Chapter 139: A World for Two

"What else could you be doing there? Come over and sit." Jun Yeli pulled Hua Rong, who was standing there in a daze, gently towards his side.

Watching her bewildered expression, he could not help but let a smile surface.

Hua Rong felt somewhat embarrassed by the man’s teasing. She couldn't help but roll her eyes at him. "You only know how to tease me. With so many women in your harem, you choose to be so good to me alone. Don't let the others see; they'll get jealous, and I'll be the one dealing with the trouble later."

Hearing this, Jun Yeli remained unfazed. "As long as I am by your side, I will not let anyone harm you. Have you still not understood that?"

The man’s gaze was gentle, reflecting the stars in such a way that it was almost impossibly beautiful. His deep, dark eyes were like obsidian, possessing an allure that made it impossible for anyone to resist being drawn in.

"That... let's try to be a bit more normal. I’m still not used to such sudden displays of affection from you." Hua Rong shook her head quickly. From their initial mutual avoidance to these current ambiguous encounters—what on earth was happening?

Taking a deep breath, she struggled to suppress the indescribable restlessness in her heart and managed to calm herself down, albeit with great difficulty.

"Heh, it doesn't matter if you don't accept it now. I have a surprise prepared for you anyway. I’m afraid you’ll be flattered and overwhelmed when the time comes."

His words left her baffled once more, but Hua Rong dared not ask further, fearing it would be something else that stirred up trouble.

"Forget it. There seems to be a boat over there. Why don't we go rowing on the lake?" Hua Rong shook her head, desperately trying to escape this awkward situation.

Without waiting for his response, she stood up and hurried toward the bamboo raft on the lake. With unsteady steps, she wobbled as she climbed onto it. Seeing her graceful yet swaying figure, Jun Yeli let out a soft, helpless laugh and followed her. The two of them drifted across the lake, taking in the scenery, everything appearing remarkably harmonious.

As night fell, Hua Rong drifted off to sleep, eventually resting soundly in Jun Yeli’s arms.

He had intended to dock the boat, but Hua Rong stirred, disturbed by the gentle rocking. She tried to turn over, but found herself unable to get comfortable.

"What kind of bed is this? It's not comfortable at all. Let's get a new one tomorrow..."

Her muddled, dream-filled muttering left him feeling both helpless and amused.

Jun Yeli scanned the surroundings before carefully carrying her onto the grass, though the movement accidentally woke her.

"What are you doing?"

Seeing the man leaning over her, Hua Rong was instantly gripped by panic. She defensively crossed her arms over her chest.

Faced with this reaction, Jun Yeli appeared somewhat resigned. "What? Do you truly think I would do something to you?"

Even if he wanted to, he wouldn't be so sneaky about it. Yet, looking at her wary little eyes, he couldn't help but feel a surge of playfulness. He leaned in closer, his lips nearing her face, his warm breath brushing against her skin, leaving a slight, ticklish sensation.

"You—it's late at night! You should head back!"

Hua Rong shoved him away abruptly and, like a startled rabbit, gathered her skirts and ran toward the exit. Jun Yeli, having missed his chance, felt a wave of frustration and had no choice but to follow her.

Back at the Liuli Palace, Hua Yue was losing her patience. "After finally getting rid of that wretched Lady Yu, I thought the Emperor would at least look at me differently, but who would have thought it would end up like this!"

All the favor was still being monopolized by Hua Rong alone. She had ended up with nothing to show for her efforts.

Hearing this, Jun Yezhen chuckled softly. "You have a decent brain, but you lack patience."

"What is that supposed to mean? It was your idea! You said the Emperor would take more notice of me, but look at the situation now—it’s complete nonsense!"

The more she thought about it, the angrier she became. If she had known, she should have eliminated the favored Hua Rong first, rather than ending up alone in an empty palace.

Jun Yezhen rubbed his chin thoughtfully and pulled a note from his sleeve, handing it to her. "Take a look at this. It should provide some inspiration regarding the Emperor's favor."

The remark was inexplicable. Hua Yue took the note; it bore only two large characters: "Chastity!"

"What do you mean? Are you suggesting that I...!"

Hua Yue realized the implication instantly. As a woman of the Emperor, if there were a hidden lover in the harem, it would be an unforgivable crime from which there would be no escape.

Regarding Hua Yue’s shock, Jun Yezhen showed little reaction. Instead, he stood with his hands behind his back, gazing into the distance. "The war at the borders is intense; both sides have suffered heavy casualties, and the strength is evenly matched. If this continues, the small Southern Barbarian nation will be the one to suffer. They will inevitably send someone to sue for peace. You should know what to do when that time comes, right?"

Having dropped these words, Jun Yezhen leapt away, vanishing into the night.

Hua Yue stared blankly at the note, her mind a tangle of complex emotions, before quickly holding it to the lamp and watching it turn to ash. She gritted her teeth. "Hua Rong, don't blame me for being heartless. Blame the cruelty of this harem. Even though we are sisters, the Emperor’s heart can only belong to one person!"

From the very beginning, Hua Yue’s only goal had been to become the mistress of the harem.

The next morning, Hua Rong was still dwelling on the previous night's events, only to find a lavish breakfast already laid out.

"Oh? Why are you all so proactive today?"

Hua Rong remembered clearly that their Xuanji Palace was unique, with everyone expected to be self-reliant in their daily needs. She glanced at the maids, assuming they had prepared the meal.

Suxin smiled. "Your Ladyship, the Emperor specifically ordered this to be brought over, saying it is for you to nourish your health."

"This..."

Upon hearing the title "Emperor," Hua Rong was rendered speechless, unsure of how to respond. Recalling the blush-inducing events of yesterday, she struggled to face the spread on the table, feeling as though the gesture was a subtle reminder or implication from him.

After a fierce internal struggle, Hua Rong finally compromised. "Whatever, if there's food to eat, why bother thinking so much?"

She picked up her bowl and, without another word, dove into the meal with gusto.