Chapter 18: Volume One, Chapter 18: Well Done

Volume One, Chapter 18 Well Done

Rong Luoge still sat there with a straight posture, but the closeness between Rong Dai and Han Yifeng was not concealed; many people around looked over, and now she could feel the strange gazes that fell on her.

Rong Luoge still wore a sullen face, appearing helpless and aggrieved; this expression, in others' eyes, probably only solidified the rumors about what Han Yifeng and Rong Dai have.

Han Yifeng at this moment was only concerned with the matter he was discussing with Rong Dai; he had no mind to care about others' glances. He only hoped to quickly have Rong Dai's status as a side concubine officially recognized, so that in the royal mansion it would be legitimate.

Rong Luoge watched Han Yifeng's distracted demeanor and thought, this guy is truly something—when it comes to affairs, he clearly has brains and skill, matching the Crown Prince in contests, yet when it comes to romance he seems bewitched; she didn't understand how Rong Dai could be so charming as to make him so infatuated.

The Crown Prince at this moment rose, raised his cup to toast His Majesty; his face was pure as jade, lips faintly colored, his slender frame, though upright, seemed tinged with the pallor and frailty of someone just recovered from a serious illness.

Rong Luoge found it very odd; the last time she saw him he was clearly robust, but now he was acting like a delicate flower. Watching Han Xinglan handle things with ease while others seemed unsurprised, she wondered whether the Crown Prince's position in the palace was truly like this.

It's hard to put into words.

But, thinking about it, a Crown Prince who is overly strong and capable will inevitably make the emperor on the throne feel a strong sense of threat; once that sense of danger arises, the emperor will naturally think of eliminating the threat.

However, a Crown Prince whose body is somewhat frail will not make people think of removing him; instead, they will be more concerned.

Take the current situation: the Crown Prince's weak frame, coughing three times a step, combined with a face full of sincere admiration, even she feels he poses no threat to the throne, let alone His Majesty.

Sure enough, the Emperor, looking at the Crown Prince with great concern, said: "Han Xinglan, how is your health lately? Nurturing your body is important; don't overexert yourself."

Han Xinglan, hearing this, showed a perfectly timed gentle smile and said: "I, your unfilial son, have caused Father the Emperor worry. My health has improved recently, but the Imperial Physician says I must not strain myself and need to recuperate for a while."

The Emperor, hearing this, nodded slightly: "Health comes first. When you're healthier, you should first take a Crown Prince's consort into the household; extending the royal lineage is also a great matter, and it cannot be left to your whims."

Han Xinglan showed a helpless smile: "Father, isn't my current condition delaying another family's daughter? I'll wait until I'm better; then I will certainly ask Father to preside over my wedding."

The Emperor's expression darkened: "You, you're too kind-hearted. My son, how could he tolerate being despised by others?"

"Father, grant your son a few more days; I will certainly take good care of my health," Han Xinglan said, eyes carrying a hint of pleading.

The Emperor, seeing this, softened, lowered his voice and said: "Your brothers have already married; you cannot be too late either. By the end of the year at the latest, regardless of circumstances, I will find a marriage match for you."

Han Xinglan sighed lightly and said: "I will obey Father. If my affairs cause Father worry, then I am indeed unfilial."

Rong Luoge, listening from below, watched the Crown Prince as if he were a large white lotus in full bloom.

Impressive.

Sigh, the original host must have been able to disguise as well as the Crown Prince; how could someone like Rong Dai become so brazen?

The Emperor's conversation with the Crown Prince was clearly heard by everyone, and their expressions immediately changed.

By the end of the year, His Majesty will select a Crown Prince's consort; this is a major affair, and many have their eyes on the position, so finally they heard His Majesty loosen up.

Now the main hall erupted with excitement, especially on the Crown Prince's side.

Han Yifeng drank a cup of wine, his face gloomy and displeased; his eyes flicked to Rong Luoge, and her beaming smile felt blinding, prompting him to say: "Why are you smiling? Even if Father the Emperor is choosing a consort for the Crown Prince, it has nothing to do with you."

Rong Luoge was suddenly attacked, her good mood vanished, and she glared at the person beside her: "What does this have to do with me? Prince, you should think about how to expedite the divorce."

Han Yifeng grew angrier: "Rong Luoge, you're so eager to divorce me; do you even dare to covet the Crown Prince's consort position? You're just a former concubine; stop dreaming."

You dog, really gave him face.

"It doesn't matter whether I dream or not, but if you divorce me, can you really place your beloved treasure in the position of a princess consort? I think you should consider how to persuade Consort Ming. Today Consort Ming didn't even glance at your beloved treasure; even without me, your wishes are still extremely difficult. Isn't the one dreaming you?"

Han Yifeng smirked, "I, the Prince, certainly have a way; just wait and see."

"Fine, I'll wait!" Rong Luoge sneered, and even if Han Yifeng truly could accomplish it, she would have to stir things up, otherwise she would betray the original host's life.

At that moment, Rong Luoge saw Rong Dai, now in a different dance costume, veiled and surrounded by a troupe of dancers, take the stage.

That arrangement was surely orchestrated privately by Han Yifeng; otherwise, given Rong Dai's status, it would be impossible.

She slightly rolled her eyes and looked toward Ming Yuhua's direction, but saw no one.

She didn't know where she had gone, nor whether she had succeeded in what she wanted.

Just as she was thinking, joyful music rang out in the hall; Rong Luoge didn't expect Rong Dai's performance to be a musical‑dance rendition of "Magu Presents Longevity." Of course Magu wasn't dull, since Rong Dai's face was still striking, especially with the elaborate costume and the sheer, barely visible veil adding a special beauty.

Watching Han Yifeng's refreshed demeanor, Rong Luoge sat quietly, lifted her teacup and took a gentle sip, pondering whether Han Yifeng and Rong Dai's plan was simply to present a dance.

If that were the case, it had nothing to do with her; she also felt the matter wouldn't be that simple. Since she has no connections in the palace, she can't discern their intentions; this blind‑box feeling brings only irritation, not joy.

Power truly is a wonderful thing; no wonder it becomes addictive and people flock to it.

One must admit that when Rong Dai's slender waist spun, it was indeed beautiful; it seemed she had put in a lot of private effort, waiting to dazzle today.

At that moment, a sudden "sizzle" sounded, and Rong Dai's jewel‑encrusted lavish dress fell to the floor. While she was still spinning, the outer skirt slipped away, leaving only the tight, sheer undergarment; the lightweight fabric clung to her, unmistakably revealing her body's curves.

Rong Dai never expected such an accident; startled, she let out a loud cry, quickly halted her spin, and crouched on the ground with both hands hugging her knees.

Rong Luoge: …

That's unexpected, very delightful—well done!