C43 Chosen

With skin as smooth as porcelain and a graceful, shapely figure, her long eyebrows arched like willow branches and eyes reminiscent of a crescent moon, she wore a luxurious red gown embroidered with a phoenix, exuding an air of elegance and majesty that seemed untouchable.

This was Gu Ziyan, the Empress, daughter of the noble Yingchuan family, and the mother of the Crown Prince.

"Rise," she said, seated on a meticulously carved sandalwood chair draped with a plush mink fur. Her hair was styled in an intricate updo adorned with a radiant gold phoenix hairpin, her eyes naturally captivating.

Dugu Rou stood respectfully after rising but did not receive the honor of being offered a seat.

"Yuan didn't come?" Gu Ziyan's lips curved slightly, her voice gentle yet commanding.

"Your Majesty, I know the Crown Prince is busy with affairs of state, so I didn't arrange for him to accompany me. I came ahead to pay my respects," Dugu Rou replied cautiously, standing at the front of the hall.

Gu Ziyan chuckled softly, glancing at Jinkui, who was attending her. "It seems I'm the one who doesn't understand my son's burdens, insisting he comes to see me every day."

"The Empress is considerate of the Crown Prince, encouraging him to take a break from his worries and visit," Jinkui chimed in. Having served in the Cloud Light Hall for seven years without a misstep, she had earned Gu Ziyan's trust.

Dugu Rou wasn't naive; she could tell this conversation was meant to belittle her. What puzzled her was why Gu Ziyan seemed to look down on her, even though they had never met before, and she had dutifully accepted the role of Vice Consort.

While Dugu Rou was in the dark, Jinkui understood. The Crown Prince had once shown favor to Dugu Yan, which had secretly upset the Empress, as she felt her son was being taken away. She had even cried in private over it several times. It wasn't until Dugu Yan's tragic death in the Heaven Obeying Hall that the Empress's heartache began to heal.

Seeing Dugu Rou now inevitably stirred up old feelings, especially with rumors that the Crown Prince was treating this new Vice Consort quite well. Naturally, the Empress was not pleased.

"Jinkui is absolutely right. The Empress truly cares for the Crown Prince," Dugu Rou thought, feeling indignant but maintaining a humble and respectful demeanor.

Gu Ziyan glanced at Dugu Rou, her tone flat and with an indescribable coldness. "As long as you understand. If there's nothing else, you may leave."

Dugu Rou bowed and exited the Cloud Light Hall, faintly hearing voices as she left.

"Just a Vice Consort. From tomorrow on, she doesn't need to come for morning greetings. Unless summoned, she should stay away from the Cloud Light Hall..."

As Dugu Rou made her way back to the Heaven Obeying Hall, she felt as though she was walking on clouds, each step unsteady, threatening to send her tumbling. To the Empress, she was nothing more than a nuisance!

Things were different now. If Dugu Yan were still alive, who in the palace would dare underestimate her?

Dugu Rou suddenly stopped, startled by her own thoughts.

"Miss?" Mo Hua, beside her, spoke with concern.

Dugu Rou paused for a moment, then continued walking. Even without Dugu Yan or the generations of military achievements from her family, she could still make a name for herself in this palace. Her success wasn't solely due to luck...

Time slipped away like sand through fingers, and the day of the Imperial Academy entrance exam finally arrived.

Just after dawn, lights flickered on in the Yanxi Palace. Empress Dowager Chu was as excited as a child. If not for Nanny Sunn's repeated advice, she might have donned her favorite silver armor from the past to cheer on her granddaughter.

"I understand your excitement, Your Majesty, but it's not appropriate," Nanny Sunn said, holding a set of deep red, luxurious palace attire. "This outfit was specially made for the princess's wedding, but... I think today is the perfect occasion for you to wear it."

Looking at the neatly stacked dresses on the tray, Empress Dowager Chu reached out, her eyes misting over for a moment. "Perhaps I shouldn't have been so stubborn with Yue'er..."

"Nanny Sunn quickly interjected, "Empress Dowager, today is a day for celebration!" She didn't want the Empress Dowager to dwell on the past and miss another opportunity.

Empress Dowager Chu composed herself. "Yes, a day for celebration!"

After getting dressed and ready, she urged Nanny Sunn to call for the palanquin. She wanted to be the first to arrive at the Imperial Academy, ensuring her granddaughter would see her right away.

Meanwhile, in another part of the palace, Dugu Rou was also busy. Last night's intimacy had left her exhausted, and even the simple act of draping a fur coat over Beiming Yuan made her feel unsteady, causing her to stumble into his arms.

"Are you tired?" Beiming Yuan steadied Dugu Rou, his voice gentle.

"No..." Dugu Rou bit her lip in embarrassment, regaining her balance.

"That's good. Today is the entrance exam for the Imperial Academy, and I want you to accompany me," Beiming Yuan said. Dugu Rou looked up in disbelief, overwhelmed with joy.

In the past, Beiming Yuan only took Dugu Yan, and as a vice consort, she technically didn't have the privilege to accompany him.

"Due to recent events, there are many vacancies in the court. While you're with me, pay attention to this year's students. I plan to promote a few," Beiming Yuan added casually, leaving Dugu Rou feeling both surprised and honored.

Back in the day, Dugu Yan held significant influence at court because she personally promoted many young and talented individuals from the Imperial Academy. These officials were grateful for Dugu Yan's kindness and supported her in every way. Unfortunately, many of these talents were lost in the previous purge.

Dugu Rou was both surprised and honored by the trust Beiming Yuan placed in her.

The entrance exam for the Imperial Academy was always a major event, not only for students aspiring for a bright future but also for the various factions at court seeking to recruit promising talents and strengthen their influence. On this day, all officials took a break from their usual duties, but those ranked second grade and above arrived even earlier than usual, hoping to secure the best seats on the viewing platform to observe each candidate's performance.

As dawn passed, in the hall of the South Suppressing Marquis Mansion, the elderly lady was fastening a protective charm she had obtained from a temple around Feng Xueyao's neck, wiping away a few tears of joy.

"Don't worry, Grandma. I'll definitely secure the top spot in the Wenn Mansion exam and bring honor to the South Suppressing Marquis Mansion!" Feng Xueyao assured her grandmother, gently wiping her tears with determination.

Nearby, Sunn Hexiang chimed in, "Mother, rest assured. Who in the capital can match Yao's literary talent? No one but your granddaughter will claim the top spot in the Wenn Mansion exam!"

Feng Yan didn't say anything, but you could tell from his eyes that he had high hopes for his daughter.

So, when Feng Tiange walked out from the courtyard archway, she saw the lively scene in the hall with people laughing and crying.

"Grandma is playing favorites, only getting a charm for the second sister," Yueya muttered under her breath.

Feng Tiange shrugged it off. "She's been playing favorites for ages. If I don't care, why should you?"

Finally, the day had arrived. Feng Tiange was focused solely on the upcoming entrance exam. No matter who or what tried to interfere, nothing would dampen her spirits.

Today, she was determined to make a name for herself!