Chapter 57: Don’t wander around looking like that!
Zhao Yan, Wei Ling, and Deng Mi jumped as though caught committing a crime. They turned sharply, their expressions mirroring a mix of shock and guilt. Hua Jing stood behind them, her gaze curious and slightly perplexed.
Her robes were pristine, a soft shade of blue that accentuated her freshly scrubbed complexion. Her hair, still damp, hung in loose waves down her back, droplets of water trailing lazily onto the fabric. The simplicity of her look only served to amplify her natural beauty, leaving the three men momentarily speechless.
Hua Jing tilted her head, her brows furrowing slightly. "Did I startle you?"
The three exchanged awkward glances. Zhao Yan cleared his throat, regaining his composure. "We didn’t hear you come in," he said stiffly.
"Your steps are lighter than a cat’s," Wei Ling muttered under his breath.
Deng Mi nodded in agreement, his face still slightly flushed. "Truly. It’s as if you weren’t walking at all."
Hua Jing’s confusion deepened as she crossed her arms. "Well, maybe you three should be paying more attention."
Zhao Yan let out a sigh and shot a look at Wei Ling and Deng Mi. "You’re dismissed. Go ensure the preparations are complete."
Wei Ling hesitated for a moment, his eyes lingering on Hua Jing’s radiant appearance. He quickly averted his gaze, bowing deeply. "Yes, Your Highness."
Deng Mi followed suit, but as he turned, he cast a sidelong glance at Hua Jing, his mind whirling. It was no wonder Zhao Yan’s behavior had shifted recently. The seventh consort was a force to be reckoned with, both in personality and appearance.
As the two men left, Hua Jing stepped closer to Zhao Yan, her curiosity getting the better of her. "What were you talking about with them?"