Chapter Forty-Seven: A Difficult Choice Between Two Sides

Jun Yechen’s unyielding stance left Jun Yeli unable to press him further; his brows furrowed slightly, and his gaze grew more scrutinizing. “This fellow has come to claim credit and ask for reward of his own accord—he must have had this planned all along.”

After a brief moment of contemplation, he recognized that Yechen had indeed rendered meritorious service; it would be inappropriate to refuse him outright. He could only speak, “Very well, what is it that you want?”

Hearing this, Jun Yechen made no attempt at courtesy and replied directly, “I hope Your Majesty will allow Huifei to be moved out of the Cold Palace, granting your brother at least a thread of hope!”

At these words, Jun Yeli’s expression changed instantly; he clenched his jaw and glared, “Second Brother, though our brotherly bond is deep, do you truly believe Huifei deserves to be released given what she’s done?”

Huifei, once the most favored consort of the late emperor, was also Jun Yechen’s own mother.

Yet, because she had tried to harm the empress, Jun Yeli, upon ascending the throne, banished her to the Cold Palace. To preserve himself, Jun Yechen had chosen to wander the world.

Never in his wildest dreams did he imagine that upon his first return, this would be the favor his brother asked!

“Your Majesty, all these years have passed, and Huifei has languished in the Cold Palace for five long years. Surely, she has already suffered all the hardship she deserves. Now that your brother has triumphed in the competition, you promised to grant him a reward. I ask for nothing else but my mother’s freedom—please, Your Majesty, grant this request!”

With those words, Jun Yechen knelt directly to the ground.

Seeing this, everyone else was somewhat surprised, their conflicted gazes converging on Jun Yeli.

Bearing the weight of so many stares, Jun Yeli felt cornered and put on the spot—yet it was the envoy who first saw an opportunity in this impasse. Though still simmering from his defeat in the contest, he did not hesitate to join the fray. “Your Majesty, the Second Prince’s skill is extraordinary, and his victory indeed remarkable. Now, moved by filial piety, he pleads for his mother. Why not show some leniency?”

The envoy’s shifty-eyed demeanor betrayed his own hidden motives.

Jun Yeli found himself with no escape route; his eyes flicked across the crowd, and inwardly, he was disgusted. “No wonder he returned so suddenly today—he must have plotted this long ago. It seems that his worldly travels have done nothing to temper his cunning!”

Drawing a deep breath, Jun Yeli suddenly turned his gaze to Hua Rong and beckoned her forward with a crook of his finger. “Consort Rong, you have always been clear-headed. Why don’t you advise me on how to handle this matter?”

This abrupt summons made Hua Rong’s face pale. “Why involve me in this? Let them settle their own family strife…”

If she agreed, she’d offend the emperor; if she refused, she’d offend the Second Prince—either way, she would be caught in the crossfire!

“Oh? What’s this? I’ve entrusted you with such important authority—do you refuse?”

Jun Yeli narrowed his eyes slightly, his tone laced with threat. His desired answer was plain on his face; he merely needed someone to give him an excuse.

Faced with this predicament, Hua Rong knew she had no way out. Bracing herself, she stepped forward hesitantly, trembling as she took her place by Jun Yeli’s side.

She looked up at him, her heart in tumult. Yet before she could ponder the situation, Jun Yechen’s voice rang out, “Consort Rong, do not forget that back in the quiet courtyard, I once saved your life. I hope you will give this matter careful thought.”

His sudden words left Hua Rong ashen-faced. “You all insist on dragging me into this! What happened to tacit understanding—why must you expose me now?”

It was clear to Hua Rong now: these two brothers were like fire and water, locked in open and covert struggle.

She had hoped to remain aloof and play the fool, but with one sentence, Jun Yechen had revealed their acquaintance.

Likewise, Jun Yeli’s eyes narrowed with suspicion, his gaze snapping to Hua Rong. “What is going on? You know him?”

“Your Majesty, please, do not be angry—let me explain!” Hua Rong quickly began to recount the events: how a would-be assassin had attacked her, and by chance, Jun Yechen had come to her rescue.

“Your Majesty, the Second Prince did me a kindness, but it was all coincidence—there is nothing more between us. I beg you not to overthink…”

Hua Rong’s sense of grievance was overwhelming. Was this life, which never truly belonged to her, always destined to be reclaimed?

Now, her legs trembled, her heart pounded wildly—she felt as if death was drawing near.

After a brief silence in response to Hua Rong’s explanation, Jun Yeli seemed at a loss for words. Instead, he turned his cold gaze to Jun Yechen. “So, you did not return only today. If you were back earlier, and had already entered the palace, why choose to appear now? Do you have some ulterior motive?”

Jun Yeli tried to probe for a flaw, but Jun Yechen was already prepared. “Please, brother, do not overthink it. I simply heard about the tournament upon my return and thought to surprise you.”

There was no rebuttal to that. Jun Yeli had barely gathered his thoughts before Jun Yechen pressed on, “Your Majesty, not only has your brother returned today, he has also claimed victory. Might I ask, will you grant the reward you promised?”

Round and round, the conversation circled back to the beginning.

Jun Yeli did nothing but cast his gaze upon Hua Rong, his piercing look saying all that needed saying.

“Well, after careful consideration, it is true that the Second Prince deserves merit. If Huifei was punished for her crimes in the Cold Palace, would it not be the same for her to suffer outside as well…”

There was no help for it—on one hand, there was gratitude, for without the Second Prince, she would have died at the hands of that assassin and would not be standing here to speak.

Desperate as she was to survive, she could not bring herself to be ungrateful.

Yet, her words were double-edged, leaving Jun Yeli an opening.

Pondering Hua Rong’s response, Jun Yeli suddenly let out a cold laugh. “Since Consort Rong has spoken so, I will grant your request and release Huifei. But as she is guilty, let her instruct the palace maids in etiquette—what say you?”

To have her teach etiquette to the palace maids was a task fit for a dowager matron; such an assignment was clearly meant to humiliate Huifei.

Jun Yechen’s face changed abruptly. He looked up at Jun Yeli, a trace of anger and malice in his eyes.

Yet, he could only clench his fists and force himself to nod. “Thank you, Your Majesty, for your mercy and generosity!”