After several rounds of selection, ten beauties were chosen, with the final selection to be made by the empress and the crown princess. Speculation ran rampant that Xu Qiu’er would choose an unattractive woman to secure her own position. Upon hearing this, Xu Qiu’er merely smiled. The empress wondered if Xu Qiu’er would select someone inferior to herself, reflecting the palace’s gossip.
Xu Qiu’er glanced at the list and stated, “I believe one should marry a virtuous woman. I hope the new consort can do better than I have.” She paused and added, “In my opinion, the daughter of Prince Ping would be the best choice.”
Xu Qiu’er congratulated the empress on gaining a virtuous daughter-in-law before lowering her eyes.
Among the candidates, Hu Qingya had the closest relationship with the empress, who had intentionally included her relatives. Xu Qiu’er noted the potential confusion regarding how to address Hu Qingya, as there was already a Noble Consort Clear in the palace.
Xu Qiu’er was summoned to the empress’s bedchamber, and Xu Qing’er awaited the palace servants but none came. She sent Bing’er to inquire and learned that the empress and crown princess had lunch together. Enraged, she threw her jade ruyi to the ground.
With Little Girl present, Xu Qing’er noticed the palace maids lowering their heads in fear. Her child played calmly with a branch, further infuriating her. She struggled with the embarrassment of giving birth to a daughter while the crown prince was selecting a new principal wife. The impending arrival of a new consort meant she would have to pay respects, adding to her humiliation. In her anger, she vented her frustration on Little Girl, who had not been given a proper name. Grabbing the child’s tender arm, she shook her and demanded, “Say something! Say something!”
Bing’er, noticing Xu Qing’er’s panicked eyes, intervened, expressing concern for Little Girl’s well-being. Though the child did not cry, Bing’er could see that she was in pain. “My lady, please don’t do this. Little Girl will be hurt,” she pleaded, grabbing Xu Qing’er’s leg, crying, “You’re scaring Little Girl…”
