Choosing ceremony

On the morning of I had Huiqing style my hair just like any other day. Then my mother came in with an army of women. Personal maids, hairstylist and my mothers closest friends who had daughters already grown and married off. Being chosen was an extreme honor to all so of course my mother was extremely proud I would even have a chance to become part of the royal family.

"My blossom we must make you shine like the moon so that the emperor is sure to see the beautiful light that is my daughter!" She said making her grand entrance. Then everyone proceeded to fuss over my hair and make up.

After way too many hours of pruning, I was considered perfectly palace appropriate. My mother was practically in tears and everyone else smiled in awe. I had the new beautiful blue dress on with matching traditional Manchu high heels the I've been practicing on wearing. My hair was in a high traditional bun, which I've only seen my mother wear when she goes to the palace. However my hair was also decorated with lots of ornaments and family jewels I've never seen before. Lastly my mother added a beautiful silver hair pin with hanging strings of petals. With my lips and cheek extremely lightly rouged, I truly did look like I could be a palace beauty. Sigh...

My mother completely ignoring me ushers me into the carriage. "You mustn't be late, we will see you after! Good luck my lotus blossom!" Waving me off. Huiqing following closely behind my carriage, at least she will be coming with me.

As we arrive I peak out and see many carriages and ladies in a large variety of vibrant colors. A eunuch helped me down and then after looking around Huiqing whispered in my ear "Young most of them aren't even eye catching, not like you" "shhh" I immediately replied, I know she just wants to boost my confidence but I also don't want it to look like we have bad intentions.

They lined us up and walked us through the Forbidden palace to meet the Emperor and Empress dowager. This is where I had to leave Huiqing, now I was on my own. She smiled reassuringly and waved as we walked away through the gates.

We will met the Emperor in groups on 6, sorted by clans and rank. While we all waited in the outdoor tea hall, I realized there was really only about 40 to 50 ladies. More chances of getting chosen...I started to stare at my tea in wonder until it was my groups turn.

The Emperor was seated back in the hall with his mother, almost too far away to view. We all lined up where directed and a very deep voiced eunuch called out our names one by one. As he did we bowed and paid our respects. Those who were passed up are given a lotus flower and those who are choose are given a sachet. All the girls in my group were given flowers...except me.

The Emperor simply said "She is said to be the lotus blossom of the dynasty so of course she doesn't need one" After the eunuch announced I was chosen and handed me the sachet, the Empress dowager told me to step forward. She took a long look and then we were dismissed.

As I walk back to the carriages I am trying to see the bright side to being chosen, everyone else believes its an honor. So I must find a way to make it become a great honor...