MY PRINCE HUSBAND HAS SEVEN WIVES AND I AM HIS FAVOURITE!
Chapter 97: Was it the same?

Chapter 97: Was it the same?

Morning arrived quietly, the first golden rays of sunlight slipping through the wooden lattice windows of the Seventh Consort’s courtyard.

Xia Lin, despite the lingering pain in her leg, made her way toward Hua Jing’s chambers. The physician had treated her wound the previous night, but the dull ache remained, forcing her to limp slightly as she walked.

She carried a tray in her hands, balancing a small bowl of freshly made porridge. After all the chaos of the previous day, neither the prince nor Hua Jing had eaten anything. Now that the morning had arrived, it was only proper to ensure they had something warm to replenish their strength.

As she reached the doorway, Xia Lin took a deep breath, bracing herself. She wasn’t sure what state Hua Jing would be in after everything that had happened.

But when she stepped inside—she froze.

Her eyes widened at the sight before her.

Hua Jing and Zhao Yan were locked in a tight embrace.

Hua Jing’s body was draped over his, her head resting against his chest, her arm wrapped around his waist as if she refused to let go. One of her legs was tangled with his, trapping him in place, leaving no room for him to escape even if he wanted to.

And Zhao Yan...

His arms held her protectively, as if shielding her from the entire world. His breath was even, his usually sharp and composed face soft and peaceful in sleep.

Xia Lin’s face instantly flushed.

She had never seen the prince this close before, nor had she ever seen anyone hold Hua Jing like this.

This... this was...

Her heart pounded wildly, and she quickly set the tray down on the nearby table before backing out of the room.

She needed to leave.

Now.

If Hua Jing woke up and saw her here, she would never hear the end of it!

---

Zhao Yan was the first to wake.

His body stirred slightly, feeling the warm weight pressed against him.

His brows furrowed slightly, his senses taking a moment to adjust.

The first thing he noticed was the faint floral scent that surrounded him—light and familiar.

His arms still held Hua Jing close, and the realization sent an unfamiliar warmth coursing through his veins.

Slowly, he opened his eyes.

His gaze immediately landed on Hua Jing’s sleeping face.

Her features were delicate, her long lashes resting softly against her cheeks, her lips slightly parted as she breathed evenly.

She looked... peaceful.

Peaceful—but still weak.

Memories of the previous day came rushing back, and Zhao Yan’s chest tightened.

If he had woken up even a moment later—if he had not arrived when he did...

His hold on her unconsciously tightened.

Then, with careful movements, he detangled himself from her grasp.

He gently tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, his fingers lingering for just a second longer than necessary before he finally rose from the bed.

As he stood, his gaze fell on a tray nearby. A small bowl of porridge sat atop it.

He reached for it, lifting it to his lips to take a sip.

It was still warm.

Xia Lin.

She must have been here earlier.

Placing the bowl back down, he adjusted his robes and stepped outside.

As expected, Xia Lin was waiting.

She immediately straightened when she saw him, her cheeks coloring slightly before she quickly bowed.

"Your Highness."

Zhao Yan nodded in acknowledgment.

"Take care of her," he said, his tone steady but filled with unspoken meaning.

Xia Lin’s head dipped lower.

"Of course, Your Highness."

Without another word, Zhao Yan turned on his heel and left.

Xia Lin watched him disappear through the corridor, a thoughtful look crossing her face.

She hadn’t missed the way his gaze had softened when he spoke about Hua Jing.

Nor had she missed the way his expression darkened with unspoken fury.

The prince... he cared.

She was sure of it now.

---

Hours passed before Hua Jing finally stirred.

Her eyelids fluttered open, her mind still groggy from exhaustion.

The first thing she noticed was the soft warmth of the bed beneath her.

Then, the lingering soreness in her limbs.

Her entire body ached.

A low groan escaped her lips as she tried to move, but a sudden voice made her pause.

"My Lady!"

Xia Lin was by her side in an instant.

She quickly knelt beside the bed, worry etched across her face.

"How are you feeling?" she asked anxiously.

Hua Jing’s lips parted, her voice dry and raspy as she muttered,

"Like my head is about to explode."

Xia Lin let out a sigh of relief.

"You scared me, My Lady. Luckily, you were saved before anything worse happened."

Hua Jing blinked slowly.

Her mind was still foggy.

But then, as her body finally woke, the memories came rushing back.

The lower prison.

The torture.

The water.

The pain.

Her hands twitched.

Rage swelled within her chest, consuming her entirely.

"Those bastards."

The words left her lips in a harsh whisper.

Xia Lin visibly tensed.

She knew what must have happened.

She had seen the aftermath.

But she still had to ask.

"...Was it the same?"

Hua Jing stilled.

"The same as what?" she asked.

Xia Lin hesitated before whispering, "The same as when you were at Lord Hua’s mansion?"

Silence.

Hua Jing’s eyes flickered with confusion.

"...What do you mean?"

Xia Lin lowered her voice.

"The Madam always took you there whenever she pleased."

She swallowed, a slight shudder running through her.

"To the torture chamber."

Hua Jing’s mind blanked.

Torture chamber?

The original Hua Jing had been taken to a torture chamber?

She knew the Madam had been cruel, but...

How much?

How much had the original Hua Jing suffered?

Her fists clenched.

Xia Lin’s eyes dimmed.

"...Was it the same?"

Hua Jing’s jaw tightened.

She didn’t know.

But if it was anything like the lower prison...

If it was worse...

Her nails dug into her palms.

So that’s why.

That’s why Xia Lin had been so desperate to save her.

She had seen it before.

She had witnessed it.

She had watched Hua Jing suffer.

"...My Lady?"

Hua Jing exhaled, pushing the thoughts away.

Her eyes finally shifted, taking in her surroundings.

Then, for the first time, she asked,

"How did I get here?"