Chapter Seventy-Eight: Proof of True Intent

Seeing the utter confusion on his face, Hua Rong offered no further explanation. She simply picked up the bowl of medicine and set it aside, then patted him on the shoulder.

“Well then, since you sought death when we were alive because I rejected you, I’ll grant you this wish while you’re still here. That way, we won’t have to be enemies in the next life.”

As she spoke, Hua Rong rose onto her tiptoes and wrapped her arms around his waist, her delicate, rosy lips brushing lightly against his.

In that instant, Jun Yeli was completely stunned. He could feel the softness of her lips pressing against his, a sweet fragrance lingering on his tongue—truly the most exquisite taste in the world.

When their lips parted, Hua Rong seemed utterly satisfied. She lowered herself back onto her heels and spoke with composure, “There, now you can go on to be a ghost at peace. As for me, I suppose I haven’t lost out either…”

Though she hadn’t lived out her life as she’d hoped, being a ghost wasn’t as terrible as she’d imagined. At least she’d stolen a kiss from a handsome man—a small compensation for her rather messy existence.

Suppressing a yawn, Hua Rong sat down again, leaving Jun Yeli looking utterly bewildered.

His gaze lingered on Hua Rong’s calm, unhurried demeanor. He couldn’t help but think she must be at least a little unhinged, but that kiss just now was unforgettable.

Jun Yeli unconsciously licked his lips, finally piecing things together. With a playful glint in his eyes, he said, “Since we’re both dead, that little compensation earlier hardly seems enough. I’ve always wanted to share a bed with you—what do you say?”

His voice, seductive and naturally magnetic, sent Hua Rong’s heart racing.

Her face flushed a sudden crimson. Clutching her chest in alarm, she retreated a step. “Don’t you dare push your luck! I do have my limits, you know. Even if… you are rather good-looking…”

Despite her words, Hua Rong couldn’t help but swallow nervously, her lascivious expression betraying her.

Seeing this, Jun Yeli burst out laughing, flicking her forehead with a snap. “Looks like you’re not completely hopeless. Go on, drink your medicine, or you really will die.”

Glancing at the bowl, now cooling fast, Hua Rong realized it would turn bitterly cold if left any longer—almost a poison in itself.

But something in his words caught her attention. “What do you mean by that? I’m not dead?”

At last, her mind caught up. Jun Yeli sighed helplessly. “Just as I thought, there’s something a bit off with your head. I’ll have the imperial physician take a look at you later.”

“Your Majesty, are you praising or insulting me?” Hua Rong couldn’t help rolling her eyes, failing to detect any compliment. Still, she forced herself to put on a brave face.

Obediently drinking her medicine, Hua Rong began to understand at last.

It turned out Jun Yeli was the one who had saved her.

“So, you weren’t really despairing yesterday. You were just toying with me!”

The realization came late, and she nearly dropped the bowl in agitation. She wanted to lash out, but lost her nerve, staring at him with a face full of unwilling grievance.

“Oh, is that so? As emperor, burdened with the fate of the nation, would I so casually speak of life and death? But you…” Jun Yeli gazed at Hua Rong’s cheeks, puffed with anger, feeling a subtle ripple in his heart. Leaning in, he lowered his voice, “Yesterday, you risked your life in the pouring rain for me. Just how worried were you?”

Though his words were ordinary, they sent a chill down Hua Rong’s spine. She threw him another glare. “Don’t flatter yourself, Your Majesty. I was thinking of your status—for the sake of the nation and its people!”

Desperate not to reveal her true concern, she found the most absurd excuse—but it was exactly what Jun Yeli wanted to hear. “So you mean you don’t like me at all, that you have no feelings for me?”

As the emperor’s consort, every other woman would shower him with sweet words and cloying affection.

But Hua Rong’s mind was too slow to catch up, and now her words were impossible to take back.

“I’m doomed! Is he going to take revenge on me for what happened yesterday? How can a man be so petty?” she thought, panicking inwardly.

Taking a deep breath, Hua Rong forced herself to smile. “Your Majesty, you are the ruler of the land, the sovereign of all. Who wouldn’t give you their all?”

The words sounded pleasing enough, but her attitude…

“Consort Rong, your words are a bit disappointing. Where’s the action to back them up?” Jun Yeli touched his lips, still tasting the lingering sweetness—a blatant and unashamed hint.

Hua Rong’s face went crimson once more. Today, it truly felt as if she were possessed, blushing at every turn like a flower on the verge of blooming.

“Damn it, that kiss was far from enough. If I’d known, I wouldn’t have been so reckless earlier. How foolish of me!”

With only the two of them in the room, the atmosphere grew unbearably awkward, the air almost frozen in place.

Rigid and anxious, Hua Rong tried to compose herself, her gaze darting around. After confirming there was no one else, she looked up—and met Jun Yeli’s long, fox-like eyes, sharp enough to see straight through her.

“Oh, whatever! It’s not like I’ll lose anything, and there’s no one around to see. Let those other jealous women stew all they want!” Hua Rong gritted her teeth. Under the pressure and the allure of the man before her, she chose to yield to reality.

She shut her eyes tightly and threw herself at him.

That familiar scent enveloped her once more.

Jun Yeli took control, this time greedily savoring her lips. Only after a long, lingering moment did he finally let go, reluctant to part.

Seeing Hua Rong’s lips, slightly swollen and red, his face filled with satisfaction. He couldn’t resist reaching out to tease her gently—playful and endearing.

“I never would have guessed Consort Rong’s lips would be so sweet.”

If he weren’t the emperor, Hua Rong might have called him a scoundrel. She couldn’t help but throw him another glare. “Your Majesty, I have proven my feelings for you. You can’t doubt me any longer!”

Jun Yeli nodded graciously. “Of course. Let’s go back.”