MY PRINCE HUSBAND HAS SEVEN WIVES AND I AM HIS FAVOURITE!
Chapter 118: Does she dare to return here?

Chapter 118: Does she dare to return here?

The afternoon was quite hot as the sun cast a golden hue over the Hua Mansion, illuminating the intricate decorations that adorned every inch of the estate.

Red lanterns swayed gently in the breeze, their warm glow adding to the festive air as guests streamed through the grand entrance, their voices lively with laughter and conversation.

Inside the banquet hall, nobles, scholars, and dignitaries filled the space, their embroidered robes shimmering under the light of countless candles.

The scent of fine wine and delicacies wafted through the air, mingling with the crisp notes of burning incense. Servants bustled between tables, refilling cups and serving lavish dishes.

At the center of it all sat Jiang Lei, the esteemed groom of the evening.

Dressed in his ceremonial wedding robes of deep crimson and gold, he exuded an air of refined elegance. His tall frame and striking features were accentuated by the rich fabrics, and his composed demeanor only added to his scholarly charm.

"Scholar Jiang!" one of the noble lords called out, stepping forward with a cup of wine in hand. "A fine match, a fine match indeed! The Hua family’s young lady is truly fortunate."

Jiang Lei offered a polite smile, accepting the wine with a graceful nod. "Many thanks, Lord Zhou. I am indeed blessed to have such a virtuous wife."

Another official chimed in, his tone laced with admiration. "Not only a scholar but now also a son-in-law of the powerful Hua family. Your future is bright, Jiang Lei!"

Around the hall, a group of noble ladies whispered amongst themselves, their gazes flitting toward the groom.

"How dashing he looks today," one sighed, her cheeks tinged pink.

"Hua Ling is truly lucky. If only I had the chance to catch his eye," another lamented, twirling the silk handkerchief in her hands.

Jiang Lei, ever the gentleman, responded to each congratulation with the same poised elegance, though a glint of something unreadable flickered in his eyes.

As more guests poured in, the music swelled, and the celebrations grew livelier. Yet, even amidst the cheerful revelry, an air of anticipation hung in the air.

The Seventh Consort, Hua Jing, was yet to arrive.

Amidst the lively banquet, a small group of elegantly dressed noble ladies huddled together near one of the pavilions, their eyes darting toward the grand entrance every so often as they whispered among themselves.

"Do you think that wretched, illegitimate daughter will actually dare to show up today?" one of them murmured, her fingers delicately holding a cup of fragrant tea.

"She must," another said with a smirk. "How could she miss the wedding of her dear sister? But imagine the embarrassment! Coming back to the very home where she was nothing more than a lowly maid."

A third woman chuckled behind her fan, shaking her head. "Tsk, tsk. If it were me, I would never have the face to return here after the way she was sent off. She was practically thrown out like a beggar, and now she thinks she can waltz back in, acting high and mighty just because she got lucky and married the prince?"

"It’s laughable," a lady in an embroidered lilac dress scoffed. "She probably thinks she’s some kind of phoenix rising from the ashes. But in the end, she’s still just the daughter of a mere maid. No title can change that."

The woman beside her leaned in conspiratorially. "I heard she was always a disgrace to the Hua family. Did you know she used to live in that tiny, broken courtyard at the edge of the estate? I heard it was barely suitable for servants, yet that’s where she was kept. If not for old master Hua’s pity, she would have been thrown out onto the streets ages ago."

Another noblewoman sneered. "She should have been! But she’s always had delusions above her station. Look how she shamelessly seduced the prince! Who knows what tricks she used?"

"I bet she used some underhanded method," a lady in a golden dress added. "No way would a man like the crown prince look twice at a woman like her otherwise. She must have trapped him somehow."

Soft laughter rippled through the group, each woman giddy with the anticipation of seeing Hua Jing brought down a peg.

"If she does show up, this will be the perfect opportunity to remind her of her true place." The lady in lilac smiled cruelly. "After all, no matter what title she holds now, she will always be the unwanted daughter of a mere servant."

They exchanged knowing looks, their eyes gleaming with amusement as they waited for the inevitable spectacle to unfold.

The group of noblewomen continued their hushed gossip, their voices tinged with amusement and mockery as they exchanged knowing glances.

"She is truly the most shameless woman I have ever seen," one of them scoffed, tapping her delicate fan against her palm. "Not only did she try to seduce the prince, but she even had the audacity to set her sights on Hua Ling’s fiancé! And now, after failing miserably, she still dares to show her face here? It’s disgraceful."

Another woman, her silk sleeves embroidered with peonies, nodded in agreement. "Exactly! She tried to steal Scholar Jiang, but she failed. I heard that back then, she even had the nerve to throw herself at him, hoping he would choose her over Hua Ling. How shameless!"

A third lady sighed dramatically. "And poor Hua Ling! She was too kind, too forgiving. Instead of exposing that woman for the vile snake she is, she chose to be patient and graceful. But what did she get in return? More humiliation."

"Speaking of which," another noblewoman leaned in, lowering her voice slightly, "do you remember the time Hua Jing nearly attacked Hua Ling?"

Gasps rippled through the group, and a few of them nodded fervently.

"Yes! I remember Hua Ling telling us about it. That illegitimate wretch was so jealous that she completely lost control!"

"She was probably furious that Hua Ling had everything she never could—status, beauty, and the love of Scholar Jiang."

"She must have been seething with rage," one of them added, shaking her head. "But to actually try and hurt her own sister? That’s beyond despicable!"