Hua Jing's gaze swept over each consort, her expression unreadable, her lips barely curving into a smile.
"Or are they here to watch my every move?"
The First Consort's face twisted instantly, her carefully maintained poise cracking for just a moment before she composed herself.
"How dare you accuse Her Majesty of such a thing?" she snapped, her voice sharp, laced with indignation. "This is compulsory for all consorts. You are not the special one here."
Hua Jing simply tilted her head slightly, watching her with amusement.
"You're making it look like I am very special," she said lightly. "With everything you're trying to do, I can't help but wonder… why go through so much trouble?"
Her tone was calm, almost teasing, but the weight of her words landed like a blade.
The other consorts stiffened, their jealousy now fully visible in their narrowed eyes and clenched fists.
