Chapter Forty-Three: The Voice of Jealousy

Huarong’s timid demeanor satisfied Jun Yeli somewhat. “At least you know your place,” he remarked. Yet the words carried a faint hint of bitterness, though she couldn’t tell if it was merely her own misunderstanding.

Huarong forced a reluctant smile, obediently nodding her head, though her heart was filled with dread. “This is bad… With the mishap in the competition, am I going to be beheaded…?”

Everything had been going so well. She had basked in the attention of the crowd, only for this sudden reversal to occur. Although she never wished for excessive attention, this was hardly the way she wanted things to end.

Jun Yeli, however, seemed disinterested in pursuing the matter further. Instead, his gaze was fixed intensely on Jun Yichen, his expression tinged with confusion. “When did you return?!”

Jun Yichen was supposed to be traveling in the world outside, yet without warning, he appeared suddenly at this critical moment—and saved Huarong.

For reasons unknown, failing to rescue Huarong himself left Jun Yeli unsettled. Had it been anyone else who saved her, he might not have felt so troubled, but it was Jun Yichen in particular.

Though brothers, they were not born of the same mother. Jun Yeli was the son of the Empress, while Jun Yichen was born to the Noble Consort Jia—the very woman responsible for the Empress’s death.

After ascending the throne, Jun Yeli allowed Jun Yichen a measure of freedom to travel the realm, withdrawing from the palace’s endless struggles. Who could have foreseen his sudden return?

Faced with this interrogation, Jun Yichen chuckled softly, speaking with refined gentleness. “You need not mind, elder brother. I meant to surprise you upon my return—who knew it would almost become a shock?”

His smiling face was somewhat displeasing to behold. Because of his mother, no matter how amiable Jun Yichen appeared, Jun Yeli could not overcome the bitterness in his heart.

Yet one could not deny that he had just saved someone important.

Standing behind them, Huarong was utterly confused. “What’s going on? Are you two brothers? Then earlier—!”

She recalled that he had saved her once before; now, this was the second time. Twice, he had been her savior.

Yet for some reason, though Jun Yichen had returned, he had waited until now to reveal himself. Before she could finish her thought, Jun Yichen cast her a sharp glance, reminding her of her promise. She immediately shut her mouth, burying her suspicions within, though something still felt amiss.

“Why did he conceal his return? Does he have some ulterior motive?”

Drawing on memories from her previous life, Huarong vaguely recalled that between Jun Yeli and Jun Yichen, there lay the enmity of a murdered mother.

Rumor had it that Jun Yichen was ambitious, but she had never had the chance to meet him before she died, a favored consort, in the palace’s deadly intrigues.

Taking a deep breath, Huarong felt only pain in her heart, unable to discern right from wrong.

Jun Yichen, meanwhile, smiled gently and addressed her, “Consort Rong, are you unharmed?”

She shook her head. “No, no, I’m fine. Thank you, Third Prince, for your timely intervention…”

Glancing cautiously at Jun Yeli, she sensed something different in the atmosphere around him, unsure where she might have misspoken.

She quickly offered a smile and said, “Now that the brothers are reunited, such a rare and joyous occasion surely calls for a celebration tonight, doesn’t it?”

At her words, the tension seemed to ease. Jun Yeli pondered briefly, then resolved to receive Jun Yichen with the highest ceremony.

“Though there was an accident during today’s performance, we can rejoice that the Third Prince has returned from his travels—making up for the shortcomings of this competition!”

Jun Yichen’s demeanor, reserved yet graceful, won the admiration of those present.

Huarong, however, felt awkward, still dressed in attire that was far too eye-catching.

Noticing her discomfort, Jun Yichen spoke considerately, “If Consort Rong finds her attire unsuitable, perhaps she might change into something else?”

His words struck a chord, and Huarong responded with a grateful glance, preparing to change.

Yet her compliance irritated Jun Yeli, who rebuked coldly, “Why bother changing? After such an incident, you’re still concerned about your clothes?”

“…I understand,” Huarong muttered, at a loss, wondering if he had taken some fiery medicine to be so agitated.

She turned to the assembled guests, apologizing earnestly, “I’m truly sorry for today’s unexpected mishap; I have no idea how it happened. Please forgive me…”

The envoy eagerly voiced agreement. “Today’s accident was indeed dangerous, but just now, Your Grace’s performance was divine—like a celestial maiden descending to earth! It was an honor to witness such brilliance.”

Though the performance had failed, the praise revealed the guests were thoroughly impressed, leaving her to wonder what perfection might have achieved.

“Wonderful—at least these people have some discernment!” Huarong breathed a sigh of relief, hoping she would no longer be troubled.

She glanced cautiously at Jun Yeli; seeing no sign of impending doom, she finally relaxed.

The other consorts, however, were far less pleased. Watching Huarong monopolize the spotlight, those who had competed were green with envy.

Someone couldn’t resist a sardonic remark, “Consort Rong is truly a master of concealment—always pretending to be clueless, but when it comes to stealing the show, her skills are unmatched!”

“Indeed! Rumor has it she’s the reincarnation of a fox spirit—so alluring that even I, a woman, nearly lost my soul to her!”

The crowd’s words, though ostensibly complimentary, were clearly intended to embarrass her.

Yet Huarong was no lamb to be slaughtered. Determined to survive with dignity, she raised her chin and smiled lightly, “I’ll take it as praise from you, sisters. After all, not just anyone has the ability to be a fox spirit and captivate hearts!”