MY PRINCE HUSBAND HAS SEVEN WIVES AND I AM HIS FAVOURITE!
Chapter 121: He craved power more than love

Chapter 121: He craved power more than love

The wedding banquet was in full swing, the grand hall of the Hua mansion buzzing with life.

A sea of crimson drapes cascaded from the high ceilings, embroidered with golden patterns that shimmered under the soft glow of candlelight.

Every surface was adorned with exquisite red and gold lanterns, filling the air with a warm, festive radiance.

The scent of rare incense mingled with the aroma of roasted duck, sweet rice wine, and exotic fruits, creating a tantalizing atmosphere fit for an imperial celebration.

Hua Ling sat beside her mother, Chen Li, a satisfied smile curling her lips.

Her makeup was flawless, her lips painted a deep crimson to match the embroidered silk of her wedding dress.

The golden phoenix hairpin perched atop her head gleamed as it caught the candlelight.

But despite her perfect image, the heat of the crowded hall was making her makeup smudge at the edges.

Her fingers curled into her lap, barely containing her impatience. She leaned toward her mother, voice hushed but sharp.

"Is that wretched woman not here yet?" she asked, eyes darting to the entrance. "I want her to be here when I make my grand entrance. She needs to see this. She needs to suffer."

Chen Li placed a gentle but firm hand over her daughter’s, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "Calm yourself, Ling’er. She will be here soon enough. There is no way she would dare miss this."

Hua Ling exhaled sharply, her expression darkening. "She should be in the front seat. I want her to have the best view possible—to watch with her own eyes as Jiang Lei vows himself to me."

Chen Li’s eyes gleamed with cruel amusement. She had already given strict instructions to her maids. The moment Hua Jing arrived at the gates, word would be sent to her immediately.

After all, it had been Chen Li’s plan from the very beginning.

Hua Jing and Jiang Lei had once been close—perhaps too close.

The young scholar had always been ambitious, and his heart had wavered when he saw the rising influence of the Hua family. But that wasn’t enough.

No, Chen Li had ensured their relationship was severed before it even had the chance to bloom.

Hua Jing had once been meek and obedient, a girl who knew her place.

And yet, she had dared to get too comfortable, spending too much time with Jiang Lei, believing that she could carve out her own happiness.

But Chen Li had quickly put an end to that foolishness. She had ensured Hua Jing was punished—beaten into obedience whenever she showed signs of resistance.

And Jiang Lei? He had always craved power more than love.

When Chen Li had subtly redirected his attention toward Hua Ling, it hadn’t taken long for him to shift his affections. Hua Ling was beautiful, doted on by the family, and most importantly, a legitimate daughter.

It had been so easy.

A few well-placed whispers about Hua Jing’s background, a few fabricated rumors about her supposed disgrace, and Jiang Lei had willingly severed ties.

Chen Li had watched it all unfold with satisfaction.

But that wasn’t enough.

Hua Jing still existed, still held a title—one that should have belonged to Hua Ling. When the opportunity arose to marry one of the imperial princes, it should have been Hua Ling. But the heavens had played a cruel joke, sending that marriage proposal to Hua Jing instead.

Of course, there had been a silver lining.

The prince, Zhao Yan, was rumored to be hideous—his face so monstrous that he had to wear a mask. What future could he possibly offer a woman? Hua Ling deserved better. Jiang Lei was not royalty, but he was a scholar with a bright future. He was handsome, respected, and destined for success within the imperial courts.

Hua Ling was marrying well.

And now, all that was left was for Hua Jing to witness it.

Chen Li’s lips curled as she took a sip of her wine, watching as her daughter’s impatience burned brighter.

"Trust me, my dear," she murmured. "When she arrives, it will be worth the wait."

Meanwhile, Jiang Lei stood at the far end of the hall, dressed in ceremonial robes embroidered with golden dragons, his posture poised and perfect. The wedding festivities revolved around him, but his thoughts were elsewhere.

His eyes flickered toward the entrance—again and again.

Why was he searching for her?

He frowned, shaking the thought away. It had been years. They had not spoken since her marriage to the prince. And yet, something in him wanted—no, needed—to see her reaction.

Would she look at him with longing? With pain? Would she regret ever leaving him?

A strange mix of anticipation and unease twisted in his chest.

He had been against this marriage at first. When Chen Li had suggested it, he had scoffed at the absurdity. Marry Hua Ling? Why would he do that when he had been with Hua Jing?

But then he had thought of his future.

Hua Ling was from a powerful family. Marrying her would open doors that he could never access on his own. And Hua Jing...

Hua Jing had made her choice. She had chosen the prince.

So why was he still thinking about her?

He clenched his jaw, his fingers tightening into fists.

No matter.

Soon, she would be here.

And when she saw him standing at the altar, ready to wed her sister, she would understand. She would realize what she had lost.

Jiang Lei straightened his back, taking in the congratulatory murmurs from the noblemen surrounding him.

This was his night.

And if Hua Jing dared to show up—

It would be hers to suffer.

While he was staring outside he had not noticed that Hua Long was staring murderously at him.

She was wondering what he was looking at with such conviction that he was not even focusing on the banquet!

Her anger flared as she knew just what he was thinking about!

That wretched Hua Jing!

Even on her wedding day Jiang Lei was still thinking of her!

Just as the chatter reached its peak, just as the anticipation built to its height—

A servant rushed into the hall, breathless and frantic.

"The Seventh Consort has arrived!"