The Concubine Selection Begins

"Your Highness, Your Highness, that's not what I said. I was just praying," the shadow wiped the cold sweat from his forehead.

Baili Jia straightened his sleeves slowly, maintaining his casual sitting posture, yet exuding a majestic aura as if he ruled the world. "Those two people smell the same," he remarked.

"Yes..." The shadow replied, his head hanging low, unsure of how to proceed. They had never conversed before, but the mention of His Highness seemed to have sparked a connection between them.

What kind of grudge did His Highness have with Lord Eunuch that caused him to hold such a negative opinion of him?

"Keep observing, and if there's any issue, return to the main hall to report," Baili Jiajue said, gracefully supporting his side face, resembling a noble Persian cat. He had an air of nobility that was unmistakable.

The shadow lowered his eyes, taking a few steps away before turning back. He struggled internally, enduring the conflict within, until he couldn't bear it any longer and asked, "Your Highness, why did you refuse Lord Eunuch's invitation to join the War Soul Army?"

Baili Jia Jue yawned once more and responded nonchalantly, "Because I promised him I would wake up early."

Because you promised him, you had to wake up early?

Because I promised him, I had to wake up early!

Your Highness, for such a reason, you offended three generations of the Gong Mingxiang family.

The shadow's face froze, and three lines appeared on his forehead.

The other lurking shadows glanced at each other in disbelief, their eyes filled with evident speechlessness.

Their highnesses truly acted unexpectedly!

Baili Jia Jue didn't take it too seriously. He closed the ancient book in his hand, stood up from the wooden chair, and said, "When the time comes, make preparations for the arrival."

"Yes." As they shifted back to the business at hand, the serious expressions on the shadows' faces dissipated, and they dispersed throughout the academy, concealed in various corners.

At the foot of the mountain, a purple-gold palanquin shone brightly, its luxury and splendor contrasting with the shade of the trees.

The palanquin was surprisingly large, adorned with tassels hanging on the outside.

Eight shadow guards in dark attire stood beside the palanquin, armed with machetes, their fur cloaks billowing, emitting an indescribable chill.

The palanquin servants were finely dressed, not resembling ordinary travelers but maintaining a more low-key appearance than expected.

However, their demeanor displayed a level of rigor that not just anyone could achieve.

It was the kind of presence only befitting royalty.

Suddenly, a horse neighed, and everyone rose to their feet simultaneously.

A man strolled lazily down the mountain, his hand casually tucked in his pocket, while his fingertips toyed with a silver mask. His profile, like a knife-carved sculpture, exuded an indescribable nobility, akin to a broken crystal—an elusive yet handsome sight.

A muffled sound!

The dark-clad shadow guards all knelt on the ground in unison, their gestures displaying an indescribable reverence. "Your Highness," they uttered.

Baili Jiajue cast a cold gaze at everyone, his fingers twisting as the silver mask concealed his face, leaving only two words visible: "Proceed inside."

"Yes!"

With another muffled sound, the shadow guards resumed their previous positions, machetes in hand, mounted on their sides, crushing the fallen leaves beneath them.

Lights illuminated the scene, creating a night of prosperity that seemed to exist solely within Taibai Academy.

To welcome the esteemed guests, the elders of the Youyuan had made thorough arrangements.

Maidens scurried about, carrying fruit trays and embroidered silk, their movements hurried yet organized.

The young ladies of prominent families, donning fluttering dresses, possessed graceful postures reminiscent of willows. Their picturesque brows added to the allure of the red-walled, green-tiled courtyard, resembling blooming flower petals.

Among them, Helian Weiwei stood out, dressed in the green shirt and white attire specified by the college. However, she didn't wear the bachelor's hat and held a book in her hand, yawning from time to time.

Unlike Helian Weiwei, the other girls experienced racing heartbeats, clutching their fabrics tightly with coquettish expressions, their eyes filled with impatience.

After all, the man who would arrive shortly was the Third Highness, the dream of many women.

For this occasion, many individuals were working behind the scenes.

Although their actions were not apparent on the surface, waves were indeed brewing beneath...

This banquet provided them with an opportunity to form alliances.

Clever individuals greeted each other, exchanging laughter and whispers.

Numerous distinguished ladies gathered around Helian Jiao'er, inquiring about the conversations with the elders. Their melodious voices carried a pleasant tune.

Helian Jiao'er's lips curled into a smile, her eyes sparkling like stars. She was in high spirits, but when she noticed Helian Weiwei in the corner, her gaze tightened.

Why was this wretched girl here too!?

The residents of the humble courtyard were in no way qualified to participate in the selection of concubines. Moreover, she had already persuaded her grandfather to take action, and according to the roster maintained by Sun Gonggong, Helian Weiwei should have been eliminated long ago!

How could she still be here!

Helian Jiao'er clenched the fabric in her hand, her delicate face turning cold.

As everyone observed her halt, their gazes naturally followed in the direction she was looking.

"Isn't this Miss Helian who followed the Young Master two days ago? It's truly laughable. She brings everything upon herself," spoke a woman, also a student of Youyuan, Fang Tingting, the daughter of Hube Shangshu. Helian Jiao'er clung to her handkerchief, slender and soft, her words dripping with malice. She always sought an advantageous position at home and had never been kind to Helian Weiwei. After all, she was just an orphan girl, and no one would come to her aid. Fang Tingting laughed mockingly, "Some people should have a bit of self-awareness. They don't know how to evaluate their own position and weigh things in their hearts!"

Helian Jiao'er tugged at her sleeve, biting her lip, her expression one of embarrassment. "Sister Fang, please stop."

"Second sister, don't stop Sister Fang. Some people deserve to be ridiculed!" Helian Mei gritted her teeth, blaming Helian Weiwei for ruining her appearance. She had to let her hair down because of that wretched girl, making it impossible to style it properly. Today was an excellent opportunity to show herself off since not only the Third Prince would be present but also the princes from other gates. She had long admired the legendary Young Master Lie and even had a lake-blue Su Jin gown tailored specifically for this occasion.

But all her plans were ruined by Helian Weiwei, that despicable slut!

Fang Tingting patted her hand and cast a disdainful glance at Helian Weiwei, treating her like some repugnant garbage. "Alright, let's not talk about it. After all, I don't even want to see a pair of discarded shoes."

"Now that Tingting has mentioned it, I find it strange. A woman who has been rejected isn't even qualified to participate in the concubine selection."

The other ladies of prominent families turned sour as well. "She's obstinate with the Supreme Master, and he does everything at her whim."

"Indeed, but I doubt the Third Prince would even spare a glance for such a woman."

Mockery echoed through the room, wave after wave.

Helian Jiao'er stood there, concealing a smile as her beautiful eyes fixated on Helian Weiwei, eagerly anticipating her humiliation...