Chapter Twenty-Four: Setting a Trap

After Jun Yeli departed, Hua Rong stared solemnly at the jade pendant left behind by the emperor, her gaze inevitably drifting once more toward the doorway.

"Why did he entrust this to me?"

For a moment, her thoughts were unsettled and restless—could this be an attempt to aid her in solving the case? Yet, as she pondered further, her mind grew ever more tangled. "If Consort Wan truly wishes to kill me, and her goal has not been achieved, she certainly will not give up so easily..."

The more she dwelled on it, the more terrifying it became. Her body tensed in an instant. "Does this mean my life remains in danger?"

Although her visit to the burial grounds had yielded little, she had inadvertently acquired a valuable clue.

"What should I do? Should I expose her, or warn her in private?" Hua Rong deliberated, torn and uneasy.

Just then, a voice called out, "Your Grace, are you all right?"

Following the sound, Su Xin hurried over, lifting her skirts as she dashed to Hua Rong's bedside.

"You’re in such a rush, anyone who didn’t know better would think you were here for my funeral," Hua Rong remarked irritably, earning a quiet rebuke from Su Xin. "Your Grace, don’t say such things. Everyone is talking about how you survived a great calamity thanks to the emperor’s favor. Do you suppose the emperor has taken a liking to you?"

The remark was startling, leaving Hua Rong frozen in place. She spoke anxiously, "Impossible. The emperor’s taste cannot be so refined..."

Though she was indeed outstanding, gaining the emperor’s favor was no trivial matter, especially when names and reputations were at stake.

Su Xin, however, paid no heed, growing bolder as she observed Hua Rong unharmed. "You may not know, but the servants say the emperor was oddly angry with Consort Wan when he returned you to the palace. No one knows why—it might have been out of concern!"

"Consort Wan?"

Hua Rong’s brows drew together as she unconsciously tightened her grip on the jade pendant. "The emperor must have suspected Consort Wan’s involvement. If jealousy is the cause, she might turn her wrath upon me. Tonight may not pass peacefully."

She took a deep breath, her expression growing grave as she slid the jade pendant beneath her pillow, then turned to face Su Xin with a serious air.

The sudden shift in demeanor was unsettling. "Your Grace, what’s the matter? You seem strange—could yesterday’s events have left lingering shadows?"

Though yesterday's ordeal was indeed frightening, it had brought unexpected fortune. At least she had witnessed the emperor’s concern, which ought to be a blessing.

"Enough with those wild notions. I have something for you to do," Hua Rong beckoned Su Xin and whispered a few instructions in her ear.

Meanwhile, Consort Wan, having been inexplicably reprimanded the day before, simmered with resentment.

"That wretched woman—she’s adept at winning favor, setting herself apart, keeping the emperor at a distance yet captivating him utterly. Now, she dares to rival me!"

Jun Yeli was usually silent and reserved, rarely amused by other women. His nightly visits to the palace were always routine, and he had never shown such a harsh demeanor.

Yet now, because of Hua Rong, who had only recently entered the palace, he had displayed an unprecedented fierceness toward Consort Wan.

For an instant, Consort Wan felt her favor slipping away, panic rising within her.

As if jolted by some unseen force, her heart trembled, a cruel glint flickering in her eyes as she clenched the opera mask in her hand, muttering through gritted teeth, "No, that woman cannot remain—she must die!"

She feared both the truth being uncovered and the threat Hua Rong posed to her status.

Her gaze suddenly swept coldly toward a nearby maid. "Why are you still standing there? Go and notify that person—he owes us for saving his life, and must fulfill his unfinished task!"

The maid responded quickly, folding her hands and tiptoeing away.

As dusk fell, the sky was gradually cloaked in darkness.

After dinner, Hua Rong strolled leisurely through the courtyard, gently rubbing her rounded belly, the cool breeze stirring her discomfort.

A burp escaped her lips, floating out softly, "Hic~"

The atmosphere instantly grew awkward. Su Xin shot her a disapproving look, hurrying to remind her, "Yangyang, you must mind your image. If the emperor sees this, who knows what he’ll think."

"He can think whatever he likes. Isn’t burping after a meal normal? What, am I supposed to hold it in and let it out like a fart?" Hua Rong replied, full of conviction, leaving others speechless.

Su Xin sighed, her gaze growing somewhat plaintive as she looked at Hua Rong, helpless. "With Your Grace behaving like this, when will you ever win the emperor’s favor and revive your family?"

After a moment of silence, Hua Rong couldn’t help but glance back at Su Xin, noticing the worry on her face. She pursed her lips. "What are you brooding over again? Not three seconds pass before you’re frowning. Have you finished what I asked you to do?"

Su Xin nodded. "Rest assured, it should happen soon."

With that, Hua Rong said no more, nibbling on some fruit after her meal.

The cold moon hung above, its silvery glow quietly gilding Hua Rong's exquisite face, making her appear almost ethereal.

Then, suddenly, there was a rustling sound from the tree by the courtyard wall.

Alertness flashed across Hua Rong’s face, her lips curving with a hint of dangerous allure. "They’re here!"

In a swift moment, a dagger flew straight toward her.

Prepared, Hua Rong grabbed her fruit plate and flung it forward; with a clang, the dagger vanished, its trajectory unknown.

Su Xin, terrified, cried out, "Assassin, assassin!"

But there were few people in their secluded courtyard, so her cries would not reach others.

Seeing the masked figure fail once, he charged out, dagger glinting silver in his hand, rushing at Hua Rong without hesitation.

The situation was dire. Hua Rong quickly glanced back at Su Xin. "Where are the people you arranged?"

"They haven’t arrived yet..." Su Xin answered, embarrassed.