Shi Zhu turned to leave, but Ye Lingfeng called him back and instructed, "Also, send a decree to Ji Shaocheng, instructing him to lead his men to protect Ling'er at the Ji residence."
"yes."
Shizhu went to deliver the imperial decree. Ye Lingfeng turned back to look at Hailing, a stunning smile on his lips, his eyes gentle, and slowly said, "Ling'er, the palace will hold a selection of concubines in three days. I will be waiting for you in the palace."
After saying that, she used her lightness skill to leave the Ji residence. Hai Ling looked at the light and shadow under the moonlight and suddenly remembered that she did not want to enter the palace.
Although he said he would never betray her, how many people in the world have said such things, and how many have truly lived up to them? Besides, she would never enter the palace to share a husband with another woman.
But since he had spoken, she was bound to enter the palace.
The moonlight bathed Hai Ling's beautiful face, a slow smile curving her lips, a glint of darkness flashing in her eyes.
Ye Lingfeng, since you want me to enter the palace, then I will definitely give you a great gift. I hope you can accept it.
The servants, including Shi Mei and Shi Lan, who had previously left, respectfully said, "Miss, it's late, you should rest."
"Yes, go to sleep."
The room had been cleaned by Fuyue's men, and Hailing washed up and went back to sleep.
Ji Shaocheng led his men to protect Hai Ling from the shadows in Xiangwu Courtyard, preventing Feng Zixiao and the others from harassing her. Moreover, there was also Mu Ye, who was said to be Bai Ye from the Great Zhou Dynasty and had some connection with Ling'er.
The emperor decreed that no one was allowed to see Ling'er.
Because of the arrival of envoys from the three kingdoms, and the fact that the new emperor had just ascended the throne and the imperial concubine selection was about to take place, there were many things to do. Shi Zhu could only stay by his side and obey his orders. Therefore, Ye Lingfeng could only issue an edict to Ji Shaocheng, instructing him to protect Ling'er.
The capital of Beilu was more bustling than ever before, with people coming and going on the streets, discussing the most. The most talked-about topic was the arrival of envoys from Da Zhou, Nan Ling, and Shao Yi. All three kingdoms had sent people to congratulate the new emperor on his ascension to the throne, and the people from all three kingdoms were willing to form a marriage alliance with Beilu, which was truly wonderful.
The Great Zhou Dynasty has already formed a marriage alliance with Northern Lu. If Southern Ling and Shaoyi also form marriage alliances with Northern Lu, then Northern Lu will be stable.
It seems the new emperor is blessed with good fortune, receiving such a joyous occasion right after his ascension. The entire capital has shifted its attention away from the Ji family's young lady, and instead, the most talked-about person is Princess Jingyue from the Southern Ling Kingdom. Rumor has it that Princess Jingyue is not only the most beautiful woman in the world, but also exceptionally talented, and deeply favored by the Southern Ling Emperor. It is said that if the princess were to marry into the Northern Lu Kingdom, her dowry alone would be enormous, which would be a great thing for the Northern Lu Kingdom.
Therefore, everyone is speculating, and some people are even placing bets in restaurants and teahouses, betting on whether the position of Empress will fall to Princess Jingyue of Nanling Kingdom or to the young lady of the Ji family.
For a time, the entire capital city was bustling with activity.
Ji Cong was dispatched to the post station to protect the envoys from the three kingdoms and to prevent anyone from harming them. This was a matter of peace for Northern Lu, so Ji Cong was naturally very careful. He had led troops in dozens of battles, so he was quite experienced in protecting the post station. He set up a formation to prevent anyone from getting through any gaps.
However, despite all his careful planning, Ye Lingfeng still made a miscalculation.
As a military general, Ji Cong was upright and honest in his actions, a true gentleman.
Meanwhile, Mu Ye, who was in the post station, was the emperor of a country, but he loved his people like his own children and was also a general. Mu Ye and Ji Cong got along well. Mu Ye often told Ji Cong about Hai Ling's past. Ji Cong felt more and more sorry for his daughter and secretly vowed to protect her. If she was unwilling, no one could force her to marry.
Later, Ji Cong learned that Mu Ye was interested in his daughter, so he tested Mu Ye overnight. For example, he was not allowed to have any women in the harem, and if his daughter chose him, he was not allowed to bully his daughter. Mu Ye agreed to everything, and Ji Cong was overjoyed. He even had the idea of marrying his daughter to Mu Ye.
Since Makino will not have a harem, but only his daughter, his daughter will not suffer. There are probably very few people in the world who can do this.
The new emperor will hold his selection of candidates in three days.
Three days passed quickly. Hailing barely left the manor, spending her time reading and playing with Qiuqiu. However, she was well-informed about all the news in and out of the capital, as Shimei and Shilan would regularly leave the manor to report the situation in the capital to her. Therefore, she knew that everyone in the capital was eagerly watching to see who the Emperor would choose as Empress. She heard that many people were betting on Princess Jingyue to become the Empress of Beilu.
Hearing that she was most likely a concubine, Hailing couldn't help but laugh.
Is she a Noble Consort? Forget Noble Consort, she wouldn't even want to be Empress.
Ye Lingfeng insisted that she enter the palace to participate in the imperial concubine selection. When the rulers and ministers of the four kingdoms gathered, she would definitely give him a big gift to show him that forcing her was unwise.
Shi Mei and Shi Lan were serving her, and when they saw their mistress's cold smile, they felt a chill run down their spines and spoke cautiously.
"Miss, tomorrow is the day of the selection. Is there anything you would like to say or do?"
Hailin shook her head and leisurely stroked the little lion: "No, you're overthinking it."
The room fell silent again, without a sound.
The next day, the weather was clear and sunny, a rare good day in winter. The sky was high and the clouds were crisp. Early in the morning, the streets were bustling with activity, with people chattering endlessly. Today was the day of the selection of the new emperor of Beilu. All those who placed bets flocked to the restaurants and teahouses, hoping that many people could turn their fortunes around with this bet.
At the end of the long street, a well-organized army had appeared, followed by envoys from the three kingdoms riding high on horseback, slowly making their way over.
These people were on their way to the palace to participate in the new emperor's selection process, and Princess Jingyue was among them.
Princess Jingyue sat gracefully in a magnificent carriage, surrounded by light gauze. Her elegant figure was vaguely visible, with her jet-black hair cascading over her shoulders. She wore a golden crown with phoenix patterns and a long white dress. Although she was not clearly seen, this hazy and graceful appearance gave those who placed bets more confidence. They believed that Princess Jingyue would surely become the Empress of Beilu in today's selection of consorts.
The sound of orderly hooves echoed from the street, and a long procession headed towards the palace.
Meanwhile, in the Fragrant Courtyard of the Ji residence, Hailing had just gotten up, but was dragged up by Fuyue. Today was the day of the Emperor's selection of concubines, and the young lady had already received the list of candidates. How could she sleep in?
After getting Hailing ready, Fuyue started helping her mistress get dressed. She originally wanted to pick out a brightly colored dress for her mistress, but unfortunately, her mistress disliked it.
She doesn't like wearing brightly colored clothes; she prefers something simple and elegant. Hailing glanced at the wardrobe and pointed to one: "That one will do."
Fu Yue looked over and saw a light purple dress with a faint floral pattern. Not only was the color simple, but the cut was also very simple. Today was a big day, how could Miss wear one like this? Seeing that it was getting late, Shi Mei quickly nodded to Fu Yue: "That one will do."
Fu Yue had no choice but to fetch the light purple dress for her mistress to wear, and then wash and dress herself.
A young maidservant ran in from outside the door.
"Miss, Miss, the envoys from the three kingdoms have entered the palace. I heard that Princess Jingyue has also entered the palace."
"Oh," Hai Ling nodded to indicate that she understood. Ruan Jingyue's image involuntarily came to mind. As a princess of Nanling Kingdom, Ruan Jingyue was not only of noble status, but also the most beautiful woman in the world. It was also rumored that she was extremely skilled in martial arts. Such a woman would be more than a match for Ye Lingfeng. If Ye Lingfeng chose her to enter the palace, she would have an excuse.
But for some reason, she felt a little uneasy, though she quickly shook it off. She stood up and glanced at the cool beauty in the bronze mirror. Elegant and dignified, unassuming and unassuming, this was the role she was playing today. She had no intention of competing with any other woman for a man.
"Let's go get something to eat."
"Miss."