MY PRINCE HUSBAND HAS SEVEN WIVES AND I AM HIS FAVOURITE!
Chapter 65: Would this place ever feel like home?

Chapter 65: Would this place ever feel like home?

Zhao Yan arched a brow but said nothing. His gaze lingered on Hua Jing for a moment before he turned to Xia Lin. "Ensure the Seventh Consort is prepared," he instructed, his tone even and firm.

Xia Lin immediately bowed deeply. "Yes, Your Highness."

Before Hua Jing could question what this "preparation" entailed, Xia Lin grabbed her arm with surprising enthusiasm. "Young lady, let’s go," she said cheerfully, tugging Hua Jing along without another word.

Hua Jing stumbled slightly as she was pulled away, her confusion evident on her face. "Where exactly are we going?" she asked, trying to regain her balance.

Xia Lin didn’t answer immediately, instead maintaining her quick pace as they navigated through the sprawling Imperial Palace grounds. Finally, as they passed through a series of ornate archways and cobblestone paths lined with meticulously pruned hedges, Xia Lin spoke. "I’m taking you to your compound, my lady."

Hua Jing blinked in surprise. "My compound?"

Xia Lin nodded excitedly, practically bouncing on her feet. "Yes! When a consort marries into the Imperial Family, each one is given their own courtyard and residence. It is your very own space, designed just for you!"

Hua Jing’s brows furrowed as she processed this information. "Wait, I have my own place?"

"Of course, my lady! You are now the Seventh Consort of the Crown Prince. It is your right," Xia Lin replied matter-of-factly.

They turned a corner, and Hua Jing’s footsteps faltered as her gaze landed on the compound ahead. She came to a complete stop, staring in silence as she took it all in.

The space was small compared to the grandeur of the rest of the palace, but it was charming and peaceful. A lush garden filled with blooming flowers surrounded the courtyard, their vibrant colors a striking contrast to the stark snow-covered paths she had grown used to. Delicate white petals floated down from a flowering tree at the center, adding an ethereal touch to the scene.

To one side of the courtyard stood a modest pavilion with a wooden bench underneath, perfectly positioned for someone to sit and enjoy the garden. The main house itself was larger, with elegant yet simple architecture. Smooth stone steps led up to intricately carved wooden doors, and red lanterns adorned the entrance, swaying gently in the breeze.

Xia Lin beamed, clearly proud of what she was presenting. "Isn’t it beautiful? This is your space now, my lady. Your own compound within the Imperial Palace. How happy you must feel!"

Hua Jing didn’t respond immediately. She stepped forward cautiously, taking in every detail as if trying to imprint it in her mind. The space did feel warm and inviting, as if it had been designed with comfort in mind rather than overwhelming grandeur. But there was an unfamiliar weight in her chest as she looked around.

"Happy?" Hua Jing finally muttered under her breath, almost to herself. She wasn’t sure if that was the right word.

She thought back to her original life and the struggles she had endured. This level of luxury was something she could never have imagined back then. Even her biggest dreams couldn’t compare to the reality in front of her now. And yet, this wasn’t her life. This compound, this title of Seventh Consort, this identity—it wasn’t truly hers.

Her mind drifted to the Hua Jing of this world, the woman who should have been standing here in her place. From the memories she’d pieced together, the Hua Jing of this world had suffered just as much, if not more. An illegitimate child, overlooked and scorned, with nothing to her name until now.

And here Hua Jing was, standing in a place that should have belonged to someone else, enjoying comforts that felt foreign and undeserved.

She clenched her fists slightly as a pang of guilt mixed with her confusion. She wasn’t sure if she should feel grateful, unworthy, or something else entirely.

"You don’t look happy," Xia Lin observed, her cheerful expression faltering.

Hua Jing forced a small smile, snapping herself out of her thoughts. "It’s just... a lot to take in," she said softly.

Xia Lin nodded, mistaking the hesitation for awe. "I understand. It’s a big change, my lady. But this is your home now."

"Home," Hua Jing repeated, the word tasting strange on her tongue. She let out a soft sigh and looked at the garden again, her eyes lingering on the flowers swaying gently in the breeze.

Would this place ever feel like home to her? Or was it just another reminder of the strange life she had been thrown into?

She didn’t have an answer, but for now, she followed Xia Lin’s lead and stepped further into the compound, trying her best to accept the reality in front of her.

The inside of the house was as simple as the exterior suggested, but it held a charm that was undeniable.

Hua Jing walked through the entrance, her steps slow as she took in the minimalistic decor.

It wasn’t overwhelming like the grandeur she had seen in other parts of the palace. Instead, it was calm, cozy, and intimate.

The furniture was sparse yet elegant. A few wooden chairs with intricate carvings were positioned around a low table, and soft cushions were placed neatly on each seat.

There were no overwhelming embellishments, but subtle touches of extravagance were scattered throughout—a gold-trimmed vase on a shelf, delicate silk curtains framing the windows, and a finely woven rug underfoot.

Hua Jing mentally thanked whoever had been in charge of designing this space. The simplicity soothed her nerves, making her feel less like an outsider in this foreign world.

"This place is..." Hua Jing began but trailed off, searching for the right words.

"Beautiful?" Xia Lin finished for her, smiling as she glanced around.

"Comfortable," Hua Jing corrected, though she couldn’t deny its beauty either.

Xia Lin chuckled. "The prince designed it himself."

Hua Jing froze and turned to Xia Lin with wide eyes. "He did?"