Allure of a Country Maiden
Chapter 481 - 479

Chapter 481: 479

After the New Year, the Empress Dowager couldn’t wait to start the selection process for the court beauties.

The Empress Dowager decreed that all families with officials of sixth-rank or above, with daughters at least thirteen years old and not yet betrothed, must participate in the selection.

Looking at the list prepared by the Empress, the Empress Dowager questioned, "Apart from the Princess of Rui’an, isn’t there another girl from the Marquis Shengping’s Mansion who is eligible for this selection? Why isn’t she on the list?"

Replying to the Empress Dowager, the Empress relayed what Xiao’er had told her: "There is another daughter from the Marquis Shengping’s household. But since her childhood, she has been verbally engaged, and the marriage will only be discussed if the man does not propose when she turns fifteen."

"I see. It’s a pity though. That girl seems fine to me." The Empress Dowager thought of the fact the Marquis Shengping came from a peasant background. If his daughter is engaged to a peasant, isn’t it like her being betrothed to one as well? Considering the Marquis’s current status, it would be permissible for his daughter to marry the Crown Prince. However, the early betrothal means a lower marriage status. The Empress Dowager felt a little sympathy for Yun’er.

Nonetheless, this gave her newfound respect for the Marquis Shengping. Regardless of gaining wealth, he didn’t backtrack from his early promise. His honorable commitment was now seen in a new light by the Empress Dowager.

The selection process was carried out fervently, with the Empress collaborating closely with the Empress Dowager.

Amongst countless dazzling women, the Emperor was finally offered ten beauties to reside in the palace.

The Empress Dowager and the Empress, after discussing, selected the main wives for the Second, Third, and Fourth Princes as well.

Ruan Weizhen, the daughter of Shuntian Mansion’s Fu Yin, was chosen for Prince Shangguan Xuanhao, the Second Prince.

Li Mingfang, the daughter of General Li, was chosen for the Third Prince.

Gu Qiqi, the granddaughter of the Imperial Master, was chosen for the Fourth Prince.

The selections were made based on the Princes’ preferences.

Initially, the Empress Dowager didn’t like Li Mingfang because she had been engaged before. But, since the Third Prince liked her, the Empress Dowager agreed. The Empress Dowager found the Third Prince, who was not favored by the Emperor, to have a difficult life.

Outside in the bamboo, a few branches of peach blossom emerged. The warm spring river was a sign that, after a long winter, spring had finally arrived.

After the selection was completed, the Longtaitou Festival, which falls on the second day of the second month, arrived.

During this day, the common folk would often make spring pancakes and eat wontons — a tradition symbolizing the start of a good year. They would also get haircuts, a gesture also known as "shaving the dragon’s head."

A "pick vegetables" royal banquet would be held in the palace.

Officials of fourth-rank and above, and their families, could participate.

Shen Chengyao and the officials from the Ministry of Rites had been busy preparing for this "pick vegetables" royal banquet for a while.

In the Imperial Garden, many floral racks were placed. On the racks were small pots planted with various fresh vegetables: lettuce, spinach, rapeseed...all of which already had two or three leaves sprouting off. Also, there were chili, eggplant, and tomatoes, among others, which were about half a finger high.

Small pots were designed exquisitely, with plants looking lively and radiant.

The name of each vegetable would be written on silk and placed under the pot for people to guess.

The areas for men and women to "pick vegetables" were separated by screens. The Emperor and Empress would give rewards or punishments based on the results of the guesses.

Seeing that this "vegetable picking" setup was quite poetic, the Empress Dowager, who had been tired from the strenuous selection process, perked up.

"This is the first time in many years that I’ve seen such a poetic ’vegetable picking’ banquet. The Imperial Garden is also beautifully decorated today, pleasing to the eye without causing any confusion! The Empress has arranged it well."

"I couldn’t have managed it on my own, these were all the ideas of the Princess of Rui’an. And not just that, this year the names of vegetables aren’t directly written on the silk. Instead, there are riddles. If someone can’t guess the vegetable from looking at the pot, they can try to solve the riddle, and if they still can’t guess, then they will be punished!"

"Oh, the Princess of Rui’an is indeed talented." The Empress Dowager nodded in approval, laughing.

"Indeed, the Princess of Rui’an is truly clever and skillful. I was fortunate to visit the garden of Marquis Shengping’s Mansion, and it was simply picturesque everywhere! An absolute feast for the eyes!"

"Yes, yes, yes, even ordinary plants have been arranged so elegantly and warmly that they don’t seem ordinary at all."

"After listening to your praises, I am eager to see it for myself."

Upon hearing the Empress Dowager’s remarks, Mrs. Li spoke: "The Empress Dowager doesn’t need to go to the Marquis Shengping’s Mansion. Why not have the Princess of Rui’an come and decorate the Imperial Garden?"

When Mrs. Li made this suggestion, the entire room fell silent. No one responded, not even the Empress Dowager.

An Imperial Princess decorating the Imperial Garden? That goes against etiquette!

With no one responding, Mrs. Li continued: "What do you think, Princess of Rui’an? Would you like to decorate the Imperial Garden for the Empress Dowager?"

Xiao’er laughed, "Of course, I would. However, I am still young and lack the strength for many heavy tasks. How about this? I can draw the design plan for the Imperial Garden, and Mrs. Li can carry out the décor. Being the wife of a general and having accompanied her husband on military campaigns, Mrs. Li must be stronger than me. What do you say, Mrs. Li? Would you be willing?"

The ladies and girls in the audience thought, the Princess of Rui’an sure knew how not to be taken advantage of.

Drawing a plan for the Imperial Garden is a sign of the Princess’s talent.

Doing the décor herself is nothing but a gardener’s work, something servants do! Mrs. Li was trying to humiliate the Princess earlier; she didn’t expect her to flip the situation back on her, forcing her to agree.

A second-rank ordained lady doing a gardener’s work! How could she have any face left in this circle?

Mrs. Li’s face stiffened momentarily but quickly registered a smile: "Of course, I am willing."

"You all have good intentions, but the garden is quite well done as it is. Why need more changes? It’s impractical and wasteful." The Empress Dowager spoke, resolving Mrs. Li’s embarrassment.

"The Empress Dowager truly sets an example for all women, always caring for the people."

"The Empress Dowager is wise. I also think the Imperial Garden is already beautiful enough. If it were any more beautiful, I fear I might want to laze around in the palace and never leave."

...All the ladies in attendance racked their brains to shower praise on the Empress Dowager.

At this time, the men’s side erupted in compliments and applause.

The Empress then announced, "It seems they have already started on the other side, and it sounds quite lively. Let’s start too. I can’t wait to see who gets punished."

"We have all done our homework and definitely won’t be punished, right, ladies?" Li Mingfang asked the young ladies present.

"Yes, indeed! Today we came here for the private collections of the Empress Dowager and the Empress."

"After hearing you all speak, I am having some regrets. Can we disband now? I need to save some of my private collection for the Fifth Princess’s dowry. Please go easy on me!" The Empress feigned regret.

"Look how stingy you are being, Empress. Everyone, please guess without worry. I, as the Princess Royal, will ensure the Fifth Princess’s dowry. How could I let her get married without a dowry?"