MY PRINCE HUSBAND HAS SEVEN WIVES AND I AM HIS FAVOURITE!
Chapter 72: The Emperor’s Banquet Part: The welcome

Chapter 72: The Emperor’s Banquet Part: The welcome

The prince narrowed his eyes slightly.

Something about her had changed.

Hua Jing, unaware of his thoughts, merely hummed to herself, her expression relaxed and at ease as they followed the Emperor and Empress into the main hall.

As Hua Jing walked in step with Zhao Yan, following the Emperor and Empress, she couldn’t help but be mesmerized by the grandeur of the Hall of Radiance.

The sheer extravagance was beyond anything she had ever seen. Every inch of the palace seemed to be drenched in gold, the walls adorned with delicate carvings, intricate tapestries, and priceless jade ornaments. The air carried the faint scent of incense, a fragrance that felt both calming and overwhelming at the same time.

The palace maids, dressed immaculately in elegant silk robes, moved with synchronized precision, their heads bowed and their movements fluid as they lined up along the pathway. Unlike the regular maids she had encountered before, these were clearly trained in the highest levels of palace etiquette. Not a single step was out of place. Every action was performed with perfect grace.

Hua Jing had read about the rigid structure of palace life, about how every servant had a specific role, a specific place to stand, and a specific way to move. But seeing it all unfold before her eyes was something else entirely. It was like watching a grand performance, but this wasn’t a movie set—it was real.

As they approached the main banquet hall, she noticed the emperor’s consorts trailing behind them. Their expressions were carefully neutral, but Hua Jing could sense it. A distinct tension filled the air.

The jealousy was almost palpable.

She wasn’t sure if it was directed at her or at Zhao Yan, but their gazes were hard to ignore. Some of them lowered their eyes, their hands delicately folded in front of them, while others stole quick glances toward the Seventh Consort, their eyes unreadable.

Hua Jing inwardly sighed. She could already tell that being a consort in the Imperial Palace was going to be more complicated than she had thought.

Still, she kept her posture straight, chin slightly lifted, and followed Zhao Yan into the grand banquet hall.

Inside, it was even more magnificent than she had imagined.

The high ceiling was painted in shades of deep red and gold, illuminated by massive chandeliers that held countless candles, their flickering flames casting dancing shadows on the polished marble floor. Large silk banners with the imperial emblem hung on each side of the hall, adding to the overwhelming majesty of the setting.

Rows upon rows of royal officials stood on either side of the massive room, each dressed in their finest ceremonial robes. Their presence was imposing, their backs straight as they awaited the arrival of the imperial family.

The moment the Emperor and Empress stepped inside, the entire hall moved in perfect unison.

All the officials, dressed in deep blue robes embroidered with golden dragons, dropped to their knees, their voices ringing out in perfect harmony.

"Greetings to the Emperor! Greetings to the Empress!"

Their bows were deep, their foreheads almost touching the floor in reverence.

Hua Jing felt a chill run down her spine.

Even though she had acted in countless historical dramas in her past life, nothing could have prepared her for the sheer impact of witnessing this firsthand. The weight of centuries of tradition, the absolute power of the imperial family—it was breathtaking.

As she and Zhao Yan followed behind the Emperor and Empress, another wave of voices echoed through the grand hall.

"Greetings to the Royal Prince! Greetings to the Seventh Consort!"

The sound was overwhelming, almost suffocating.

Hua Jing’s hands clenched slightly at her sides, but she kept her face composed. She wasn’t about to show any weakness here, not when all eyes were on her.

She forced herself to walk forward with elegance, careful to match Zhao Yan’s pace, aware that every single movement she made was being observed, analyzed, and possibly even criticized.

They proceeded toward the head of the hall, where an elevated platform held a long table covered in the most exquisite dishes. Golden plates, jeweled goblets, and ornate chopsticks were set before luxurious seats embroidered with dragon motifs. The Emperor and Empress took their places at the center, with Zhao Yan and Hua Jing positioned at a slightly lower table to their right.

Once the royal family was seated, the officials finally rose, standing with their hands folded respectfully before them.

The Emperor glanced across the room, his expression pleased.

"Let the banquet begin!" he announced.

At his command, music erupted from the far side of the hall, where an ensemble of palace musicians had been waiting. The sweet melody of the guzheng filled the air, accompanied by the rhythmic beat of drums and the soft chime of bells.

The officials and noble guests relaxed slightly as they moved toward their assigned seats. Servants in fine silk robes glided through the hall, pouring fragrant wine into golden cups and placing steaming dishes onto the long banquet tables.

The scent of roasted duck, honey-glazed pork, and freshly steamed dumplings wafted through the air, mingling with the perfume of exotic fruits and fine wine.

Hua Jing couldn’t help but marvel at the sheer scale of it all.

She had attended lavish events in her previous life, from high-profile celebrity galas to grand premieres. But none of them compared to this.

This wasn’t just a banquet.

It was a demonstration of power, wealth, and absolute control.

She subtly glanced at Zhao Yan, who, despite his usual unreadable expression, carried himself with an effortless air of authority. This was his world. A world of politics, alliances, and hidden dangers.

A world where she now had to navigate carefully.

As she picked up her golden goblet, Hua Jing sighed inwardly.

This was going to be interesting.

Just as Huajing thought that, she suddenly heard the sound of a flute coming from above. Because the place was so big—like a story building—some musicians were seated up high, probably the emperor’s musicians, playing the sound of a flute.

Before Huajing could blink, the door suddenly opened, and a flurry of color passed by her eyes.

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