Chapter 46: How About Granting a Wife?

“Go on, go on…” Huarong waved the cluster of grapes in her hand, swinging them idly between her sleeves.

The sound of her cheering was lackluster, almost languid. Jun Yeli couldn’t help but roll his eyes. “What’s this? Does the honor of the nation mean so little to you that you can’t even muster a bit of interest?”

Huarong turned her head with a forced, careless grin, but inside she was awash with anxiety. “If you were being stared at by a pack of wolves and tigers, with death lurking at every moment, would you still be able to sit still?”

Her life may have seemed insignificant, but that didn’t mean others could trample it at will.

Jun Yeli was certainly playing his cards well, pushing her daily to the very edge of danger. Who could say if he did it on purpose or simply out of carelessness?

Still, seeing Jun Yeli’s puzzled expression, Huarong reluctantly raised her voice, “Go, Second Prince! Go, Second Prince!”

This time her cheer was at least somewhat spirited. Glancing at the field, Huarong saw the score had evened to two-all.

“Wonderful! If the Second Prince scores again, we’ll win—finally a chance to turn the tide!” Huarong’s interest seemed to spark from nowhere, and she couldn’t help but beam with delight.

She had started out listless and unwilling, but now her joy was almost excessive—so much so that Jun Yeli, noticing her transformation, seemed to bristle. “Are you deliberately opposing me?”

His voice was low, tinged with irritation.

Knowing full well Jun Yeli’s issues with Jun Yechen, Huarong’s actions were practically a slap in his own face.

Even so, her exuberant shout seemed to carry on the wind, drifting to Jun Yechen’s ears, who turned with a confident glance in her direction.

Huarong didn’t notice, but Jun Yeli did, feeling provoked and smoldering with annoyance.

Suddenly, a strong arm encircled Huarong’s waist, pulling her tightly into his embrace.

The abrupt gesture left her flustered. She looked up, bewildered, and asked in a trembling voice, “Your Majesty, what are you doing? So many are watching—please, let me go!”

The longer he held her, the closer death seemed. Huarong squirmed desperately, trying to wriggle free, but his grip was unyielding, leaving her no room to escape.

“If you move again,” came his deep, chilling whisper, “believe me, when this match ends, I’ll have you buried in the back garden as fertilizer.”

The threat left Huarong speechless. She clapped her hands over her mouth, nodding frantically, her muffled voice barely audible through her fingers, “I’ll be quiet, I’ll be quiet…”

“And furthermore, there are many players in this match—must you cheer only for my brother? Don’t the others deserve encouragement as well?” Jun Yeli added, sounding weary.

Huarong’s lips twitched. “What’s wrong with this man? Could he be jealous?” The thought unsettled her. “Impossible… Could he truly like me?”

From what she remembered of her past life, Jun Yeli had indeed fallen for her. But in this life, after all she had done, what could he possibly like about her? Was there any way to change his mind?

Taking a deep breath, Huarong dared not act out further. She braced herself and began to shout random encouragements, her cries now aimless.

On the field, horses darted back and forth as the ball soared between the players, passing through many hands but never reaching the goal.

The envoys watched with growing tension. Even Jun Yeli began to feel uneasy. “If we lose this match, we’ll be the laughingstock of everyone.”

After all, it was Jun Yeli himself who had initiated this friendly match. If a great nation lost, wouldn’t that just invite ridicule?

But aside from Jun Yeli and a few officials, it seemed the concubines’ attention was wholly on Huarong. Watching the Emperor’s arm tightly around her waist, they could barely contain their fury.

“Huarong, you vixen—just wait, I’ll teach you a lesson,” Noble Lady Liu muttered through gritted teeth, burning with resentment yet too wary to act overtly.

All they could do was join the rest and reluctantly turn their gaze back to the field.

Through the swirling dust, Jun Yechen darted agilely among the other riders, astride a magnificent steed, moving with effortless grace.

Suddenly, the ball landed on his mallet. Victory was just within reach.

Jun Yechen aimed at the opposing goal. As the ball arced high through the air, he leapt from his horse’s back, swung his mallet, and sliced a magnificent curve through the sky.

With a resounding crack, the ball shot into the goal with breathtaking precision.

“Bravo! Well done, Second Prince!”

As the ball settled, the outcome was sealed. The ministers couldn’t help but leap to their feet, breaking into applause, while the envoys’ faces stiffened with barely concealed displeasure.

Jun Yechen landed back astride his horse, exhaling in relief at the cheers. He raised his brow at Jun Yeli, seated in the place of honor—his provocative look impossible to miss.

Jun Yeli’s feelings were conflicted: pleased with the victory, yet resentful toward Jun Yechen.

“Bring them here,” Jun Yeli commanded with a wave of his hand. However displeased he might be, he could not let it show—lest he lose his nation’s dignity.

The two teams approached Jun Yeli. Jun Yechen removed his armor, sweat glistening on his brow, but an even greater air of nonchalance about him.

“Your Majesty, I have fulfilled my duty and secured victory. Will there be a reward?” Jun Yechen asked boldly, undeterred by Jun Yeli’s dark expression.

Jun Yeli nodded, forcing a smile. “Of course. You performed admirably. After much thought, I shall bestow upon you a virtuous wife, a companion for life. What do you think?”

After all, the man had been eyeing his concubine all match—might as well grant him a bride and see if he dares look again.

With this in mind, Jun Yeli felt a touch of satisfaction. Yet Jun Yechen’s expression changed, and he hastily declined, “Thank you, Your Majesty, for your generosity. But having only just returned, I’m unfamiliar with the ladies of the capital. Might Your Majesty grant me more time to become acquainted, or perhaps reward me with something else instead?”