Chapter Sixty-Five: Best Not to Drink

Jun Yeli sat in his seat, lost in deep thought, his sharp gaze never leaving Huarong for even a moment. The atmosphere suddenly became solemn, yet at that very instant, Jun Yichen unexpectedly set down his wine cup and abruptly stood up. He cupped his hands and declared, “Your Majesty, Consort Rong’s clothing was damaged earlier. It was only in a moment of urgency that I found her something to wear. I had no idea it would match the dancers’ attire. I beg Your Majesty’s forgiveness and ask for leniency.”

This astonishing statement left everyone present bewildered. “What? So it was the Second Prince who found her the clothes? That’s truly something!”

“She relies on her beauty and dares even to seduce the Second Prince—how shameless!”

Whispers and mutterings rose clearly from the crowd, but the chaos made it impossible to discern who spoke.

Huarong listened to it all, her feelings tangled and complex. “Little prince, are you helping me or harming me?” she wondered. She had kept silent to avoid these very rumors and had refrained from exposing him, yet now the Second Prince had confessed without being pressed.

From time to time, she stole glances at Jun Yeli’s expression, and what she saw was far from reassuring. “This is terrible. The Emperor wouldn’t think I’ve cuckolded him, would he?” The more she thought, the more afraid she became. The tension in the air was almost suffocating. Jun Yeli, frustrated, shot a glare at Jun Yichen. “What is that fellow’s intention?” he pondered.

He knew well that the meticulous Second Prince would never make such a mistake. Clearly, he had handed Huarong that dress on purpose. But if his aim was simply to disrupt Noble Consort Wen’s banquet, the explanation seemed too simple.

“Your Majesty, why do you hesitate?” Noble Lady Yu, eager to stir trouble, stepped forward, fanning the flames. “This Consort Rong is truly without manners. Not only did she disrupt the banquet, but she also dared to accept clothing from the Second Prince. She is your consort—how can she show you such disrespect?”

Though the Emperor and Huarong had quarreled, and her exclusive favor had temporarily waned, her stunning beauty still posed a threat. How could anyone resist pulling her down from her pedestal? As she spoke, Noble Lady Yu shot Huarong a venomous, challenging glare.

Their eyes met, and Huarong could no longer restrain herself. “This woman—I have done her no wrong, yet she targets me at every turn!” Her anger grew. She felt herself an innocent victim, forced to endure humiliation and bullying.

Taking a deep breath, Huarong’s gaze turned cold as she countered Noble Lady Yu. “Your Majesty, this matter cannot rest solely on my shoulders. Had Noble Lady Yu not deliberately stepped on and ruined my dress, I would not have borrowed one from the Second Prince, nor would this awkward scene have arisen. The true instigator is Noble Lady Yu!”

Enough was enough. If she would not relent, why should Huarong swallow her grievances in silence? If she remained quiet, would they think her a helpless weakling?

Her sharp retort drained the color from Noble Lady Yu’s face. She bit her lips and clenched her fists, barely able to contain herself. “I have already explained—it was not intentional. Does Her Highness Consort Rong truly have such a narrow heart?”

“Is it I who am narrow-minded, or is it you who harbor petty malice? That should be plain to see. The Second Prince can be my witness—after all, he was standing nearby and saw everything himself!”

Huarong turned her gaze to the Second Prince, trusting in their slight acquaintance and knowing that Noble Lady Yu was indeed at fault. He would not embarrass her.

Caught unawares by being called upon, Jun Yichen lightly tapped his slender fingers on the table, striking a thoughtful pose. He glanced at Jun Yeli’s piercing gaze, then finally bowed his head and gave a soft laugh. “It is as Consort Rong has said. Had Noble Lady Yu not damaged her dress, none of this would have happened. If we seek the source of this trouble, Your Majesty, should we not begin at the beginning?”

With this, Noble Lady Yu was struck speechless, her face frozen.

Instead, Jun Yeli now seemed to find his opening. He nodded, “Since it was Noble Lady Yu who caused this disturbance, let her be confined for a month to reflect on her actions, starting immediately.”

At this order, Noble Lady Yu’s face changed dramatically. Like a hen with ruffled feathers, she nearly leapt up, shaking her head in protest. “Your Majesty, you must not treat your subject so! It was truly unintentional—they are wronging me!”

Jun Yeli, impatient, motioned for the eunuchs to remove her at once.

The hall fell silent. Huarong, in her borrowed attire, remained awkward and ill at ease. “Your Majesty… I was also at fault. I am willing to reflect with Noble Lady Yu.”

She had refused to submit before, unwilling to be wronged. Yet now, with Noble Consort Wen’s banquet ruined, who knew what revenge might be plotted? Any wise person would choose to hide in some corner for safety.

Having said her piece, she lifted her skirt, intending to slip away quietly, only to be called back. “Did I say I would punish you?” Jun Yeli’s voice rang out. “After all you have endured today, you have suffered enough. Take your seat.”

Stunned, everyone in the hall was speechless. Noble Consort Wen gave a complicated look, unwilling but softly reminded, “Your Majesty, is this not improper? After all, Consort Rong’s appearance and the earlier matter…”

Though the blame had shifted to Noble Lady Yu, it was still Huarong who had disrupted the banquet. Such blatant favoritism left many feeling uneasy. Even the others in the hall now looked at Huarong with fresh jealousy.

“Why is that? I’m the unlucky one here, and yet you all won’t let it go—a pack of jealous shrews,” Huarong thought, sighing deeply. Seeing the Emperor’s determined attitude, she knew there was no room for negotiation and meekly returned to her seat.

As if nothing had happened, Jun Yeli waved his hand, “Enough. Let the banquet continue.”

Once more, merriment and music filled the hall. Huarong, still uncomfortable in her borrowed clothes, found herself the focus of Jun Yichen’s playful glances.

“My lady, you have been frightened. Let me offer you some wine to calm your nerves,” Jun Yichen said, raising his glass. Huarong had no choice but to accept. But just as she did, Jun Yeli, who seemed absorbed in the music and dance, suddenly spoke. “Consort Rong has not been well lately—she should not drink wine.”