Chapter 345: She is definitely not Qi Huang
Qi Huang also perked up. As long as the test passed, her trip to the Imperial Palace could end. As for the evidence of that corrupt official, she could present it under another identity. After all, she had plenty of clones, both male and female.
Ouyang Tong, under the gaze of many, walked to Eunuch Zhong and extended a trembling hand to take the Phoenix Selection Token. Although she knew it was all an act, the psychological shadow of being eliminated three years ago was released.
Everyone in the Imperial Garden instinctively craned their necks, wanting to see what kind of outstanding clone the rumored Cheng Hong Ling, who had scored a perfect six in the Phoenix Selection Token, possessed.
As Ouyang Tong held the Phoenix Selection Token, pink halos began to appear on it, with scores appearing one after another behind each item. Since she already knew the results, she instinctively closed her eyes, not daring to look at all.
“Imperial Lady Qi, hand the Phoenix Selection Token to me.”
After a moment, Eunuch Zhong, who had become somewhat impatient, asked for it.
Ouyang Tong gritted her teeth and handed the Phoenix Selection Token over. Throughout the entire process, she didn’t dare to look at it. Besides fear, there was also a sliver of luck. Perhaps there was a problem with the test three years ago? Perhaps that imperial physician was incompetent?
Steward Zhong took the Phoenix Selection Token and casually glanced at it. Since he was mentally prepared, the scores on it did not surprise him at all.
The people around did not know this, so they stretched their necks further and further, wishing they could twist their heads off and throw them over to examine it.
“Eunuch Zhong, what is it? Why not announce the results?” Lin Tu, impatient, rebuked. He just wanted this charade to end soon.
Eunuch Zhong then read out each evaluation displayed on the Phoenix Selection Token: “Qi Huang…
Appearance: 8
Figure: 7
Skin: 7
Voice: 7.”
Eunuch Zhong finished reading the first four items, and many people in the Imperial Garden already showed shocked expressions. Although not as exaggerated as the rumored Cheng Hong Ling, it was still a terrifying score. The most outstanding among the Imperial Ladies tested earlier only managed to score above seven in one item, and all four items were above seven, with appearance scoring as high as eight. Even among concubines in all previous dynasties, her appearance would be considered top-notch.
“As expected of a clone of a cultivator!” Someone exclaimed in admiration.
In the pavilion, several women had very unsightly expressions. Although the Empress and Consort Jin knew that Ouyang Tong was fake, judging from these scores alone, once she entered the harem, she would definitely be a strong competitor.
Consort Hui and Consort Li were even more distraught than if their parents had died. They had just mocked her, and these scores felt like resounding slaps to their faces.
Ouyang Tong also showed a hint of joy. Perhaps due to better development, her figure had actually increased by one point compared to three years ago.
‘Since the figure score has changed, perhaps the remaining two items will also be different.’
Ouyang Tong’s wishful thinking became more apparent. At this moment, she even forgot that she was acting.
“Body Fragrance: 3
Fertility: 0
Overall Evaluation: 6 points.”
Eunuch Zhong then read out the last two scores. As soon as his voice fell, the entire Imperial Garden fell silent again, as no one had expected such a result.
“This, this… I can understand the body fragrance being three points. After all, not many girls have natural body fragrance, and three points is already quite good. But what’s going on with zero fertility?”
“Yes, among the Imperial Ladies tested earlier, even those with the worst conditions did not have zero fertility.”
“Could she have some serious hidden illness?”
“Who cares? Anyway, her overall evaluation is only six points, so she’s not much of a competitor.”
The Imperial Ladies whispered amongst themselves.
‘Still not good enough?’ Ouyang Tong was somewhat dejected. Fortunately, because her figure had increased by one point, her overall evaluation had reached the passing mark, which was a small comfort.
‘It’s just… six points… six points is the passing score. Will I still be eliminated? If I’m not eliminated, does that mean the mission failed?’
Ouyang Tong then realized a serious problem. Her mission was to be eliminated, but now she had inexplicably reached the passing score. If she were to be included in the harem, would that count as mission failure? If so, she would die!
Thinking of this, Ouyang Tong’s heart tightened again.
‘Six points? What an awkward score!’
Qi Huang was also caught off guard, but she remained very calm because she knew that Lin Tu would definitely find a way to eliminate Ouyang Tong. After all, a woman with a score of six was not enough to exchange for the Emperor’s dignity.
In the end, the rules were set by the Emperor, so whether an Imperial Lady was to be kept or eliminated ultimately depended on his judgment.
The women in the pavilion breathed a sigh of relief, as they all knew what zero fertility meant. With just this one item, even if Ouyang Tong had scored eight points in all other aspects, it would be useless. After all, what the Emperor lacked was never beautiful women, but outstanding offspring.
Although Eunuch Zhong was a participant, he did not dare to make a decision for the Emperor, so he carefully sought his opinion: “Your Majesty, although this Qi Huang has good conditions in all aspects, her fertility is zero, which means she is infertile. What do you think…”
“So zero fertility means infertile! Then won’t she be eliminated 100%?” The Imperial Ladies suddenly realized, their faces showing a hint of ill-gotten glee, as everyone had a jealous streak.
Lin Tu slowly stood up and walked to the front of the pavilion, saying, “Eunuch Zhong has already said that the imperial family’s offspring represent the future of the Xihui Dynasty. Therefore, fertility is exceptionally important for a concubine. Since she cannot conceive, she naturally cannot enter the harem, and the handpicked Imperial Lady is no exception. Therefore, eliminate her!”
“Your Majesty is indeed a wise ruler. For the sake of the Xihui Dynasty’s future, you are willing to eliminate even the Imperial Lady you personally selected.” Hearing this, the Empress couldn’t help but flatter him.
Everyone else present also breathed a sigh of relief, as only “Qi Huang” was eliminated now, which was in everyone’s best interest. Ouyang Tong was no exception. She had now come to her senses. What was dignity compared to life? Being eliminated was clearly better for her.
“Heh heh, it seems that the rat’s nest of Huang Tian Prefecture can’t produce a phoenix. It’s no wonder she had the nerve to call herself Qi Huang!”
“Yeah, and they even boasted about being the ‘Twin Beauties who Make the Moon Hide’. I didn’t expect her clone to have such ordinary looks! A six-point woman who can’t even bear children.”
“My sister, you have to understand. People from places like Huang Tian Prefecture are narrow-minded and have never seen any beautiful women. This six-point woman is already head and shoulders above the rest for them.”
Consort Hui and Consort Li had long wanted to kick her while she was down. Seeing that Lin Tu had declared “Qi Huang” as doomed, they no longer had any worries. The two of them exchanged barbs, belittling Ouyang Tong and even Huang Tian Prefecture to worthlessness.
‘To insult her own people like this, is someone like him even worthy of being a concubine?’ Qi Huang, in the storage ring, clenched her teeth in anger.
Even though Ouyang Tong had sorted things out, she couldn’t remain calm upon hearing those vicious words and lowered her head in self-consciousness again. She never thought that one day she would be unable to hold her head up because of her appearance.
Qi Huang, however, breathed a deep sigh of relief. This matter was finally resolved, and she could return to the HongHua Sect with peace of mind.
“Imperial Brother, I don’t think it’s appropriate to eliminate her just like that!” But at this moment, Prince Kang, Lin Kang, who had been silent all along, suddenly spoke.
‘Who is this guy? Why is he meddling?’ Qi Huang was caught off guard. She didn’t expect a dark horse to appear at such a critical juncture.
“Oh? What do you find inappropriate, Second Brother? Have I not explained clearly enough? The rise and fall of the imperial family concern the future of the Xihui Dynasty. She cannot bear offspring, so naturally, she cannot be a concubine. Thus, even if she scores six points, it’s useless.” Lin Tu frowned slightly and retorted.
“Imperial Brother’s explanation is very clear. A woman who cannot have children, let alone a concubine, might not even be accepted by ordinary citizens!” Lin Kang spoke eloquently, but then changed his tone: “However, I am not questioning this point, but her identity.”
Lin Kang’s sharp gaze fixed on Ouyang Tong: “This woman… is definitely not Qi Huang!”
Upon hearing this, Ouyang Tong’s delicate body trembled, and her fair face instantly turned deathly pale.
