The Step Empress

ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝕆𝕟𝕖

"By the decree of Emperor Xu Feng every lady of the eight banner must come to the palace for the concubine selection. By the Emperor Himself," declared the Eunuch.

"We will oblige to the Emperor's decree," said all my family member as we stand up from kneeling by showing our respect to the decree.

Soon, after the eunuch has left the house, we eat our family dinner in silent. I glanced at both of my parents, then to my little sister, Wen Ling Li.

"Jiejie (older sister), aren't you happy to join the selection?" she ask. As the elder daughter of a noble Wen family, I have been born and raised to wed into the same, or even better prestigious noble family.

As a lady, marriage wasn't something I should decide, but instead it was something my parents would take care of. I'm one of many ladies who believe that love could be built throughout times so the idea of leaving it up to my parents doesn't really bothered me.

But marrying to the imperial family is different. Actually, I'm not even confident that the Emperor would choose someone like me to his consort- even if he does, I don't know if I could fight my way and maintain my position.

There are many evil schemes in the harem. "Of course I'm happy, Meimei (little sister). Why wouldn't I be happy?" I smiled, as I continue my dinner.

"You don't really look like one," she frown. "Mei Zhen," called my father, "I know you have complicated feelings about this.. It's an obligation and I can't help you either. I just want you to try your best at least for the sake of the family."

"I understand, father. I, too, want the best for the family," I said. "Alright.. To keep your spirits up for tomorrow, I make a special dessert for you tonight," said my mother.

"Plum moon cake?!" I exclaimed.

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"My Lady, it's time to get up," I heard someone said. I squinted my eyes as I felt the bright sun on the windows and the tugged of my blankets.

"Umh... Later, A Cha.. Give me ten minutes," I groaned as I try to fall back asleep.

"Mei Zhen! Wake up or else you're going to be late! Today is the concubine selection day!" I jerked up hearing my mother's roar.

"Oh my God. A Cha, hurry! Help me get ready," I said to my maid in waiting. She hurried me to the inside room of my bedroom that consist of dresses and jewels.

"What has mother prepared for me?" I ask. "This one, My Lady."

I take a look at my dress. "It's.. blue," I said. Blue isn't really my favourite colour. Red, it is.

"My Lady you must have forgotten. The red colour is for the Empress only," she seems taken aback by what I said. Right. Even an Imperial Noble Consort wouldn't be allowed to wear the nicest colour of red, because the only one allowed to is the Empress.

After wearing my dress, mother came into the room with my sister. They're all supervising my appearance for the last time.

"Don't you think the flower is too much?" I ask, not really want to annoy the Emperor of too much jewelry. "If you feel like it's too much, it's okay to take it off. All you need is just be yourself and remember all the etiquette and manners we all have taught you all this time."

I smiled as my mother took my hand on her. "Thank you mother. I will make you and father proud."

The road to the palace was very crowded. There were a lot of carriages, some of which I know the banner of. A lot of people streaming down the streets just to see the crowd.

I felt nervous and uneasy. What if I really get in? And what if I don't? Honestly, what is it I'm searching for? Is it better to avoid getting in, or going all out?

I sighed deeply as the I could see the palace just a few steps closer. Whatever the results is, I let fate guide me.