Chapter Forty-Nine: An Additional Concubine

Many ministers stared in disbelief, their mouths watering so profusely it seemed as though waterfalls were cascading down three thousand feet. When some finally regained their composure, they hurriedly grabbed their sleeves to wipe away the drool at the corners of their mouths. Each face distorted with desire, it was truly a sight that left one speechless.

“Is it really that exaggerated? She’s still wearing a veil—how can they already call her a beauty?” Hua Rong kept her distance, curling her lips in disdain. If this woman could cause such commotion even with a veil, who knows what chaos would ensue once it was removed.

As she fretted, she couldn’t help sneaking a glance at Jun Yeli. “With such a voluptuous figure, the Emperor should be quite fond of her. Perhaps he’ll finally stop pestering me?” The thought brightened Hua Rong’s mood. Yet as she imagined the Emperor entwined with this woman, a wave of gloom washed over her.

In the end, she found herself torn between conflicting emotions, uncertain what to do. Meanwhile, Jun Yeli maintained his unruffled composure; whether pleased or displeased, his face remained so rigid it all but spelled out the word “stiff.” His demeanor dampened the mood considerably.

Noticing Jun Yeli’s impassive expression, the envoy redoubled his efforts, extolling the virtues of the woman as if he were hawking a prized commodity. “Your Majesty, Yulu is the greatest beauty of our nation, enchanting and graceful, well-versed in many matters. To keep her in your harem would not only be fitting, but would also strengthen the friendship between our two countries. What do you think?”

The relentless praise was enough to make even Hua Rong, herself a woman, feel tempted.

Jun Yeli, however, merely chuckled softly. “You see how my harem is already filled with beauties, so numerous that the days and months turn and even then I may not bestow my favor upon them all. And they are hardly less than this Lady Yulu. Thank you for your kind offer, but I fear I am not blessed enough to accept.”

Indeed, his words rang true. With over thirty concubines in the palace, though he lacked a queen, their beauty could rival anyone.

Jun Yeli’s obstinacy left the envoy somewhat frustrated. “This Emperor is not to be underestimated. I’d assumed that, with so many beauties in his harem, he would be a man of indulgent passions, but he remains steadfast, untouched by temptation!”

The envoy realized now that his plans had faltered. Still, with such a rare beauty standing before him, he was reluctant to return empty-handed.

He pondered for a moment, when suddenly Jun Yeli rose and spoke with a smile. “Your Majesty, though you have many beauties within your harem, none are foreign women. Since we act in the spirit of friendship, why not welcome Lady Yulu into your harem as a sign of our nation’s openness?”

These words caused Jun Yeli’s expression to darken immediately. He cast a cold glance and clenched his fists, warning in a low voice, “If you remain silent, no one will mistake you for a mute.”

He regretted having so hastily agreed to Jun Yichen’s request earlier; now it seemed he had been taken advantage of, and dared to be manipulated.

Jun Yichen laughed breezily, unfazed by the threat, waiting with amusement for Jun Yeli’s answer. Not satisfied with mere spectacle, he added, “Besides, though you have many beauties, brother, you’ve yet to have an heir. Adding another lady would do no harm.”

This remark gave the envoy the opening he’d been waiting for, and he laughed heartily, “The Second Prince speaks wisely. Your Majesty, please do not hesitate any longer—accept Lady Yulu!”

It was like the old woman selling melons, forcing the sale upon him!

Jun Yeli’s face grew darker still. He shot a cold glare at Jun Yichen, who sat sipping wine, unconcerned, and his mind was troubled.

Yet, faced with the envoy’s eager persistence, and with the matter already pressed so far, he could no longer refuse outright. Forcing a smile, he said, “Since the envoy insists, let Lady Yulu remain.”

At these words, Yulu’s heart was struck, but she quickly knelt, “Thank you, Your Majesty, for your mercy. Yulu will devote herself to serving you!”

Whether that devotion meant service or conspiracy, no one could say.

Whatever the case, there was no turning back now.

With Yulu accepted, the envoys at last took their leave, satisfied.

Yulu was immediately granted the title of Noble Lady, and her extraordinary beauty stirred envy among the other concubines.

“This woman truly has the look of a fox spirit! She must be as formidable as Hua Rong—we’ll have to contend with her now!” Several women gathered in a corner, venting their grievances, growing angrier the more they talked.

Already they had a strong rival in Hua Rong; now, before one challenge had subsided, another arrived. They felt their lives were anything but peaceful!

“If you ask me, we should teach this Noble Lady Yulu a lesson so she knows her place—otherwise, she won’t respect us. What do you think?” one remarked.

“You make it sound easy. With her beauty, the Emperor will surely be captivated. Such favor will make her arrogant for a time—how are we supposed to pressure her then?” Another’s hatred for Hua Rong now transferred seamlessly to Yulu.

Meanwhile, in Xuanji Palace, Hua Rong enjoyed her meal, feeling utterly at ease.

“Well, this is splendid. With a new beauty in the harem, those women will surely stop targeting me.” The more she thought about it, the happier she became, nearly bursting into laughter. Even while sitting there, she was dreaming pleasant dreams.

Watching her, Suxin could only sigh, muttering, “Your Grace, you are the Emperor’s woman—shouldn’t you be vying for his favor, instead of indulging in these fantasies? Have you forgotten your purpose for entering the palace, to bring glory to the Hua family?”

If Suxin hadn’t always stayed by Hua Rong’s side, reminding her from time to time, Hua Rong would have long since abandoned her arduous mission.

The thought made Suxin sigh deeply.

“Ah, why say such things? Our Hua family hasn’t wronged anyone. Even if we’re a bit downcast, we’re not targets. Living well and freely is enough—if we draw too much attention, we might not even keep our lives!”

With vivid memories from her past life, Hua Rong was especially conscious of this, shaking her head repeatedly, shuddering at the recollection.

That evening, Noble Lady Yulu entered the Imperial Palace, her arrival marked by all the proper ceremony.

In Liuli Palace, green satin and red silks created a lively scene. Dressed in her wedding robes, Noble Lady Yulu sat upright on the bed, awaiting the Emperor’s arrival.