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墨書 Inktalez
In the early morning, in the square before the palace gates, dozens of elegantly dressed Xiu Nu stood in a line, their postures straight and their expressions varied.
Their garments fluttered gracefully, adorned with symbols representing their respective families—some gleaming with gold and jade, while others were simple and elegant.
Qin Fenghua stood in the middle of the line, her azure silk veil complementing her fair skin. Her hair was styled in a neat bun, with golden ornaments swaying gently as she moved, and a few jade hairpins were nestled among her locks, showcasing her family’s heritage while maintaining an air of modesty.
Amidst the thin mist, the sharp voice of a eunuch suddenly rang out: “Ladies Xiu Nu, listen carefully! The selection process for entering the palace is strictly regulated, with etiquette taking precedence.
Any behavior that is out of line or inappropriate will be recorded as a serious offense; those found guilty may be expelled, and their families could face repercussions!” Behind him, two Ceremonial Officers scanned the line with cold eyes. Occasionally, a Xiu Nu would lower her head and bite her lip, her garment trembling slightly.
Qin Fenghua lowered her gaze, subtly lifting the corners of her lips into a calm smile.
She noticed that to her left, Lin Jingrou wore luxurious attire, adorned with emerald tassels on her forehead, exuding confidence; while to her right, Gu Wan Yi appeared graceful and understated in plain clothing but frequently glanced at the family ornaments around her, seemingly weighing the pros and cons.
As the palace gates slowly opened, the Xiu Nu began to enter in single file.
The golden glazed tiles shimmered under the morning light, with red pillars and vermilion doors framed by gently ringing bells. The long corridor was deep and shadowy, its carved beams and painted rafters glimmering with gold leaf and colors, while images of the twenty-eight lunar mansions were faintly visible on the walls.
As Qin Fenghua stepped inside, her heart stirred slightly.
She observed quietly; although the Lin family members and those from the Gu Family stood apart, there were whispers exchanged among them. Occasionally, a Xiu Nu dressed in foreign embroidered patterns displayed an air of self-importance—clearly children of nobility from other provinces.
Further away, several plainly dressed Xiu Nu coughed softly, their eyes flickering with apprehension.
“Qin Family Girl, step forward,” one of the Ceremonial Officers suddenly called out.
Qin Fenghua’s gaze sharpened slightly as she respectfully responded and moved forward gracefully. She mused internally: this person specifically calling out prominent individuals serves both as an evaluation and a warning.
She noted that this Ceremonial Officer had exchanged glances with Lin family Xiu Nu multiple times today—there seemed to be deeper meaning behind it.
Inside the main hall, lights began to glow warmly against a backdrop of gold and splendor.
On the table were displayed ancient porcelain, jade ornaments, and fragrant sachets; the air was filled with the subtle sweetness of sandalwood and osmanthus.
Several Tai Chang Si female officials stood on either side alongside the Chief Eunuch. Qin Fenghua took her place at the designated table as part of the assembled group.
Qin Fenghua's gaze was gentle as she smiled faintly. "In the palace, where the winds are high and the waves are fierce, even casual acquaintances can lend a hand." Her tone was distant yet not unfriendly; she had neither formed close alliances nor revealed any secrets.
In the afternoon, the fragrance of osmanthus filled the outer courtyard, and a gentle breeze caressed her face, carrying the sounds of silk and bamboo music from afar. The Examinator Maid announced, "With 'Court Poetry' as the theme, all Xiu Nu shall compose poetry on the spot." Qin Fenghua took up paper and brush, pausing for a moment in thought before writing swiftly:
With cloud-like hair and flower-like face adorned with golden ornaments,
The warm hibiscus curtains shelter a spring night.
The jade censer's fragrance wafts, floating into palace dreams,
While wild geese return from afar to the purple sky.
As she finished her poem, silence enveloped the hall. The chief examiner sighed softly, while the other Xiu Nu either admired or envied her.
Qin Fenghua lifted her gaze and met a cold, piercing look hidden behind a golden silk curtain, as if a high-ranking consort was observing her from the shadows.
Her heart tightened slightly, but her expression remained calm.
Suddenly, someone in the line coughed softly and then sweetly said, "Sister Qin Fenghua, the tea you just drank seems to have an unusual fragrance. Could it be—"
Before she could finish her sentence, Qin Fenghua had already risen and smiled. "Thank you for your concern. The tea served by the maid was Osmanthus Honey Tea. Due to this morning's light rain, the aroma is quite strong, which may raise suspicions."
She handed the teacup to the Examinator Maid for inspection. The maid sniffed it and maintained her composure. The Xiu Nu who had spoken awkwardly retreated, and Qin Fenghua knew she had narrowly escaped a crisis.
The Imperial Examiner Eunuch held a jade board and whispered to the chief examiner, "This year's selection of young ladies is still undecided; they may either enter the inner palace or be taken into powerful families. As for the Qin Family Girl, it seems the Empress has intentions for her."
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