strictlysupreme Chapter 358 Consort Fucha
Chapter 358 Consort Fucha
At the celebration banquet, everyone toasted and drank, creating a lively atmosphere.
Seeing that everyone was in high spirits, Hongchang cleared his throat and said:
"Everyone did a great job at the Mulan Autumn Hunt this time."
You are all fine sons of our Great Qing Dynasty.
The brave warriors who participated in this autumn hunt will be richly rewarded by me.”
Upon hearing this, everyone stood up and shouted:
"Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty!"
Hongchang smiled slightly and continued:
"However, I have something even more important to announce today."
As everyone knows, the princesses of our Great Qing Dynasty made outstanding contributions to the country.
Their marriages have always been on my mind.
Everyone nodded in agreement, expressing their understanding and support.
Hongchang continued:
"Therefore, I have decided to hold a male talent selection for the princesses!"
These words caused an uproar in the audience.
A male talent selection was something that had never happened before in the history of the Qing Dynasty.
The crowd was abuzz with discussion; some were dissatisfied, some were surprised, some were full of praise, and others were puzzled.
Hongchang waved his hand, signaling everyone to be quiet, and then said:
"I know this is an unprecedented measure."
But the princesses have made many sacrifices for the Qing Dynasty, and they should be given the opportunity to choose their own husbands.
The treatment in this selection process will be equal to that of the Emperor. Men participating in this selection must be at least eighteen years old.
He was of high moral character, excellent in learning, and highly skilled in martial arts.
One need not be as handsome as Pan An, but one should at least be well-mannered and have proper manners.
Sons of Han officials or those from Manchu and Mongol banners are all eligible to participate.
Recommendations were made from various regions, and candidates were sent to the capital for assessment, which consisted of a written test, a martial arts test, and a moral character evaluation.
The civil service exam tested poetry and policy essays, while the military exam tested horsemanship, archery, and martial arts skills.
The same way I conducted the imperial selection process back then will be used for this men's selection process.
The written exam will test your knowledge of poetry and prose, while the policy essay will test your knowledge of governance.
The martial arts test included archery and horsemanship, as well as the eighteen kinds of martial arts such as swords, spears, halberds, and swords.
Moral character assessment involves visiting neighbors and learning about their character.
This is how I conducted the imperial concubine selection process back then.
This men's draft will be conducted in the same way.
These dozen or so princesses of noble birth were deeply favored by the emperor, empress dowager, and others.
He also had military achievements; although he was quite formidable, marrying such a princess was a good thing.
There are many advantages, and many people are considering the princesses' marriages.
Just as the Emperor was about to bring up the princesses' marriages, the conditions turned out to be incredibly harsh.
The emperor's selection of imperial concubines included a criterion of chastity.
Now the Emperor demands that this princess receive the same treatment during the imperial concubine selection as he does during his own selection.
The Emperor also specifically said that those participating in the male selection should be of high moral character.
Who doesn't understand what this means?
But these days, who's still a virgin at eighteen?
Most boys are aware of sexual matters by the age of twelve or thirteen.
After hearing Hongchang's words, the crowd began to discuss among themselves, and the atmosphere became somewhat awkward.
An elderly member of the clan stood up, bowed slightly, and said:
"Your Majesty, the conditions for selecting men are indeed a bit too strict."
Most eighteen-year-old men are already married and have established careers; finding one who is truly chaste is probably difficult.
Hongchang smiled slightly and said:
"I understand your concerns. But the princesses are of noble birth,"
Their husbands not only had to be exceptionally talented and skilled in martial arts, but also of upright character.
How could those filthy men possibly get close to the princess?
"Your Majesty, these conditions are indeed a bit too harsh."
Another minister stepped forward.
"Although the princesses are of noble status, most of the eighteen-year-old boys are already married."
Finding a talented, unmarried man will be extremely difficult.
Hongchang said calmly, "The Qing Dynasty is a vast and resource-rich land, blessed with outstanding people and beautiful scenery."
I do not believe that they cannot even find such a small number of people.
At this moment, Fucha Peiyun spoke up:
"The Emperor is absolutely right. The princesses have made great contributions to the Qing Dynasty."
Their husbands naturally had to be chosen from the best of the best.
There's no need to worry too much; if you search diligently, you'll definitely find a suitable candidate.
Nian Shilan rolled her eyes.
"Princesses are of noble birth and high status; how can they use things that others have touched?"
Those who instantly understood Nian Shilan's meaning blushed.
At this point, no one would dare to say anything even if they thought the male talent show was absurd.
There's nothing the emperor can't do if he wants to.
If they say anything more, they'll definitely suffer the consequences.
They decided to go back and see if they had any children or grandchildren they could send to participate in the talent show.
Hongchang continued
"The men's draft is scheduled for next March, when spring is in full bloom."
I hope everyone will take this seriously.
This concerns the princesses' entire future, and I do not wish for any mishaps.