Chapter 86: Veiled Insinuations

The moonflower quickly disappeared from sight, leaving Hua Rong somewhat perplexed. As the play resumed, murmurs of confusion rippled through the crowd.

“What’s going on? This isn’t how it was written in the script—what play is this?”

“That’s odd, even the characters seem unfamiliar. What’s happening? Did they change performers?”

As the audience voiced their doubts, Hua Rong’s curiosity was piqued. She had never seen the play as written in the script, but even she could not tell what story was being performed now.

As time passed and the performance deepened, Jun Yechen’s expression grew ever darker, his fists unconsciously clenched as he watched.

“Damn it, what nonsense is this? Who is the fool responsible for such a farce?”

His thunderous outburst drew every eye upon him, unable to contain his anger any longer.

Witnessing this, even Hua Rong felt a pang of alarm—it was her first time seeing him lose his temper.

“What’s the matter? It’s just a play no one understands. Is it worth getting so upset?” She regarded Jun Yechen’s usual refined demeanor; he was not the sort to be petty, and this display was quite out of character.

Everyone glanced his way, but this time, no one dared to whisper. Instead, their eyes darted between the Emperor and Jun Yechen, lingering in suspense.

Clearly, there was a deeper story here.

“What’s wrong? I find the play quite good—what’s so objectionable about it?” Jun Yeli, watching his brother lose composure, smiled with an ease that only provoked greater resentment.

Though the plot was enigmatic, those who had lived through it understood: the performance referenced the scandalous history of Jun Yechen’s mother.

Jun Yechen’s mother’s family wielded great influence, yet she was not a true daughter of the house. It was for the family’s own selfish gain that she had swapped the legitimate child for her own, sending the real imperial consort to an early grave.

Had the imperial consort not been favored by the Emperor, her secrets would have long been exposed, and she would have been reviled by all. The surviving child, if not for the golden lineage, would never have gained such a status.

What a classic case of the cat swapping for the prince—falsehoods passed off as reality, a spectacle of utter hypocrisy.

As the person at the heart of it, Jun Yechen could only simmer with rage. Though few knew the entire tale, whispers had spread.

The two brothers locked eyes, the atmosphere growing ever more tense.

Sensing trouble, Hua Rong quickly rose, wine cup in hand, forcing a smile. “Your Majesty, Second Prince, today is a joyful occasion—let us not spoil the harmony.”

Her words drew surprised looks from the crowd, admiring her audacious attempt at peacemaking.

They expected the Second Prince to unleash his wrath, but instead he swallowed his anger, sitting down and smiling warmly at Hua Rong. “As expected of Consort Rong—such kindness. No matter how distasteful this play may be, for your sake, I’ll see it through.”

His words were a blatant provocation. Jun Yeli’s expression darkened, and he cast a cold glance at Hua Rong.

Clutching his wine cup, Jun Yeli felt his earlier delight sour. “Is this woman here to undermine me? What is their relationship? Why does the Second Prince tolerate her so?”

Such disgraceful secrets, once exposed, usually severed all ties. Yet Jun Yechen, instead of taking offense, flirted with Hua Rong, clearly trying to enrage him.

Jun Yeli felt his temper rising, downing his wine in a single gulp.

Though the play was watched in absolute silence, with no one daring to praise it, they endured to the end.

“This play is quite interesting. Bring the performers here—I wish to see who has so captured my heart.”

Stirring up trouble, Jun Yeli summoned the actors.

As the performers knelt before them, Hua Rong’s curiosity grew. Who could have provoked the Second Prince so? Looking closely, despite the heavy makeup, she recognized a slender, delicate figure—one she knew well.

Squinting and searching, it was the white jade pendant that finally confirmed the person’s identity. Shocked, Hua Rong whispered, “Elder Sister—why is she kneeling there?”

If she was not mistaken, Moonflower had just participated in the performance. What play had they sung that led to such turmoil?

Before Hua Rong could react, Jun Yeli’s gaze remained cold, but he feigned interest as a challenge to Jun Yechen. Resting his chin on his hand, he raised his brow and asked, “You newcomers—why are you here? Who organized this?”

At his words, everyone looked to Moonflower. Hua Rong was even more astonished. “What’s happening? This is clearly not a pleasant play. Elder Sister, what are you trying to do?”

The mood was silent, except for Jun Yeli’s relaxed enjoyment—others who seemed pleased likely had stories of their own.

But Hua Rong’s worries proved unnecessary. Moonflower rose and stepped forward, standing out from the crowd, and bowed to the Emperor. “Your Majesty, it was I alone who arranged everything. The others performed as I instructed.”

Hearing this, Jun Yeli regarded her carefully, finding her appearance pleasing.

Considering the deeper meaning behind the play, he couldn’t help but ask, “Why did you choose this performance? Do you understand its true significance?”

Moonflower replied calmly, “Your Majesty, I do not know its deeper meaning in terms of idioms, but intuitively, it is a tale of deception—of bloodlines confused and switched—a great crime, sordid and vile. Though it’s not fit for respectable company, it serves as a warning to all.”

Her words were resolute, sharp as knives, stabbing straight into Jun Yechen’s heart, filling him with hatred.

“That damned woman…”

Despite his fury, Jun Yechen could only clench his fists and mutter through gritted teeth.

In this setting, losing his composure would make him the true object of ridicule.