Pregnant Before the Royal Marriage

Chapter 804: Chapter 804: Provocation from the Beauty_1

With her status as Princess Ling’an, she could entirely avoid this royal selection.

Moreover, she was not so young anymore, almost nineteen years old, surpassing the age requirement for the selection.

But with her status here, Since she wanted to come, the Empress would not forcibly stop her, and the eunuchs running the show would not dare to cause trouble for themselves.

Anyway, everyone knew why Princess Ling’an was here for the selection.

Two years ago, she participated in a smaller selection for the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince directly chose the legitimate daughter of the Jiang Family, who is now Princess Consort Jiang Ning, and didn’t even bother to give Princess Ling’an a chance to be a concubine.

It was clear that the Crown Prince had no slightest interest in Princess Ling’an.

But Princess Ling’an was a lovesick fool. Two years had passed, and although her age had increased, she still wouldn’t give up. She came to participate in the grand selection again.

Dressed in a red skirt, she stood among the ladies, quite a standout.

It wasn’t that she was the most beautiful among the ladies, but because of her arrogant and proud demeanor, completely disregarding the other women.

Even without disclosing her identity, the other ladies knew she was not to be messed with.

Commoner women participating in the selection, where would they dare to show off before the nannies?

Jiang Ning’s gaze swept over her, and Princess Ling’an stared back unyieldingly, not only without any respect, but even with a hint of provocation.

Jiang Ning said with a smile to the nanny, “The Empress’s health isn’t well today, and she won’t be able to come. I will have to do the preliminary selection.”

Upon hearing this, Princess Ling’an’s expression shifted slightly.

Her family had already discussed this with the Empress beforehand; she was supposed to go directly to the final selection, the last step personally done by the Emperor.

How could the Empress feign illness and not come during the preliminary selection, leaving Princess Consort in full charge?

What’s this about?

How could Princess Consort possibly let her pass?

Princess Ling’an’s mood instantly degraded.

“Pick as you please, Princess Consort. Among this batch of ladies, several are quite stunning,” the nanny said with a chuckle.

Jiang Ning’s gaze swept over the faces of the ladies, saying, “I believe that looks aren’t the most important aspect. Serving in the palace requires a soft and accommodating nature, wouldn’t you agree, Nanny Wu?”

“Your words are most wise, Princess Consort.”

“Though one’s appearance can’t necessarily determine their character, it’s also said that the heart reflects the face. One can discern a person’s character from their looks to some extent.” Jiang Ning casually pointed at a lady standing at the far end, “I find her agreeable, she seems obedient and quiet. Wenxi, give her the badge, let her stay.”

Wenxi immediately handed a small wooden badge adorned with peonies to that lady.

The lady seemed surprised as she received the badge, looking up at Jiang Ning.

Her face was as bright as the moon, eyebrows curved like hooks, her eyes brimming like autumn waters.

Xiachu let out a low gasp, whispering, “Could it be that she is the lady who resembles Concubine Jin?”

“It should be.”

Jiang Ning said.

Last year, after Concubine Jin’s death, the Emperor fell ill and the Empress secretly sought a young girl who resembled Concubine Jin, but the search turned up empty.

However, Jiang Ruobai came across one by accident.

He informed Jiang Ning about this matter at the beginning of the year.

That young girl was the daughter of an official from Xining Mansion. While travelling to Chang’an to visit relatives, she was encountered by Jiang Ruobai’s men, who were immediately astounded by her and reported it to him.

Jiang Ruobai personally met the official and dropped a few hints during the conversation. The official mistakenly thought Prime Minister Jiang had taken a fancy to his daughter, so he was already prepared to offer up his daughter to him.