Chapter 87: My Sister Has Become the New Favorite Concubine

Pretending as if nothing had happened, Jun Yechan took several deep gulps of wine, feeling his head grow slightly dizzy.

Jun Yeli, who had watched the entire scene unfold, found his mood much improved. “Not bad. The play’s message is profound—a work of true conscience. I hope all will take it as a warning: never rashly engage in such rebellious, disgraceful acts.”

He propped his chin thoughtfully for a moment, then suddenly raised an eyebrow and asked, “This performance was quite impressive, and you’ve clearly put in much effort. Whose daughter is she, and what reward does she seek? I shall do my utmost to satisfy her wishes!”

At these words, Huayue was overjoyed, glancing up at Jun Yechan, who sat high above. The wine and the glow of the lanterns painted Jun Yeli’s face with a faint crimson, lending her a delicate shyness and an intoxicating allure. Her exquisite features and the affection she’d hidden in her heart were now fully revealed.

Lowering her gaze with bashful modesty for a moment, Huayue finally spoke softly, “Your Majesty, this humble girl is the daughter of Hua Cheng, Minister of Justice, and elder sister to Consort Rong. I have long admired Your Majesty and humbly beg for the opportunity to serve you.”

Such boldness—so brazenly confessing her feelings before so many—left one unsure if it was foolishness or innocence. Even Imperial Consort Wen, seated beside the emperor, was moved; she unconsciously clenched her fists and glanced at Huarong, who was equally stunned. A fleeting shadow of malice crossed her face, but no one noticed her true feelings. In any case, the Hua sisters had become the center of all attention.

Two sisters, each vying for favor in the harem—did they intend to monopolize the Jun family’s empire? It was a topic rife with intrigue.

Jun Yeli had not expected things to escalate so quickly. His expression grew more complex as he sat upright, the seriousness evident in his demeanor. Torn, he glanced at Huarong. “Consort Rong, what do you think of this matter?”

“This…” He simply could not believe it. Even if Huarong did not love him, how could she tolerate her own sister as a rival for his favor? What sort of situation was this?

Called out by name, Huarong felt on the verge of tears. “Who have I offended? Why do all the difficult decisions fall to me? Am I your decision-making machine?”

She drew a deep breath and met Huayue’s expectant gaze. Unable to suppress her turmoil, she could only grit her teeth and nod. “Your Majesty, my elder sister is virtuous and beautiful, the foremost talented woman in the capital, and she admires Your Majesty greatly. She is a worthy match…”

Uttering these words took immense courage; once, she might have been indifferent, but now Huarong could not keep her composure. As her voice grew weaker, Jun Yeli’s heart turned utterly cold, and even breathing felt laborious. Suddenly, a cold, bitter smile curled on his lips, filled with desolation and sorrow.

“Truly unexpected, Consort Rong, that you should be so broad-minded. I must say, you have given me a new perspective.”

“Your Majesty, I…” Huarong did not even know what she wished to say. Though the words had escaped her lips, why did she feel compelled to argue?

“That’s enough. Since Consort Rong is so magnanimous, what reason have I to refuse?”

With that, he waved his hand grandly and pronounced, “Today, the Hua family presents a daughter. Huayue has won my favor and is henceforth granted the title of Noble Lady Yue, awarded one hundred taels of gold, glassware, and agate…”

Jun Yeli was nothing if not generous; the wealth bestowed was enough to provoke envy in all who witnessed it. Everyone present looked at Huayue with admiration and at Huarong with heightened resentment.

She had lost favor already, and now another had arrived—and judging by the lavish rewards, the emperor was clearly delighted with Huayue. Did this not mean everyone else’s chance for favor was once again out of reach?

Yet Jun Yeli intended it so.

Smiling broadly, Huayue could hardly contain her excitement. “Thank you, Your Majesty, for your generosity!”

Now, she was thoroughly satisfied. As for the murmurs around her, Huayue was far less timid than Huarong. With the emperor’s permission, she turned and bowed respectfully to the gathered consorts and concubines. “Ladies, I hope for your guidance and support in the future.”

Though none were pleased, they dared not show it openly and could only force smiles.

Imperial Consort Wen also smiled. “Today is indeed a double blessing—an entertaining play and a new beauty for His Majesty. This is a fine day. You needn't be overly reserved; treat everyone here as sisters.”

Huayue had never intended to be reserved with them.

“Well, that’s enough for tonight’s performance. If you wish to continue watching, do as you please. As for me, having gained a new beauty, I find I have little interest in plays. Noble Lady Yue, would you care to accompany me for a stroll?”

His words carried a smile but no warmth. Huayue, however, was overjoyed.

“To think everything went so smoothly—winning the emperor’s favor seems easier than I thought. I really don’t know what my little sister does all day; if not for me taking matters into my own hands!” Though rumor had it that Huarong was the emperor’s favorite, she seemed to be treading on thin ice, hardly living the life of someone truly favored.

Seeing the emperor approach, Huayue gently reached out and took his hand. Up close, he was even more dazzling than she had imagined. Once, she could only admire from afar; now, to be so near was a unique delight.

“Truly, beauties hail from the Hua family. I did not expect you to surpass your sister—you have won my heart,” Jun Yeli declared audaciously, less than a meter from Huarong.

Huarong felt as if struck by lightning, her heart in utter despair. “This man…” She scarcely knew what she mourned for, only that when she met Jun Yeli’s gaze, panic surged within her once more.

Sensing the tension, Huayue quickly stepped between them, her smile enchanting. “Your Majesty, didn’t you wish to stroll? With such a beautiful night, if the clouds roll in, we may miss the view.”

She took his arm and led him away.

All eyes followed their retreating figures, jealousy burning in every heart. No one dared speak openly, so their resentment fell upon Huarong instead. “Consort Rong is truly remarkable—sending her own sister into the palace to compete for favor. There’s no hope for the rest of us now!”