Chapter 51: Chapter 41: This Damned, Ill-fated Bond (Part 2)
Despite her thoughts, Song Yunzhao had a bad feeling.
About half an hour later, their carriage suddenly lurched into motion. Song Yexi cried out in surprise and asked through the curtain, "What’s happening?"
"Miss, the First Madam told us to take a shortcut down another road. Hold on tight."
"A shortcut?" Song Yexi looked at Song Yunzhao in astonishment.
Song Yunzhao wasn’t surprised. ’The First Madam has always been very goal-oriented. Since she got out of the carriage to assess the situation, she was bound to make a move. I just didn’t expect her to act so quickly.’
Their carriage quickly turned onto another road. Peeking through the parted curtain, she saw that there were less than half as many carriages on this road. They drove a little further before stopping, maintaining a slight distance from the carriage in front of them.
"Hey, that’s my mother." Song Yexi tugged on Song Yunzhao’s sleeve, pointing.
Song Yunzhao tilted her head to look out and saw the First Madam speaking with a lady dressed in fine brocade. She couldn’t hear what they were saying, but the other lady seemed to be in high spirits, her face wreathed in smiles.
Then she saw the First Madam glance back and point, as if showing the other lady the location of the Song Family’s carriage. Sure enough, the lady glanced in their direction before looking away.
Song Yunzhao thought, ’It really helps to have connections in high places.’ She looked around more carefully and noticed that the carriages waiting here were of a higher grade than those on the previous street. It seemed this line was for the more prestigious families of the Capital City.
She was surprised the First Madam had actually managed to pull it off.
’Of course, none of this happened in the book. In the original story, Song Yexi was schemed against at the Uncle Mansion, the First Madam was displeased with Song Qinghan, and the original owner of my body was a scatterbrain who caused trouble everywhere. Then, on the eve of the selection, Song Yexi suddenly injured her foot and couldn’t participate. Naturally, the First Madam never brought them here.’
But things were different now.
The line moved much faster this time. After waiting for about an hour, it was their turn.
The First Madam returned and had the three of them alight from the carriage. She looked at them and said, "Once you pass through this gate, the family can no longer help you. Be careful with everything. It doesn’t matter if you’re not selected. Just make sure you come back in one piece."
The three girls agreed obediently. The First Madam watched them and sighed inwardly. She hoped they would be chosen, but she also feared they might lose their lives in the process.
Wealth and honor were always won through peril.
"Next."
A sharp voice rang out. It was the first time Song Yunzhao had ever heard a real eunuch’s voice, and she jumped in surprise. She watched as Song Qinghan, who was standing in front of her, lifted her head with composure and walked forward.
Song Yexi and Song Yunzhao followed. After passing through the palace gate, they rounded a corner and came to a modestly sized room. Two elderly matrons stood outside. Upon seeing the girls, they instructed them to leave their bundles and go inside.
The three girls obediently left their bundles and stepped into the room.
The room wasn’t large, but it wasn’t small either. It was divided into a number of small cubicles by cloth curtains, where the examining matrons were waiting.
Song Yunzhao entered a cubicle near the door. Inside sat a pale-faced, middle-aged woman. Her face was unsmiling, but her eyes were gentle.
Song Yunzhao knew her beauty was so striking it could seem almost aggressive, so she offered a soft smile to create an illusion of gentleness, then gave a slight curtsy.
"No need for such courtesy, Miss. This old servant is merely following orders. Please, remove your clothes."
A little palace maid was there to assist. Although being inspected like this was humiliating, it was a required part of the process. ’If I just close my eyes,’ she thought, ’it’s no different from a medical check-up.’
Blushing, Song Yunzhao removed her clothes. She saw the matron study her carefully from head to toe, then pick up a brush and make some marks in a register.
’I’ve read the book,’ Song Yunzhao thought. ’I know how to pass this test.’
’The first stage is a check of height and build. Anyone too tall, too short, too heavy, or too thin will be eliminated right here.’
’The second stage is an inspection of facial features, hair, skin, neck, and back. Even a single flaw means elimination.’
’The third stage tests the voice. They hand you a piece of paper and make you read from it. A murky or coarse voice, unclear speech, or a flustered response all lead to elimination.’
’Pass all three, and you’ve successfully cleared the first major hurdle.’
Song Yunzhao, of course, passed with ease. The matron smiled in satisfaction and said, "Congratulations, Miss. You may exit through the door behind you."
Song Yunzhao got dressed, straightened her clothes, and smoothed the hair at her temples before saying, "Thank you for your trouble, Matron."
