"Let me guess, is it this one?" Qi Zhenzhen pointed at one of the portraits.
Jin Rong looked at Qi Zhenzhen in surprise, "Sister-in-law, how did you know?"
"Only this one is different from the other four. Look, his brows are full of heroic spirit, and his entire demeanor is very robust," Qi Zhenzhen said with a smile. "The other four are also handsome, but they lack this kind of essence."
Jin Rong nodded shyly, "It's Yan Liu."
"Is he Yan Qi's sixth brother?" Qi Zhenzhen asked tentatively.
Jin Rong nodded, "It's him."
The Yan family originated from military officials. All six sons served in the army.
However, after marrying a princess, they could not hold official positions. Even if they did, they would be idle posts, merely holding titles and receiving a salary. Yan Liu was a military man. If he were to become a consort, he would have to give up his military post. Would he be willing?
Judging by Jin Rong's current demeanor, she had clearly developed feelings for Yan Liu.
She would have to find Yan Qi later and probe Yan Liu's thoughts.
"The Yan family's sons are all rather rough. Jin Rong, there are so many talented young men here..." Consort An said with some helplessness.
Qi Zhenzhen recalled the eldest Yan brother she had met at the border and deeply agreed with Consort An's words. His features were handsome, but due to his prolonged stay at the border, his skin was dark and rough, and he was a bit unkempt, with stubble. The Yan brothers all served in the army, so Qi Zhenzhen thought Yan Liu would likely have a similar appearance. Although he looked clean and tidy in the portrait, everyone knew that the Ministry of Rites would surely have the best side depicted when commissioning the portraits.
"Mother Consort, you and Father Emperor told me I could choose myself," Jin Rong mumbled. "Since you don't like my choice, why did you give me this right then?"
What else could Consort An say? She said helplessly, "Alright, alright, I won't say anything. Your Father Emperor doesn't need you to win over officials. He hopes you marry someone you are happy with and live a peaceful life together."
"Aunt, Ah Nian also had a bad reputation outside before," Qi Zhenzhen said softly. "So, ultimately, a portrait cannot decide everything. The Yan family is a military lineage with strict family traditions. I believe Sister Rong's judgment is good."
Jin Rong was delighted, her eyes curving into crescent moons with a smile. "My judgment has always been good. Take Sister-in-law for example. The first time I met her, I felt she was a perfect match for Brother Ah Nian."
Consort An was amused by her and, considering the Yan family's good reputation, perhaps Yan Liu was indeed better than those the Emperor and she had chosen.
"Alright, alright, you are a young lady, restrain yourself, don't say everything that comes to mind," Consort An chided.
Jin Rong made a face, "There's no one else here."
"Your Ladyship, someone from Yikun Palace has arrived." A palace servant rushed in, glancing at Qi Zhenzhen as he spoke.
Yikun Palace was where the Empress resided. If someone from there arrived, it was likely the Empress had some instructions.
"Invite them in," Consort An nodded to the servant.
"This servant pays her respects to Consort, may Consort be blessed." A palace maid in a palace dress walked up to Consort An and bowed.
"May I know what instructions Your Ladyship has that Aunt Qiu herself has come?" Consort An asked.
"The Empress learned that the Heir's wife is in the palace and wishes to summon her for a chat," Aunt Qiu said unhurriedly.
The Empress summoned Qi Zhenzhen? If Gu Sinian were a member of the royal family, Qi Zhenzhen would indeed have to meet the Empress. But Gu Sinian was Consort An's nephew, and Qi Zhenzhen did not hold a noble title. Why would the Empress think of meeting her?