Chapter Thirty-Seven: The Matter Is Settled

As soon as he entered, Jun Yeli immediately concealed the ecstatic joy he had just displayed. Eunuch Li beside him glanced at him wordlessly, secretly rolling his eyes.

“You’ve come to see me—what business do you have?” Jun Yeli held the memorial in his hand, feigning seriousness as he pretended to read it, though not a single word entered his gaze.

Hua Rong glanced at the memorial in his hand, and the more she looked, the more something felt wrong. Unable to help herself, she reminded him, “Your Majesty, what are you doing?”

Jun Yeli responded with a sidelong glare. “Isn’t it obvious? I’m busy with state affairs, reviewing memorials.”

“But why are you reading it upside-down? Does it help you review them faster, or is it some exercise in willpower?” Hua Rong pursed her lips, feeling that the emperor was simply idling to an excessive degree.

After her reminder, Jun Yeli finally shifted his gaze to the memorial and discovered that all the characters were inverted. His expression changed at once, embarrassment filling the study. The eunuch beside him couldn’t suppress a laugh and covered his mouth, letting out a muffled chuckle.

That laugh thoroughly scattered Jun Yeli’s dignity. He threw a sharp, cutting look at the eunuch. “What are you laughing at? Is it so funny? Why didn’t you tell me about this?!”

The emperor, reviewing memorials, had actually held the book upside-down—could this be called complete devotion to duty?

Chastised, Eunuch Li hurriedly closed his mouth, feigning composure, though he felt quite aggrieved inside. “I really tried my best to hold it in…”

Jun Yeli had no time to argue further and waved his hand dismissively. “Enough, leave me.”

Relieved, the eunuch nodded and bowed, quickly scurrying out.

The room was suddenly left with only the two of them. Jun Yeli stared fixedly at Hua Rong, his thoughts unreadable, and his gaze made her uneasy.

“Why does he keep looking at me like that? Is he still scheming about that matter?” She thought of Jun Yeli’s unusual tastes and felt a wave of helpless despair. What had she done to deserve being caught in this whirlpool?

Should she comply or deliberately keep her distance? If she distanced herself, she wouldn’t be branded a traitor. Jun Yeli, to protect his secrets, might even want to silence her…

A flood of thoughts rushed through her mind. Hua Rong felt as if her heart was about to break, the discomfort almost unbearable. “Heavens, what did I do to deserve this?”

Her shifting expressions were as unpredictable as storm clouds, making her impossible to read.

Jun Yeli frowned, having waited a long while without hearing Hua Rong’s purpose for coming. Finally, he couldn’t help but ask, “What are you thinking about?”

He sensed it was nothing good.

His sudden question snapped Hua Rong back to the present. She remembered her original purpose and hurriedly spoke, “Your Majesty, regarding tomorrow’s competition of music and dance, may I not participate?”

Her words were startling, and after she spoke, she held her breath, fearing rejection.

Jun Yeli was somewhat dissatisfied. “Why do you suddenly wish not to participate? Do you realize this event concerns the honor of both nations? Do you think I can let you come and go as you please, as if it’s a mere game?”

He had been eagerly anticipating the sight of Hua Rong dancing in the wind, expecting it to be unparalleled in beauty, but now his hopes were dashed.

Thankfully, he had sent Eunuch Li away beforehand. Otherwise, that man would surely mock his earlier self-indulgence.

Sensing trouble, Hua Rong’s eyes darted and she quickly shook her head in fear. “Your Majesty, I didn’t mean that. It’s just that I am lacking in skill and fear I’ll be outshone by the other ladies. In order not to disgrace the royal family, I beg Your Majesty to grant me leave!”

With that, she knelt down, her earnest attitude so convincing that, in other circumstances, Jun Yeli might have believed her.

Unfortunately, he responded with a cold snort.

Fingers tapped rhythmically on the table, like a little dog pounding on Hua Rong’s heart.

Her own heart rose and fell with the sound, difficult to control. “What is going on in the emperor’s mind? This constant tapping is unbearable!”

She hadn’t volunteered to participate—was she trapped on a pirate ship with no way to escape?

Moreover, she wondered what Noble Consort Wen was thinking, insisting Hua Rong represent the nation. If she had the talent, it would be fine, but lacking skill, she would only invite ridicule.

Taking a deep breath, Hua Rong forced herself to meet Jun Yeli’s gaze with anxious, expectant eyes, unintentionally revealing her inner turmoil.

Jun Yeli observed her, deliberated for a moment, then rejected her request firmly. “No. When your family sent you to the palace, they claimed your dancing was exceptional. I’ve never had the chance to see it. Now, with the competition approaching, this is your moment to win glory for me and let me feast my eyes!”

Where this grand tone came from, Hua Rong could not fathom. None of it made sense to her.

“Your Majesty, I truly…” Hua Rong wore a mournful expression, unable to bear the responsibility. Before she could finish, Jun Yeli’s stern voice cut her off. “This matter is not open for discussion. Since you entered your name, you must see it through to the end—unless…”

He paused, and the subtle shift gave Hua Rong a sliver of hope. Her trembling gaze asked, “Unless what?”

“Unless you deceived the emperor, pretending to possess great skill when you cannot dance at all. Are you prepared for the consequences?”

At this, Hua Rong’s face changed, and she quickly forced a smile, shaking her head. “Your Majesty, don’t imagine such things. I simply haven’t danced in a long time, so my skill is rusty—I fear I won’t perform well, but I wouldn’t be foolish enough to deceive you!”

Her words were vague, but reasonable.

“Then it’s settled. Work hard—I look forward to your performance tomorrow!”

Jun Yeli slapped the table, as though pronouncing a death sentence. Hua Rong meekly replied, “As you command…”

She had no idea how she made her way out. Walking down the winding path, her legs felt weak.

Though sunlight shone, her body was icy cold—like a corpse.