MY PRINCE HUSBAND HAS SEVEN WIVES AND I AM HIS FAVOURITE!
Chapter 49: Glib tongue yet you were saved by a woman!

Chapter 49: Glib tongue yet you were saved by a woman!

By the time Hua Jing and Zhao Yan arrived at the shelter, exhaustion was written all over their faces. The gates creaked open, and servants hurried forward, their expressions a mix of relief and worry.

But before anyone could utter a word, a blur of movement zipped past everyone.

Hua Jing blinked, startled, as she suddenly felt a weight slam into her body. She staggered back slightly, steadying herself just in time to see a familiar face buried in her chest.

It was the maid she had rescued earlier, tears streaming down her face and mucus running from her nose. She clung to Hua Jing like a lifeline, sobbing uncontrollably.

"Seventh Consort! A-Aye! I thought— I thought you were gone!" the maid wailed, her voice broken by hiccups and gasps for air.

Hua Jing froze for a moment, unsure of how to react. The sheer force of the maid’s emotions had caught her off guard. Then she softened, wrapping her arms around the girl in a comforting embrace.

"There, there," Hua Jing murmured, patting the maid’s back gently. "I’m here now. I’m safe. I’m sorry I worried you."

The maid’s sobs grew louder, her tears soaking through Hua Jing’s robes. The other servants standing nearby exchanged wide-eyed glances. They had expected the Seventh Consort to push the hysterical girl away or at least reprimand her for such behavior.

But instead, Hua Jing held her close, whispering soothing words and stroking her hair.

"She’s... kind," one servant muttered under her breath, her tone filled with surprise.

"Who would have thought?" another whispered, his brows furrowed in awe.

"She’s not like what they say," added a third, nodding as if confirming their own thoughts.

The murmurs of amazement spread quietly among the gathered servants.

Zhao Yan, standing off to the side, watched the scene unfold with a look of mild irritation. His gaze lingered on the maid clinging to Hua Jing like a child and the warmth in Hua Jing’s expression as she comforted her.

Rolling his eyes, he let out a low huff and turned on his heel, striding away without a word.

Hua Jing caught the movement out of the corner of her eye and smirked. She chuckled softly, her laugh carrying a mix of amusement and exasperation.

Once the maid had calmed down, Hua Jing gently patted her head and said, "Now, now, you’re going to make yourself sick with all this crying. Go inside and rest. I’ll come check on you later."

The maid sniffled, wiping her nose on her sleeve. "Promise?"

"I promise," Hua Jing said with a warm smile.

The girl nodded hesitantly before letting go and retreating into the shelter, casting one last glance over her shoulder as if to make sure Hua Jing wasn’t going anywhere.

With that settled, Hua Jing scanned the area and spotted Xia Lin sitting near a firepit, her injured leg propped up on a small stool.

"Xiaxia!" Hua Jing called out, striding toward her.

Xia Lin’s face turned red as she looked around nervously. "My lady, please don’t call me that in front of everyone," she whispered, leaning closer to Hua Jing in embarrassment.

Hua Jing laughed and waved a dismissive hand. "What if people are around? I’ll call you whatever I want." She grinned mischievously. "Xiaxia, how’s your leg?"

The blush on Xia Lin’s cheeks deepened. She lowered her head and mumbled, "It’s... it’s better. Thank you for asking."

"Good!" Hua Jing said, leaning closer to inspect the bandages. "If it hurts, you let me know, okay? I don’t want you walking around and making it worse."

Xia Lin blinked, her eyes shining with gratitude. "Yes, my lady. I’ll be careful."

"See that you do," Hua Jing said, standing upright and placing her hands on her hips. "Because if you don’t, I’ll personally carry you around. How about that?"

Xia Lin’s mouth fell open in shock, and she stammered, "M-My lady, there’s no need for that!"

"Good. Then make sure you heal properly," Hua Jing said with a playful wink.

The servants nearby couldn’t help but chuckle quietly at the lively exchange, their earlier awe now replaced with fond smiles.

...

Once everyone was settled in the shelter, Hua Jing found herself pacing outside the small room that had been designated for her and Zhao Yan. The space was limited, and much to her irritation, there were no extra rooms available.

"You’ll have to share with His Highness," Xia Lin said, practically glowing with mischief as she handed Hua Jing a fresh set of clothes.

Hua Jing frowned, clutching the garments tightly. "How can I change while he’s in there? Are you out of your mind?"

Xia Lin tilted her head, feigning innocence. "What’s the big deal? He’s your husband. Didn’t you two already spend a hot, steamy night together?"

Hua Jing gawked at her, flustered. "Xia Lin!"

Xia Lin waved her hands, shushing her. "Now, now. There’s no need to be shy. Go on! Go, go, go!" She gave Hua Jing a firm push toward the door.

Hua Jing stumbled slightly but managed to steady herself, glaring at Xia Lin over her shoulder. With a resigned sigh, she pushed the door open and stepped inside.

The first thing she noticed was Grandpa Physician hunched over Zhao Yan, examining his injuries. Before Hua Jing could even blink, the elderly man’s booming voice filled the room.

"I get that you were in danger, Your Highness, but how could you let yourself get hurt like this?" The physician waved his hands dramatically, as if scolding a misbehaving child. "How weak are you? I heard just recently that you had some vigor. Where is that vigor now?"

Zhao Yan’s face darkened, his jaw tightening as he endured the barrage of reprimands. His already pale complexion seemed to grow a shade paler, but the annoyance brewing in his eyes was unmistakable.

Hua Jing stifled a laugh, covering her mouth as she watched the scene unfold. She couldn’t help herself. Grandpa Physician’s indignation was as amusing as it was relentless.

Unable to resist, she walked over and patted the old man’s shoulder lightly. "Maybe he exaggerated a little bit on the vigor part," she said, a sly smile tugging at her lips. "Can you imagine? I had to do all the saving!"