Chapter 8, Etiquette of the Talented Young Women

"This humble servant pays her respects to Your Highness, the Noble Consort." Fu Luo respectfully greeted Consort Yu.

Thank you, Your Highness, for your concern; this humble servant's illness has improved significantly

Flora recalled the unfortunate woman named Yu Jie, feeling a wave of discomfort in her heart. She also resolved that regardless of the outcome, she would not let that detestable Li Mama go unpunished

Oh, what is her background

Biwu followed Fu Luo's gaze and said, "That is the instructor for this selection of talented women, Madam Li."

The next day, Fuluo arrived at the Body Element Hall with Biyue and Biwu, where the talented young women were undergoing training

Do not stand on ceremony. Are you feeling better? The last time I saw you, your complexion was quite poor

"We pay our respects to Her Highness, the Empress." The group of young ladies said in unison

As Fuluo was about to step out of the Body Element Hall, a familiar figure suddenly flashed before her eyes. "Who is that?" Fuluo asked the green phoenix.

It is said that she was once the wet nurse of the Grand Prince, and later she was promoted to the position of Chief Assistant in the Bureau of Ceremonial Affairs, holding the rank of 8th grade.

The favored concubine Yu smiled and nodded slightly. However, when Fu Luo turned her head, a trace of malice flashed in her eyes. In the past, Fu Luo had been arrogant and vulgar, but she posed no threat to Yu; she was merely a knife for killing in Yu's hands. Yet now, she seemed like a thorn in Yu's eye, as if she could see the figure of the Empress of Yuzhen from years ago. It was that Empress, the most beautiful woman of Yuzhen, who caused her mother to lose the Emperor's favor, leading to her depression and eventual demise, while she herself had been bullied since childhood. Now, she would never allow Fu Luo to take away what belonged to her Emperor, and she would not permit the events of Yuzhen to repeat themselves.

My younger sister is also aware that the newly selected ladies-in-waiting must undergo a month of court etiquette training in the palace before they can petition the Emperor for titles. At that time, the Emperor will also consider whether to retain them or assign them as wives to the imperial heirs and various princes and ministers. Henceforth, they will all be women of noble status within our Yanxia royal family, which is why the etiquette training for these new ladies-in-waiting is taken very seriously by the court.

We respectfully await your command, Your Highness

After taking a sip of tea, Consort Yu continued, "This etiquette training has always been the responsibility of the concubines of the third rank and above in the palace. Currently, among the concubines of the third rank and above, there are only myself, the Virtuous Consort, and you, my sister. The Virtuous Consort is preoccupied with the illness of the Crown Prince and cannot attend to other matters. I am already overwhelmed with the affairs of the harem every day, so this time, I must trouble you, my sister."

Is there anything inappropriate about the green phoenix tree?

Upon returning to Hantan Pavilion, Fu Luo conveyed this news to Bi Ye and Bi Wu, but unexpectedly, Bi Wu's brows immediately furrowed upon hearing it

Your Highness, rest assured. I cannot speak for other matters, but I will certainly handle this matter for you with utmost care and precision

"All of you sisters have entered the palace, and from now on, we are one family. I suddenly recalled a story; I wonder if you sisters are interested in hearing it." Having said this, she did not wait for the girls to respond, for who would dare to say they were not interested in listening

Well, your second son has been working under my father for a few years now. I will speak to my father and suggest that he allow your son to be assigned to some practical training. We cannot let our own people be treated unfairly

So it can be said that she is a person of Lady Lan Xian

I do not know about that; usually, I do not see her getting close to the virtuous consort.

Farewell to the noble Lady Fu

It is the concubine's honor to alleviate the worries of Her Highness

No, no, the Empress Dowager Biwu is merely concerned that Your Majesty's health may not be able to withstand it

Upon hearing Fuluo's words, some nodded in understanding, some were indifferent, and some were secretly alarmed. For instance, Ling Yafeng was truly taken aback that Fufei could tell such a vivid and meaningful story, and she was also surprised that Fufei was willing to advise the newly arrived ladies-in-waiting in this manner

"Biwu, what is this Tiaofeng dance all about?" It is understandable that Fuluo and Biye, having come from Yuzhen Country and only being in the imperial harem for two years during this scorching summer, are not familiar with the selection process.

Lady Li, I have always been at ease with your handling of matters. This time, as you assist Concubine Fu with her etiquette training, you must show her the utmost respect. As for those young ladies, you should help Concubine Fu establish her authority when necessary, and ensure that they do not underestimate her and her esteemed Empress. It is essential that they all understand that the Empress and Concubine Fu are their greatest obstacles to gaining favor.

What orders does Your Highness have? This old servant will certainly do my utmost.

There is no need to worry about that; it is just that I am not yet very clear on how to teach etiquette, and I am concerned about making a fool of myself at that time

That is good, for today there is an urgent matter that I need to teach you to handle

Thank you for your great grace and virtue, Your Highness

In the darkness

There is no need for Your Highness to worry, as there will be a matron nearby to teach the young ladies the proper etiquette. Your Highness only needs to take a look when you have the time. What is concerning, however, is the rivalry among the young ladies, as any scandal that arises would be undesirable. Fu Luo is also a clever person and immediately understood the concerns that Bi Wu had.

"Hello, sisters, practice well; I am also weary," said Fu Luo after sipping her tea

Alas, Fuluo sighed, even before meeting the Emperor, the cruel competition had already begun. She and everyone here were destined to be a tragedy, though many did not understand this.

"Your Highness, the fifty selected ladies will perform a dance together to bless the Emperor and our Yanxia Dynasty. This has been the tradition for generations, so there is no need for Your Highness to worry. The aunts from the Liqing Courtyard will teach these ladies how to practice. On the day of the awards, the Emperor will grant different rewards based on each lady's performance, which is why they all take the award dance very seriously, and it can easily lead to disputes. I heard that in the last session, one lady even poisoned another in order to secure a prominent position."

April 15, morning assembly