Chapter 3: The Art of Subtle Survival

The grand hall of the palace was nothing short of breathtaking. Gilded columns reached toward the heavens, intricate paintings adorned the ceilings, and the faint scent of jasmine filled the air. Bai Yu, however, was more concerned about the dozens of beautifully dressed women glaring at one another with thinly veiled hostility.

"Miss, why are you slouching?" Chun’er hissed, nudging her side.

"I’m practicing invisibility," Bai Yu whispered back, adjusting her posture to look less impressive. "You should try it sometime."

"Miss, you’re already too beautiful to hide.This is the selection for the imperial harem, not a market day!" Chun’er scolded.

"Exactly why I need to keep a low profile," Bai Yu muttered. "I am not getting caught up in whatever... this is." She gestured subtly to the women around her, who were already whispering alliances and rivalries.

"Lady Bai Yu," a sharp voice called out, breaking her thoughts.

Bai Yu turned, forcing a bright (and slightly vacant) smile. The voice belonged to a tall, elegant woman dressed in the richest silk, her makeup flawless. Lady Zhen. Bai Yu had already decided to steer clear of her. She looked like trouble.

"Lady Bai," Lady Zhen purred, "I heard you’re quite the scholar’s daughter. Surely, you have some insights into today’s discussions on poetry and virtue?"

Poetry and virtue? Bai Yu panicked for half a second before adopting her foolproof strategy: shameless confidence.

"Of course, Lady Zhen," she said, clasping her hands demurely. "Poetry is like... a butterfly. You mustn’t chase it too hard, or it will fly away. As for virtue, well, it’s like... rice. Nourishing, but bland if overdone."

A stunned silence followed. Chun’er, standing behind her, barely suppressed a cough that sounded suspiciously like laughter.

Lady Zhen's smile faltered for a split second."How....unique",she managed her tone icy."You have a most refreshing perspective."

"Thank you", Bai Yu replied with a cheerful nod."I do try to keep things....simple."

As Lady Zhen retreated to another group, Bai Yu exhaled and turned to Chun'er.

"Did that work?",she whispered.

"You're a genius,Miss", Chun'er replied,wiping a tear of suppresed laughter."You've officially confused everyone".

"Good",Bai Yu said."Confusion is my armor.If they can't figure me out, they can't target me".

Just as Bai Yu started to feel some relief, the head eunuch entered the hall, announcing,"Ladies, His Majesty the Emperor will now review the candidates".

The room went silent. Bai Yu's stomach flipped.

"This is it, Miss", Chun'er whispered, her voice tinged with excitement."The moment of destiny".

"Destiny is overreated". Bai Yu muttered.

When the Emperor entered, the atmosphere shifted. He was younger than Bai Yu expected, with sharp, intelligent eyes that seemed to peirce through every soul in the room. Bai Yu immediately looked down, doing her best to blend into the background.

As the Emperor made his way through the rows of women, he paused in front of Bai Yu.

The eunuch that followed the Emperor said,"This is Lady Bai Yu from the house of Bai's your Majesty".

"Lady Bai Yu".The Emperor's tone is curious."You seem....different."

Bai Yu's heart sank. So much for invisibility.

"Your Majesty", she said, bowing deeply."Different is....not always a good thing. I'm just a humble daughter of a scholar,here by my family's will.

The Emperor's lips quirked in a faint smile."Humble,yet bold. Tell me, what do you think is the most important virtue for a ruler?".

Bai Yu blinked. Virtue? why do you people keep asking me about virtues? She decided to stick with her tried-and-true strategy: nonsense with a hint of wisdom.

"Your Majesty", she began slowly, " the most important virtue for a ruler is patience. For without patience even the greatest plans can crumble like....overcooked rice".

Chun'er audibly gasped behind her. The room tensed as the Emperor's expression remained unreadable. Then, to everyone's surprise, he laughed softly.

"Overcooked rice, you say?" he said, his eyes glinting with amusement."An unexpected metaphor,but not without merit. You may rise."

Bai Yu straightened, her heart pounding.

"Lady Bai Yu", the Emperor continued, "I'll be keeping an eye on you".

That's exactly what I didn't want, Bai Yu thought, forcing a smile. "Your Majesty is too kind".

As he moved on,Chun'er leaned close, whispering, "Miss, what have you done? He's intrigued by you!".

"I'm doomed", Bai Yu whispered back.

And thus, Bai Yu's plan to stay unnoticed crumble like, well, overcooked rice.

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