0p0 Chapter 6 Emerging Talent
Chapter 6 Emerging Talent
After the poetry competition with Lin Wanqing, Su Yao's image became even more dazzling in everyone's eyes. However, she did not slack off in the slightest. The next segment was a quiz on wit and intelligence, which tested the women's adaptability and knowledge.
An old minister posed a question: "There is a difficult problem. If a flood occurs and the dikes are about to collapse, but there is plenty of food and people around, what should be done to resolve this crisis?" Upon hearing this question, many women present looked troubled and whispered among themselves, but no one dared to answer for a moment.
After a moment's thought, Su Yao stepped forward and calmly said, "My lord, in my opinion, the most urgent task is to organize the evacuation of the people. We can select the strong and able-bodied to carry grain and fodder to a safe place. At the same time, we should quickly send messengers to the surrounding towns to request assistance and collect sandbags and other materials to reinforce the dikes. Furthermore, we can investigate the upstream water level and, if conditions permit, try to divert the floodwaters to reduce the pressure on the dikes. This is a multi-pronged approach that may solve the immediate crisis."
Her answer was clear, logical, and comprehensive, earning nods of approval from everyone present. Even the Empress's eyes flashed with admiration: "Su Yao is meticulous; this plan is feasible."
As the Q&A session continued, Su Yao, with her extensive knowledge and quick thinking, repeatedly provided satisfactory answers. She skillfully integrated modern concepts into the contemporary mindset, demonstrating unique wisdom.
After several rounds, the selection process was drawing to a close. At this point, Su Yao had stood out among the many contestants, becoming the focus of everyone's attention. However, she knew in her heart that the final result was not yet known, and she still needed to remain humble and calm.
Finally, the time came to announce the results. The entire palace was silent; everyone held their breath, waiting for the Queen to announce the list of selected talented women.
The Empress slowly spoke: "In this selection of talented women, all the women have extraordinary qualities. However, those who have stood out the most are Su Yao, Lin Wanqing, and Zhao Ya'er... These women are both beautiful and talented, and possess both virtue and ability. From this day forward, they will officially become palace ladies-in-waiting to assist me in handling all matters within the palace."
Hearing her name called, Su Yao finally felt a huge weight lifted from her heart. She and the other selected women stepped forward to express their gratitude. Although Lin Wanqing was also selected, her gaze towards Su Yao still held a hint of resentment and jealousy.
After becoming a lady-in-waiting in the palace, Su Yao knew she would face a far more complex situation. Within the palace, interpersonal relationships were intricate, and various factions were vying for power. She not only had to deal with the difficult demands of the concubines, but also be wary of the exclusion from other ladies-in-waiting, and, more importantly, find opportunities to elevate her own status and ultimately achieve her goal of turning the tide of the war.
On her first day in the palace, Su Yao was assigned to organize the floral records of the Imperial Garden. This task seemed simple, but it was actually tedious and required great patience and meticulousness. However, Su Yao did not complain. She carefully read through each book, recording the habits and care methods of various flowers, while also silently observing the people and events in the palace, familiarizing herself with the environment and rules.
Cui'er, who was helping out, muttered softly, "Miss, this job is too tedious. Are they deliberately making things difficult for you?" Su Yao gently shook her head and said, "Don't complain. In this palace, we need to be careful in everything we do. We're new here, so doing our job well is the most important thing."
Just as Su Yao was engrossed in the books, a palace maid named Li Mama approached. She was an old servant in the Empress's palace and held considerable prestige. Li Mama glanced at the books Su Yao had organized and said critically, "Your organization isn't meticulous enough, and the categories are somewhat disorganized. How can this be acceptable if Her Majesty the Empress wants to see it? Reorganize it!"
Su Yao understood that Granny Li was deliberately picking a fight. But she still bowed respectfully and said, "Granny is right, I will reorganize it immediately." With that, she calmed herself and began to carefully review the contents of the texts. She knew this was her first small test in the palace, and she had to pass it successfully.