Chapter Forty-Four: Come Here and Serve Me Wine

With that remark, she silenced all those sarcastic voices, leaving them speechless. Clearly, they lacked the ability they mocked, or else they wouldn’t be standing here making snide comments.

After changing her attire, Lady Wen returned to the banquet, her gaze lingering on Hua Rong’s smug expression. Though her heart felt increasingly unsettled, her lips curled into a smile as she complimented, “Indeed, Sister Rong Consort, that chamber was filled with peerless beauties—truly admirable.”

Her words, sincere and void of provocation, carried a genuine warmth that made them especially pleasant to hear.

Hua Rong was a little surprised, studying Lady Wen carefully. “Could it be she harbors no malice towards me?”

In the harem, Hua Rong had always believed that true feelings were a luxury and survival depended on caution. Yet Lady Wen’s conduct gave her a momentary illusion of authenticity.

After a brief pause, Hua Rong smiled and replied, “Thank you for your praise, Lady Wen.”

In her shifting demeanor—gentle and virtuous one moment, proud and coquettish the next—Hua Rong quickly drew Lord Yechen’s attention. He stroked his chin, his gaze unwavering. This scene did not escape Lord Yeli, whose heart soured as he witnessed it. He cleared his throat twice, reminding, “Third Brother, you’ve just returned. Normally, you wouldn’t be expected to participate in too many affairs, but this is a friendly tournament between two nations. Would you care to join?”

At these words, Lord Yechen was momentarily stunned, his eyes lighting up. “Brother, you mean—?”

“There will be a horse match soon. I recall your exceptional skill in this area. Why not join everyone and enjoy the game today?”

The invitation sounded pleasant enough, yet Hua Rong couldn’t help but shiver, casting a wary glance at Lord Yeli. “Is he plotting something? Could he be setting him up to embarrass himself?”

After all, Lord Yechen had only just returned, and to thrust him into such a contest—if he lost, it would surely tarnish his reputation.

Yet Lord Yechen appeared remarkably composed. He stood up, lips curling in a confident smile, and clasped his hands in salute. “Since Your Majesty trusts me so, I shall give my utmost and will not disappoint!”

And so the matter was settled.

After Hua Rong’s soul-stirring dance, the contest remained undecided. Next came the men’s horse match.

This match consisted of two teams, each mounted on horseback with mallets in hand, tasked with striking the ball into the opposing goal, the outcome determined by the final score.

At the signal, the participants readied themselves and entered the arena one by one. Lord Yechen, clad in helmet and armor, looked strikingly handsome and formidable—unquestionably the center of attention.

Hua Rong couldn’t help but smile dreamily. “Truly, a handsome man is captivating no matter how you look at him.”

Caught between admiration and uncertainty, she glanced at Lord Yeli. “I wonder, if these two were to compete, who would win?”

Lord Yeli seemed to notice her subtle expression and, displeased, suddenly called out, “Rong Consort, come here and attend me with wine.”

He shifted his seat, deliberately making space for her.

Such an abrupt command froze Hua Rong in place. “What does he mean? Is he asking me to sit beside him and serve him?”

It was well known that only the Empress or the most favored consort could sit by the Emperor’s side. If she were to take that seat, she’d instantly become the target of every jealous gaze.

Taking a deep breath, Hua Rong’s lips trembled as she quickly shook her head and replied, “Your Majesty, my hands are clumsy. I fear I’d serve you poorly. Perhaps Lady Wen would be better suited?”

The attention now shifted to Lady Wen, who was momentarily puzzled, looking at Hua Rong with questioning eyes. “Why would she pass such an honor to me?”

This was a privilege others would fight tooth and nail for, yet Hua Rong was recommending her without hesitation.

Meeting Lady Wen’s confused gaze, Hua Rong gave her an encouraging look. “Whoever wants to wade into this mess is welcome to it—I just want to survive a little longer!”

She forced a reluctant smile, striving to appear calm.

Lady Wen pondered for a moment, unable to fathom Hua Rong’s intentions, but her hopeful eyes turned to the Emperor.

Faced with such a refusal, the Emperor was displeased. “No need. Lady Wen’s status is too distinguished; it wouldn’t be appropriate for her to attend me. You come here!”

His words were clearly an excuse. The difference between a Noble Consort and a Consort was hardly significant—why make such distinctions? If he truly wanted someone of lower status, he could choose a lesser concubine or noble lady. Why insist on Hua Rong?

Hua Rong’s expression stiffened. “Is he deliberately making things difficult for me? What have I done to provoke him, that he must treat me so?”

No matter how she pondered, she found no reasonable answer. Her mind raced like wild horses.

“What are you waiting for? Is it so difficult to attend me?” Seeing Hua Rong unmoved, Lord Yeli frowned, his voice low and tinged with warning.

“No, no! It is Rong’s honor to serve Your Majesty!” Hua Rong straightened up at once.

Her small frame seemed powered by a motor as she deftly maneuvered around the seats, passing Lady Wen and settling swiftly beside the Emperor.

“What are you doing? Sit!” Lord Yeli patted the seat he’d prepared, his gesture both commanding and unsettling.

“What misfortune have I brought upon myself…”

With a woeful expression, Hua Rong knelt awkwardly in the cramped space, overly cautious, as if she were an ice sculpture afraid to move.

Yet as she sat, the surrounding consorts’ gazes converged upon her, sharp as blades, as if wishing to cut her to pieces.

“Oh dear ladies, you see, it was the Emperor’s command—I resisted, but to no avail. If you must hold a grudge, direct it at him…” In her heart, Hua Rong was already praying for deliverance.

It was indeed a case of unintended consequences, and now she found herself in the thick of it.

Lady Wen, outwardly calm, watched Hua Rong and Lord Yeli sit side by side—a handsome pair by any measure—which only made her feel more aggrieved.

“How hateful. No wonder she nominated me earlier—she was merely setting herself up for a better position…”