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."