Chapter 941 - 935: Conditions for Selecting a Consort
The Emperor glanced at Jin Zijin and said in a low voice, "That’s true, Zijin, what do you think?"
Jin Zijin stood up and replied, "The Empress Dowager is wise, I will listen to the Empress Dowager."
This obedience struck others as odd, but the Empress Dowager didn’t think much of it and was naturally very pleased.
"Good, since that is settled... Empress, select some good candidates from among those suitable young ladies of good family in Beijing. I want to see them myself."
The usually reticent Noble Consort Sheng suddenly stood up, respectfully greeted the Empress Dowager, and said, "Mother, just last year concubines were selected for King Jin and Prince Qin. At the time, nobody knew there was another Prince who has now reached the marriageable age with good family credentials. The girls of suitable age and good family have all already been designated to King Jin and Prince Qin. Selecting for the elder Prince now, it naturally won’t be possible to find someone whose family background surpasses those of King Jin and Prince Qin’s wives."
The Emperor at her side furrowed his brows and looked at both Noble Consort Sheng and Jin Zijin with surprise. After a moment, he said, "My consort speaks the truth. Waiting another two years would indeed offer more choices. However, Zijin is already of age and cannot wait. Mother, for Zijin’s selection of a wife, let’s not focus on whether the family background is good or not. There are many women of less distinguished families who are talented and beautiful. Let us prioritize integrity and choose women of unblemished family backgrounds. What do you think?"
"That’s fine, of course that would be acceptable. Since both Noble Consort Sheng and Your Majesty have said so, this time let’s choose a woman who is both talented and beautiful... Then..." She glanced at the Empress whose expression had soured and continued, "Let Noble Consort Sheng handle this matter!"
The responsibility had been transferred from the Empress in an instant, and her expression worsened.