Story of Consort Xi

Chapter 1: Daughter of Niohuru Family

It was the winter of the forty-third year under Emperor Kang Xi's rule, the capital has long been covered by a blanket of snow that has lasted for days. The streets were empty, as most commoners stayed within their homes for warmth.

Within one of the many courtyard houses in the southern side of the outer city, a woman in her mid-forties paced anxiously up and down the hall. From time to time, she glanced across the courtyard to the tightly closed front door.

"Madam, would you stop moving, it's giving me a headache", her husband, Niohuru Ling Zhu sitting at the side glanced up in exasperation.

While her pacing slowed down, Fu Cha's anxiety remained: "Why is it taking Rong Lu so long, did something happen to him? At the very least you are a Lower Four ranking official in the Ministry of Rites [1], it wouldn't really matter if you use your connections to ask for the results of the Court Examination, right?"

Ling Zhu smiled wryly: "You also know I'm just a Lower Four ranking official, it's an empty title with no real power. Moreover, I am already in a sticky situation, as I offended Assistant Minister Shi Zhong De previously. Sigh, even my wages this year was severely penalised."

"Bang!", the courtyard door flew open immediately after Ling Zhu's rant. A dainty figure darted across the snow-covered courtyard, leaving behind a line of foot imprints.

"Father! Mother! I saw the messengers! They are heading towards our house now!", the figure removed her hood from her head, revealing a face full of excitement. She is none other than their eldest daughter, Niohuru Ling Ruo.

The couple looked at each other in excitement and headed out with their daughter hastily to greet the messengers.

The two messengers in dull red imperial robes congratulated: "Your son Rong Lu did well in the Court Examination, and His Majesty has granted him 2nd Degree, 7th Position.

2nd Degree, 7th Position!

Ling Zhu was overjoyed after hearing the results. The Court Examination is only held once every three years. Candidates must first go through Entry-level Exams, then the Provincial Exams held in the respective provincial cities, before the Metropolitan Exams held in the Capital. Only then would 300 candidates be selected to qualify for the Court Examination, that would be held in the Imperial Palace, and supervised by the Emperor himself.

Although Rong Lu did not pass with 1st Degree [2], his achievement cannot be looked down upon. Candidates who managed to qualify for the Court Examination are all top scholars with great talents. It is not an easy feat to be ranked amongst the top few position. Most importantly, Rong Lu is still young, merely 22 years old. He indeed has a promising and bright future ahead.

Similarly, Fu Cha was thrilled to hear the news: "I always knew the good days would be coming. Rong Lu has secured a high position in the Exam. Ling Ruo has also found someone she loves. Yi Lan and Rong Xiang are gradually growing up well too. Everything is going to get better!"

Hearing her mother mentioning her relationship, Ling Ruo blushed. Seeing his daughter getting flustered, Ling Zhu smiled: "Rong Yuan will definitely treat you well. Your mother and I have watched him grow up since young, nobody else knows his character as well as we do. We know that you have always regarded love over wealth, hence Rong Yuan is your best match. Once Rong Lu has secured a position in the Ministry, your mother and I will hold your wedding."

"Indeed", Fu Cha exclaimed. "It is time for our family to hold this joyous occasion."

Ling Ruo nodded in joy. God is fair, although she was not born into a wealthy family that can provide her with a luxurious lifestyle, she is blessed with a loving family. While other parents want their daughters to be selected into the Imperial Harem in their pursue for wealth and power, her parents fully supported her in chasing her own love and desires. She only dreams to be together with her true love eternally, just like her own parents. Ordinary, but blessed.

[1] One of the Six Ministries that made up the main central government structure in Qing dynasty. The Ministry of Rites was in charge of state ceremonies, rituals and sacrifices; it also oversaw registers for Buddhist and Daoist priesthoods and even the reception of envoys from tributary states. It also managed the imperial examinations.

[2] Only includes the top 3 positions, which are namely Zhuang Yuan, Bang Yan and Tan Hua.