conquer the world

On the morning of the fifteenth day of the eighth month, Chu Ying took her two children out of the palace. She deliberately chose to leave through Changshun Gate to avoid meeting the selected beauties.

Xiao Qiu still couldn't understand this decision and grumbled, "Her Highness is the empress, why should she avoid those little bitches? She should walk out through Guangming Gate and teach them a lesson, so they won't dare to step on your toes once they enter the palace."

Chu Ying sighed, shaking her head, "Xiao Qiu, please stop talking. I know you're loyal, but you always speak without thinking. Since His Majesty doesn't want me to know, I must avoid suspicion. If I went to Guangming Gate and made a scene, it would be like slapping His Majesty in public. The ministers outside already have many complaints about me, and we shouldn't provoke them further. Are you trying to get me removed faster?"

Xiao Qiu hung her head, mumbling, "I just can't swallow this humiliation."

"Whether you can or can't, you must swallow it. If you continue to act recklessly, you will eventually harm me. I will have to send you out of the palace and find someone else to serve me," Chu Ying said sternly.

Xiao Qiu was shocked and knelt down, "Please forgive me, Your Highness! I won't do it again."

Chu Ying sighed and pulled back the curtain to look outside. The sky was clear, and the moon would surely be bright tonight. She wondered who would be by her side when they admired the moon.

Meanwhile, the selected beauties were entering the palace dressed beautifully. They could only enter through the side gates, but to reach Wansheng Palace, they had to pass through Guangming Gate. The Ministry of Internal Affairs set up a waiting area outside Guangming Gate. Thousands of young beauties from different regions, aged between twelve and sixteen, gathered there, full of hope and anticipation.

Among them were daughters and younger sisters of high-ranking officials from various regions, as well as princesses from Dongchang and other countries. Princess Hulumtuo was also among them, but due to cultural customs, she wore a veil, making it hard to see her face clearly.

Some of the girls approached her, either to make friends or to humiliate her. Regardless of their intentions, Princess Hulumtuo ignored them, sitting quietly with her maid explaining, "Our princess is new here and needs rest. Please don't disturb her."

The disappointed girls walked away, whispering disdainfully. Although it was summer, the princess was fully covered, only her eyes visible, looking tired and unwell.

The eunuchs repeatedly called out names, and fewer and fewer people remained. Finally, it was Princess Hulumtuo's turn. She was led through Guangming Gate and joined the other beauties heading towards Wansheng Palace.

Cui Yi sat on the throne in his purple-gold dragon robe. The beauties lined up, and Du Zhongquan called out each name. Cui Yi listened and watched expressionlessly, making no comments.

"Hulumtuo Princess Danalia."

Cui Yi played with his snuff bottle, a smile playing on his lips.

Princess Danalia approached and performed a local greeting. Empress Rong squinted and said, "Take off the veil and let me see."

The maid replied, "According to our custom, women's faces cannot be shown to strangers. If Your Majesty wants to see, the princess can show you privately."

Empress Rong nodded, and Cui Yi agreed, "Mother, please take a look for me!"

They returned after a while, Empress Rong smiling, "She is indeed beautiful and polite, but looks sickly."

The maid explained, "The princess is not used to the climate here, so she hasn't been eating or sleeping well."

Empress Rong nodded and turned to Cui Yi, "I think she's fine. What about you?"

"If Mother thinks she's fine, then let her stay."

Cui Yi waved his hand grandly, keeping the first—and only—person selected today.

At that moment, Chu Ying was strolling in the streets with her children. Both kids hadn't left the palace for months and were curious about everything. Xiao Cui Hao was quieter, while Xiao Cui Xian was hyperactive, almost running off if not held by Xiao Qiu.

Cheng Fengyi was also there with Xiao Shujin. Chu Ying had to take care of both children and soon became exhausted. Seeing Xiao Shujin obediently following her mother, she remarked, "Jin'er behaves like a proper lady, unlike Xian'er, who's like a little monkey, jumping around all the time."

Xiao Cui Xian turned and pouted, "If I'm a monkey, then you're a mother monkey."

Chu Ying laughed, "You've learned to talk back! How am I supposed to handle you when you grow up?"

Cheng Fengyi teased, "Like father, like daughter. I think Xian'er will become a heroine, maybe even stronger than her father."

Xiao Cui Xian cheered, "Right, Cheng Auntie! When I grow up, I'll be a female general, riding the golden crow to conquer the world!"

Chu Ying recalled how Xian'er grabbed the imperial seal and then Bo Muer's gem-studded saber during her first birthday celebration. Maybe her daughter would indeed become a female general or governor. Her daughter was lively, while her son was calm, balancing each other out.

Thinking of Bo Muer naturally reminded her of Sang Duo. During the search for the lost Cui Yi, Bo Muer went alone, while his sister Sang Duo was nowhere to be seen. Did something happen between them? Where did Sang Duo go?

They bought snacks and found a restaurant to eat lunch. They met Xu Cheng on holiday with Nian Jiaojiao buying Hehe Su. They chatted for a long time.

Nian Jiaojiao asked, "When we came out, we saw many girls my age leaving the palace. Is there something big happening in the palace today? Why are you out?"

Chu Ying answered frankly, "His Majesty is selecting beauties today. Those you saw are the ones eliminated."

Nian Jiaojiao, with half a cake in her mouth, stared in disbelief, "Selecting beauties? Isn't His Majesty supposed to love only you and never marry anyone else?"

Cheng Fengyi nudged her arm, "Don't rub salt into Her Highness's wound. His Majesty kept this from her, and she's already upset. Don't be so tactless."

Nian Jiaojiao looked apologetic, "I didn't mean to... Sorry, Your Highness."

Chu Ying smiled, "It's okay. I'm not petty. Eat, or it'll get cold."

Nian Jiaojiao pushed the box towards her, "Eat too, Your Highness. Hehe Su tastes good and has a good meaning. Eating it ensures eternal love with your beloved. I insisted Xu Cheng accompany me to buy it today. Eat it, and His Majesty won't change his heart."

Chu Ying wanted to say these things were nonsense but seeing Nian Jiaojiao's sincerity, she took a piece, "Xu General treats you so well, yet you worry unnecessarily. You're blessed but don't realize it."

Nian Jiaojiao shook her head, "Men are never faithful. I'm doing this to prevent any mishaps."

Chu Ying changed the subject, knowing Xu Cheng was reminded of his past. Love is like a moth drawn to a flame; Shan Jian was like that, and so was she. If she could perish together with the flame, even if scarred, it would be worth it.

Since Cui Yi ascended the throne, the harem had been empty. This time, families spared no effort, adopting or forcibly taking girls to participate. Over eight thousand girls were reported, and after multiple screenings, three thousand were sent to the capital. After physical examinations, 1,600 were presented to Cui Yi. Even just looking at them took half a day, until the third watch, when the selection ended.

Cui Yi wasn't interested in the selection but followed Bai Lizan's advice, "Only a trick that fools yourself can fool others." To him, changing his son's diaper was more interesting than watching similar-looking women.

After the fake selection, except for Princess Danalia, everyone else was eliminated. Their sunny faces turned gloomy, and they left dejectedly.

The veiled princess was led to her palace. Before entering, she saw Cui Yi standing alone in the courtyard. The maids knelt, and the princess tried to kneel but was stopped by Cui Yi.

"You're unwell, no need to bow. Go inside and rest. I came to check if the Ministry of Internal Affairs prepared everything properly."

The princess's voice was soft, "Since Your Majesty is here, why not come inside? I'd like to play the zither to express my gratitude."

Cui Yi's lips curled slightly, "Alright, I'll come in."

The maids stood up, leading them inside. The servants greeted them and busied themselves with tea and other tasks. Cui Yi dismissed the Hulumtuo maids, addressing the princess, "Now that there's no one else, you don't need to pretend anymore."