MY PRINCE HUSBAND HAS SEVEN WIVES AND I AM HIS FAVOURITE!
Chapter 77: The Emperor’s Banquet Part 6: Glib Tongue

Chapter 77: The Emperor’s Banquet Part 6: Glib Tongue

Hua Jing wanted to lash out, yet at the same time, she felt something warm on her hand. She quickly looked down to see—

Zhao Yan’s fingers curled around hers, his thumb tracing slow, comforting circles over the back of her knuckles. The gentle motion sent a strange sense of calm through her body, steadying the turbulent storm of emotions raging within her.

She silently exhaled, allowing her tense shoulders to relax just a little.

Then, a slow smile spread across her lips as she lifted her gaze toward Hua Ling.

The smug smile on her stepsister’s face remained, sharp and taunting, but Hua Jing could see through it. It wasn’t just arrogance—it was an invitation. An invitation for her to lose her composure, to lash out, to make a fool of herself.

Hua Jing’s own smile grew even sweeter.

"My sister is getting married to the love of her life after all," she said, her voice carrying throughout the banquet hall.

Hua Ling’s eyes narrowed slightly, but before she could say anything, Hua Jing turned to Zhao Yan, her expression softening as she asked sweetly, "Royal Husband, is it all right if I attend the celebration? Or is there something else you have planned for us?"

The second the words left her lips, she could practically feel Hua Ling’s triumphant gaze flickering between her and the prince, waiting to see how he would respond.

But Zhao Yan—damn him—didn’t hesitate for even a second. His lips curved into an amused smile as he squeezed her hand gently.

"She is your sister, after all," he said smoothly, tilting his head as he looked at Hua Jing. "Of course you must attend. But you have to take me with you. You know I don’t like it when you do things on your own."

Hua Jing’s grin widened as she turned back to Hua Ling.

"The prince has given his approval, so I’ll be attending," she said cheerfully. "How wonderful."

Hua Ling’s entire body went rigid.

For a moment, she seemed too stunned to react.

This was not how she had imagined this conversation going.

She had expected hesitation, reluctance—maybe even an outright refusal from the prince. She had expected to humiliate Hua Jing in front of everyone, proving that even after marrying into the royal family, she still held no power.

Yet, instead—

Instead, the two of them had openly flaunted their closeness before an entire audience.

Her blood boiled, but there were too many people watching.

Hua Ling forced a stiff, brittle smile and bowed.

"It would be a great honor."

But before she could rise from her bow, Hua Jing’s sweet voice rang out.

"I’ve heard some rumors, dear sister, and I can’t help but be worried for you when I heard that you are going to marry Xu Ming, the scholar."

The words were casual, almost affectionate, but the meaning behind them was sharp enough to cut.

Hua Ling’s lips twitched slightly, her fingers curling into the fabric of her sleeves.

"What rumors has sister heard?" she asked, her voice tight with forced calmness.

Hua Jing tilted her head slightly, feigning deep concern. "I heard that Xu Ming already has a woman that he quite likes." She sighed dramatically. "You and I are sisters, after all. If he likes someone else who isn’t you, don’t you think this marriage would be a disaster? I wouldn’t want you to be the other woman."

The banquet hall fell silent.

Then—a collective gasp.

Hua Jing’s words were like a stone thrown into a still lake, sending shockwaves rippling through the nobles. The implication was clear—she was publicly labeling Hua Ling as the other woman, as if she had stolen someone else’s man.

The color drained from Hua Ling’s face.

Her pride—her perfect image—it was being shattered before everyone’s eyes.

She had expected mockery from Hua Jing. She had expected bitterness or anger. But this?

This was public humiliation, wrapped in the softest, most innocent tone.

She wanted to tear Hua Jing apart.

Lady Chen’s expression darkened as she stepped forward, trying to regain control of the situation.

"There is no need to speak like this," she said coolly, her tone laced with warning. "Xu Ming, the scholar, has already declared his affections for your sister. It is improper to bring up baseless rumors."

Hua Jing smiled brightly.

"Of course, I’m happy for her," she said, her voice silk and honey. "That’s why I’m asking. If Xu Ming has already loved another before, who’s to say he won’t do it again? What if he decides to find another woman in the future? I would be heartbroken for my dear sister."

Hua Ling stiffened.

Lady Chen’s smile froze.

Hua Mingrong’s face twisted.

The weight of those implications crashed down on them. In the noble world, a woman’s honor was everything. And Hua Jing had just planted the idea that Xu Ming was unfaithful—a man who might take on mistresses, a man who might abandon his wife.

Even if it was not true, this single seed of doubt could ruin Hua Ling’s reputation before she even married.

Hua Ling’s hands shook as she clenched them into tight fists.

"Sister!" she hissed under her breath, her voice quivering with suppressed rage. "He doesn’t have any other woman! I am the only one he has ever loved!"

Hua Jing sighed dramatically, shaking her head. "Oh, Hua Ling," she murmured, as if pitying her. "I truly, truly hope that’s the case."

Hua Ling wanted to scream.

But she couldn’t—not here.

Not in front of so many nobles who were now whispering among themselves.

Not in front of the Emperor and Empress.

Not in front of Zhao Yan, whose expression remained unreadable beneath his golden mask.

With a last deep bow, Hua Ling forced a tight smile and stepped away.

As she moved to take her seat, Hua Jing could feel her burning gaze boring into the back of her head.

She loved it.

She sighed contentedly as she took a sip of wine, ignoring Xia Lin’s quiet snickering behind her.

The banquet continued, the tension gradually fading into polite conversations and music.

Then—

Another nobleman stepped forward.

Dressed in the robes of a high-ranking official, the man bowed deeply before Zhao Yan.

"Crown Prince," he said smoothly, his voice polished with years of court etiquette. "Would it be possible for the two of us to have a discussion outside?"

Search the lightnovelworld.cc website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.