Do You Know?: Rule the World.

Chapter 154 Minglan serves the Emperor, there's plenty of time ahead.

On the other side, inside the Jade Capital Palace, the lights were on full display.

Rong Feiyan leaned casually on the soft couch. Seeing that no eunuch had come to announce her arrival for a long time, she had already guessed that Zhao Han would not come to her place tonight.

Actually, she didn't have high expectations to begin with.

Among the young women entering the palace this time, there were quite a few with better family backgrounds than her, not to mention that there were two other women with connections ahead of her: the Empress's sister and the Empress Dowager's niece.

At this moment, Rong Feiyan had already removed her outer garment with the help of palace maids.

She wore only a nightgown that shimmered with a lustrous sheen, with her peach-colored bodice peeking out from under her, bulging and full.

"Your Majesty, I have learned that His Majesty has already set off for Ninghui Palace."

A personal maid named Qiuying, who had been brought into the palace, stepped forward and whispered in her ear.

In the imperial harem, all those who held the rank of one of the Nine Concubines or the principal position in a palace were respectfully addressed as "Niangniang" (Empress).

Consorts, beauties, and talented women were called "Niangzi" and lived in the side hall.

Rong Feiyan raised her hand and removed the last hairpin from her hair bun, letting out a soft sigh.

"It's really good to have an elder sister who holds the central position."

Qiuying stood to one side, picked up a comb and gently combed her hair, lowering her voice and saying, "This servant originally thought that His Majesty would give the Empress Dowager face and go to the Jade Capital Palace to favor Consort Gao first."

Rong Feiyan glanced at her and said, "Hmph, the Empress Dowager says she doesn't care about worldly affairs, but as soon as the Emperor starts the imperial concubine selection, she stuffs her niece into it."

"If the Emperor truly wanted to take Lady Gao as his concubine, why would he only give her the title of Zhaoyuan?"

Since the late emperor's death, Rong Xian has only held a sinecure. Although the Rong family still maintains its wealth and status on the surface, its standing in the Bianjing aristocratic circle has plummeted.

In the past, relying on the influence of Consort Rong, Earl Fuchang and Rongxian acted arrogantly and offended many people.

Rong Feiyan's entry into the palace this time can be said to carry the hopes of the entire Rong family.

If she can maintain the favor that Consort Rong enjoyed back then, the Rong family can also revive its former glory.

"Your Majesty's words make sense, but I wonder when His Majesty will be able to come to Your Majesty's place."

Qiu Ying muttered to herself, secretly thinking that although her daughter's appearance could not compare to that of the Sheng family's daughter, her eyebrows and eyes were very similar to those of Consort Rong.

She was among the most outstanding noble ladies in Bianjing.

Rong Feiyan took one last look at her reflection in the bronze mirror, her face now bare of makeup and revealing her delicate features, before rising and walking behind the screen.

"When it will come depends on the Emperor's will; let's just wait and see."

In the past, her mortal enemy was the Princess of Jiacheng County. Whenever they met, whether in public or in private, they would always exchange sarcastic remarks.

But ever since the Prince of Yong's family was punished, Rong Feiyan's temperament has become much calmer.

In the days leading up to the selection, he either stayed home learning needlework and calligraphy or went to the Princess's residence to play with Huirou and relieve his boredom.

Over at Gyeongbokgung Palace, candlelight flickered.

Gao Taotao frowned, a hint of displeasure in her eyes.

She was pampered from a young age and was taken into the palace by Empress Dowager Cao for several years. The late emperor did indeed praise her intelligence and wit more than once.

This experience made Gao Taotao extremely proud. She originally thought that with Empress Dowager Cao's permission, she could enter the palace and become a concubine like Zhang Guifen.

Surprisingly, she didn't even get the position of Zhaoyi.

The palace maid standing beside her comforted her, saying, "Your Majesty, please calm down."

"Consort Sheng was personally selected by the Emperor to enter the palace, and with the Empress also present, it is only natural that she would be favored first."

"With the Empress Dowager here, the Emperor will always give you some face and will certainly not neglect you."

Gao Taotao nodded, "That's right. There's plenty of time. Things in the harem are never certain."

Meanwhile, at Ninghui Palace.

A wisp of smoke rose from the incense burner. Minglan sat gracefully in front of the bronze mirror, letting Xiaotao and Danju do her hair and makeup.

Before her visit to the palace, the old lady and Sheng Hong prepared a considerable amount of private money for her to use for bribing officials and clerks.

Wang Ruofu was not demanding; she selected several of the most valuable pieces of jewelry from her remaining dowry for her to wear.

Looking at Minglan's face reflected in the bronze mirror—a face of exceptional beauty, fair and jade-like, with eyebrows and eyes as delicately drawn by a paintbrush—Danju couldn't help but smile.

"Your Majesty looks so beautiful today. When the Emperor sees you, he will surely be captivated and mesmerized."

Upon hearing this, Minglan's pretty face immediately turned red. "What nonsense are you talking about?"

I've been well-behaved and subservient at home for so many years.

The thought of her now being like Ehuang and Nüying, sharing a husband with her elder sister filled her with shame.

"This servant is not making things up." As she spoke, Danju brought her a nightgown and a light pink bodice embroidered with a jade rabbit pounding medicine and helped her change into them.

Following the instructions of the old woman, Xiao Tao fetched some fragrant ointment and applied it to her neck.

After everything was ready, Minglan glanced around and said softly, "Xiaotao, quickly pour me a glass of cold wine."

"Why is Your Highness drinking cold wine at this hour!"

"Old Madam He took the Empress's pulse earlier and repeatedly told the young lady not to drink cold wine before bed," Xiao Tao advised, frowning.

Danju smiled brightly, her eyes sparkling, "If this servant is not mistaken, Your Highness would like to have a cup of cold wine to bolster your courage, wouldn't you?"

Minglan nodded vigorously and urged, "That's right, hurry up, I'll just have one cup!"

Ignoring Xiao Tao's attempts to stop him, he downed several glasses of cold wine in a row.

Minglan held her breath and waited quietly for Zhao Han to arrive, with Xiao Tao and Danju standing on either side of her.

Danju is one year older than Minglan, and her mother was originally a maid who accompanied Old Madam Sheng during her dowry.

The duties of a dowry maid were not only to serve her mistress personally.

When their daughters become pregnant and are unable to serve their husbands, they will have to take on the favor on their behalf.

The maids who accompanied wealthy families were all carefully selected for their looks and figures, and their food, clothing and daily necessities were more elegant and noble than those of girls from ordinary families.

Danju was sent to serve the old lady when she was a child, and at first she did some rough work such as sweeping and cleaning.

When Fang's mother saw that she had gentle features, shallow dimples when she smiled, and was very well-behaved.

He then wanted to come to her side and personally train her for several years before giving her to the old lady.

At this time, Danju was tall and slender with smooth skin and an indescribable charm.

Of the three, Xiaotao is the youngest.

She was plump and charming, with rounded shoulders and delicate skin. Her figure was somewhat similar to Shulan's, but she had more of an innocent and romantic air about her.

About half an incense stick's time later, the clear voice of the eunuch announced the news to them.

Zhao Han stepped into the hall, and saw Minglan with her eyes slightly lowered, bowing gracefully and saying, "Your Majesty, I/your humble servant greets Your Majesty!"

"No need to be polite."

Seeing them, Zhao Han was in a great mood. She took Minglan's delicate hands and led her into the inner hall.

Danju and Xiaotao exchanged a glance, about to retreat outside the hall, when Zhao Han smiled and said, "Don't rush off yet, I still want to talk to my sixth sister."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Danju replied softly, deftly stepping forward to pour tea.

When Minglan heard Zhao Han call her Sixth Sister, her heart tightened, and she subconsciously tugged at her clothes.

This nightgown is really rather thin.

Zhao Han glanced at Minglan and said quietly, "Sixth Sister, would you like some cold wine?"

Upon hearing this, Minglan immediately looked up at Zhao Han. "To be honest, Your Majesty, I have already eaten, but how did Your Majesty know that I would like to drink cold wine?"

Zhao Han chuckled lightly, "Yanran told me that my sixth sister has three great loves in her life: eating, sleeping, and this cold wine."

"I also know that my sixth sister is not only good at polo, but also hits the target every time in pitch-pot."

Minglan pursed her lips, looked at the Emperor who had shown her such great kindness, and whispered, "Sister Yanran really tells the Emperor everything now."

"When I have some free time tomorrow, I will definitely go and have a good talk with her."

Then, Zhao Han turned his gaze to Xiao Tao, "When I was in Yangzhou, I remember Liu Xiaodie mentioning that you were from Dengzhou?"

Xiao Tao nodded vigorously, "Your Majesty, this servant is indeed from Dengzhou."

"When I was four years old, my hometown was flooded. The fields were all submerged and there was no harvest. To make matters worse, my younger brother fell seriously ill. My parents had no choice but to sell me for some money to help us in this emergency."

"Fortunately, I was lucky enough to enter the Sheng family and serve by Your Highness's side."

"Your Highness doesn't mind that I'm clumsy. She shares all the good food with me, and even the young lady does the same."

Seeing Xiaotao's bright smile, Minglan couldn't help but tease her, "Who said I don't think you're stupid? I just had no choice!"

"Your Majesty is lying!" Xiao Tao stared wide-eyed at Minglan.

Danju, who was standing to the side, couldn't help but laugh at her.

Zhao Han also laughed loudly and gestured for Minglan to come closer to him.
Only when the moon was high in the sky and the stars were shining brightly did Danju and Xiaotao close the door and retreat to the outside of the palace.

Zhao Han put his arm around Minglan's slender waist and then began to examine her closely.

Although she was of marriageable age, Minglan was still petite and delicate, with slender shoulders and neck, and a soft waist, making her charming and lovely, a far cry from Zhang Guifen's firm and well-proportioned figure.

"Your Majesty..." Minglan felt a little shy under his gaze and couldn't help but call out softly.

Zhao Han took the opportunity to grasp her slender ankle and slowly untied the ribbon, causing the silk stockings to slip down.

As the candlelight flickered, a pair of small feet, just the right size to be grasped, revealed a faint blush beneath their fair skin, like warm jade radiating a soft glow, making them incredibly alluring.

Minglan's cheeks turned red. Although her nanny had taught her before, she had never mentioned this kind of thing.

She closed her eyes tightly and subconsciously twisted her waist slightly, trying to pull her feet back, but Zhao Han held them firmly.

Once the nightgown is removed, a lifelike embroidered image of a jade rabbit pounding medicine comes into view.

Minglan's breathing quickened slightly; from this day forward, she would be the emperor's concubine.

After Zhao Han made her open her eyes, he lowered his head and kissed her deeply.

The rustling sounds caused Danju, who was waiting outside, to blush.

Xiao Tao, being a bit simple-minded, yawned and whispered, "Sister Danju, when will the Emperor call us in to help with washing up?"

Danju frowned and glanced at her.

"Just wait. If you can't hold on, go and rest. I'll stay here and watch over you."

Xiao Tao shook her head repeatedly, her chubby cheeks trembling slightly.

"No, no, no, the old lady said that the palace is not like home. The rules are very strict. If you make a mistake, you will lose your head."

About an hour later, Zhao Han said in a deep voice, "Come in and see the tea."

Upon hearing this, Danju nudged Xiaotao, who was leaning against the porch and dozing off.

The two stepped into the hall and went straight behind the screen.

Xiao Tao blushed as she poured tea and water, while Dan Ju stepped forward and quietly tidied up the messy clothes and quilts beside the bed.

Minglan turned her back, covered her face, revealing a section of her back that was still flushed.

"Have some tea. Your voice sounded a little hoarse just now," Zhao Han said slowly.

Minglan immediately gave her a resentful look.

She forced herself to sit up straight, took the hot tea Xiao Tao handed her, and drank it all in one gulp.

"Your Majesty, Sister Yanran has deceived me." Minglan's voice was barely audible.
Zhao Han raised an eyebrow, looking at her with interest. "What did she lie to you about?"

"Yanran told me that after a woman gets married, she will experience a different kind of... pleasure..."

Zhao Han laughed and helped her tuck in the blankets.

"I am not a woman. You can only find out about this by asking her again."

The next day, early in the morning.

Minglan and the other concubines went to Renming Hall to pay their respects to Hualan.

Several concubines and talented women, including Liang Jinyue and Huang Jiyun, cast envious glances at her.

They could only live in a side hall, and their time to serve the emperor would probably be scheduled for one or two months later.

If Zhao Han can't remember or only favors one person, then it will be an even longer and more distant prospect.

Hua Lan sat upright at the head of the table, dressed in a dark blue brocade robe and adorned with kingfisher feather hairpins, looking at Ming Lan with a smile in her eyes.

After giving a few brief instructions to the concubines, Hua Lan dismissed them, leaving Ming Lan alone.

"Your Majesty is so unkind; look at your dark circles under your eyes."

Minglan lowered her eyes, her cheeks slightly flushed, and whispered, "Your Majesty, please don't tease me..."

"Alright, alright, I won't tease you anymore." Hua Lan smiled indulgently and took her hand.

"Little Six, from now on, my sister and I will support each other in this harem."

"The honor, disgrace, rise and fall of the Sheng family depends on you and me."

Minglan composed herself and nodded solemnly, "Don't worry, elder sister, I understand these principles."

"Yes, if you encounter any difficulties in the future, you must tell me immediately."

After sitting there for a while, Minglan got up to take her leave and went to Rouyi Palace with Xiaotao to find Yanran.

Yanran had anticipated Minglan's arrival, and had already instructed the palace maids to prepare tea and snacks. She leaned against the soft couch, waiting quietly for her.

"What a wonderful sister Yanran!" Minglan's voice came before she even arrived.

Yanran, puzzled, smiled and said, "What's wrong with you? You look like you're here to interrogate me."

Minglan gave a soft hum and, with Xiaotao's help, sat down familiarly on the soft couch on the right.

After she voiced her doubts, Yanran smiled and put a candied fruit into Minglan's mouth.

"You'll know when the Emperor summons you again. In short, I guarantee that in no more than two or three days, you'll savor the experience."

As Yanran spoke, her eyes sparkled with a playful yet confident air.

Minglan looked at her with a skeptical expression, "Is that really how Sister Yanran is?"

"I...I didn't!"

At this moment, Shishu stepped forward and said softly, "Your Highness, Consort Wei has arrived."

"Oh? Quickly invite her in." Yanran smiled and instructed the palace maid to bring over a soft stool.

Before long, Wei Qingshao appeared before the two women. "Your Majesty, I greet you both."

"No need to be polite, please take a seat."

In the past, Wei Qingshao often hosted banquets to ask Yanran for needlework advice, and over time they became quite familiar with each other.

(End of this chapter)