The Step Empress

ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝕋𝕨𝕠

"My Lady, we've arrive," said A Cha, my maid in waiting. I run my sweaty palms to my dress and pat my cheeks. "Oh well. Let's get this over with."

A Cha opened the curtains and handed me her hands. I began to set foot into the biggest palace on earth.

I observed my surroundings. Many young ladies lined up to have their names registered, and I follow suit. None of the servants from our home could followed us inside.

A woman who looked around the age of my aunt come standing in front of us. "Good morning, ladies in waiting. We will now begin to enter the palace. Please proceed and follow me. Later, your name and status will be presented to Their Majesties The Empress Dowager, The Emperor, and The Empress Themselves."

We begin to walk slowly and elegantly- trying our best not to trip. Then, we've arrived at one of the palace.

I saw ten ladies line up and show their gratitude to Their Majesties. Some of them who are chosen got a red flower, while some who aren't got a purse.

I could see their joy and disappointment even around here. "Hey," I felt a pat in my back. When I turn around, I saw a young lady with a green dress.

"Hello," she said, "I am Lady Bao Qin from the Ling noble family of the second banner. It's a pleasure to be your acquaintance."

She was fairly pretty. She has a slim figure, a thin brow, and a plum cheeks. Definitely adorable. 'I bet the Emperor would want her' I thought to myself.

"Hello. I am Lady Mei Zhen from the Wen noble family of the second banner. It's also a pleasure to be your acquaintance," I smiled as I curtsied back in politeness.

"How old are you?" she asks. "This year I am seventeen years old. My birthday is on 8 March. What about you?"

"My birthday is on 25 June and I'm fifteen years old. This makes me younger than you. Can I call you Wan Jiejie?" Seeing her smile from cheek to cheek, I couldn't help but fall in it. "Of course. We shall be good friends from now on."

Just when she was about to say something, the woman from earlier turn around and look at us. "After this turn, ten of you young ladies will begin lining up in front of Their Majesties. Remember to keep your manners and wish you good luck."

Then, the eunuch order us to line up. Standing in front of Their Majesties, I tried my shaking hands to calm down and closed my eyes for a moment. "Good morning Your Majesties The Empress Dowager, The Emperor, and The Empress," said all of us together as we curtsied.

"At ease," said someone with a male and deep voice, which I presume to be The Emperor. The eunuch than begin to call the names on by one from the far right.

Standing in the middle gave me quite a moment to stabilise my breath. But it ended sooner than I thought before the eunuch called my name. "Lady Wen Mei Zhen from the Wen noble family of the second banner."

Hearing the commands, I curtsied once again, "I, Wen Mei Zhen salutes Your Majesties." There were some moments of silent. It felt like every eyes was on me, watching if I would faint from pressured or suddenly vomits.

"Rise your head," the male voice sound. I rise my head slowly with my eyes still on the floor. "Wen Mei Zhen. A beautiful name for a beautiful appearance. Are you educated?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. I have read some book which include the Rites of Woman and The Etiquette of Wife," I said. Again, there is a moment of pause.

"Your Majesty. This lady is really pretty. Her figures seems easy to bear a child and her face brighten up the mood!" said someone with a woman voice. "You are right, My Empress," said The Emperor then continued to me, "However, it would have looked even better had you wearing a flower on your hair."

Not knowing whether I'm supposed to answer that or not, another woman replied, "My Emperor, although her jewelry is ordinary, she seems elegant and pretty. I like this lady."

The Emperor nods in agreement. "Give the rose," exclaimed the eunuch as he give me the red rose. "I, Wen Mei Zhen thank Your Majesties."

My heart beat faster after that. I couldn't help but smiled, even though I tried to keep it faint. The next good thing is Ling Mei Mei is also accepted to become the concubine.

       ●▬▬▬▬๑۩۩๑▬▬▬▬▬●

"We welcome Your Highness home," said both of my parents as they kneeled down. "Father, mother, quick get up! What are you doing?"

"You are accepted in the concubine selection. Now we are family. How can we forgo the rules even if we're family members?" said my father.

"Father, mother. There are still a month until I entered the palace. Until then, please treat me like your daughter. No matter what happens, I will never forget your kindness for bringing me up to who I am become," I said with tears falling down my cheeks.