.

When facing some girls from humble backgrounds, Yan Xiaofei often unconsciously displays her sense of superiority.

But when she stood before a true noblewoman like Ye Yaqin, a deep sense of inferiority welled up within her.

Ye Yaqin turned her head slightly, looking gently at the blooming crabapple blossoms in front of her, her face always bearing a gentle smile like a spring breeze.

"Miss Yan, you are joking. Everything depends on His Majesty's will. How could I possibly know the outcome tomorrow?"

Chu Yinxue gracefully entered the small garden, her haughty gaze not even glancing at the other young ladies in the garden.

With just one glance, he accurately spotted Ye Yaqin, who was surrounded by a throng of admirers.

Among this year's selected women, only Ye Yaqin could pose any threat to her.

She simply couldn't stand Ye Yaqin's pretentious attitude, but there was nothing she could do; after all, birds of a feather flock together.

Among this group of young women, if she were to choose who to associate with, Chu Yinxue would certainly not lower herself to associate with women who were inferior to her.

So he walked straight toward where Ye Yaqin was.

However, she wasn't paying attention and accidentally bumped into someone.

Chu Yinxue was thrown back a few steps by the sudden impact, her eyebrows instantly furrowing.

She was tall and slender, and immediately shouted angrily, "Are you blind? How dare you bump into me!"

The woman who was hit was also stunned for a moment. She was only thinking about going to find her best friend across the street and had not noticed someone walking towards her from the side at all.

"I'm sorry, Miss Chu, I didn't see you."

Lin Miaoyin's voice was full of apology, and her eyebrows furrowed slightly. She really didn't mean it.

Chu Yinxue lowered her head and glanced at her sideways; this woman was indeed quite beautiful.

Then, Chu Yinxue raised her hand and lifted Lin Miaoyin's chin.

"Whose daughter are you? I haven't done anything to you, have I? Who are you trying to fool with this pitiful act?"

"I am Lin Miaoyin, the daughter of the Prefect of Jinzhou. I hope Miss Chu will forgive me."

Lin Miaoyin's eyes began to well up with tears because of Chu Yinxue's insulting tone.

Although Chu Yinxue has a rather flamboyant personality, her flamboyance is not without its flaws.

Jinzhou?

This is one of the most prosperous cities in the country, so Lin Miaoyin will at least not lack money after entering the palace. It would be good to befriend her.

However, Chu Yinxue didn't quite like her appearance; her pitiful look made her seem too petty.

"We've become acquainted through this unexpected encounter, and I don't mind Miss Lin's recklessness today."

"Thank you, sister."

Lin Miaoyin said with gratitude that she had been pampered at home since childhood and had always treated people kindly, never having any grudges with anyone.

If she were chosen to enter the harem tomorrow, all she wanted was to live a peaceful life there, not to bring any danger to her family, and to live a safe and sound life.

With a gentle smile, Chu Yinxue affectionately took Lin Miaoyin's small hand and walked to Ye Yaqin's side.

"Sister Ye, this little garden is so lively today! I just bumped into such a beautiful young lady by chance."

Chu Yinxue deliberately brought Lin Miaoyin in front of Ye Yaqin just to annoy Ye Yaqin.

It's because Lin Miaoyin and Ye Yaqin look quite similar.

However, Ye Yaqin has a more dignified and elegant demeanor, while Lin Miaoyin appears more delicate and gentle.

Chu Yinxue had previously crossed paths with Ye Yaqin at some banquets, and their families were considered to be of similar social standing.

They had quite a bit of contact, so she naturally knew what Ye Yaqin cared about most.

It all comes down to appearance. Although Ye Yaqin is quite beautiful, among the many beauties in the imperial examination, only her unique temperament can help her stand out from the crowd.

Lin Miaoyin blushed when she heard Chu Yinxue introduce her as "little beauty".

Miss Chu is certainly quite bold in her words.

Then, with a hint of shyness, she said, "Greetings, Sister Ye. I am Lin Miaoyin, the daughter of the Prefect of Jinzhou."

Ye Yaqin looked Lin Miaoyin up and down carefully, a strange look flashing in her eyes.

Then she smiled gently and said softly, "Lin Daiyu is truly a lovely and endearing woman."

Lin Miaoyin's appearance was indeed outstanding. Among the many young ladies, she and Chu Yinxue were two completely different types of beauties, both of whom were so beautiful that they were eye-catching.

Although Ye Yaqin cared a lot about her appearance, she knew that her main goal in entering the palace this time was to achieve a position that could rival the current emperor.

If it weren't for that position, why would she have entered the palace?

His Majesty has not yet appointed an Empress, and they are the first batch of women selected after His Majesty ascended the throne, so she naturally wants to compete for that position.

Chu Yinxue is exceptionally beautiful, but her personality is somewhat arrogant and domineering, making her absolutely unsuitable as an empress.

Ye Yaqin never took her seriously.

No, it should be said that she never really took any of this year's candidates seriously. The ones she truly considered her enemies were the Imperial Concubine and the Pure Concubine.

Yan Xiaofei, standing to the side, turned her gaze to Lin Miaoyin's appearance, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes.

With so many people participating in the second round of selection, the young women were divided into several groups, each assessed and instructed by a different matron.

That's why not everyone has met each other. Seeing Lin Miaoyin today really makes one feel jealous.

Her appearance clearly evoked a protective instinct in men.

Suppressing her jealousy, Yan Xiaofei said with a smile, "I still like Sister Chu's appearance the most. She is bright and beautiful, just like the dazzling sun in the sky, shining with boundless light."

Hearing the praise, Chu Yinxue was naturally quite happy and proud.

Although Yan Xiaofei was only a concubine's daughter, she really looked down on such a status.

"Miss Yan, you certainly have a sweet tongue. But aren't you afraid that saying that will upset Sister Ye?"

After saying that, Chu Yinxue deliberately turned her head to look at Ye Yaqin.

However, Ye Yaqin did not react in any particular way, and suddenly felt bored.

Chu Yinxue never intended to get along with Ye Yaqin after entering the palace; in her view, Ye Yaqin was her greatest enemy.

Chu Yinxue would spare no effort to do anything that could upset Ye Yaqin.

Yan Xiaofei was genuinely surprised that Chu Yinxue would so blatantly sow discord between her and Ye Yaqin, and the smile on her face suddenly became somewhat stiff.

"Sister Chu and Sister Ye are gentle and graceful, like fairies, both of them are extremely beautiful."

Chu Yinxue rolled her eyes at her, then led Lin Miaoyin toward the place where Lin Miaoyin had been looking for her best friend.

Since she would inevitably clash with Ye Yaqin sooner or later after entering the palace, she should prepare her own camp during the selection process.