Revenge of the Phoenix Beauty

The corridors of the Hua estate were quiet in the early morning, save for the occasional rustling of servants preparing for the day. Hua Qingyan stood by her window, watching the golden sunlight seep through the garden's delicate peach blossoms.

She had woken early, her mind sharp and restless. There was no time to waste.

Last night, Meixi had returned with the information she needed—Guo Liang's son was gravely ill, suffering from an unknown fever. The family had exhausted all known treatments, and the child's condition was worsening by the day.

Perfect.

If she cured the boy before Wei Chen had the chance to offer help, Guo Liang would owe her everything.

She turned as Meixi entered, carrying a wooden box. "My lady, I found the herbs you asked for."

Qingyan opened the box and examined the dried medicinal roots inside. These were not ordinary herbs—they were rare and difficult to find, something only the most well-connected physicians could obtain.

In her past life, Wei Chen had gifted these exact herbs to Guo Liang, earning his lifelong loyalty.

This time, she would be the one making that investment.

"Let's go," Qingyan said, closing the box with a decisive snap.

---

The Guo residence was modest compared to the grandeur of the Hua estate, but it was still a home fit for a government official. Upon arrival, Qingyan and Meixi were met with cautious gazes from the servants.

"I am here to see Lord Guo," Qingyan announced, her tone even but firm.

The guards hesitated, but before they could deny her, a panicked voice rang out from within the residence.

"Father, he's burning up again!"

The tension in the air was thick. Qingyan's eyes gleamed. This was the perfect moment.

A moment later, a middle-aged man rushed out. Guo Liang.

His eyes were red-rimmed with exhaustion, and his normally neat robes were wrinkled. He froze upon seeing Qingyan.

"Lady Hua?" He looked surprised. "What brings you here?"

Qingyan gave a small, polite smile. "I heard about your son's illness. I have come with medicine."

Guo Liang's expression darkened with suspicion. "That's… considerate, but my son is being treated by the best physicians already."

"Yet he is still ill," Qingyan replied smoothly.

Guo Liang's lips pressed into a thin line. "I—"

A loud, weak cough interrupted them.

The doors to the inner hall opened, and a frail-looking boy was carried out by a worried maid. His small frame trembled violently, and sweat drenched his pale face.

Guo Liang's composure cracked. His son was dying, and no treatment had worked.

Seeing his hesitation, Qingyan stepped forward and offered the wooden box. "This medicine will lower his fever and strengthen his body."

Guo Liang clenched his fists. "How can I trust that?"

"Because I have no reason to harm you," Qingyan said lightly. "And because you are running out of time."

The boy coughed again, his breath ragged.

Guo Liang hesitated no longer. He took the box and called for his physician.

Qingyan watched as the herbs were brewed into a tonic and carefully fed to the boy. Moments later, his trembling lessened, and his breathing grew steadier.

A relieved sob escaped Guo Liang's lips.

Qingyan smiled. Now, he owed her.

---

An hour later, Guo Liang sat across from Qingyan in his private study. His earlier suspicion was gone, replaced with deep gratitude.

"I don't know how to thank you, Lady Hua," he admitted.

Qingyan sipped her tea, her expression unreadable. "There is no need for thanks. I only ask for a favor in return."

Guo Liang tensed. "What… kind of favor?"

Qingyan set her cup down gently. Time to test his loyalty.

"I need information," she said. "About the court. About the second prince's dealings."

Guo Liang's face paled. "That's—"

"Too much?" Qingyan tilted her head. "Then forget it."

She rose to leave.

"Wait!" Guo Liang exhaled sharply, rubbing his temples. He looked at her, conflicted, before finally speaking.

"I… I cannot betray my master," he said hoarsely. "But…" He hesitated.

Qingyan remained silent, waiting.

"I can tell you what is already known," he finally said. "That much I can offer."

A start.

Qingyan smiled. "That will do for now."

As she left the Guo residence, Meixi whispered, "My lady, do you really think he'll help us?"

Qingyan's gaze was cold.

He doesn't have a choice.

Guo Liang might not openly betray the second prince yet, but he was now in her debt. And debts had a way of growing.

The game had begun.