Chapter Forty: A Suffocating Match

Liu Hui followed the rhythm of the music, his wide sleeves spreading out like a peacock displaying its feathers, truly dazzling everyone present. The crowd watched with keen interest, though compared to the exotic woman who had danced earlier, this performance seemed utterly outmatched.

As the music ended, the audience politely applauded, but the response was far less enthusiastic than before. The noblewoman stood motionless, and without dancing, resembled a fluttering moth—hardly pleasant to behold.

Jun Yeli remained silent, staring at Lady Liu in a daze, her extravagant makeup and dress dazzling to the point of confusion. His mind felt muddled, unsure what to say.

“Ahem… Your Majesty, say a few words, lest Lady Liu feel too embarrassed!” After all, she was one of their own; they couldn’t let outsiders steal all the limelight.

Hearing this, Jun Yeli snapped back to attention and hastily nodded, “Yes, quite good—very stunning. Next!”

Such perfunctory praise struck to the heart. Lady Liu’s face changed instantly, feeling deeply wronged and reluctant to leave the stage. She lingered, coyly pleading, “Your Majesty, couldn’t you say a bit more?”

She had spent a considerable sum to stand out tonight; it hadn’t come easily. Yet Jun Yeli hurried her, “Quick, next!”

As he spoke, he couldn’t help but glance at Hua Rong. There was anticipation in his heart for this simple yet spirited woman—how would she begin her performance?

One after another, concubines took the stage, each outdoing the last in lavish attire and elaborate style. Yet none delivered a dance as memorable or breathtaking as the exotic guest; they all fell short.

“What are we to do? If the vassal state steals the show, they’ll surely flaunt their victory and look down on us even more!” Li Gonggong wiped his brow, anxiety creeping into his expression. He looked as though he wished he could dress up and perform himself.

Jun Yeli felt unsettled too, though he and Li Gonggong seemed to be on different wavelengths. He cast a sidelong glance at Li Gonggong, “How did you arrange this? Why hasn’t Lady Rong performed yet?”

He had endured this spectacle so long just to see Hua Rong’s performance, but all he got were gaudy, bizarre displays—never the simple wish he hoped for.

Li Gonggong was momentarily speechless. He hurriedly pulled out the roster from his sleeve, flipped through it, and his face changed dramatically. “Reporting to Your Majesty, Lady Rong is scheduled as the last performer…”

The words made Jun Yeli’s grapes roll off the table; he nearly rolled his eyes and died on the spot. Tilting his head in shock, he asked, “Did you say Lady Rong is the last? Do you think I can survive all this torment?”

Those aware of the contest knew it was a talent competition, but to outsiders, it looked like each woman was vying for the Emperor’s favor—a grand selection scene indeed!

Taking a deep breath, Jun Yeli propped his head in his hand, feeling his heart could hardly bear the ordeal. Then, out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Hua Rong had disappeared. Bewildered, he asked, “Where has Lady Rong gone?”

The endless dull dances had lulled him into drowsiness, leaving little energy for anything else. Unbeknownst to anyone, Hua Rong had quietly slipped away right under their noses.

Li Gonggong was equally puzzled, but shook his head, “I do not know, perhaps she went to the privy—she did eat rather a lot just now.”

There was no rush anyway; her performance was still some time off.

The audience below had fallen into silence, their initial excitement replaced by utter boredom. It was as though they’d watched the same dance a thousand times, to the point of nausea and despair.

Even the envoy could no longer bear it. Seeing the women’s endless posturing, he called out, “Your Majesty, do you not have something more distinctive? What is all this?”

He wasn’t nitpicking—the locals themselves seemed unable to stomach it. He’d come to this gathering with intent to humiliate, but the opposing tactics were so tedious he almost wished for death by boredom.

It was dreadful—truly dreadful!

With the envoy’s interruption, the atmosphere turned awkward. Those ministers on the brink of sleep jolted upright, some even foolishly called out, “Well done! Excellent dancing!”

Such false and perfunctory praise made the scene all the more uncomfortable.

Jun Yeli collected himself, but his face was hard to salvage; he forced a smile and said, “Please do not worry, esteemed envoy. These are merely appetizers—the true spectacle awaits.”

“Your Majesty, forgive me, but you seem nearly asleep yourself. Are you truly going to fob us off with such mediocrity?” The envoy sneered, his irritation understandable, leaving everyone at a loss for words.

Jun Yeli was stunned for a moment, then quickly glanced at Li Gonggong, pressing, “Who’s next in the competition?”

Li Gonggong checked the roster and answered cautiously, “Your Majesty, next is Lady Wen, followed by Lady Rong.”

“Never mind, let Hua Rong perform now. I want to see if her usual eccentricity translates into something novel tonight.”

Li Gonggong was taken aback, hesitantly reminding, “Your Majesty, Lady Rong usually… The envoy has lost patience; if we trouble him further, it may be hard to recover our dignity. Perhaps Lady Wen should try first?”

“Lady Wen?” Jun Yeli chuckled softly. “Lady Wen is a noblewoman, gentle and virtuous; she’s no different from the others. Do you think she could bring anything new?”

If that were the case, better to place all hope in Hua Rong. Besides, tonight’s purpose was to see her performance.

Ignoring Li Gonggong’s anxious expression, Jun Yeli ordered, “Go and arrange it immediately!”

Turning to the envoy, he donned a welcoming smile, “Now, the true feast begins. Please, esteemed guests, do not be upset—enjoy the next performance.”