Chapter 124: A Challenge Awaits

A series of warnings flashed through Hua Rong’s mind.

Since losing her memory, this was their first encounter. She had initially held a decent impression of him, but the moment she recalled the things Jun Yeli had said, all fondness vanished in an instant. As the sovereign of a nation, surely he wouldn’t fabricate such lies just to deceive her!

"If there is nothing else, I shall take my leave." Hua Rong stood up, intending to flee this place of trouble before his malicious intentions could target her.

However, after only a few steps, Jun Yechen clung to her like a leech, blocking her path. "Why so distant? We haven't seen each other in so long; has our affection truly faded?"

"The Second Prince overthinks. I merely feel that, given the heavy moonlight, it is inappropriate for a man and a woman to be alone together. Besides, I am tired."

Moving with light, feline steps, Hua Rong walked on tiptoe, eager to make a quick exit. Yet, the sight of her fleeing in such a flurry made one feel somewhat unsettled. Jun Yechen’s eyes narrowed slightly; driven by some inexplicable impulse, he grabbed Hua Rong’s arm and yanked her back.

This sudden movement made Hua Rong’s heart tremble. Feeling that Jun Yeli’s warnings were indeed justified, she asked in alarm, "What are you doing!"

Their current dynamic was akin to an innocent young maiden encountering a lecherous old rogue. The atmosphere turned awkward once more, permeated by a palpable sense of vigilance. This feeling was truly uncomfortable.

Jun Yechen frowned, unable to stop himself from stepping closer. "Do you know how worried I was when you disappeared all this time? And yet, you treat me like this."

He did not understand why, despite her having only been gone for a short time, Hua Rong’s temperament had changed so drastically. *Could she know that it was I who sent her into the Ghost Domain Forest?* He had been righteous just moments ago, but now he felt a flicker of unease. He dared not act rashly again, yet the desperate longing to be near her was impossible to suppress. The raw, aggressive nature of his desire only made her feel more terrified.

"I’m warning you, stay back! Otherwise, I will call for help, and neither of us will come out of this unscathed!"

Both sides stood their ground, neither willing to retreat a single step. Seemingly provoked by her words, Jun Yechen lost his composure. He stepped forward and, fueled by an unseen impulse, grabbed Hua Rong’s wrist and leaned in close.

"Do not challenge my patience. Don't forget that I am your savior; you owe me a debt of gratitude!"

It wasn't just a single act of salvation, either. Had he not secretly aided her, she surely would have lost her life in the Ghost Domain Forest long ago. As he spoke, Jun Yechen leaned over, appearing ready to act on his illicit desires.

Hua Rong squeezed her eyes shut, her heart pounding in her throat. "Help!"

She braced herself for the violation of her purity, but the expected lecherous scent never came. Instead, a familiar presence washed over her.

"This is my woman. Tell me, Second Brother, what exactly are you trying to do?"

The man’s aura was cold and chilling, like an Asura climbed up from the depths of hell. His murderous demeanor was truly terrifying. Hua Rong tentatively opened her eyes to see that familiar, handsome face—he appeared like a god descended from the heavens, her savior from beyond.

"Your Majesty, you’ve finally come! This wretch was trying to molest me!"

Taking advantage of Jun Yechen’s distraction, Hua Rong shoved him away and darted to Jun Yeli’s side. She clutched his arm tightly, looking small and vulnerable. "Your Majesty, you must uphold justice for your concubine! This man is wicked; he was trying to force himself upon me!"

"Is that so? Then he truly is a worthless wretch. Second Brother, to think you would attempt to molest your sister-in-law. Do you have no explanation for this?"

Jun Yeli’s gaze was icy as he looked at him. Were it not for the sake of their fraternal bond, they would have likely come to blows long ago. Standing to the side, Hua Rong felt dazed, yet she dared not utter a word.

Their eyes locked for a moment. Jun Yechen clenched his fists, his fury having nowhere to vent. Ultimately, he chose to compromise, forcing a fawning smile. "I merely happened upon my sister-in-law and exchanged a few pleasantries. I have always acted with propriety; it is simply that she has overthought the situation."

This was utterly shameless. Hua Rong remembered clearly that he had harbored illicit intentions toward her. Now that he was backtracking, she realized he was nothing more than a base and vile scoundrel.

"Stop spouting nonsense! You were clearly just—"

Before Hua Rong could defend herself, Jun Yechen shot her a cold glare, his words rendering her speechless. "If the Consort insists on such claims, where is your proof? If you say I forced you, do you have any marks on your body?"

"This..." Hua Rong looked at herself. Her clothes were neat, and not even a strand of her hair was out of place. There were no marks to speak of.

"That’s not it! If Your Majesty hadn't arrived in time, I would have already fallen into your clutches!" Hua Rong gritted her teeth, desperate to make her final defense, but no matter what she said, she was met only with his sophistry. She had no way to deal with him.

Jun Yeli stood silently to the side, watching the arrogant Jun Yechen, before suddenly letting out a cold laugh. "Since it was all a misunderstanding, let it be."

"What? Just let it be? You claim repeatedly that I am your wife, yet now that someone has tried to molest me, you are just letting it go?"

Hua Rong stared at him in disbelief. She began to wonder if everything he had said before was merely fabricated to win her heart. A nameless rage surged within her. She bit her lip, her face turning crimson, unable to keep her composure.

"Fine. If you won't uphold justice for me, then pretend I said nothing. From now on, don't you dare accuse me of doing anything to wrong you!"

Having delivered this ultimatum, Hua Rong turned and walked away without another word.

In the biting cold wind, the two brothers stood facing each other, a sense of desolation hanging in the air. Only the whistling wind and their silent, simmering conflict remained.

"Well? Is there anything else? If not, I shall be going."

As Jun Yechen turned to leave, he was blocked. "It seems it has been a long time since the two of us brothers sparred. Why don't we test our skills today? What do you think?"