The cold air in the prince's private chamber was almost suffocating. Zhao Yan sat by the open window, his mask discarded on the desk beside him. His piercing gaze was fixed on the snow-covered courtyard, his expression unreadable, yet the rigid set of his shoulders betrayed his inner turmoil.
Wei Ling entered quietly, bowing deeply before speaking. "Your Highness," he began, his tone measured. "Tonight is the wedding night. Should I make the necessary preparations for your visit to Lady Hua's chambers?"
Zhao Yan didn't respond immediately. His eyes remained on the courtyard, the silence stretching long enough for Wei Ling to feel a prickle of unease.
Then, the prince laughed.
It wasn't a warm laugh; it was cold, sharp, and laced with something unspoken. Zhao Yan finally turned to Wei Ling, the corners of his lips curling into a smirk.
"If I don't go," he said, his voice low and calculating, "those who are watching will definitely make a move."
Wei Ling nodded slightly, his understanding immediate. There were always eyes on the crown prince, and Zhao Yan's every action—or inaction—was meticulously analyzed. If he refused to consummate the marriage, the rumors would spread like wildfire, and those hungry for power would use it as a weapon against him.
Still, Wei Ling couldn't shake the question that had lingered in his mind since the marriage was arranged. "Your Highness," he ventured cautiously, "why Lady Hua?"
Zhao Yan's smirk faded, his gaze hardening.
"There were many noble ladies, all of impeccable reputation, any one of whom would have made a suitable seventh consort," Wei Ling continued. "Yet, you chose her. Lady Hua… she's different."
Zhao Yan's expression darkened slightly. He leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the armrest. "You're not wrong," he admitted. "She's different. Too different."
Wei Ling hesitated. "She's not like the person we observed before," he said carefully, his tone bordering on suspicion.
Zhao Yan's eyes narrowed. "That's why I ordered the investigation. I don't like unanswered questions."
Wei Ling bowed his head. "The investigation is underway, Your Highness. We should have results soon."
The prince said nothing, his thoughts clearly elsewhere. After a moment, his voice broke the silence. "What about the prime minister? Has he made any moves?"
Wei Ling straightened, immediately understanding the shift in the conversation. "Prime Minister Gu has been silent, but there are whispers of discontent among his allies. The marriage has destabilized some of his plans. It seems he didn't anticipate this."
Zhao Yan's smirk returned, though it was colder than before. "Good," he said. "Let him squirm for a while. His silence won't last, but it's a step in the right direction."
Wei Ling nodded
---
In Hua Jing's chamber, the atmosphere was considerably lighter—at least outwardly.
"So," Hua Jing began, settling into her chair and regarding Xia Lin with a raised eyebrow. "If I please the prince tonight, everything will go well for me, right?"
Xia Lin perked up slightly, nodding. "Yes, Young Madam. If you please him well, he might even favor you. Your life could become much easier when we return to the palace."
"Favor me?" Hua Jing repeated, her lips curling into a sly smile. "Is that all it takes?"
Xia Lin hesitated. "Well… it's not just about tonight. But a good first impression will go a long way. His Highness values loyalty and decorum, and if you show him that you can fulfill your duties as a consort, he'll—"
"Oh, I'll fulfill my duties," Hua Jing interrupted, her smile widening. "Don't worry about that."
Despite Hua Jing's seemingly reassuring words, a nagging unease settled in Xia Lin's chest. Something about Hua Jing's tone didn't sit right.
"Young Madam…" Xia Lin began cautiously, "you're not planning anything unusual, are you?"
"Unusual?" Hua Jing echoed, her expression one of mock innocence. "Whatever do you mean?"
Xia Lin's frown deepened, but she shook her head. "Never mind. As long as you approach this night with the right mindset, everything will be fine."
"Oh, everything will be fine," Hua Jing said, her tone sweet. "Better than fine, actually."
But in her mind, Hua Jing was plotting something entirely different.
Let him come, she thought, her eyes glinting mischievously. Let him step into my chamber tonight. By the time I'm done with him, he'll wish he never married me.
Her mind raced with ideas, each one more outrageous than the last.
She already had the information about carrots.
Maybe she should gift that infuriating man a basket full of carrots as his wedding gift?
Wait...were women allowed to gift their husbands wedding presents in this timeline?
Hua Jing was lost in thought
The possibilities were endless, and the mere thought of angering Zhao Yan brought a spark of amusement to her otherwise somber day.
"I'll handle it," Hua Jing said aloud, offering Xia Lin a reassuring smile.
Xia Lin nodded, though she couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. She busied herself with preparing Hua Jing's attire, smoothing out the fine silks and ensuring every detail was perfect.
Because Lady Hua did not have any other maids, she was the only one responsible for caring for her.
She was not one to complain but she felt that her Lady's beauty would be even more is she was beautified by the make-up artists from the flower house!
If she had been then the prince would definitely not take his eyes off her!
Since birth, the Lady's beauty was her trademark.
Her beauty had been a subject of attraction to many and also a magnet for jealousy from Hua Ling and Chen Li!
The two had ensured that Hua Jing would look like a pauper so that people would not focus on her looks!
But, this would do for now.
Hua Jing allowed herself to be fussed over, though her thoughts remained on the upcoming encounter. She needed to tread carefully.
While infuriating Zhao Yan seemed like a delightful idea, she couldn't push him too far and risk jeopardizing her position entirely.
From what she heard, she needed Zhao Yan yet didn't need him at the same time.
This situation was...
As the preparations continued, the sky outside darkened, signaling the approach of night. Hua Jing stared at her reflection in the mirror, her lips curving into a determined smile.
"Let's see how this goes," she murmured to herself.