Chapter Sixty-Four: This Is Just a Misunderstanding

The others seemed to sense something was amiss as well. Lady Jia sneered, “I wonder who invited these dancers here, muddying the waters and disrupting the entire performance. Like a single rat droppings spoiling the whole pot!” As she spoke, her gaze landed on Lady Yu—indeed, it was she who had brought the dancers in.

Lady Yu was embarrassed, biting her lip in frustration and resentment. “I’ll deal with you all later!” The incident stirred up a fierce undercurrent among the women; every word and glance hinted at intrigue and anticipation for drama.

Meanwhile, Hua Rong, dancing with the group, was flustered and confused. “Are you raising your hands or your feet? Can’t you move together?” Ironically, she was the most out of sync, but who could anticipate their movements?

Just as Hua Rong was fretting, a sudden tearing sound echoed. She’d stepped on something. A woman shrieked and fell, breaking the formation entirely.

“Who is stepping on my skirt?” The woman struggled to stand, but Hua Rong hadn’t realized she’d trodden on her garment. As the other tugged at her dress, Hua Rong stumbled and crashed to the ground.

In an instant, order was shattered. The music halted abruptly, and all eyes fixed on the chaotic group of dancers.

“What’s going on? Didn’t you all rehearse? How could such a grave mistake happen at this event?” Lady Wen, the favored concubine, frowned deeply. This was her birthday banquet, and such mishaps were hardly auspicious; naturally, she was displeased.

At her rebuke, the dancers hurriedly knelt, pleading, “Your Majesty, Lady Wen, please spare us! We truly didn’t mean it. It was her—she disrupted everything on purpose!”

“Yes, she’s clearly here to make trouble!”

“But wait, there were only ten of us—why is there suddenly an eleventh? What’s happening? Could it be an assassin?”

The words sent shock through the hall. Lady Wen’s face turned pale with fear; even the Emperor’s attention was drawn, his brows tightly knit. “What’s going on? Guards! Surround them all!”

In a blink, dozens of spears were leveled at them. Any attempt to resist meant certain death.

Hua Rong was struck with terror. “Are they talking about me as the extra? I’m just an innocent victim, swept up in this!”

Now, kneeling with the others, she felt the weight of every accusing finger directed at her, thrusting her into the center of scrutiny.

Jun Yecheng, meanwhile, watched with amusement, sipping wine as he enjoyed the unfolding spectacle. “Lady, if the Emperor truly favors you, you’ll be safe. If not, that’s the price for failing to win his love.”

He drank leisurely, as if all was anticipated. But Jun Yeli, seated at the high table, observed the veiled woman at the heart of the chaos. There was something eerily familiar about her.

“Step forward,” he commanded. “I want to see who you are, daring to cause such trouble at Lady Wen’s birthday banquet. You will not be let off lightly!”

Hua Rong’s heart quaked at his words. Only one thought echoed in her mind: “I’m doomed, doomed!”

Yet, faced with his piercing gaze, she could only slowly crawl to the front, raising her fearful eyes to Jun Yeli.

“Your Majesty, I’m not an assassin, I just…” Hua Rong faltered, unsure how to explain.

“Remove your veil. I want to see what manner of person you are!” Jun Yeli’s sharp words seemed to cut to the soul, making her tremble.

Hua Rong hesitated, conflicted. “If he recognizes me, will the Emperor forgive me…” She’d already angered him before; now, causing such a scene, she could hardly expect mercy. Forgiveness was unlikely—surviving would be a miracle.

She took a deep breath, struggling to maintain composure. Just then, several blades drew closer, voices urging, “Did you not hear the Emperor’s command?”

“Wait, gentlemen, please don’t be hasty. It’s just a veil, not my life, right?” Hua Rong forced a smile, then gently pulled at the veil’s edge. Her delicate features gradually emerged.

As the veil fell, the crowd gasped. Someone shrieked, “Isn’t that Lady Rong? Why is she among the dancers?”

The voice rang out, shocking everyone.

Hua Rong had nothing to say, only pressing her forehead to the ground. “Your Majesty, please spare me. I truly did not mean to cause trouble—this was all a misunderstanding, I swear!”

She glanced at her outfit, then at Jun Yecheng seated nearby. “He kindly gave me clothes to wear. If I accuse him now, wouldn’t that be ungrateful…”

Hua Rong felt no particular distrust toward Jun Yecheng—their acquaintance was shallow, and he had no motive to harm her. Perhaps it was all coincidence.

After all, Lady Wen had entered the palace many years ago, and old styles would be gradually phased out. Changing clothes might just be happenstance.

She tried to calm her anxious heart, forcing another nervous smile as she looked to the Emperor, hoping to salvage a shred of dignity.

Lady Jia was not appeased. “Your Majesty, Lady Wen, Lady Rong is always scheming. Surely she couldn’t stand to see anyone else happy and did this on purpose. Where’s the misunderstanding?”

“Yes, dressing as a dancer and wreaking havoc—clearly, she intended to disrupt the banquet! I remember she wasn’t wearing this outfit before. No doubt it’s revenge!”

The accusations flew. Though Hua Rong said nothing, she was instantly branded a villain, feeling utterly wronged.

She looked to the Emperor for help, her face full of sorrow—her distress plain for all to see.