MY PRINCE HUSBAND HAS SEVEN WIVES AND I AM HIS FAVOURITE!
Chapter 68: The emperor and empress will be impressed

Chapter 68: The emperor and empress will be impressed

Once Xia Lin was done with everything, Hua Jing looked at herself in front of the bronze mirror and sighed dramatically. "Oh my God, I can’t believe I’m this beautiful."

Xia Lin’s lips twitched, and she laughed lightly. "You’ve always been very beautiful, young lady."

Hua Jing touched her face with an exaggerated sense of pride, tilting her head to admire her reflection. "That’s what I’m seeing too," she replied. Her tone was neither humble nor modest. Instead, it carried a playful confidence that radiated from her expression.

Her reflection was striking—her smooth, delicate features framed by hair styled perfectly by Xia Lin’s deft hands. She had a face that could inspire ballads, move mountains, and perhaps even start wars. It was the kind of beauty that demanded attention without even trying.

Xia Lin, watching her from the side, didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. "Young lady, we need to hurry. The carriage will be here soon."

Hua Jing nodded reluctantly, a little disappointed to leave the mirror. This was one of those rare moments when she could look at herself and marvel at her beauty. She stood and adjusted her dress, her movements poised.

As much as she didn’t like being stuck in this strange world, Hua Jing knew she had no choice but to follow the duties of the original Hua Jing. If she wanted to avoid unnecessary suspicion or trouble, she had to play her part perfectly.

When Xia Lin left the room momentarily to fetch something, Hua Jing remained standing before the mirror, studying her reflection more intently. She leaned closer, her fingers brushing the intricate embroidery on her dress.

"If I have to live in this world," she whispered to herself, "then I’ll make sure the real Hua Jing has nothing to worry about when she returns. I’ll pave the way for her to live in peace, surrounded by these people."

The thought lingered in her mind. She didn’t know how or why she had been thrown into this life, but she had no intention of wasting it. The responsibilities, the traditions, the rules—none of them were things she had chosen. But if she had been given this face, this position, this life, she would make the most of it.

In ancient times, beauty was more than just an asset—it was a weapon. It could be used to influence, persuade, and protect. Hua Jing had read about women who used their beauty to outwit even the most cunning opponents. Now that she had this face, she decided she might as well use it wisely.

Her lips curled into a faint smile as she straightened up. She turned slightly to catch another angle of her reflection. "Since I’m stuck here, I’ll be the best version of Hua Jing this world has ever seen," she murmured to herself.

Xia Lin returned, carrying a delicate hand fan adorned with jade and silk. "Young lady, are you ready? The carriage is waiting outside."

Hua Jing glanced at the mirror one last time before turning to Xia Lin. Her expression was confident, almost regal. "Let’s go," she said, her voice steady.

Xia Lin smiled brightly. "You look radiant, young lady. The emperor and empress will surely be impressed."

A soft, melodic voice rang out from the doorway. "She does look radiant indeed."

Hua Jing and Xia Lin froze in place, their heads snapping toward the source of the voice. Standing there was a woman whose beauty was nearly ethereal. Her dress sparkled with rare jewels that caught the faintest light and reflected it brilliantly. Every inch of her exuded grace and extravagance, from the intricate embroidery on her sleeves to the rare pearls braided into her hair.

Xia Lin’s expression immediately shifted. She stepped behind Hua Jing, bowing deeply with practiced ease. The woman’s gaze remained fixed on Hua Jing, her eyes scanning her with a mixture of curiosity and veiled judgment.

Hua Jing, on the other hand, was stunned. She didn’t know who this woman was, but it was clear she was someone important. The way Xia Lin had reacted said it all.

The woman raised a delicate brow, clearly expecting Hua Jing to follow suit. Xia Lin discreetly nudged Hua Jing’s back with her fingertips, urging her to bow. Hua Jing’s eyes widened in confusion, but Xia Lin shook her head slightly, a silent plea for compliance.

Realizing she might be offending someone very important, Hua Jing quickly lowered her head, bowing in what she hoped was an appropriate manner.

The woman’s expression softened, satisfaction evident on her face. "Good. It seems you’ve been taught some decorum after all."

Xia Lin straightened up but kept her gaze respectfully lowered. She leaned toward Hua Jing and whispered urgently, "She is the first consort."

Hua Jing blinked, the words sinking in slowly. The first consort? So this was one of Zhao Yan’s other wives? The most important one, no less. Her mind raced as she struggled to piece together how she was supposed to act in this situation.

The first consort took a step closer, her every movement graceful and deliberate. "I heard the prince and his seventh consort had returned from their trip. I thought it only fitting to come and see you."

Her voice was calm, but there was a sharp undertone to her words that Hua Jing didn’t miss.

"Thank you for your kind welcome," Hua Jing replied, trying to sound polite while masking her discomfort.

The first consort tilted her head slightly, her lips curving into a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. "It is rare for the prince to show such care for one of his consorts. I must admit, I was curious about the woman who managed to capture his attention so."

Hua Jing felt Xia Lin stiffen behind her. The words, though spoken in a pleasant tone, carried a subtle edge.

"His Highness has been kind," Hua Jing said carefully, choosing her words with precision.

The first consort’s gaze flickered over Hua Jing’s attire, her brow furrowing ever so slightly. "The prince has always been thoughtful. I see he’s even arranged for your quarters to reflect your... simpler tastes!"