Chapter Thirty-Nine: A Contest of Beauty and Talent at the Social Gathering

Jun Yeli remained silent, but his gaze fell upon Huarong with amused curiosity. He deliberately raised his voice and said, “Rest assured, Consort Rong is so clever, she wouldn’t play such a joke on me.”

After speaking, he added, “After all, living is a meaningful thing; who would be in such a hurry to seek death?”

As he spoke, Huarong nearly choked on the food she'd just put in her mouth, casting a fearful glance at Jun Yeli. If ever there was a word that fit her situation, “weeping without tears” was surely made for her.

“Your Majesty, on one hand, I must avoid your favor, and on the other, I must evade your wives. Do you truly think I have nothing better to do?”

Now, Huarong not only had to guard against the empresses and concubines of the harem who coveted her life, but even the emperor himself could not be taken lightly. One after another—did they not realize their lives were like gold? Why were they so precious in their own eyes?

As she wrestled with her thoughts, a loud voice suddenly rang out, “The envoys have arrived!”

A sizable procession approached, surrounded by attendants. After saluting Jun Yeli, they took their seats.

“Gentlemen, on this auspicious occasion, we hold this joint competition to deepen the friendship between our two nations. There is no need for modesty,” Jun Yeli took the initiative.

At his words, one of the envoys from the foreign kingdom chuckled, “Your Majesty must be joking. Since this is a competition, fairness and justice are what matter. If anyone talks about yielding, it loses its meaning!”

The group bantered, though their laughter was tinged with hidden hostility. Huarong’s lips twitched; something felt off. “Can’t you speak plainly? What’s with those dagger-like glances?”

Her seat was not far from Jun Yeli. Whenever the envoys threw their glances, they would inadvertently sweep over her. Huarong felt as if she were caught between two battles, unable to escape.

After a round of pointless chatter, Jun Yeli grew weary and ordered directly, “Send down the imperial decree—the competition shall officially begin!”

At his command, the first to take the stage were the women from the foreign kingdom. Several beauties, dressed in alluring attire, their figures accentuated, veiled in delicate gauze, stepped onto the center of the stage like celestial beings.

At this sight, everyone was stunned. “What kind of enchantresses are these? So gorgeous and captivating!”

“Clearly inexperienced! It’s just a bit of exposed skin, and look how hungry you all are.” Huarong pursed her lips in composure; she had seen bolder displays. If these men witnessed those, surely their jaws would drop.

Yet, despite her disdain, she couldn’t help but glance at Jun Yeli. “This fellow probably likes this sort of thing, doesn’t he?”

She even wondered if, after tonight, he would take all these women into the harem. That might not be such a bad thing—having more women could balance the forces, and she wouldn’t be targeted every day.

With these thoughts, a hint of pleasure flickered across Huarong’s face, which Jun Yeli noticed. He frowned slightly, “What? Huarong, are you interested in these women?”

She quickly shook her head, “I wouldn’t dare, Your Majesty! Please, enjoy the dance.”

Huarong forced a smile, feeling as if he thought she was competing with him for women—is he really so petty?

She put on a forced grin, nibbling on grapes, her eyes full of amusement as she watched the dazzling performance.

The dancers moved in perfect harmony, drums strapped to their waists, the resounding beats both intimidating and exhilarating.

“This looks just like a cheerleading squad,” Huarong commented to herself, murmuring words that no one understood.

Despite the beauty and the impressive dance, Jun Yeli’s gaze remained fixed on Huarong. She ate her grapes with such earnestness that the other women’s seductive performances seemed to fade into the background.

“Your Majesty, aren’t you looking at the wrong place?” Eunuch Li wondered if Jun Yeli’s tastes were questionable. With such beautiful women before him, he was watching a mere food-lover. While Huarong was attractive, wasn’t the novelty more appealing?

Interrupted from his focused thoughts, Jun Yeli cast a disdainful glance at Eunuch Li. “Why do you care? Pay close attention, and when it’s time to comment, be sure to remind me quietly.”

“This…” Eunuch Li wanted to defend himself, but under the emperor’s cold stare, he fell silent.

The dance concluded with the final beat of the drum. As everyone came to their senses, it was as if they were enchanted—applause erupted, followed by admiring exclamations. The greedy look on their faces had yet to fade.

The envoy smiled, “Your Majesty, how did you find our drum dance?”

Seeing his proud demeanor, it was clear a lavish compliment was expected.

Jun Yeli had barely watched, so he shot a glance at Eunuch Li.

Taking the hint, Eunuch Li whispered, “Dynamic and powerful, truly awe-inspiring—a beauty fit for the heavens…”

Jun Yeli, like a parrot, repeated Eunuch Li’s words verbatim, delivering them to the assembled guests.

The envoy listened, visibly pleased, his head held high in smug satisfaction. “Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty. Next, let us see the performance from Fengling Dynasty!”

With his anticipation and the previous display raising the bar, surpassing them would not be an easy feat.

Fortunately, Huarong was not the first to perform; that honor belonged to Lady Liu.

This was a perfect chance to shine; if she could outdo the visiting dancers, it would bring glory to the nation—a rare privilege.

Lady Liu appeared with a peony in her hair, her beauty striking and exotic. Her heavy makeup made her look like an enchantress from a painting, stunning everyone present.

The audience stared in disbelief. “Is that Lady Liu? She’s absolutely gorgeous!”

If not for the usual restrictions on makeup, Lady Liu would have been the center of attention wherever she went.

Under countless admiring eyes, Lady Liu stepped forward, holding a feathered peacock fan, advancing swiftly toward the stage.

“Music!”

With a sharp cry, the hall was filled with elegance, and the resonant rhythm swept across the venue.