After most of the ladies had finished showcasing their talents, Consort Xian and Consort Zhuang exchanged a glance.
Consort Xian cleared her throat and said with a smile, “Sister Zhuang, don’t you feel that the younger generation is surpassing the older? Today has truly been an eye-opening experience for me.”
Consort Zhuang smiled gently: “The student surpasses the master, that’s how the world works. If Sister Xian feels envious, there’s no need.”
Consort Xian laughed heartily: “At my age, how could I compare with these flower-like young ladies? It’s just that these children are all so talented, I find it hard to judge who’s better.”
“Indeed,” Consort Zhuang nodded slightly.
Consort Xian looked towards Prince Shu and Yu Jin: “How about this? Today, let the two princes choose the most outstanding noble ladies on behalf of myself and Consort Zhuang. This way, we can give out the small gifts we’ve prepared. What do you think, Your Highnesses?”
Prince Shu stood up and cupped his hands: “If the Consorts trust me, this prince will boldly make a selection. If my judgment is poor, I ask for the Consorts’ and the ladies’ forgiveness.”
Yu Jin didn’t show Prince Shu’s modesty, appearing quite forthright: “Thank you, Consort, for giving your son this opportunity.”
Consort Xian and Consort Zhuang smiled without speaking, while the ladies quietly blushed.
Whether it was Prince Shu’s graceful manner or Prince Yan’s peerless handsomeness, they all looked forward to the upcoming flower bestowal.
They wondered how many would be selected today.
Soon, two palace maids came forward, each carrying a flower basket filled with several green plum blossoms.
The ladies tried their best to maintain a calm expression, but they had already started counting the number of green plum blossoms.
One, two…
Each basket contained six plum blossoms. The plum branches in one basket were tied with pink ribbons, while those in the other basket were tied with blue ribbons.
The ladies’ spirits lifted, suddenly becoming energized.
With six plum blossoms in each basket, it meant that each prince would select six candidates. This way, twelve people among those present would be chosen, which wasn’t a small chance.
Seeing the palace maids stand before the two princes, Consort Xian nodded slightly, indicating they could begin.
Prince Shu looked at Yu Jin.
Yu Jin smiled and said, “Sixth Brother, please go first.”
“Then your elder brother will not decline,” Prince Shu said as he drew out a plum blossom tied with a blue ribbon and walked toward the ladies.
As he approached, the ladies’ hearts began to race.
When he reached Jiang Si’s side, Prince Shu’s steps faltered slightly, but then he continued forward.
He sighed long and deep in his heart: Well, this is about choosing a primary consort, not a concubine. Family background and character are far more important than appearance.
I can’t act on impulse, I can’t disappoint Mother…
Yu Jin stared intently at Prince Shu’s back, his lips curling slightly upward.
The Sixth Brother was being sensible after all.
But at this moment, Prince Shu, who had already walked past Jiang Si, suddenly turned around, strode back, and placed the plum blossom in his hand on the white jade plate in front of Jiang Si.
To hell with family background and character being more important than beauty! Whoever said that must not have seen a girl beautiful enough, let alone one who could make budding plum blossoms bloom!