² The king's servants who helped him in the palace said, ‘We think that the king should send some men to look for beautiful young women for him. ³ The king could choose officers from every region of his kingdom to do this. They will bring all the beautiful young women here to Susa. Hegai will take care of them in the royal harem.^[a] He is the eunuch who has that job. The young women will receive special oils and perfumes to make them more beautiful. ⁴ The king may choose the young woman that pleases him most. She may take the place of Vashti as queen.’

King Xerxes thought that this was a good idea. He did everything that the servants said.