Chapter 34: The Competition Begins

Yun Shimo was not part of the imperial family, but had been crowned Prince Nan by the Emperor for his services to the kingdom, and was a highly valued member of the court. Prince Nan’s exceptional good looks and talent for medicine made him very popular among the ladies, but he’d never shown interest in any of them. Although the princesses in the stands gave him open looks of adoration, Yun Shimo seemed not to notice. Naturally, the Emperor sat at the forefront, with his Queen and Concubine Mei next to him. Concubine Lian, who had just achieved the status of Premier Concubine, was next to him as well. Every single move by Hua Qiyue was seen by the Emperor. He’d heard that Hua Qiyue was a cowardly woman, yet here she was, not only participating in a tournament, but betting extravagantly on her own success! The Emperor smiled faintly and said to Eunuch Chu, "Pass me paper and ink. I wish to bet with the daughter of Hua's Mansion." The queen laughed at the suggestion