CH 216

Villainous Emperor (16)

When Song Xu Yi arrived at the selection venue, she realized that there were more people signing up than she had imagined. Among the beautiful women of various shapes and sizes, Song Xu Yi’s cute appearance was not eye-catching enough, lacking in pure elegance.

And the one in charge of the selection was still an old acquaintance of Song Xu Yi’s, the High Priest Fu Sheng of the Hidden Moon Sect.

Nowadays, the Hidden Moon Sect has become the state religion of the Jiang Kingdom, and Fu Sheng, who is almost second to none in the Jiang Kingdom, is responsible for the selection. No wonder there are rumors circulating that it is for the selection of a consort for Jiang Ruoyu, attracting people to come and sign up eagerly.

Fu Sheng casually sat at the back of the queue, with a nanny from the Hidden Moon Sect in front of him responsible for the selection. The women formed a long line, and only those who passed the nanny’s selection could proceed to the stage where Fu Sheng made the final selection.

In this public selection method, most of the candidates were commoner girls. Noble ladies like the protagonist Lin Zhu didn’t need to show up in person. Their family members had already submitted their portraits in front of Fu Sheng.

Song Xu Yi speculated that all of this might be a game between Lin Zhu and her father, Prime Minister Lin Chengxiang. After all, Lin Zhu had already privately agreed to a lifelong relationship with the male lead, Jiang Bai. Prime Minister Lin was probably dissatisfied with this development, following the original plot summary, so he preemptively submitted the portrait and spread the news throughout the city, completely cutting off Lin Zhu’s path and trying to get her into the palace.

But these were merely Song Xu Yi’s guesses.

Most commoner girls didn’t pay as much attention to their demeanor as noble young ladies did. As the line moved forward, the two girls in front of Song Xu Yi began whispering.

“Sister Wang, do you think Her Majesty… really likes women?” The girl in pink gently nudged the girl in blue in front of her and blushed as she spoke softly, “Her Majesty is so beautiful! I’m not saying I want to be like Her Majesty, I just want to earn some blessings and money, but… looking at such a beautiful person every day must surely bring joy…”

Upon hearing these words, Song Xu Yi couldn’t help but curl her lips. She didn’t expect to encounter a top-level “beauty chaser” from ancient times here. In fact, Song Xu Yi couldn’t help but feel a bit inferior. While she may be someone who values appearance, at least she wouldn’t go as far as this girl, intending to enter the palace solely for the sake of Jiang Ruoyu’s beautiful face. Didn’t she realize that the more beautiful something was, the more dangerous it could be?

“But you used to say that I’m the most beautiful in the world,” the girl in blue retorted, turning her head with a snort. Despite her efforts to maintain a calm tone, her eyes revealed a mix of anger, “With your fickle nature, if you enter the palace, that dog eat dog place will only bring trouble. It’s best to focus on making money and not entertain other thoughts. After the blessings are over, come back home with me…”

“I won’t be so useless!” The girl in pink made a funny face and hugged the girl in blue, beginning to act coquettish, “I’m not afraid of others harming me. I know you, Sister Wang, will protect me. You treat me the best in this world…”

“Don’t act cute with me, that won’t work!” The girl in blue raised her head high, a cold smile appearing on her face while her ears quietly turned red…

Song Xu Yi watched all of this, and a faint smile unconsciously appeared at the corner of her lips. Sometimes, the people involved were unaware, but outsiders could see clearly. These two clearly had feelings for each other, but they were keeping it hidden for now.

However, Song Xu Yi immediately suppressed the smile on her lips. She felt that she should maintain a proper stance! After all, she was on Jiang Ruoyu’s side. Even if she didn’t know whether Jiang Ruoyu truly liked women or not, if these women were really chosen as concubines for Jiang Ruoyu under the guise of blessings by the Hidden Moon Sect, and it seemed like Jiang Ruoyu might face a bit of trouble, she couldn’t smile at a time like this…

Song Xu Yi’s thoughts wandered absentmindedly, and before long, it was their turn in the line.

The girl in blue had a cold and captivating beauty, while the girl in pink had a charming and innocent demeanor. Each had their own unique qualities. The nanny casually asked them a few questions and then let them proceed to the next stage with Fu Sheng.

Now it was Song Xu Yi’s turn. Compared to the previous two girls who had exceptional beauty, Song Xu Yi’s current appearance, with a hint of baby fat on her tender face, though cute, seemed somewhat ordinary upon closer inspection. The nanny glanced at Song Xu Yi and lowered her head, asking questions perfunctorily.

“What is your name and surname?”

“Liu, Liu Yi.” Song Xu Yi had previously told Jiang Ruoyu her name, so she naturally didn’t dare to reveal her real name now.

“What are your strengths?”

“…Medical skills.” Song Xu Yi carefully thought about it and realized that compared to many noble daughters in this era who were taught music, chess, calligraphy, and painting from a young age, she indeed didn’t have many attractive qualities. But in an instant, Song Xu Yi inwardly scolded herself: She had probably been influenced by rumors! She came here to find Jiang Ruoyu, not to become Jiang Ruoyu’s wife…

Clearly, Song Xu Yi’s answer didn’t satisfy the nanny. The nanny furrowed her brows, indicating that she wanted to send Song Xu Yi home. Song Xu Yi was prepared for the possibility of being rejected. However, before the nanny could speak, a warm voice came from behind:

“The girl in white clothes, yes, you, in front of nanny Huang. Can you come over for a moment?”

Song Xu Yi raised her eyebrows and, in an instant, realized that Fu Sheng was calling her. She stepped forward and stood in front of Fu Sheng.

Eight years had passed, and Fu Sheng still exuded a graceful demeanor. Despite having consolidated his power, for some reason, he didn’t possess the vibrant aura that Song Xu Yi had imagined. Instead, he seemed somewhat fatigued.

“I just heard you say that you’re skilled in medical arts?” Fu Sheng’s eyes held their usual smile as he assessed Song Xu Yi. Upon receiving Song Xu Yi’s affirmative response, Fu Sheng pondered for a moment and glanced at her. “You can stay for now. If your medical skills truly pass the test, I will arrange a position for you in a couple of days.”

Song Xu Yi’s initial reaction was that Fu Sheng had recognized her. However, upon closer inspection, Fu Sheng’s appearance clearly indicated otherwise.

After some consideration, Song Xu Yi realized that while approaching the Hidden Moon Sect carried some risks, it would also provide an opportunity to gather information unknown to the outside world. Reflecting on this, Song Xu Yi calmly expressed her gratitude and didn’t refuse this opportunity that had presented itself.

Once the selection was concluded, Song Xu Yi joined the girls chosen by Fu Sheng and headed to the inn arranged by the Hidden Moon Sect.

In the following days, Song Xu Yi would learn etiquette alongside the other girls and then enter the palace together after a few days.

To Song Xu Yi’s surprise, Fu Sheng showed great interest in her. In order to test her medical skills, Fu Sheng brought a sick woman from the nearby medical clinic. After Song Xu Yi diagnosed the woman’s condition and prescribed medicine, it wasn’t until her prescription received approval from the clinic’s senior physician that Fu Sheng smiled and allowed Song Xu Yi to return to her room.

While the other girls focused on learning etiquette, Song Xu Yi had to learn a wider range of things. Fu Sheng invited a renowned storytelling master to teach Song Xu Yi storytelling, a skilled performer to teach her basic tricks, and even a woman skilled in hairstyling to instruct Song Xu Yi in the art of hairdressing.

Song Xu Yi was puzzled by these arrangements, but following the principle of expanding her skills, she earnestly learned everything Fu Sheng requested.

Fu Sheng’s attitude clearly indicated that Song Xu Yi was not among the eighty-one girls selected for entry into the palace. Perhaps it was due to the rumors. Most of the chosen girls were wary of each other, but when faced with Song Xu Yi, who seemed non-threatening to them, many appeared friendly.

Song Xu Yi got along well with the group of girls in the following days and heard quite a bit of gossip. Since they were entering the palace to pray for Jiang Ruoyu, the topic most discussed among the girls naturally revolved around Jiang Ruoyu.

Some of the girls were merely focused on the generous rewards promised by the Hidden Moon Sect, while the majority of them believed the rumors about filling the harem for Jiang Ruoyu. They were attracted by Jiang Ruoyu’s status and appearance.

“You don’t know, Liu Yi, on the day of the new Emperor’s ascension, during the ceremony held on the city wall, Jiang Ruoyu was so beautiful that she didn’t look like an ordinary person. She resembled a divine goddess descending to earth. Many people were mesmerized that day. I heard that many young masters from prestigious families broke their heads trying to enter the palace. There were even men who disguised themselves as women and attempted to sneak into the selection process…”

Song Xu Yi recalled the glimpse of Jiang Ruoyu she caught that night and had to admit that Jiang Ruoyu possessed captivating allure.

In an instant, that little bean sprout who barely reached her thigh seemed to have transformed into a stunning beauty who could drive both men and women crazy with desire.

As she listened to the girls’ longing for Jiang Ruoyu and thought about her own efforts in nurturing Jiang Ruoyu all along the way, Song Xu Yi had a peculiar feeling. It was as if she was an undercover mother among the prospective wives, observing one girl finding another attractive, another girl being virtuous, and yet another girl being intelligent… She would see one and think about introducing her to Jiang Ruoyu once she was out of danger.

This was probably an annoyance that even an Emperor couldn’t escape. Song Xu Yi even had the impulse for Jiang Ruoyu to keep all the girls, but then she remembered how she had thought Jiang Ruoyu was still young and hadn’t had the chance to instill in her the concept of a lifelong monogamous love. Who knows, maybe Jiang Ruoyu had truly become a flirtatious person…

While Song Xu Yi learned skills during the day and replenished her divine powers at night, time quickly passed, and the day to enter the palace arrived soon.

Song Xu Yi hadn’t expected that Fu Sheng would introduce her to Jiang Ruoyu’s biological mother.

Due to the conflicts of the past few years, the palace had become emptier. After instructing the remaining disciples to bring the others to the courtyard where the palace maids resided, Fu Sheng personally led Song Xu Yi deeper into the palace.

He stood in front of the sleeping quarters of the Empress Dowager Dong Rou. Despite being the influential High Priest, when faced with the palace maid in front of the Empress Dowager’s chamber, he acted unusually polite.

“How has the Empress Dowager been feeling these past few days?”

“Still good.”

“Could you please inform her for me?”

Fu Sheng waited outside the palace, his eyes showing a hint of uneasiness. The palace maid turned and entered the chamber, but soon came back out, shaking her head with a troubled expression toward Fu Sheng.

“High Priest, the Empress Dowager still refuses to see you.”

Fu Sheng’s expression showed a hint of disappointment, but he seemed prepared for rejection and didn’t insist further. He then introduced Song Xu Yi to the palace maid, saying, “This child is skilled in medicine and has also learned storytelling and magic tricks. When the Empress Dowager’s leg condition flares up, let this child accompany her…”

The palace maid politely thanked Fu Sheng and, after he left, led Song Xu Yi to the rear courtyard. However, she didn’t come to see Song Xu Yi in the following days.

Song Xu Yi couldn’t help but feel that Fu Sheng’s attitude towards Dong Rou was somewhat strange. She wanted to go and check on Jiang Ruoyu, but as someone presented by Fu Sheng, she was closely monitored within the Empress Dowager’s palace and couldn’t go anywhere except for the rear courtyard.

However, a turn of events occurred a few days later.

Dong Rou had spent many years in the Cold Palace, and although she was eventually released due to Song Xu Yi’s intervention, the years in the Cold Palace had left a lingering illness. Dong Rou’s health had been poor all these years, especially during weather changes. Her legs would ache so severely that she couldn’t walk, despite seeing numerous imperial physicians without any improvement.

On this day, during heavy rain, there was a commotion in the front hall. Dong Rou’s leg ailment flared up with greater intensity this time, seemingly worse than before. Song Xu Yi, considering Dong Rou’s gentle and determined nature, planned to secretly channel divine power to help her. However, to her surprise, Fu Sheng rushed into the Empress Dowager’s palace and directly instructed the palace maids to call for Song Xu Yi.

By the time Song Xu Yi arrived at Dong Rou’s chamber, the rain had already stopped. She stood at the door, unsure whether to enter or not.

Inside the room, an argument was taking place.

Dong Rou, living up to her name, was originally an incredibly gentle and resilient woman. However, at that moment, her voice could be heard sternly berating Fu Sheng. “Fu Sheng, get out! Do you think I don’t know what wicked ambitions you harbor? The Dong Kingdom has already perished! Yet, you insist on harming us, mother and daughter!”

“Give me back my innocent and sensible daughter–“

Fu Sheng’s voice no longer carried its usual calmness. “Rou’er, I truly didn’t know she was your daughter… Yes, I did have the idea of making her the vessel for the Divine Attractor, considering her royal bloodline. Once she ascended the throne, it would signify the revival of our Dong Kingdom. But I didn’t have the chance…”

“Believe me, it was all a series of unfortunate misunderstandings!”

……

As Song Xu Yi listened, everything became clear:

According to the original plot summary, Jiang Ruoyu possessed such immense power, and it was likely that Fu Sheng had sought her out to inherit the power of the Divine Attractor. The Hidden Moon Sect was merely a smokescreen in Fu Sheng’s mind. What he truly desired all along was the restoration of the Dong Kingdom.

Fu Sheng had long set his sights on Jiang Ruoyu, but he didn’t anticipate that she would go to Guozhou early and allow the Divine Attractor to possess her, thus disrupting his plans…

“Have you heard enough?”

A voice suddenly chuckled from behind Song Xu Yi. Startled, she instinctively turned around and saw Jiang Ruoyu standing on the rooftop.

Jiang Ruoyu stood on the rooftop, dressed in black attire. Her figure blended almost seamlessly with the darkness, but her face shone like a dazzling gem in the night. The darkness did not diminish her unparalleled beauty.

A smirk formed at the corner of Jiang Ruoyu’s lips, seemingly a smile, but her eyes held no amusement.

“Have you thought about how you’re going to die?”

Jiang Ruoyu spoke lightly, her tone calm as if discussing the weather. “A little eavesdropping mouse, aren’t you?”

The author has something to say:

Jiang Ruoyu: Regarding the incident where my mother’s former lover handed over my secret crush to her…