The Enchanting Imperial Concubine (Book 2)

Chapter 249 - Qin Shi

On the other side, Ye Yun and Zhou Wanrong had been sitting in Yimei Pavilion for half the day and left only after having lunch.

Their conversation revolved around one main topic: whether to recruit the newcomers.

Ye Yun directly refused without hesitation.

Given her current favor and status, she felt she no longer needed to recruit anyone.

Initially, she had brought Zhou Shi under her wing simply because she had not yet established herself and needed support; forming an alliance with Wang Shunyi was also beneficial.

Now, to recruit a newcomer whose future and temperament were unknown? No, thank you.

Ye Yun was more inclined to promote Zhou Shi or, alternatively, to consider Zheng Baolin as an option.

It was clear that Wang Shunyi had already set her sights on a candidate, but after discussing with a few people, she abandoned that idea.

Ultimately, in this group, it was Ye Yun who was carrying the banner.

Wang Shunyi had a daughter and had long lost interest in vying for favor; she spent her days devoted to her daughter. Her alliance with Ye Yun was merely to make life easier in the future.

Zhou Wanrong was even less of a concern; she now followed Ye Yun's lead completely.

So, this matter was settled just like that.

As for Yao Xiang, she had no advantages at the moment, making it difficult to win over newcomers.

With her current level of favor, and being pulled down from the rank of the Nine Consorts by Ye Yun and Yi Shunrong working together, her position was not impressive.

For now, she could only fight her battles alone.

Of course, she could choose to seek refuge with someone else.

However, it was clear that Yao Xiang would not do that; she was too proud.

The selection was held as scheduled.

On this final day, it seemed unreasonable for Ning Chen not to attend, and the Empress Dowager was also invited.

There were only forty remaining, divided into eight groups of five, to be presented in order.

In the first two groups of ten, Ning Chen did not keep a single one, prompting the Empress Dowager to speak up.

"Your Majesty, the selection is meant to expand the royal family; do not be overly demanding about appearances."

Ning Chen lowered his gaze. "Son understands."

The Empress, sitting beside him, gently added, "Those with exceptional qualities, like Yi Shunrong and Ming Xiurong, are indeed rare."

"Serving the Emperor based on looks is not a good thing. As the Empress, you should advise the Emperor," the Empress Dowager scoffed.

Her words were somewhat harsh, directly implying that Yi Shunrong and Ye Yun were serving the Emperor based on their looks.

It was evident that the Empress Dowager did not like the two of them.

Of course, the Empress's remarks were also a reminder to the Empress Dowager not to select those who were excessively beautiful.

Ning Chen glanced at the Empress without saying anything.

Ultimately, he remained silent.

However, in the next batch of newcomers, only two were retained.