Ruyi's Palace Affairs

The red walls and golden roof tiles of the Forbidden City gleamed beneath the sunlight, radiating an imposing majesty. One palace gate after another opened, as if revealing the mystery and solemn grandeur of the imperial court to the world. It was the Yongzheng era, and the important selection of imperial consorts had come around once more. The entire capital was filled with an atmosphere of nervous anticipation. Qingying, a young woman of the illustrious Ulanara clan, was among the vast procession of candidates. Graceful in figure and light on her feet, she was like a cherry blossom in spring, fresh, refined, vivid, and lovely. Her eyes were like a pool of clear spring water, bright and limpid, and when she glanced around, they held a hint of...