Chapter Sixty-Six: Rain of Blossoms

The abrupt words left Hua Rong holding her wine glass awkwardly in midair, unsure for a moment what was happening. She thought to herself that there was nothing wrong with her, and was about to defend herself, saying, “My body…” But before she could finish, a cold glance from the other side silenced her, prompting Hua Rong to quickly change her tune: “Besides, my health is a bit delicate. Juice suits me better than wine!” With that, she hurriedly set the wine glass down and cast an apologetic look at Jun Yechen, retreating to her grape juice and sipping it cautiously. Regardless of whether her body truly felt unwell, once the emperor had spoken, it was certain she must have some ailment.

With such thoughts, Hua Rong felt as though every move she made was under scrutiny. Throughout the banquet, she did not take a single sip of wine, not until the event neared its end. Jun Yeli observed the scene as the guests gradually dispersed, leaving only a few behind. Hua Rong exhaled in relief, drained the last drop of grape juice from her cup, and looked up at those remaining, only to find their gazes tinged with envy and resentment.

“What’s going on? Did I do something wrong again? Even drinking grape juice bothers you all?” She couldn’t shake the feeling that all eyes were fixed on her, each gaze unfriendly, as if possessed by some inexplicable mood.

“All right, let the banquet end here. Bring my reward forward,” came the imperial command. Several attendants carried forth an enormous coral jade carving, placing it before Lady Wen, the esteemed consort. The exquisite piece drew admiration, and flattery followed swiftly. “As expected of Lady Wen—the emperor truly dotes on you, gifting such lavish treasures!”

“Indeed! If only we had such fortune. Should Lady Wen bear a royal heir for the emperor, no one could rival her!” The comment, though meant to praise, struck a nerve with Lady Wen. She glanced anxiously at Jun Yeli, her lips curling into a self-deprecating smile. Little did they know that the highly honored Lady Wen remained untouched. Despite Jun Yeli’s frequent visits to her chambers, their nights were spent reading—nothing but appearances.

Taking a deep breath and accepting the praise with difficulty, Lady Wen finally smiled and said, “Thank you, Your Majesty, for your generous gift.”

No sooner had her words faded than others began presenting their own gifts; nearly every consort in the palace had something prepared. Watching from the sidelines, Hua Rong felt increasingly awkward. “What’s this? Gifts are given after the banquet ends? And it’s all among ourselves…” She had come with the sole intent to enjoy the food and drink, dragged along without any thought of preparing a gift.

Amidst the lavish offerings of others, Hua Rong stood out conspicuously alone, drawing critical gazes and merciless ridicule. “Consort Rong, why do you remain unmoved? Not only do you risk spoiling Lady Wen’s celebration, but you haven’t even prepared a gift—how improper!”

“Could I just offer my best wishes?” Hua Rong thought, but dared not say aloud. After all, no one would risk offending another so carelessly; yet she found herself caught between a rock and a hard place.

Jun Yeli frowned, thinking, “This foolish woman doesn’t even know to bring a birthday gift to a banquet? How has she managed to ensnare me so completely?” For a moment, he truly wondered if he’d been bewitched, drawn in by this silly girl.

As he pondered how to extricate her from this predicament, Lady Wen spoke first: “These gifts are but worldly possessions. Everyone’s presence here today is gift enough; I am already quite content.” Though her words were gracious, they only highlighted Hua Rong’s lack of decorum, leaving her even more embarrassed.

In her distress, Hua Rong instinctively searched herself, finding only the heart-shaped pendant given to her by Madam Hua for emergencies. “No, such a precious item can’t be given away, but I must find something suitable as a gift…” Thinking hard, her gaze suddenly landed on the peach tree branches in the distance.

Bathed in moonlight, though still somewhat dim, the garden’s spring beauty shone through. “I’ve got it!” Inspired, Hua Rong felt the breeze and quickly said, “Lady Wen, please wait a moment. My gift is fleeting, but I promise you’ll never forget it!”

Without another word, Hua Rong lifted her skirts and skipped lightly toward the peach tree, wrapping her arms around the trunk and shaking it vigorously.

But the tree was thick and sturdy, and her small stature couldn’t reach the branches to make the petals fall. The onlookers were baffled, while Jun Yeli noticed something subtle and was about to step forward when Jun Yechen beat him to the punch, following Hua Rong’s lead.

“Madam, your body is frail—allow me to help you.” With that, he leaped deftly, his toes barely touching the branches, and petals fluttered on the breeze. Jun Yeli was not far behind, both men hopping gracefully among the peach tree limbs.

As petals cascaded and danced in the wind, a floral rain filled the night sky—a breathtaking sight. Someone couldn’t help but exclaim, “How beautiful!”

Lady Wen stood transfixed, watching the two men’s busy figures, moved in a way she could hardly express. “Your Majesty, if only this were your gift to me…”

Flowers drifted across the heavens, a beauty unsurpassed. When the tree had nearly been stripped bare, Hua Rong waved her hands and called, “That’s enough—the wind is unpredictable tonight, and the fallen petals can be gathered and reused. Let’s spare the tree some dignity!”

At her words, the two men descended from the branches. Though they had spent quite some time shaking the tree, neither had a single petal clinging to their clothes, still maintaining their dashing and elegant demeanor.

“Thank you, Your Majesty and Second Prince!” Hua Rong breathed a sigh of relief, hurried to Lady Wen’s side, and seeing her delighted expression, asked, “Lady Wen, do you find this gift pleasing?”

Lady Wen nodded, returning to herself, “You truly are thoughtful, to have devised such a clever gift.”

“And yet, wasn’t it the emperor and second prince who personally shook those petals for you?” Hua Rong’s clever borrowing of the moment brought joy to Lady Wen’s heart, and her mood brightened considerably.