Zhao Sui was a taciturn prince whose temperament grew even more reclusive after the accident that left him wheelchair-bound. Even when discussing his own marriage prospects, his gaze toward Yao Huang remained as still as stagnant water, as if her response made no difference to him whatsoever.
Yet the plump duck in Yao Huang’s heart, moments ago on the verge of being scalded to death by boiling water, suddenly sprang back to life, flapping its wings in excitement as it flew right out of the pot!
It had actually worked!
No need to stay in the palace serving the old emperor, no need to become a concubine for the other two princes!
Shock mingled with wild joy, and just as Yao Huang was about to accept, a cool, honeyed voice cut in before her: "Wait."
Yao Huang tilted her head toward the other side.
Imperial Consort Du, radiant and striking, cast her a fleeting glance before addressing Zhao Sui with disapproval. "A princess consort is someone who will spend her life with you. There are still so many other candidates yet to be reviewed—how can you decide so hastily? If you truly favor this one, you may grant her a flower first, then take your time selecting the most virtuous lady worthy of becoming your princess consort."
Zhao Sui was her adopted son. Though he was of little use to her now, in front of others, Imperial Consort Du still had to maintain the appearance of a mother’s concern.
Emperor Yongchang nodded slightly. Yao Huang’s earlier flirtatious behavior toward his son had indeed lacked propriety.
Empress Zhou, observing this, smiled and advised Zhao Sui, "Imperial Consort Du is right. The selection has only just begun—take your time, no need to rush."
Faced with such counsel from his elders, Zhao Sui did not insist. Instead, he instructed the eunuch beside him to present the silk flower to Yao Huang.
The princess consort position, so nearly within her grasp, now hung in the balance again. Yao Huang fought to conceal her disappointment. As for Imperial Consort Du’s veiled remark about her lacking virtue, Yao Huang let it go in one ear and out the other. The vast gap in their status made dwelling on it pointless—it would only breed resentment.
Clutching the delicate silk flower, Yao Huang exited through the western gate alongside another chosen candidate.
Including them, seven candidates had now advanced to the second round of selection. Under the watchful eyes of the palace matrons, the seven stood rigidly, eyes downcast, maintaining perfect posture.
Before long, two more candidates emerged from inside, one of them being Chen Ying, whose shimmering gaze flickered between joy and worry.
Yao Huang gave her a small smile.
Out of fifty candidates, fourteen had received flowers. From these, three would become princess consorts, while four others would be selected as secondary consorts for Prince Hui and Prince Qing.
Muffled discussions from the nobles inside drifted out. After roughly half an hour, Nanny Fang led the fourteen candidates back in, arranging them in two rows.
Yao Huang was placed in the second row, second from the right—close to Prince Hui’s wheelchair, but her face was obscured by the girl standing diagonally in front of her.
Recalling Nanny Fang’s subtle glance, Yao Huang understood. With Imperial Consort Du’s open disapproval, Nanny Fang dared not risk further "favoring" her and incurring the imperial consort’s displeasure.
Lowering her eyes, Yao Huang lightly pinched the silk flower in her hand. The final selection loomed, and she no longer had the energy or time to agonize over the outcome.
Once everyone was assembled, Emperor Yongchang turned to his son in the wheelchair. Out of fifty candidates, Zhao Sui had only given out that single flower—his preference could not have been clearer.
Not wanting Imperial Consort Du to trouble his son further, the emperor spoke plainly. "Well? You still favor Yao Huang as your princess consort?"
Zhao Sui replied, "Yes. The others are fine as well, but I find Miss Yao the most congenial."
Imperial Consort Du interjected urgently, "Then you could—"
Emperor Yongchang cut her off. "I said, let the boy choose for himself."
Pursing her lips, Imperial Consort Du muttered under her breath, "I only have his best interests at heart."
The emperor pretended not to hear and glanced at Empress Zhou instead.
Empress Zhou smiled and instructed Yao Huang to step aside alone, then had Consort Shen Rou select a princess consort for Prince Qing.
After exchanging a look with Emperor Yongchang, Consort Shen Rou gazed lovingly at the center of the front row and declared cheerfully, "Among all the maidens in the capital, none pleases me more than Yuanzhen. With the other sisters’ indulgence, I’ll claim Yuanzhen for Xun’er!"
Zheng Yuanzhen, the pearl of Princess Fucheng’s eye and the most prestigious candidate among this year’s selections, had practically grown up under the imperial family’s gaze. Unfazed by Consort Shen Rou’s teasing, she stepped forward gracefully to stand beside Yao Huang.
During their time in the selection quarters, Zheng Yuanzhen had occupied the northern main chamber, always surrounded by a coterie of noble ladies. Yao Huang, acutely aware of her own humble status, had kept her distance, so the two were hardly acquainted.
As Yao Huang met her approach with a polite glance, Zheng Yuanzhen didn’t so much as look her way.
Yao Huang understood—if she truly received Emperor Yongchang’s marriage decree, she would also be gaining a rather difficult sister-in-law.
With the two princes’ primary consorts chosen, it was Consort Liu Xian’s turn to select a new princess consort for Prince Kang.
She didn’t deliberate long, settling on Chen Ying.
Chen Ying stood frozen, staring blankly at Consort Liu Xian, utterly stunned by this unexpected fortune.
Consort Liu Xian chuckled. "A bit slow, perhaps, but rather endearing."
Imperial Consort Du and Consort Shen Rou exchanged puzzled glances. Prince Kang’s late wife had been the daughter of a duke—his remarriage was a coveted opportunity for many noble families. Why would Consort Liu Xian choose the daughter of a mere county magistrate?
The consort merely sat with dignified poise, regarding Chen Ying with quiet approval.
Empress Zhou, pensive, continued presiding. "Now that the princess consorts are decided, it’s time to select the secondary consorts."
She gave Zhao Sui an encouraging look.
Zhao Sui replied, "Reporting to Father Emperor and Mother Empress, my legs are inconvenient. One princess consort is enough—more might hinder my recovery."
Emperor Yongchang nodded. "Very well. Marry your princess consort first. Once you’ve regained your strength, I’ll select suitable secondary consorts for you later."
Zhao Sui bowed slightly. "Thank you, Father Emperor."
With the selection concluded, Emperor Yongchang promptly issued several marriage decrees.
The matter settled, Yao Huang followed Nanny Fang back to the selection quarters with relative composure. Chen Ying and the two candidates chosen as Prince Qing’s secondary consorts joined them, while Zheng Yuanzhen, given her special status, departed directly with the nobles.
The rejected candidates were swiftly escorted out of the palace, leaving the small courtyard in quietude.
Nanny Fang’s demeanor toward the four chosen girls turned respectful as she explained, "By custom, selected candidates from the capital will return home to await the grand ceremony, while those from outside the city will remain here temporarily. Thus, Miss Yao and Miss Song, please wait a moment. Once the noble households have chosen your accompanying maids and the carriages are prepared, you’ll be escorted home."
Yao Huang couldn’t suppress a smile, and the highborn Miss Song also exhaled in relief.
After giving instructions to Chen Ying and the other girl who would remain in the palace, Nanny Fang dismissed them to pack their belongings. All the clothing and jewelry bestowed upon them during their month in the palace—including the lavish attire worn today—could be taken home. For the rejected candidates, these gifts served as dignified consolation, though in clever hands, they might prove even more useful.
Hand in hand, Yao Huang and Chen Ying returned to the southern chamber of the western wing.
The room was empty and silent. The moment the door closed behind them, Chen Ying could no longer contain her swirling emotions. She threw her arms around Yao Huang, pressing her face against her friend’s shoulder.
The young woman leaving her hometown behind would likely never set foot on her native soil again after this arranged marriage. Yao Huang could understand Chen Ying's tears and comforted her softly, "Cry now, while I'm still here. Let all your tears flow as if you're reluctant to part with me. Once you're living alone in the palace, you mustn't wallow in sorrow. You must appear cheerful, eagerly awaiting your marriage to Prince Kang."
Chen Ying sobbed, "I know. Becoming Prince Kang's principal wife is a blessing earned over several lifetimes. I'm just nervous—I've never even met him. I don't know if he's easy to get along with or if he has a terrible temper..."
After all, he was a prince. Chen Ying feared she might accidentally commit some grave offense punishable by beheading or exile.
Yao Huang laughed. "What's so intimidating about a prince? He's just a man, with two eyes and a mouth like the rest of us. Even the Emperor and Empress we just met spoke of ordinary matters—just with a few more taboos in speech and conduct."
"With your gentle nature, just ask questions if you're unsure. You won't make any mistakes."
Yao Huang's embrace was soft, her voice tender. Gradually, Chen Ying stopped crying. She pulled away, her eyes still wet, and murmured, "At least I still have you..."
Before she could finish, the image of Prince Hui seated in his wheelchair flashed in her mind. Worried Yao Huang might resent the marriage, Chen Ying asked anxiously, "Are you... truly willing?"
Yao Huang replied, "More than willing—I'm overjoyed! The ancestral graves of the Yao family must be emitting green smoke for this fortune. To be chosen as a prince's consort and enjoy a lifetime of wealth and luxury—what more could I ask for?"
The poor yearn for riches; minor officials dream of promotion—because money and power bring immense benefits.
The Yao family lived in a modest inherited courtyard. Yao Huang's father earned a meager five taels of silver per month. With the addition of twenty acres of fertile land passed down through generations, they could barely afford four servants, two mules, and the occasional new outfit or jewelry for Yao Huang and her mother during festivals—though nothing extravagant.
Once she became a princess consort, would the imperial family ever let her want for anything?
As for power—while a consort held no official authority, her status was exalted. No need to look far: in the past, her mother had to force smiles and flatter Li Tingwang's mother, lest Li's father, a battalion commander, make life difficult for her own father, a mere company commander. But now, as Prince Hui's consort, backed by the prince and the imperial family, would the Li family dare to act high and mighty?
These were tangible, undeniable advantages.
During the selection process, Yao Huang had wanted to return home, fearing she wouldn’t secure a good future. Had she known she’d become Prince Hui's principal wife, she would have woken up laughing every day.
Chen Ying could sense Yao Huang’s genuine delight and thus refrained from mentioning Prince Hui’s disability. Relieved, she said, "That’s good. At least we’ll still see each other often. I’ll have a companion in the capital."
---
After packing their belongings, the two shared a few more intimate words before the palace maids gifted by the three consorts arrived.
Consort Liu Xian bestowed four maids upon Chen Ying, who would become her chief attendants after her marriage to Prince Kang.
Imperial Consort Du, Prince Hui’s adoptive mother, likewise granted Yao Huang four maids.
Consort Shen Rou gave two each to Prince Qing’s two secondary consorts. As for Principal Consort Zheng Yuanzhen, Princess Fucheng’s household already had plenty of well-trained maids to spare.
Beyond the maids, there were also gifts of gold, silver, jewels, and silks.
Yao Huang immediately put her four new maids to use—two carried brocade boxes, while the other two held bolts of silk.
The carriages outside the palace were ready. After bidding farewell to Chen Ying and the others who remained, Yao Huang and Miss Song, accompanied by another matron, headed toward the western palace gate they had entered through earlier.
Silent and decorous throughout the journey, they finally emerged from the palace. Miss Song congratulated Yao Huang once more before parting ways and boarding her own carriage.
Approaching noon, the sunlight was bright. Yao Huang surveyed the eight guards standing before her carriage.
The eight sturdy men knelt on one knee. Their leader, cupping his hands, announced, "This humble officer, Zhang Yue, has been dispatched by Prince Hui to escort you, my lady. From today until your wedding, any task you require shall be fulfilled to the best of our abilities."
Yao Huang had been discreetly informed by Nanny Fang that this arrangement was due to the Yao family’s modest status—lacking private guards—and to ensure the safety of the future princess consort while preventing any improper contact with unrelated men before the wedding.
The guards could have been assigned by the palace, but Emperor Yongchang believed his son would feel more at ease if he arranged the escort himself—hence Zhang Yue and his seven men.
Accustomed to the imperial family’s many rules by now, Yao Huang replied courteously, "At ease. I entrust myself to your care."
Zhang Yue and his men rose, eyes respectfully lowered until the future consort entered the carriage. Only then did they straighten, standing tall as they surrounded the vehicle.
Inside the carriage, Yao Huang sat alone. The four maids walked outside, though the valuable gifts had already been placed within.
The ride was smooth. Seated on the narrow couch facing north, Yao Huang swayed slightly with the carriage’s motion.
Her gaze lingered on the two brocade boxes atop the small cabinet to her left. Peeking through the curtain at the guards and maids outside—all focused on their path, none glancing toward the carriage—she finally gave in to curiosity and reached for the first box.
Silver gleamed brilliantly. Neatly arranged on red silk lining were two rows of ten brand-new silver ingots.
Yao Huang’s eyes sparkled. A hundred taels of silver, just for being betrothed!
Opening the second box revealed a set of five gold accessories: a hairpin, a hair clasp, a forehead ornament, earrings, and a necklace.
Golden light flooded her vision as she examined each piece, reluctant to let go.
Then there were the two bolts of silk on the opposite side—one bright red, the other soft yellow, both in colors favored by young women.
Leaning back, Yao Huang exhaled in contentment. With these four gifts, her days in the selection pavilion had not been in vain.
---
The Yao family resided in Longevity Lane, southeast of the capital. Legend held that a centenarian had once lived there, and neighbors renamed the alley to bask in his auspicious aura.
At the Yao household, Yao Zhenhu had taken a day’s leave from his post, waiting with his wife, Luo Jinhua, and their son, Yao Lin, for news of their daughter’s fate.
The modest courtyard was their home. After breakfast, the trio lingered beneath the fading apricot blossoms, whispering among themselves or pacing in restless circles.
Even the usually noisy neighbors were hushed, all anticipating whether the Yao family’s daughter would soar to new heights or return as the unremarkable daughter of a minor sixth-rank official.
Finally, shortly after Yao Huang’s return to the selection pavilion, Emperor Yongchang’s marriage decree arrived. Upon learning their daughter had been named Prince Hui’s principal consort, Yao Zhenhu’s initial pang of pity—for his lovely girl wed to a disabled prince—was cut short by a sharp pain in his burly arm.
Turning, he saw his wife’s eyes alight, her lips trembling with excitement as she stammered to the announcing eunuch, "Prince Hui’s consort? I—I heard correctly?"
The imperial eunuch announced with a smile, "You heard correctly. Your daughter, with her peerless beauty, has been personally chosen by His Highness Prince Hui to be his princess consort."
Luo Jinhua let out a sharp "Ah!"—startling the eunuch—before immediately throwing her arms around her husband and jumping for joy. "Our Yao Yao is going to be a princess consort! A princess consort!"
Yao Zhenhu hesitated, "But—"
Luo Jinhua’s grip on his arm tightened into a pinch. "Look at you, so happy you’ve lost your wits, haven’t you?"
Catching his wife’s pointed look, Yao Zhenhu forced a grin. "Yes, I’m overjoyed! Truly!"
The eunuch cleared his throat, prompting Luo Jinhua to pull her husband and son down to kneel and receive the decree.
The eunuch’s gaze swept over the Yao family’s tidy but undeniably humble courtyard, lingering on the nearly worn-out broom leaning against the eaves. Any hope of receiving a generous reward from the family vanished instantly—even if they were clever enough to offer a few dozen coins or a paltry silver tael, it was beneath his dignity.
After exchanging a few perfunctory pleasantries, the eunuch took his leave. Luo Jinhua belatedly remembered to fetch some money as a token of gratitude, but it was too late.
Once the guest had gone and the gate was shut, Luo Jinhua muttered in frustration, "I was so caught up in the excitement that I forgot to tip the eunuch. I hope he doesn’t hold it against Yao Yao and speak ill of her in front of the nobles."
Yao Zhenhu stared at her in disbelief. "You’re actually happy about this?"
Luo Jinhua shot him a glare. "Being a principal wife is far better than being a concubine or a mere consort. What, does a rough man like you dare look down on a prince?"
Yao Zhenhu retorted, "What’s wrong with being rough? At least I can carry you on my back and run. The prince’s legs are crippled—what can he possibly offer Yao Yao?"
Luo Jinhua’s eyes sparkled with dreams. "Oh, so much! Gold, silver, fine silks, the respect and admiration of noble ladies..."
Yao Lin, listening in, clutched his chest in dismay. "Mother, I never thought you were this kind of person. You dote on Yao Yao like she’s the apple of your eye, yet you value wealth and status more than her happiness? If it were up to me, I’d rather she marry a poor farmer or scholar with all his limbs intact than trade her future for riches!"
Yao Zhenhu nodded solemnly in agreement.
Luo Jinhua scoffed. "I can’t be bothered arguing with you two fools. The emperor’s decree is final. If you don’t want our entire family executed for treason, you’d better act thrilled. If either of you dares complain or speak treasonous words in public, I’ll disown you and report you to the authorities myself!"
Yao Zhenhu and Yao Lin fell silent.
A knock came at the door—neighbors arriving to offer congratulations. Luo Jinhua shot her husband and son a warning glare before pasting on a bright smile to greet the guests.
Yao Lin pressed a hand to his chest, his heart heavy. "Father, how can Mother be like this?"
Yao Zhenhu took a deep breath, recalling his wife’s boundless love for their daughter. "Your mother would never truly be so callous. For now, we’ll pretend to be happy. When Yao Yao returns, if she’s unwilling, we’ll tie your mother up and flee the capital with Yao Yao!"
