Chapter Forty-Eight: Once Again, Sending Away a Beauty

This friendship tournament failed to deliver the spectacle the envoys had hoped for—a rift between brothers. Instead, Jun Yecheng, swallowing his bitterness, chose to endure in silence. He glanced at Hua Rong, a subtle and enigmatic smile appearing on his lips.

Rising from his seat, he walked directly over to Hua Rong. His sudden approach startled her, and she asked, “What are you doing?”

“Consort Rong, there’s no need to be alarmed. You spoke up for me just now, so naturally, I must express my gratitude.” Jun Yecheng’s smile was polite and refined, a sharp contrast to his earlier forceful demeanor, making it all the more unexpected.

Hua Rong was somewhat bewildered but quickly shook her head, forcing a smile. “It’s nothing. It was all your accomplishment, something you deserved. It has nothing to do with me, so please don’t thank me…”

Her words were squeezed out with reluctance, and she couldn’t help but furtively glance at Jun Yeli’s expression, anxious and uneasy.

Sure enough, seeing the two of them in close proximity, Jun Yeli’s face darkened. He coughed lightly, “Second Brother, if you wish to thank her, do so, but must you stand so near? Are you having trouble seeing?”

His reprimand left no room for courtesy.

Jun Yecheng observed this and was secretly amused, casting a brief, teasing glance at Jun Yeli. “I never expected that my brother, always stern and unyielding, would finally soften. It seems the iron tree has blossomed at last!”

His gamble had not been misplaced. Even though Jun Yeli’s feelings were not overt tonight, it was clear his attention remained fixed on Hua Rong.

He gave a faint smile. “Your Majesty need not read too much into it. It is simply a gesture of gratitude, and I must thank you for making it possible.”

After speaking, he returned to his seat.

Hua Rong continued to serve Jun Yeli, yet she felt the gazes upon her grow increasingly nuanced.

She took a deep breath and tried to hypnotize herself, “I am blind, I am blind, I see nothing…”

Jun Yeli cast her a sidelong glance, noticing her absent-mindedness, and nudged her arm. “What are you thinking about now?”

“Nothing, really. I just think the weather is nice today and wanted to close my eyes and commune with nature for a moment!” Hua Rong managed a strained smile, only to be met with his scornful retort, “Living in this palace is like being a bird in a cage; what ‘nature’ can you possibly feel?”

His tone was mocking, yet beneath it lurked a peculiar sentiment difficult to describe.

Hua Rong said no more, merely watching the envoys whisper among themselves before reminding, “Your Majesty, you shouldn’t focus solely on me. The envoys are the main event.”

She had already suffered enough today; surely, if heaven showed any mercy, she would not be tormented further.

Mentioning this, Jun Yeli recalled the true purpose of the friendship tournament. He turned his gaze to the whispering envoys, uncertain what they were discussing, and spoke, “Honorable envoys, today’s tournament is not about winning or losing. The goal is to foster friendship, so there’s no need to be disheartened.”

The envoys quickly responded with nervous smiles. “Indeed, friendship comes first, competition second. We must admit, your Phoenix Realm is formidable, with strength and vigor that inspires our admiration.”

Their smiles were polite but insincere, yet Jun Yeli felt content. Still, the thought that all this glory was thanks to Jun Yecheng alone left him somewhat unsettled.

He waved his hand dismissively. “Enough of that. Tonight’s festivities are splendid; let us enjoy the music and dance, eat and drink to our hearts’ content!”

His intentions were simple: once everyone had feasted and reveled, they could return to their own lands in peace.

After all, losing the tournament meant losing face; it would be inappropriate for them to linger any longer.

Yet, as the banquet was drawing to a close, the envoys suddenly rose and summoned the troupe of dancers, who gathered behind them, their allure causing mouths to water and involuntary memories of their exquisite performance.

Jun Yeli frowned slightly. “May I ask what this means, honorable envoys?”

“Your Majesty, these dancers are truly exceptional, unmatched in their beauty. Since the ordinary ones fail to please you, why not add these to your harem?”

The envoys repeated their old trick, presenting yet another choice.

Seeing trouble ahead, Hua Rong thought, “This is bad. The emperor is about to find new ways to torment me. I must escape as soon as possible!”

Rather than remain to face another difficult dilemma, it was wiser to slip away.

Taking a deep breath, Hua Rong squinted and glanced around, noting that everyone’s attention was fixed on the scantily clad dancers. She quietly tiptoed out of the hall.

Jun Yecheng caught her subtle movements, amusement flickering in his eyes. “Consort Rong truly is unique—witty and mischievous, so different from the dignified and elegant ladies of the court. No wonder she has captured the emperor’s favor.”

Indeed, though his brother’s harem was full, it had always been for appearances; when had he ever shown such devotion to a woman?

Jun Yecheng stroked his chin, lost in a brief reverie.

Jun Yeli looked at the group of barely clothed beauties and felt a wave of irritation. “These people are relentless. If I don’t accept these women, they’ll likely refuse to leave…”

He pondered for a moment, then instinctively turned and addressed the air, “Consort Rong, what do you think of these beauties—”

Before he could finish, he realized he was speaking to emptiness. “Where is she?”

She had been right there only moments ago, and now, in the blink of an eye, she was gone.

He scanned the surroundings, but the lively figure was nowhere to be found.

Jun Yeli’s expression changed. “That woman—could she have deliberately found a place to hide?”

While he hesitated, the envoys grew impatient and urged, “Your Majesty, even if there are too many beauties to accept, you must at least take Jade Dew into your harem!”

At the mention of Jade Dew, a woman stepped forward from the crowd, veiling her face, her graceful form unparalleled—a true gem among women.