Those chosen beamed with joy, while those rejected wept into their sleeves.
Amidst the crowd, Bai Wutong lifted her eyes slightly.
She had already anticipated her rejection.
It was common knowledge that no one in the palace could conceive. In the hope of securing an heir, the Empress Dowager and the others were searching for women deemed capable of childbearing. Whether by family background or her own physique, Bai Wutong did not fit the bill.
However, she had already laid the groundwork.
"Meow!"
A cat's cry echoed through the hall.
A white shadow darted into the palace.
It was a Cat-Spirit with snow-white fur, fluffy and delightful. A golden bell hung around its neck, tinkling crisply with every move.
The Empress Dowager stood up, hurriedly calling out to the palace maids, "Quickly, catch Fubao! How did it manage to run out?"
Everyone turned their gaze toward the white creature.
So, this was Fubao, the animal kept by the Empress Dowager. It was said to eat and live in luxury, with a dedicated palace maid to wait on it hand and foot—a life better than that of some imperial concubines.
No woman in this palace could give birth, except for this cat, which produced litter after litter. Every litter consisted of several kittens, all plump and sturdy, and every single one survived.
The Empress Dowager viewed it as an auspicious sign, frequently holding it in her arms, hoping it would bring good news to the Imperial Palace.
The palace maids, terrified of hurting Fubao, could only call out softly, "Master Fubao, come here to this servant."
Fubao sat proudly on the ground, licking its fur. If anyone dared to approach, it would hiss, its sharp teeth keeping everyone at a distance.
Suddenly, it leapt up and dove straight into the group of candidates.
The women screamed and scattered.
Only Bai Wutong remained standing where she was.
As the Cat-Spirit’s sharp claws reached for her face, some closed their eyes, unable to bear the sight.
The third daughter of the Xun family was truly unlucky to have been targeted by the beast.
Even if she were injured or disfigured, she would have nowhere to seek justice; she might even be blamed by the Imperial family for shedding blood on the day of the selection.
But the expected screams never came.
Everyone looked up, only to see Fubao, stripped of its former ferocity, curled up obediently in Bai Wutong’s arms, extending its tongue to lick her cheek incessantly.
Bai Wutong let out a light laugh, as melodious as silver bells.
As she hugged Fubao, her sleeves slipped, revealing a slender, fair wrist. When she bowed slightly, her collar was tugged open by the cat’s paws, revealing a glimpse of delicate beauty.
Perhaps due to the influence of their physical health, women in the palace usually spoke in loud, resonant voices.
This was the first time Zhang Chengyan had heard such a soft and graceful tone.
His gaze deepened as he looked at Bai Wutong.
The Empress Dowager exclaimed in surprise, "Fubao has always only been close to me; even the palace maids who tend to it day and night cannot get near it. I never expected it to be so fond of you."
Bai Wutong set Fubao down and knelt. "Your Majesty, Empress Dowager, this maiden does not know why. Please forgive me."
The Empress Dowager beckoned, "Fubao, come here."
Bai Wutong looked down.
Fubao’s long, vertical pupils, glowing with a golden hue, met her gaze.
It let out a cry, raised its tail, and walked step by step toward the Empress Dowager, leaping gracefully into the arms of the most exalted woman in the land.
The Empress Dowager stroked its fur. "That’s enough, you may all leave."
Fubao’s fur stood on end instantly. It jumped down and dove back into Bai Wutong’s arms.
The implication was clear: if they sent her away, it would surely follow her out.
"Why is Fubao so disobedient today?"
Zhang Chengyan withdrew his gaze and, appearing indifferent, said coolly, "Mother, since this maiden has been chosen by Fubao, she must be blessed. Why not let her stay?"
The Empress Dowager pondered for a moment before nodding. "Keep her name tag."
Though the Emperor had taken a liking to her beauty, she would never let him waste his energy on a concubine who likely couldn't conceive.
It was just one extra person. Even if she became a concubine, she would spend her days doing nothing but keeping Fubao company. As for trying to win the Emperor's heart—in her dreams!
The eunuch stepped forward. "Bai Wutong, daughter of the Hanlin Academician, virtuous and graceful, keep her name tag!"
Bai Wutong bowed her head. "Many thanks, Empress Dowager. Many thanks, Emperor."
A jade tag engraved with her surname was placed in her hand.
Bai Wutong looked at the tag, clutching it tightly.
She had finally entered the deep palace.
"Father, Mother, wait for me—I will avenge you!"