Chapter 269: Chapter 269
The same scene occurred successively in many households throughout Bianjing.
However reluctant people might be, who could possibly evade or make excuses when faced with the Empress's decree?
Ultimately, selecting suitable companions for the princess was perfectly reasonable. Even the censors who habitually found fault with the official had no grounds for criticism here.
Scholars of this era valued reputation above all. Speaking forthright advice could still be praised as loyalty and righteousness, but truly scorning the sovereign carried entirely different implications.
Before noon had even arrived, numerous young ladies dressed in splendid attire had gradually gathered outside the Harmony Garden. Amidst the myriad colors of the imperial garden, they formed a magnificent sight. However, most of the young maidens behind them, with few exceptions, wore clothing and decorations that leaned toward subdued and elegant.
When An Ning arrived, under Empress Cao's arrangement at the head position, the young maidens had already gathered in small groups of three or five—playing pitch-pot, playing cat's cradle, composing poetry, and admiring flowers. If one ignored the occasional flicker of unease in the young maidens' eyes, the scene before them appeared quite harmonious.
"This must be Niangniang's Sister Xi! She does look quite beautiful. I heard from Niangniang earlier that Sister Xi plays an excellent game of chess..."
"Such insignificant skill hardly deserves Your Highness's praise. This humble subject feels unworthy..."
After all, she was a daughter of a great family. Though somewhat nervous, Cao Xi still stepped forward generously. Perhaps because she was the eldest daughter in her family, this eleven- or twelve-year-old girl already showed early signs of gentleness and elegance.
"Th-this humble subject...!"
Before the pale-faced girl could step forward, An Ning's gaze had already shifted to another obviously more beautiful and refined-looking young girl behind her, though her clothes were plainer. With a somewhat careless expression, she asked:
Recalling the various rumors about this princess, Sima Xiang instinctively took a deep breath, but still managed to present her most elegant and proper demeanor under everyone's watchful eyes:
"This humble subject Sima Xiang pays respects to Your Highness!"
Hmm, this one isn't bad either! Has some courage.
"How strange, isn't there also a Minister Wang?"
Being so blatant about it, seeing the complexions of several young maidens suddenly pale, the female official responsible for recording unconsciously twitched the corner of her mouth: "Reporting to Your Highness, Minister Wang's family currently has no suitable-aged daughters..."
Hearing this, An Ning sighed with regret.
But her expression clearly showed she wasn't quite willing to let it go.
Those who knew the inside story twitched their mouths again.
This princess was indeed as rumored—young in age, but also truly petty in temperament!
Empress's niece, Cao Xi, legitimate eldest daughter of the Cao family's eldest son.
Second daughter of Minister Sima, lecturer at the Imperial College, Sima Xiang.
Third daughter of General Huaihua, Zhou Yutong.
And also eldest daughter of Minister Han Qi, who had been demoted and exiled years ago due to failed new policies, Han Yue.
In short, regardless of civil or military background, legitimate or secondary lineage, or even official rank, if there was one common point...
Hmm... Everyone unconsciously glanced—one could only say these four young ladies could all be considered pretty and having good temperament.
Well, it seemed the palace rumors were correct—this princess indeed had a particular appreciation for beauty. No wonder she could directly resort to lethal means against her ugly-looking future imperial son-in-law.
At this moment, perhaps due to shared sympathy, the young maidens felt considerably less uneasy.
Especially now, seeing the princess before them dressed in neat narrow-sleeved red clothes, radiant like the morning sun, her every movement indescribably free and unrestrained, yet imperceptibly carrying a faint sense of dignity and nobility.
After fluttering like a butterfly among the groups of young maidens for a while, An Ning finally turned to ask the female official beside her with puzzlement, in a voice everyone could hear:
However, seeing this selection, as if thinking of something, Empress Cao's eyes darkened momentarily at the head position, but she maintained her dignified composure and spoke to An Ning beside her with a smile:
"Has Fukang truly considered this carefully?"
"Of course. To be honest with Niangniang, the moment I saw these sisters, I felt particularly delighted in my heart..."
Her gaze pausing on Cao Xi beside them for a moment, after a brief silence, Empress Cao finally spoke slowly, her face still maintaining its usual dignified, virtuous, gentle, and elegant demeanor.
"As long as Fukang is happy. However, these are all daughters of important court ministers. Even if they accompany you in the future, Fukang must treat them well and must not act recklessly."
As she spoke these words, the person before her seemed like an exceptionally kind-hearted elder. Meeting the other's gaze, An Ning's expression remained unchanged.
Hearing this, An Ning sighed with regret.
"Niangniang jokes. With sisters so handsome and lovely, how could Fukang possibly treat them with anything less than proper etiquette?"