Hua Jing's grin widened as she watched Zhao Yan's reaction. The slight pause of his chopsticks, the faint stiffness in his posture—it was all the confirmation she needed.
"You really don't like carrots, do you?" she teased, leaning forward slightly.
Zhao Yan said nothing, his face a mask of indifference—literally and figuratively.
Hua Jing's laughter bubbled out, light and mocking. "I knew it!" she exclaimed, clapping her hands together. "The mighty prince, ruler-to-be, brought down by a few humble carrots!"
Her eyes sparkled mischievously as an idea struck her. Without warning, she grabbed the nearest dish containing carrots and trotted over to Zhao Yan's side.
"Well, since you don't seem to know how to appreciate them," she said, plucking a handful of the orange slices with her chopsticks, "I'll help you out!"
"Stop," Zhao Yan said firmly, his tone low and threatening.
But Hua Jing was already in his space, leaning far closer than propriety allowed. She ignored his warning, her chopsticks deftly dropping the carrots onto his plate with exaggerated cheer.
"Try this," she said, her tone sweet as honey. "They're good for your health. Rich in vitamins, you know."
"Hua Jing," Zhao Yan growled, his voice a warning.
"Oh, don't worry, I'm not done yet," Hua Jing chirped, darting to another dish. She scooped up another portion of carrots and added them to his plate with a flourish. "Here's some more. Can't have too many vitamins!"
Zhao Yan's jaw clenched as he stared at the growing mountain of carrots before him.
"Eat it," Hua Jing said, her voice dropping into a faux-serious tone. "It's winter, you know. Food is scarce. Nothing grows in this weather. A prince wasting food? How laughable."
She stepped back, dramatically pressing a hand to her chest, her expression shifting to one of mock sorrow. "I've heard people starve around this time of year, Your Highness. Starve!"
Zhao Yan stared at her, speechless, as she continued her performance.
"As the prince of the whole empire," she said, her voice trembling with feigned emotion, "you must set an example. Think of your people! Wasting food is... is..." She sniffled theatrically. "It's shameful!"
Wei Ling, who was watching from a distance, looked like he didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Xia Lin, meanwhile, was clutching her apron tightly, her expression one of absolute mortification.
Zhao Yan's patience was hanging by a thread.
Hua Jing, apparently oblivious to the rising tension, leaned down until her face was level with his. Her eyes danced with amusement as she gestured to the carrots. "Go on, eat. It's for the greater good. Your empire depends on it!"
Zhao Yan let out a long, slow breath, his chopsticks hovering motionless in his hand.
"You're not eating," Hua Jing observed, tilting her head like an inquisitive bird. "Do you need me to feed you? I could—"
"Enough," Zhao Yan said through gritted teeth, his voice dangerously low.
Hua Jing stepped back, crossing her arms with a huff. "Fine. If you won't eat, I'll just have to report you to the court. Imagine the scandal! 'Prince Zhao Yan, notorious carrot waster.'" She shook her head dramatically. "What a headline."
Her antics continued as she paced back and forth in front of the table, muttering loud enough for everyone to hear. "Wasting food during winter, of all times. What would the commoners think? Such a shameful example from the future monarch..."
Hua Jing bent so close that Zhao Yan could feel the cool air from her breath. His body froze as he stared unblinkingly at her.
The annoyance was gone for just a second but when he saw the carrot held by a chopstick next to his mouth, it returned tenfold!
The palace maids who were around stared speechlessly at this scene. Even though they were not allowed to stare, this was way too juicy!
All of them had the same expression — the Seventh Consort had lost her mind!
The gossip later would be even juicier!
"Hua Jing," Zhao Yan warned, his patience visibly thinning.
"Yes, Your Highness?" Hua Jing replied sweetly, batting her eyelashes at him.
He closed his eyes for a moment, as though summoning the last reserves of his composure.
"Get. Out!" Zhao Yan said, his voice booming across the room.
The force of his words startled everyone, including Hua Jing, who blinked at him in surprise. But then, instead of cowering or retreating, she simply smiled.
"Yes, Your Majesty," she said brightly, giving him a mocking bow before spinning on her heel and walking away.
Her steps became faster incase he called her back once again.
She motioned for Xia Lin to follow.
The look on Xia Lin's face was indescribable and Hua Jing felt like laughing when she saw it.
Zhao Yan watched her go, his jaw tight and his fists clenched. The sound of her footsteps fading down the hall did little to soothe the storm brewing inside him.
She had been all up in his space and the faint fragrance coming from her still lingered in the air.
He thought that he was losing his mind for sure!
Wei Ling, standing silently to the side, finally exhaled a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. He exchanged a glance with Xia Lin, who looked like she was on the verge of fainting.
"This…" Wei Ling started, trailing off as he struggled to find the words.
Xia Lin shook her head, her expression grim. "I have no idea what's going on anymore."
She had told Hua Jing to behave but she did not know Hua Jing would actually listen to her words...
Well...she did the exact opposite of what Xia Lin had instructed!
What a sin!
Who knew what the prince would do to them if his anger overflowed!
Xia Lin shuddered at the mere thought of it.
She quickly followed Hua Jing outside speechlessly!
The room fell silent once more, save for the faint rustle of the wind outside.
Zhao Yan stared down at the pile of carrots on his plate, his appetite thoroughly destroyed.
He looked at the carrots like they were his greatest enemy!
He then turned and stared at Hua Jing's receding back and felt his teeth start to ache!
That woman....