Chapter Sixty-Two: These Steps Are Better Left Unclimbed

“I truly didn’t expect this—Lady Jade is quite the seductress, it seems. Not content with entrancing His Majesty, she even sets her sights on the Second Prince!” Hua Rong curled her lips in disdain.

Certainly, a handsome man is worthy of admiration, but as a son’s son, one ought to stand firm, just as I do! Hua Rong glanced at the Second Prince, whose striking features were unmatched. Subconsciously, he swallowed, then turned with a chilly expression toward Lady Jade and said coldly, “If you don’t move your foot right now, don’t blame me for being rough.”

“Oh? What, are you thinking of pushing me?” Lady Jade’s insolent demeanor was infuriating. Not only did he want to push her—he felt like beating her senseless.

Hua Rong forced a smile, while Jun Yecheng, beside her, let out a cold laugh. “Lady Jade, how dare you defy your superiors with such arrogance? If you can’t lift your foot, perhaps this prince can assist you, though I warn you, it may not be gentle!”

Before Lady Jade could react, the Second Prince swept his leg sideways, pressing against Lady Jade’s heel.

Caught off guard, Lady Jade lost her balance and tumbled backward with a shrill cry, “Ah!”

Just as she was about to fall, Jun Yeli flashed over in a swift motion and caught Lady Jade around the waist.

“Are you all right?” His sudden intervention drew the attention of everyone present.

Hua Rong saw his concerned expression and could not contain her feelings. She muttered under her breath, “When I was being bullied just now, you weren’t nearly so prompt with your heroics.”

Whether it was jealousy or frustration, she couldn’t say, but the resentment in her heart was undeniable.

Lady Jade noticed the shift in Hua Rong’s expression and smiled softly, a hint of grievance in her manner. “Your Majesty, I am unharmed, but my foot was tripped and it’s difficult to walk…”

She raised a delicate hand, mimicking the sorrow of a rain-soaked pear blossom, and began to dab at nonexistent tears at the corners of her eyes, making pitiful noises.

Her performance was quite affecting, yet the contrived display was hard to stomach.

“What are you pretending at? Have you seen what’s happened to my dress after you stepped on it? Anyone with eyes could tell who’s truly been wronged!”

Her words were laden with double meaning, mocking Lady Jade’s theatrics but also aimed at Jun Yeli.

Lady Jade continued to feign distress, fluttering her lashes, but Jun Yeli sensed something amiss. “Is this woman… jealous?”

Conflicted, he glanced down at the hem of Hua Rong’s dress, only to discover it had torn—an exceedingly improper sight. He frowned.

Looking at Lady Jade in his arms, he asked, “Was this your doing?”

“It wasn’t intentional, Your Majesty. But who could have guessed Consort Rong would be so narrow-minded, teaming up with the Second Prince to bully me…”

Pouting like a child at nearly twenty years of age, she was shamelessly playing coy—where did she find the courage?

Hua Rong sighed lightly. “Enough, enough. You’re such a bottomless pit, I won’t compete with you. I’ll resolve it myself!”

She gazed down, resigned, at her half-exposed dress—afraid every step would drag it across the floor. Another sigh escaped her lips.

Just then, a gentle voice sounded, “Consort Rong, you need not worry. Why not return and change your attire? There’s still time before the banquet begins.”

“That… may not be appropriate. In fact, I think my current state is quite unsuited for such an occasion. Don’t you agree, Your Majesty?”

Hua Rong was more than eager to leave; though it was called a birthday celebration, it was little more than a stage for women to play their games—who would want to watch that?

She was about to depart with a cheerful heart when she was halted, “Stop right there. Today, no one is permitted to miss Lady Wen’s banquet. If you truly don’t know what to do, why not ask me for help?”

Jun Yeli pushed Lady Jade aside, his hands behind his back and posture erect, clearly waiting for someone to plead for his assistance.

Faced with his domineering attitude, Hua Rong would not easily yield. She shook her head, embarrassment coloring her cheeks. “Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty. I am but a minor consort, unsuited for grand occasions. I shall take my leave!”

She moved to go again.

Jun Yeli was fuming, unable to vent his anger. His inner voice taunted him, “Must I plead for her to stay? Would it kill her to give me an out?”

Jun Yecheng watched their exchange and let out a cold laugh. “It seems His Majesty is rather invested in Consort Rong.”

Jun Yeli grew more irate with each passing moment, but before he could say more, Jun Yecheng suddenly grabbed Hua Rong’s arm and said, “Consort Rong, my palace is nearby and I have a set of garments. Why not change there? After all, the emperor won’t let you leave.”

His last words struck true. Hua Rong paused—if she left now, would he later seek retribution?

“Perfect. By not accepting the emperor’s help, those women won’t have cause to target me out of jealousy!”

Hua Rong shot Jun Yecheng a grateful look. “Thank you, Second Prince. Where is your palace?”

Jun Yeli’s smug expression faltered, a trace of displeasure flickering across his face.

Seeing Hua Rong follow Jun Yecheng without hesitation, he could hardly object aloud.

“Damn it, this woman is so ungrateful! What enchantment has she cast over me that I keep indulging her?”

He felt as if poisoned, becoming ever more entangled with Hua Rong, unable to extricate himself.

When they reached Jun Yecheng’s palace, he had someone fetch a dress.

Hua Rong’s eyes widened in delight. “This gown is so exquisite and luxurious—how does the Second Prince possess such finery?”

After all, a man residing in his own palace having women’s clothing was odd enough, but such opulent attire was even more so.

“Could it be…”

“He doesn’t have a secret penchant for women’s clothes, does he?”

Hua Rong’s expression shifted subtly, and she shivered involuntarily.