Noble Consort Su was slightly annoyed inside, but as a consort mother that cares for her son, she was unable to say anything against it. However, this matter also had two sides. Either his Majesty reprimands her for extending her hand too far, or fondly recall her care towards her son, not even hesitating to go against his order, and thereby softening his attitude towards her. If it’s the former, compared to now, it probably won’t be any worse, but if it’s the latter, then naturally it can’t be better.
As such, Noble Consort Su smilingly thanked Shu Consort Qin.
Shortly after, Noble Consort Su continued sitting for a while, before finally taking her leave with the excuse of feeling tired.
After Shu Consort Qin had the person sent away, her gaze landed on those painting scrolls. She casually picked up one from the lesser pile, opening for a look, merely taking a glance before switching to another two. Shu Consort Qin had an understanding inside. The candidates Shu-shi fancied had high status and were good looking——–although the portraits may lack fidelity, the painters still didn’t dare to be too unreasonable. After all, if the discrepancy is too big, able to see through at a glance, then that was the crime of ‘deceiving the ruler’.
And the people she picked also weren’t limited to a certain faction. After all, the so called factions, aside from a very small minority of people, the rest, actually weren’t able to be divided very clearly. As for the temperament, this was still pending discussion.
At least, judging from the surface, Noble Consort Su seemingly genuinely wanted to pick two pretty good side consorts for her foster son.
However, regardless whether it was being genuine, or having ulterior motives, in any case, it would all just be in vain, because the matter won’t succeed.
As such, Shu Consort Qin also just let go of it, perfunctorily going through the motions.
Just, on the day these young ladies entered the palace, Shu Consort Qin also saw Jing Wan. At first, she was somewhat surprised, but afterwards, also felt it couldn’t be more normal.
Noble Consort Su doing this kind of thing couldn’t be criticized either. After all, it was choosing side consorts for Jin Qinwang, so letting Jin Wangfei look over, hearing her opinion, such a ‘good’ mother-in-law was hard to come by.
However, only those countable few knew that Noble Consort Su was merely trying to disgust Jing Wan.
——–I gave you people, you refused; I let you promote your own servant girls, you also refused. And now? His Majesty has personally issued word, could it be that you can even refuse? The taste of picking someone for one’s own husband, everyone should all have a taste.
Of course, the people that came to watch weren’t few either. It can be said that all the imperial concubines in the entire harem aside from the Empress had all gathered. Even the already pregnant Xian Consort Wei also got grandly escorted over by a crowd.
Seeing Xian Consort Wei getting surrounded by an impenetrable crowd, quite a few imperial concubines gritted their teeth, shredding their handkerchief.
This woman was clearly an enemy country princess, disliked by his Majesty, yet under this kind of circumstance, she was actually even able to get pregnant. And those that used all their abilities, yet still without a child, how could they not wish to devour her alive.
Thus, before the ‘consort selection’ even began, this side already began acting out a live harem battle first.
However, Xian Consort Wei was protected too well. No matter how others provoked, she all ignored, very much composed, further not giving anyone the chance to approach her. That’s why, those imperial concubines that harbored malicious intent, in the end, were also powerless, only able to use their eyes to jab at Xian Consort Wei’s still not prominent stomach, hating that they can’t have it glared out of existence.
Compared to them, regardless whether it was Noble Consort Su, or Shu Consort Qin, they were both very calm, even carrying a sincere look of joy on their face, as if very much looking forward to this child’s birth.
How others were, Shu Consort Qin wasn’t interested in knowing. In any case, she herself didn’t care in the slightest. Whether pregnant or not, either way was fine. If able to give birth, it was also good, if not, then it is what it is. There was no need for her to worry over anything. The people by Xian Consort Wei’s side will have everything prepared appropriately themselves, letting Xian Consort Wei sit peacefully.
Because this matter was given to Shu Consort Qin to fully handle, Noble Consort Su at this time naturally won’t stand out again. Right now, she was currently playing the role of a good mother-in-law, having Jing Wan called to her side, pulling her to chat with an amicable expression, very sincerely teaching Jing Wan how to get along with the side consorts and concubines in the future. It was nothing more than just not needing to have them taken seriously, and regardless of how favored they were by her husband, they were still just a plaything, so no matter what, all unable to surpass her and so on.
Jing Wan absolutely felt like she was about to get goosebumps.
However, since Noble Consort Su wanted to pose as a ‘compassionate mother’, then Jing Wan naturally can also be that ‘filial child’. Aiya, consort mother needs to take care of one’s body more, already not young anymore. If one doesn’t pay attention now, in the future, perhaps when imperial father sees, he will all feel his eyes getting stabbed. That way it won’t be good. Moreover, those servants all ‘flatter the high and step on the low’. If consort mother’s spirit is lacking, then perhaps Min Xiang will just get bullied, and so on.
All in all, if you disgust me, I’ll just step on your wound. No matter how you disgust me, the matter won’t succeed in the end anyways, but me stepping on your wound, that is just true and genuine, who’s scared of who!
Noble Consort Su was smiling, just those eyes towards Jing Wan were seemingly dipped in poison.
Jing Wan was also smiling, but her eyes were also like covered in ice, dark and chillingly cold.
However, in other people’s eyes, the two of them were just harmonious and happy, just like real mother and daughter.
Shu Consort Qin also didn’t deliberately arrange anything either, just letting those young ladies do as they please, and if they have the desire, perform a piece for everyone to see. Those that have certain thoughts, at this time, naturally will fight to show off.
In reality, from their appearance, one for the most part can just make out the rough situation. Regardless whether it was their own desire, or the desire of their family, those that have the thought, all dressed up beautifully, wanting to stand out and steal everyone’s eyes. And those that don’t have the desire just concealed themselves as much as possible, not competing and not standing out.
Shu Consort Qin occasionally called one or two before her to chat. There wasn’t any preference for who she picked, all just randomly picking, occasionally even turning back to inquire Noble Consort Su and Jing Wan’s opinion.
Noble Consort Su was busy coming up with ideas, appearing as if she was exceptionally worried for Jing Wan.
Jing Wan quietly sat there, carrying a nonchalant smile, “This matter, having consort mother and Shu Consort make the decision is enough. This daughter-in-law believes in your eyesight. The ones you pick certainly will be the best.”
In Noble Consort Su’s eyes, Jing Wan was also one that was good at putting on an act. This while, even she was unable to make out whether or not she was really forcing herself to smile. However, Noble Consort Su figured, based on Luo-shi’s jealous nature, this while, she would certainly be feeling unhappy, and if she’s unhappy, then Noble Consort Su will just feel happy.
If Jing Wan knew her thoughts, she would probably just give her three words: ‘Thinking too much.’
As such, more than half the day went by. Aside from some harmless little tricks between these young ladies, everything else didn’t have any hiccups. Towards the end, quite a few imperial concubines felt bored, successively returning to their own palace.
Shu Consort Qin made the decision, keeping them in the palace for a meal.
Afterwards, Shu Consort Qin and Noble Consort Su, as well as Jing Wan, exchanged their opinions, appearing as if already having an understanding inside.
Jing Wan still didn’t have an opinion. Noble Consort Su even reproachfully said, “You’re really……..”
The unspoken words really were redundant. Looking to Shu Consort Qin, her eyes were also fully of helplessness.
In the end, “Since that’s the case, just return to the manor first then. The final candidates, this consort will discuss with Shu Consort.”
This was completely not giving her the chance to talk with Shu Consort alone? Jing Wan smiled, “Then this daughter-in-law will take one’s leave.”
Think that since Jing Wan was unable to come in contact with Shu Consort, she won’t be able to privately communicate with her? Can only say, Noble Consort Su was too naive.
