Chapter Fifty-Six: You Belong to Me, Too

With that reminder, Hua Rong suddenly realized the nonsense she had just uttered in front of the sovereign, and was so frightened that she quickly covered her mouth. In the next moment, she grabbed Jun Yeli’s arm and, with an ingratiating smile, said, “Your Majesty, I was only joking just now. It’s time for dinner—please, come over quickly!”

As she spoke, she cast an anxious glance at her two sheep—a ram and a ewe—both in the prime of their plumpness and health. What if the emperor, in a foul mood, decided to slaughter her sheep? The mere thought made her heart pound with lingering fear.

Despite his hesitation, Jun Yeli was half-dragged, half-led by Hua Rong to the table. Looking over the spread, it couldn’t be called abundant; most dishes were vegetarian, with only the barest hint of meat.

“You’re eating so many vegetables—are you planning to retreat to the mountains and chant sutras?” Jun Yeli’s brow furrowed ever so slightly. Such a meager fare was unworthy even of the lowest-ranking concubines in the harem, let alone someone of Hua Rong’s status.

He scrutinized her, his gaze tinged with concern. “Could it be those eunuchs are skimming your allowance?”

“No, no,” Hua Rong waved her hand. “I grew these myself. And today, I even slaughtered a chicken—look, there’s a whole pot of chicken broth. Plenty for all of us!”

To her, this simple meal felt like a grand feast—far preferable to those greasy tables laden with duck, fish, and endless meats.

Jun Yeli fell silent, the words circling his mind as he slowly realized something was amiss. “All of us?” he echoed. Only the two of them should be seated at this table.

“Don’t tell me you’ve invited other concubines to dine and make merry?” he asked, knowing how Hua Rong liked to push him toward other women.

At this, Hua Rong suddenly grew alert and quickly shook her head. “You’re overthinking things.”

Her little courtyard, so peaceful and undisturbed, was the last place she’d ever invite others—why hand them ammunition against herself?

After they sat, Hua Rong raised her voice, calling out, “You girls, stop fussing—come and eat!”

At her words, the maids in the courtyard came running, joyfully announcing it was mealtime. But the moment they saw the emperor seated at the table, their expressions froze. They stopped dead several paces away, almost hiding themselves.

“Your Majesty, what are you doing here?” Qiudong couldn’t help but cover her mouth in astonishment.

Chunxia was no less shocked. Though she knew of Jun Yeli’s presence, she hadn’t expected him to stay for a humble meal.

Only Su Xin, who entered behind the others, was genuinely delighted to see the emperor. “Your Majesty, does this mean you’ll be staying the night?”

At the thought, her excitement seemed to infect the other two maids as well. “That’s wonderful! At last, our mistress will gain the emperor’s favor!”

The three maids spoke without reserve, causing Hua Rong’s face to flush and her heart to race in panic. She hastily scolded them under her breath, “What nonsense are you chattering about? His Majesty is only here for dinner—he’ll be leaving soon, isn’t that right?”

There was a trace of hope in her tone, as if she feared a direct refusal.

Jun Yeli took note of this inexplicable expectation, feeling a pang of annoyance. Was she really so eager for him to leave? Unlike the other concubines, who played coy for attention, Hua Rong kept her distance—could it be that she truly did not wish to share his bed?

He pondered for a moment, then smiled lightly. “That’s not set in stone.” His narrow, enigmatic eyes settled on Hua Rong, sending a chill up her spine.

What’s going on? Is he just trying to scare me? Swallowing, Hua Rong tried to maintain her composure, but her heart still fluttered with unease.

She dared not argue further, so she simply nodded awkwardly, then shot a glare at the maids. “Why are you all just standing there? Hurry up and eat—don’t keep His Majesty waiting!”

Hua Rong had always treated them like sisters, forgetting most palace rules in her casual ways. But at her words, the others looked troubled and shook their heads. “Your Ladyship, we’re not hungry. Please, you and His Majesty enjoy your meal and this precious time together.”

Even if Hua Rong herself didn’t mind, Jun Yeli was the emperor—he couldn’t simply trample over protocol. If they sat with him, they might not live to see the next sunrise!

As the maids shrank back, Hua Rong felt a twinge of frustration. “What do you mean, not hungry? Don’t we always eat together? I’ve made all this food, and you’d rather feed it to the chickens and ducks?”

Such waste was unforgivable. Just as she fretted, Jun Yeli suddenly spoke. “You should all come eat together. The more, the merrier. After all, this is Consort Rong’s domain—guests follow the rules of the host.”

At these words, everyone was stunned.

The emperor—master of all under heaven—had said such a thing? What magnanimity!

Hua Rong was momentarily at a loss, then murmured in confusion, “Your Majesty, what host or guest? You are the Son of Heaven; everything belongs to you.”

Her flattery slipped out as smooth as silk, but Jun Yeli’s gaze sharpened. “If that’s so, then Consort Rong belongs to me as well—doesn’t she?”

“This…”

What is this man up to? Is he trying to trick me with words? Hua Rong’s thoughts ran wild, but she couldn’t resist that handsome face. She quickly changed the subject, turning to the maids. “Ahem, didn’t His Majesty just invite you to sit? Are you going to defy a direct imperial command?”

Now, her meaning was entirely different. Not daring to delay, the maids quickly took their seats, backs ramrod straight, faces tight with nerves—a comically stiff display.

Hua Rong couldn’t help but laugh behind her hand. “You girls are so lively when it’s just us—why are you so different today with another guest at the table?”