MTL NOVEL Chapter 5: The First Step to Power
As Hua Qingyan stepped past Wei Chen, she could feel his gaze lingering on her, puzzled and intrigued. He had expected a lovesick fiancée—someone easily swayed by a few sweet words.
Instead, she didn't even spare him a glance.
Beside her, Wei Heng walked at a measured pace, his presence steady but unreadable. The air between them carried an unspoken awareness, something neither of them acknowledged aloud.
"You are different," he finally remarked.
Qingyan turned to him, her expression composed. "Is that so, Your Highness?"
He studied her with sharp eyes. "You no longer look at my brother as if he were the sun."
Qingyan smiled, a touch of amusement flickering in her gaze. "Perhaps I have simply learned that some things are not worth looking at."
Wei Heng's steps slowed for the briefest moment before he let out a low chuckle. "Interesting."
He said nothing more, but she could sense it—he was watching her now.
It didn't matter. She had work to do.
---
A Letter and a Trap
That night, Qingyan sat at her desk, penning a letter under the dim glow of a lantern.
Her first step had been to distance herself from Wei Chen.
The second? To weaken his foundation.
She sealed the letter with a discreet mark and handed it to Meixi.
"Deliver this to Guo Liang," she instructed.
Meixi hesitated. "My lady… if he betrays you—"
"He won't," Qingyan said with certainty.
Because the letter was not a plea, nor a threat.
It contained carefully crafted words, hinting at knowledge of his son's past illness and Wei Chen's secret dealings. But it was written just ambiguously enough that, if revealed, it would not serve as direct evidence.
Guo Liang had two choices—
1. Betray her and risk his son's life.
2. Cooperate and survive.
She already knew which path he would take.
---
The Power of Fear
The next evening, a trembling Guo Liang arrived at a secluded teahouse under the cover of darkness.
Qingyan sat calmly, sipping her tea.
"My lady," Guo Liang stammered, bowing deeply. "I-I received your letter…"
She set her cup down. "And?"
He swallowed hard. "What… what is it that you want?"
Qingyan tilted her head slightly. "You are a cautious man, Minister Guo. That is why you have survived this long."
His fingers twitched. "I have always been loyal—"
"To whoever benefits you the most," Qingyan finished, her voice soft.
Guo Liang flinched.
"Right now, that is me." She smiled faintly. "Or do you disagree?"
He hesitated, then dropped to his knees. "I… I will do as you ask."
Another piece had fallen into place.
Now, she would use Guo Liang to unravel Wei Chen's secret network.
---
The Emperor's Failing Health
Days passed, and Qingyan continued laying her traps in silence.
Meanwhile, within the palace, the emperor's condition worsened. His face grew paler, his strength waned, and whispers of his illness began spreading.
Wei Chen had yet to act, likely waiting for the right moment.
But Qingyan would act first.
Late one night, she met with a trusted apothecary. "Prepare a remedy using this," she instructed, sliding over a small pouch of rare herbs.
The old man's eyes widened. "This is…"
A rare medicine, difficult to acquire, yet incredibly effective.
Qingyan knew that if it was presented at the right time, it would change everything.
She didn't need to expose Wei Chen just yet.
All she needed was the emperor's favor.
And once she had that—the real game would begin.