Revenge of the Phoenix Beauty

The carriage ride back to the Hua estate was quiet, but Hua Qingyan's mind was alive with possibilities.

Guo Liang had taken the bait. Now, she needed to reel him in completely.

"He will hesitate," Meixi murmured, peeking out of the carriage curtains. "He still fears the second prince."

Qingyan smiled faintly. "For now."

Fear was an effective tool, but greed and self-preservation were even stronger.

Guo Liang had already broken the first wall of loyalty by speaking with her. Soon, he would cross the point of no return.

---

The moment she returned home, Qingyan went straight to her study. A map of the capital lay open on her desk, scattered with notes and symbols.

The second prince's strongest allies were marked in red.

Some were loyal due to personal beliefs. Some were opportunists, supporting whoever had the greatest chance of becoming the next emperor.

And some… had weaknesses.

She tapped a name with her fingertip.

Minister Zhao.

In her past life, he had been one of Wei Chen's most vocal supporters, using his influence to spread false rumors about her father's involvement in treason. He had publicly denounced the Hua family on the day of their execution.

A flicker of cold rage passed through Qingyan's heart.

She had to dismantle the second prince's alliances one by one—but Minister Zhao would be a challenge. He was clever, cautious, and not easily swayed.

Meixi entered, carrying a tray of tea. "My lady, shall I investigate Minister Zhao next?"

Qingyan sipped her tea thoughtfully. "No. Not yet."

She had another far more pressing issue to deal with first.

---

The Imperial Palace – A Fateful Encounter

Two days later, Qingyan made her first official appearance at court since her engagement to the second prince had been announced.

The emperor had summoned the noble families for a formal audience, and she could not refuse.

She arrived dressed in a soft blue robe, her demeanor quiet and composed. Around her, the daughters of noble families whispered behind their fans.

"They say Lady Hua has been keeping to herself lately."

"Perhaps she's embarrassed about her engagement?"

"Didn't she used to follow the second prince around like a lovesick fool?"

Qingyan ignored them. She had no interest in correcting their assumptions.

Inside the grand hall, noble families lined the throne room. The emperor sat on the golden dragon throne, his sharp gaze sweeping over the court. The second prince, Wei Chen, stood at his side—as charming as ever.

Qingyan's stomach twisted in disgust. How had she ever loved him?

Wei Chen's gaze flickered toward her, surprise evident in his expression. He had not expected her to attend.

And he certainly had not expected her calmness.

She met his gaze briefly, then lowered her eyes in polite indifference.

His frown deepened.

Good. Let him wonder.

Then, another presence entered the hall.

Wei Heng.

The first prince.

Unlike Wei Chen's effortless charm, Wei Heng carried himself with cold precision. Dressed in deep black and gold, he gave off an aura of quiet authority.

He did not glance her way—but she could feel his attention.

Wei Heng had always been distant in her past life. He had never interfered with the second prince's plans, nor had he offered her any help.

That would change this time.

As the court proceedings began, Qingyan remained silent, observing. The emperor looked… tired. His movements were slower than before.

She knew what was coming.

The illness.

It would strike in a matter of months, and the second prince would use it to gain favor—pretending to be a filial son while secretly prolonging the emperor's suffering.

Not this time.

She would be the one to save him.

---

A Dangerous Game Begins

After the formal gathering, Qingyan moved to leave—but someone stepped into her path.

"Lady Hua."

She lifted her gaze.

Wei Chen.

For the first time in two lifetimes, she did not feel a shred of warmth toward him.

Only icy calculation.

Wei Chen smiled, his usual confidence laced with curiosity. "It has been some time since we last spoke."

Qingyan tilted her head slightly. "Has it?"

His smile faltered.

Ah. He noticed.

She had always been eager to speak with him in the past. Always seeking his attention.

Now, she acted as though he were no more important than a passing servant.

Wei Chen studied her closely. "You seem… different."

Qingyan let out a soft, amused laugh. "Do I?"

She turned slightly, as if to leave, but he stepped closer. Too close.

A shadow fell over them.

A deep voice interrupted.

"Is there a problem, Second Brother?"

Qingyan turned her head slightly.

Wei Heng.

The first prince stood just behind her, his expression unreadable. But his presence was deliberate.

Wei Chen's jaw tensed. "No problem at all, First Brother."

Wei Heng's dark gaze flickered to Qingyan, then back to Wei Chen. "Then do not block Lady Hua's path."

A challenge.

Wei Chen forced a smile and stepped aside. "Of course."

Qingyan met Wei Heng's gaze briefly. A silent understanding passed between them.

He was watching her.

Good.

Let them all watch.

The game had begun, and Hua Qingyan had no intention of losing.