Chapter 104: Chapter 55: What an Unfortunate Character Collision
Besides, was their Emperor truly just lucky to have stumbled into his position?
Not necessarily.
’The book wasn’t entirely clear on this, but an Emperor who could ascend the throne and wrestle for power with the courtiers couldn’t possibly be a harmless little rabbit. He was more likely a big bad wolf in sheep’s clothing.’
"Yun Zhao..."
Song Yexi’s voice pulled Song Yunzhao from her thoughts. She turned her head to look at her, hearing her say in a hushed tone, "I heard from Miss Ye that the Emperor will also be at the viewing today."
Song Yunzhao feigned a look of surprise. "Is that so?"
’The book mentioned the Emperor would be at the viewing, so of course I knew. I just can’t let Song Yexi become suspicious. If she asked where I heard it from, I wouldn’t be able to answer.’
"Yes, and I’m a little nervous." Song Yexi hadn’t been this nervous before, but the thought of possibly seeing the Emperor was making her feel all jittery.
Song Yunzhao belatedly began to feel a little nervous herself. ’It’s like meeting a national leader in modern times. Even as a transmigrator, I can’t escape this physiological anxiety.’
"Are all you young ladies ready? Form rows of five in the designated order. During the viewing, you will enter one row at a time. A eunuch will be at the hall’s entrance to call your names from a list. Now, I will read the names for the lineup. Please arrange yourselves in order..."
Nanny Su took out a roster and began calling names, and the candidates formed groups of five, lining up in sequence.
Song Yexi and Song Yunzhao were separated. Song Yexi’s name was called first, placing her in the third row with Lu Zhixue.
Soon after, Qin Xiyue was also called. She was in the row behind Lu Zhixue, alongside Feng Yunjin.
Han Jinyi and Fan Qingru were called into their places in turn. Song Yunzhao didn’t hear her own name until the very last row.
’She could feel the deep malice coming from Nanny Su. By placing her in the very last row, by the time it was her turn, both the Emperor and the three concubines would be exhausted. What energy would they have left for judging beauties?’
’However, this suited her intentions perfectly.’
The group moved forward in their lines. Song Yunzhao wasn’t familiar with the other four in her row, and since no one seemed to want to talk to her, she walked on in silence with the procession.
The walk from Qiushui Pavilion to Huayang Hall took a full thirty minutes. Huayang Hall was where the viewing was held. Unlike Zhichun Palace, which was more graceful and delicate, Huayang Hall was spacious and grand. Its five-colored glazed tiles glistened under the sunlight, and the building itself was magnificent. Outside the hall, palace maids and eunuchs stood in rows on either side, creating an inexplicably oppressive atmosphere.
Song Yunzhao stopped with the others, standing under the sun with her back straight. She found the sunlight a bit too glaring and lowered her gaze slightly to avoid it.
Of the nannies from Zhichun Palace, only Nanny Zhang remained to watch over them. Nanny Yin and Nanny Su hurried into the hall.
Time ticked by, and beads of sweat began to form on her forehead. She saw someone else secretly take out a handkerchief to gently dab away their sweat, their movements swift for fear of being seen.
’Standing here in this heat, the powder on their faces couldn’t withstand the wash of sweat. Ancient times didn’t have waterproof or sweat-proof cosmetics. If you didn’t sneak a wipe, your face would become a streaky mess after a while. What selection would there be then? You might as well just go home.’
’There were so many tricks to the concubine selection. In the book, Qin Xiyue was the one in the last row. The reason she was made to wait so long was a deliberate plot by Consort Shu and the others. They wanted her to lose face before the Emperor. Without her exquisite makeup, after baking in the sun for so long, even a celestial beauty’s looks would be cut in half.’
At this thought, Song Yunzhao’s mood soured. ’Have I become the female lead’s stand-in again?’
Song Yunzhao also took out her handkerchief and secretly wiped her face. It really was hot. Fortunately, she had been prepared and had only applied a thin layer of powder, so even if it did run, it wouldn’t be too unsightly.
After what felt like the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, a eunuch’s voice finally boomed, announcing the start of the viewing. Song Yunzhao lifted her head and saw the first row of candidates ascend the steps and walk into the hall.
In less time than it takes to drink a cup of tea, they came back out. She counted them. ’Not a single one was kept?’
The news that the first row had been completely wiped out visibly tensed the candidates in the second row. As they ascended the steps, one of them nearly stumbled, only steadying herself after someone next to her gave her a hand.
This time it took longer. When they came out, there were only four of them. It seemed one had been chosen to stay.
Then it was the third row’s turn, which included Song Yexi. Song Yunzhao watched her enter the hall. She could see that Song Yexi’s back was ramrod straight, a sign she was a bit too tense. In contrast, Lu Zhixue beside her appeared perfectly at ease.
