Spring in the Hall of Paintings

The selection process is divided into preliminary selection, secondary selection, and finally, an evaluation by Emperor Kangxi himself. Fucha had never gone through this selection process and could not guide her daughter Yun Wei in this matter. “Mother, don’t worry, Yang mama explained everything clearly,” Yun Wei noticed Fucha was anxious and smiled as she spoke. “I am the legitimate daughter of the Marquis’s residence, and my father is a trusted official of the emperor. As long as I don’t make a mistake, they won’t be able to cause trouble for me. Besides, I am not dough, and I won’t be easily molded by others. Mother, don’t worry, I won’t tarnish the reputation of the Tong family.”

Fucha placed a soft silk flower on Yun Wei’s small bun, gazing at her daughter’s delicate features in the copper mirror. The appearance of candidates during the preliminary selection was standardized: a blue-and-white floral-patterned cheongsam, and their hairpins and jewelry could not be too extravagant. Yun Wei wanted to blend in with the others, and the best approach wasn’t to be excessively low-key or overly flamboyant, but rather to follow the general trend, to appear like everyone else. Fucha sighed, “I’m not worried about other things, but your beauty, my dear. Let me remind you again, we can attract attention because of your father’s merits, but in terms of appearance, you must never be overly competitive, especially when facing… when facing the emperor. You must know how to control yourself, not stand out too much.”

“Yes, daughter understands,” Yun Wei nodded obediently.

Fucha, afraid that Emperor Kangxi might take her precious daughter into the imperial harem, couldn’t help but remind her over and over. After Emperor Kangxi turned 40, he had taken daughters of powerful ministers into the palace, although it was rare, it had happened. Fucha knew all too well how beautiful Yun Wei was, and she feared that the emperor might take notice. If Kangxi issued an edict, the Tong family would have no choice but to accept it. So, Fucha kept urging Yun Wei, fearing her true appearance would be revealed. She had no interest in becoming the emperor’s mother-in-law.

Fucha seemed to have forgotten that since Empress Tong passed away, Emperor Kangxi, citing the reason of “wives being unlucky,” had not been willing to appoint a new empress. The position had remained vacant for many years. Ministers who petitioned for a new empress were ignored, and Kangxi had issued an edict forbidding further discussions on the matter. There were rumors in the capital, some suggesting that Kangxi valued his first wife, Empress He, who was the mother of the crown prince. After her death, Kangxi had visited her tomb multiple times and mourned deeply, even naming her son, Yinreng, the crown prince. Others speculated that Kangxi favored his cousin, Empress Tongjia, who had raised the Fourth Prince, Yinzhen. After her death, Kangxi never appointed another empress. Only the parents of the empress were considered true imperial in-laws. According to Qing dynasty rules, the father of the empress was honored with the title “Cheng En Gong (Duke of Received Favor)” to show respect.

Due to the many rules during the preliminary selection and the need to stay overnight in the palace, most of the girls didn’t eat in the morning. Fucha, heartbroken for her daughter, secretly tucked some snacks into Yun Wei’s sleeve. Bringing food into the palace was also a taboo, and Fucha didn’t dare let Yun Wei carry too much. She used a clean cloth to wrap a couple of pastries. “If you’re hungry, just nibble a bit. Once you’re out of the palace, I’ll prepare your favorite food.”

“Thank you, mother.” Yun Wei didn’t want to disappoint Fucha’s kind intentions, so she carefully hid the pastries. Fucha also secretly placed a few delicate pouches in Yun Wei’s bag, each containing small coins and a few pearls for rewarding others. With money, things can be easily arranged—this has been true throughout history.

Once everything was packed, Fucha tied a strip of cloth bearing the title “Daughter of the Loyal and Brave Marquis” around Yun Wei’s arm, her eyes filled with a mix of sadness and pride. Yun Wei had never been far from her side, and now she was going to such a place. Even the calm Fucha was deeply worried, and it wasn’t something she could easily let go of.

“Mother, I’m leaving.”

Yun Wei knew there was no use in saying too much. She went up to hug Fucha and smiled even more sweetly than usual. Even in simple clothing, her charm couldn’t be hidden. Fucha, feeling uneasy, said, “No, my dear, don’t smile like that in the palace.”

“Don’t worry, I will only smile like this around familiar and close people. I’ll keep a stern face. I’m just like a wooden person,” Yun Wei said, making a stiff expression. Fucha felt a little reassured and, seeing that it was getting late, waved her off, “Go now. Mother will be waiting for you at home.”

Yun Wei bid farewell to her mother and then to the old lady. The old lady was reluctant to let Yun Wei go but understood that the selection was something Yun Wei had to go through. After saying a few words, she let Yun Wei leave. The old lady then asked Yang mama beside her, “Do you think Yun Wei will catch the emperor’s eye?”

The old lady’s words had two meanings: one was that she was afraid the emperor might take notice of Yun Wei’s beauty and include her in the harem, and the second was that she feared the emperor might use Yun Wei to arrange a marriage for the prince. Even though the old lady had some face with the emperor, if Yun Wei married a prince or a noble, it would still be a great honor for the Tong family, and they couldn’t oppose it.

“Recently, most of the women entering the palace come from the Han military banners. They tend to possess the gentleness of Han women, and there’s no conflict with the old ancestor’s rule about not allowing intermarriage between the Manchu and Han. Therefore, the Sixth Miss may not attract the emperor’s attention.”

“But… but… you know Yun Wei, her appearance is delicate and graceful. Although the second wife taught her many things, the girl hasn’t changed her accent since returning to the capital. You can tell she’s from the Jiangnan water town, with a soft and pleasant voice.”

“You’re overthinking it. You’ve forgotten that the second master is a marquis. Nowadays, the women entering the palace have low pedigrees. Even if there’s a possibility, don’t underestimate the Sixth Miss’s ability. She is very composed and knows how to control herself. She will pretend to be dull and uninterested. As for a marriage alliance with the prince, considering the second master’s position, it could only be with the legitimate heir, the Eighth, Ninth, or Tenth Prince. These princes are the ones to be matched in this selection. Their customs align well with the Sixth Miss, but since the second master is in charge of the army, the emperor will weigh the importance. The old lady, if you act before Prince Qing’e, the emperor will likely grant the request.”

The old lady nodded, “I was confused. After hearing you, I feel much more at ease. The Prince’s family does have some influence in the palace, but Yun Wei is different now. There are many powerful women in the palace, and we don’t know what they think. I should take this opportunity to seek the emperor’s favor before things are settled. The Lord Ma Qi from the Fucha family is also a count, and his family is a good match for ours. It would be a marriage that strengthens both sides, and the emperor will surely approve.”

“I think the same way. In fact, old lady, if I may speak boldly, everything depends on Fourth Miss. Once she has decided, Sixth Miss will naturally follow her lead. As for the cousin, Jing Yi, she might be relegated to a concubine position, or only be chosen as a side concubine for the royal family.”

“The Tong family may not have that much influence.” The old lady was wise and experienced, but when it came to matters of the palace, she wasn’t as clear as Yang Mama, who shook her head and said, “The cousin is a Ma Jia, not a Tong Jia. Even though the aunt is living off the Tong family, she is still a married woman. The cousin has big ambitions, and I don’t think she would settle for a secondary position.”

“Let those two mother and daughter stir things up. I’m old and can’t manage anymore.” The old lady leaned back slightly. “As long as I can get Wei girl settled, I’ll be content. As for others, as long as they don’t bring shame to the Tong family, that’s all that matters.”

“As for the engagement of Master Jing Hui and Fifth Miss Yun Yi? I’m sure Yun Yi will be relegated to a concubine position, and I can be certain of that.”

“Rongxuan’s wife isn’t happy about it, and I can’t say much. Rongxuan’s concubine, though, has been encouraged by Rongxian to take an interest in Jing Hui because of his title. But even though Yi girl was born from a concubine, when it comes to marriage, she can’t override Rongxuan’s wife. Let’s wait until Wei girl’s marriage is settled.”

As for the Tong family’s plans, that was another matter. On the eve of the selection, Prince Gong’s family had already been working to have the side concubine sent to the palace to ask for the emperor’s decree. After Rongxuan was granted his title, the side concubine faced a dilemma. How many noble families in the capital were eyeing Yun Wei? She had learned of many, and it was clear that there were secret currents at play. Although the empress dowager was the emperor’s mother, she was not the biological mother of Emperor Kangxi. Although they had a good relationship, the empress dowager would never interfere in the administration of the state, spending her years peacefully in the Cining Palace. Now, Yun Wei’s marriage was a matter of uncertainty, and only Emperor Kangxi could decide. The side concubine consoled her son while secretly blaming Rongxuan for advancing his career at the wrong time. If the selection had happened after Yun Wei’s marriage to her son, Rongxuan would have been the father-in-law of the prince, and who would dare compete with the Prince for the title of heir?

Qing’e tossed the chess piece aside, his mind completely preoccupied with Yun Wei. He couldn’t calm down and stared blankly at the chessboard, as though Yun Wei was sitting across from him, playing the game. Yun Wei’s delicate beauty, her graceful mannerisms, and their shared interests made him feel that she was the one most suited for him. He whispered, “Yun Wei, Tongjia Yun Wei, you have entranced me. If only the prince’s heir can be your match, I am willing to fight for the position of heir.”

The Fucha family didn’t have any candidates in this year’s selection, but they were still keeping an eye on it. Fucha Zheng scratched his head as if he was dreaming and asked, “Mother, will Aunt really marry Yun Wei, my cousin, to me? Do you think it will happen?”

“You foolish boy,” Mrs. Ma Qi said sympathetically. “Your aunt is very clever. She wouldn’t give a clear answer so soon. Yun Wei has just entered the palace for the selection, and it’s still too early to say anything.” Seeing her son’s disappointed and discouraged expression, she pulled Fucha Zheng close and whispered, “It is said that the old lady of the Tong family is pushing to seek the emperor’s decree, but no one knows how the emperor will respond. Your uncle is now a count, and Yun Wei is the legitimate daughter of a count, which gives her a noble status. Your aunt may not have the final say on this. But Zheng’er, we’re doing our best to make this match work for you two.”

“Mother, I like my cousin. I’ll treat her well. Aunt loves her, which is why she would marry her to me. I won’t disappoint Aunt.”

Fucha Zheng spoke firmly, and he had said the same thing to the Fucha family during his recent visit. Today, he repeated it to his mother because he wanted her to support their union. He also wanted to make it clear that he would not mistreat Yun Wei.

“Good boy, I understand your heart. If she becomes my daughter-in-law, I’ll be happy. Forget the strength of her family; she excels in everything.”

“I like Yun Wei, not because of my uncle’s title.”

“You foolish boy, really my silly child.”

Two fine horses raced across the outskirts of the capital, running through the fields. Ce Ling suddenly reined in the reins and turned to ask, “Cheng Wu, your sister is participating in the selection today, right?”

“Prince, my sister is not suitable for you. The emperor will assign you a princess for marriage. The palace has already made this clear.”

Ce Ling looked into the distance and sighed, “I know. I just regret that I cannot marry the girl I like most. I like your sister, but I don’t want to complicate things further. If I let go, your sister will be happy. She deserves someone who will cherish her for a lifetime.”

Ce Ling dropped his riding crop, and the horse galloped forward again, heading straight for the tree where he had first met Yun Wei. He dismounted and casually lay down under the shade of the tree, slowly closing his eyes. Yun Wei’s image and her smile were vivid in his mind. He was returning to the grasslands, but his heart stayed in the capital of the Qing dynasty. If he weren’t burdened by the task of his tribe’s revival, he would be willing to stay in the capital forever. This was Ce Ling’s greatest wish—his first love, and in the memory of Mongolian Beyler Ce Ling, it was a beautiful one.

In the Fourth Prince’s study, Yinzhen gazed at the pouch in front of him. Inside the pouch was a piece of Xuan paper. When unfolded, familiar handwriting appeared: “I wish to find a soulmate, never to part until the end of our days. Aisin Gioro Yinzhen, do you wish to walk through life with Tongjia Yun Lan?”

Yinzhen remained silent for a moment, then solemnly put the Xuan paper away. ‘I will not fail your love, Tongjia Yun Lan. I will marry you.’ Yinzhen stood up and ordered, “Come, I’m going to find Second Brother, the Crown Prince.”