Unexpected selection

Chang Er burst into Bai Jue's room, breathless and flushed with excitement. "Your Highness, I have the results of our investigation. The girl's name is Yang Mi, and she is the sister of Marquis Tan. They are wealthy orphans who have gained a reputation for their business acumen along the borderlands."

Bai Jue leaned forward, his mind racing with possibilities. "Rich orphans, huh? There's more to them than meets the eye. No one seems to know much beyond their names and backgrounds. It feels like there's something they're hiding."

Chang Er nodded in agreement. "It does seem that way, Your Highness. Their records are surprisingly sparse for people of their status."

Bai Jue leaned back in his chair, a wicked idea forming in his mind. "I think it's time we shake things up a bit. Da Yi!"

Da Yi, who had been standing by the door, stepped forward. "Yes, Your Highness?"

"Add Yang Mi's name to the list of candidates for the crown princess selection," Bai Jue ordered, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Do it discreetly, without her knowledge."

Da Yi's eyes widened but he quickly composed himself. "As you command, Your Highness. It will be done by morning."

The next morning, Yang Mi was sitting in her study, reviewing some business plans when the sound of approaching footsteps caught her attention. The palace officials, dressed in their resplendent uniforms, arrived at the mansion, bearing a decree from the emperor himself.

The head eunuch stepped forward, unrolling the imperial decree. "By order of His Majesty, the Emperor of Dayu Kingdom, Yang Mi, sister of Marquis Tan, is hereby selected as a candidate for the crown princess. You are to report to the palace this afternoon to commence the first round of selection."

Yang Mi's eyes widened in shock. "What? This must be a mistake! I never enrolled myself for this."

The eunuch gave her a sympathetic look. "I'm afraid it is no mistake, my lady. Your name is on the list. To withdraw would be to defy the emperor's decree."

Tan Yuan quickly handed a pouch of coins to the eunuch as a gesture of gratitude. "Thank you for delivering this message. Please excuse us as we prepare."

As the palace officials left, Tan Yuan turned to Yang Mi, panic evident in his eyes. "What are we going to do? You can't refuse, but you're not prepared for this!"

Yang Mi rubbed her temples, feeling a headache forming. "We have no choice but to go forward. Tan Yuan, I need you to gather information on court etiquette and everything you can about the royal family within 30 minutes. Tan Qi, go to our shop and bring me the simplest yet finest silk dress we have. I don't want to offend anyone with extravagance."

Yang Mi sat down, closing her eyes and focusing her thoughts. She entered a deep meditation, accessing the secret chamber of the royal library, a mystical place where she could gather any information she needed. Her mind raced through volumes of ancient texts, absorbing knowledge about Dayu Kingdom's culture, etiquette, and history.

As the minutes passed, Yang Mi's understanding of court life deepened. She learned about the emperor's two wives—one deceased, the other alive—and his three concubines. The crown prince, she discovered, was born from the late queen who had died of a broken heart, a victim of the second wife's schemes. There were also three other princes, with the most notorious being Bai Li, born from the second wife. Bai Li, along with his mother and their ally Minister Gu, was plotting to seize control of the government.

Yang Mi's head throbbed with the weight of this information. The imperial family was a nest of vipers, each one scheming for power.

"Lady Yang Mi, it's time," Tan Yuan's voice broke through her meditation.

Yang Mi opened her eyes, now filled with determination. "What have you learned?"

Tan Yuan handed her a scroll. "The emperor has two wives, one deceased and one alive, and three concubines. The crown prince is from the late queen. The notorious Bai Li, who schemes with his mother and Minister Gu, is the most dangerous. They aim to control the government, and the selection of the crown princess is part of their plan to solidify their power."

Yang Mi's headache intensified. "This is a mess. They're all scheming for the throne. I'll have to tread carefully."

Just then, Tan Qi returned, carrying a beautiful yet simple light green silk dress adorned with delicate phoenix embroidery. She also brought elegant accessories from their jewelry shop. "Here you go, my lady. We have to hurry. We only have an hour before we need to be at the palace gates."

Yang Mi took a deep breath and stood up. "Let's get me dressed."

Tan Qi helped her into the dress and carefully arranged her hair, adding the final touches with the jewelry. Yang Mi looked at her reflection, feeling a mix of apprehension and determination.

"We're ready," she said, turning to Tan Yuan and Tan Qi. "Let's go."

The journey to the palace was filled with tension. Yang Mi's carriage moved through the bustling streets, drawing curious glances from the townspeople. Inside, Yang Mi reviewed the information she had learned, preparing herself for the ordeal ahead.

Upon reaching the palace gates, they were greeted by the head eunuch, who escorted them to the hall where the candidates were gathered. The grandeur of the palace was overwhelming, with its marble floors, towering pillars, and intricate tapestries depicting the kingdom's history.

Yang Mi took a deep breath, steadying herself. She was about to step into the lion's den.

As the candidates assembled, whispers filled the air. Yang Mi felt the weight of countless eyes on her. She noticed Gu Wan Niang, Minister Gu's daughter, standing confidently among the other candidates. Their eyes met briefly, and Yang Mi could sense the calculating gaze of her rival.

The head eunuch called for silence and addressed the candidates. "Ladies, you are here because you have been chosen to potentially become the next crown princess. The selection process will be rigorous, testing your intelligence, grace, and loyalty to the kingdom."

Yang Mi listened intently, her mind racing. She needed to stay focused and use all her wits to navigate this treacherous path.

As the eunuch continued to speak, Yang Mi felt a pair of eyes on her. She turned slightly and saw Bai Jue standing at the edge of the hall, his gaze fixed on her. Their eyes met, and for a moment, everything else faded away. She felt a strange connection, a sense of familiarity, but she quickly looked away, focusing on the eunuch's instructions.

Back in Bai Jue's quarters, Da Yi rushed to complete his master's orders. Adding a candidate to the selection list without their knowledge was highly irregular, but he knew better than to question Bai Jue's decisions. By dawn, Yang Mi's name had been discreetly added, and the officials were prepared to make the announcement.

Bai Jue, still contemplating the day's events, couldn't shake the feeling that Yang Mi was more than she appeared to be. Her composure and intelligence during their brief encounter had left an indelible mark on him. He leaned back in his chair, considering the possibilities. "Da Yi," he called out, breaking the silence.

Da Yi entered the room swiftly. "Yes, Your Highness?"

"Ensure that Yang Mi is well taken care of during the selection process. I want her to have everything she needs," Bai Jue instructed, a hint of concern in his voice.

"Understood, Your Highness. I will see to it personally," Da Yi replied, bowing deeply before leaving the room.

Bai Jue stared out the window, lost in thought. He had made a bold move by adding Yang Mi to the selection, and now he had to see it through. The palace was a dangerous place for someone as intriguing as her, and he felt a growing responsibility to protect her.